Page 79 of Blue Gold

So while my face still throbbed from his punch, what hurt much more were his words and the fact that I didn’t object to them at all and instead nodded.

“Okay.”

Opening my eyes, I was surprised to find Daniel was still sleeping next to me, as I was ready to wake up to an empty bed. But from the calm expression on his sleeping face, he didn’t seem to be in a rush. Unable to control myself, I nudged a bit closer and continued to examine him in detail. First, I locked on those two beauty marks he had on his cheek and the one on his neck. Then I focused on his morning scruff, which suited him, his thick brows, and messy brown hair that fell over them.

He’s so handsome.

Three years had passed since that night with Jacques, and apparently, nothing had changed because here I was, pining after a man who would never be mine. My stomach clenched as nausea swept over me, forcing me to close my eyes and take a deep breath. Being bold and confident was much easier last night than it was now. But things often look different in the morning, especially acts of desperation. And what was more desperate than sharing a bed with a married man? Probably wanting to sleep with him again.

When would I learn that nothing good could come out of⁠—

“You’re awake,” Daniel murmured in a sleep-drunk voice that made my body tense. It was rough and strong, but mostly intimate, so much so that my cheeks turned hotter just with those two words.

Opening my eyes, I saw his were still closed. How did he know I was awake?

“I am,” I finally said, expecting him to get up next, when instead, he reached a hand forward, grabbed my hips, and practically pulled me into his arms. Now, pressed close to one another, it was suffocatingly hot, yet no part of me wanted to move away.

“How did you sleep?” he asked, his chin resting on the top of my head while I nestled in his chest.

“G-good.”

My heart beats so fast.

Tightening his hug, he let out a soft chuckle, which I could hear rumbling in his chest like a thunderstorm. “I can’t remember the last time I slept this good.”

My temperature rose, and nervous, I tried not to move in case I did something wrong.

“Really?”

He hummed a low yes before planting a kiss on the top of my head, and God, did I miss the sound of French first thing in the morning. It reminded me of home…

“It’s all thanks to you,” he said.

Biting my lip, I placed a hand on his chest.

“I should get up.” I coughed to clear my sore throat. “I… I need to go for a jog.”

Daniel released his grip, and the second I moved away, it was so much colder.

“Oh, and here I thought we’d have breakfast together.”

Now sitting on the edge of the bed, I glanced at him over my shoulder. Wasn’t he in a rush to go back home?

“Sorry, but I always run in the mornings.”

Tucking one hand under his head, he looked at me. “I would join you if I had the right clothes, but I’m afraid all I have is a suit.” He chuckled. “Thinking of it, I should really get a clean shirt as mine is all stained.”

My scowl grew bigger because seriously? Didn’t he once panic over going skinny-dipping on an isolated beach? Not to mention, a mere kiss on the lips made him so scared that he sent me away. So how the hell was he this calm, spread on the bed like he didn’t have a wife waiting for him back home?

“How about we have lunch together?” he then asked.

Who is this guy?

Stunned by the offer, I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.

“Do you eat Chinese? Because if so, there’s a wonderful restaurant not far from my office⁠—”

“I don’t eat lunch,” I announced and got up.