Chapter 1074:
Gemma blushed a deep shade of crimson. It wasn’t discomfort she felt—on the contrary, it was far too much comfort. Afraid she might betray herself if she spoke, she hastily ended the call.
Pierre chose that moment to stop as well. He took a moment to admire the faint marks he’d left on her skin before helping her dress again.
Gemma’s chest rose and fell in soft, measured breaths, her eyes flickering with a blend of emotions—confusion, wonder, and something else she couldn’t quite name. “What are you doing?” she managed to ask, grabbing his hand. “Why are you dressing me again?”
Pierre’s gaze darkened slightly, a glint of possessiveness lingering there. “Weren’t you getting up? Or do you want to stay?”
Gemma’s cheeks burned hotter as she nodded.
Pierre’s soft chuckle rumbled in response—a quiet indulgence. But indulgence often came with a price, and the consequence of greed was not easily erased.
Feeling utterly drained and weak all over, Gemma changed into a new dress, one that modestly covered her collarbone.
After tidying her up, Pierre asked in a low, hoarse voice, “Did you like it?”
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Gemma nodded honestly, though a hint of embarrassment colored her face. “I did. But how could you do that while I was on the phone? What if Caden heard us?”noveldrama
Pierre paused, as if searching for an answer himself. He wasn’t entirely sure what had sparked his earlier impulse. For a fleeting moment, he had wanted someone—anyone—to know their secret.
“I need to use the bathroom first,” he said, glancing at the time. “I’ll take you to Mr. Ward in half an hour.”
Caden was a master of romance, sparing no effort to craft the perfect Valentine’s Day for Alicia.
The evening was flawless in every detail, and Gemma’s piano performance became the crowning jewel, the final touch that elevated the night into something magical.
It was the first time Pierre had seen Gemma so radiant, so utterly dazzling. His gaze followed her, unrelenting, as if drawn by an invisible force. His heart stuttered in his chest, its rhythm erratic, like a machine spinning out of control.
When the final note lingered in the air and the applause began, Gemma gracefully lifted her skirt and descended the stage. Pierre, as though moved by instinct alone, stepped forward, his broad frame shadowing hers as he whispered, “Be careful of the steps.”
Gemma reached out, her delicate hand finding the fabric of his sleeve for balance. She turned to him with a bright, satisfied smile and asked, “Did I play well?”
Pierre replied, “Yes.” In truth, he hadn’t paid attention to the music, too absorbed in watching her.
The two of them shared a quiet laugh, a secret moment that made Caden squint suspiciously. “Hey, you two,” he called out, “Did I pay for your happiness today?”
Pierre blinked, snapping back to reality, and quickly put some distance between himself and Gemma.
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.
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