Chapter 307

Caiden stood frozen, his eyes narrowing as he shot a frosty glare at Joyce.

Why did she have to push Daniela's buttons? Wasn't she just inviting disaster upon herself?

The hours ticked by as the night grew darker.

Cedric led Daniela back.to their bedroom.

The comforting familiarity of the room eased Daniela's tension little by little.

Cedric settled down across from her, hoIding out a glass of water. Daniela simply shook her head.

With a soft sigh, he set the glass down, his attention returning to her.

"I wasn't really paying attention. My mind was elsewhere, and I didn't notice Joyce's actions. Then you came downstairs. You got upset, right?"

Daniela shook her head again but then gave a small nod.

Cedric smiled slightly. "You're upset with Joyce, not me, aren't you?"

Hearing that name brought a flicker of anger to Daniela's gaze.

Cedric reached for Daniela's hand and cleaned it with a wet wipe.

"I can handle myself. I just wasn't paying attention earlier. Don't let it upset you."

His tone was gentle, almost like calming a child. "But it bothers me too-it hurts right here."

He guided Daniela's hand to rest over his chest.

She observed him in silence.

The moonlight streaming through the tall window softened Cedric's sharp features. Daniela noticedher own reflection mirrored in his steady gaze.

Then Cedric spoke, his voice steady. "Daniela, I love you. I always will. You don't need to worry about anyone else. I'H keep myself safe, and you can have anything pure and real from me."

Daniela's face softened, the anger fading and replaced by a calm, deeper longing.

"Why don't we get some rest now?" Cedric suggested, patting Daniela's hand gently.

He crouched down to grab the glass from the floor, planning to set it on the table. But just as he reached for it, a hand grippedhis wrist.

He glanced over, and before he could fully process what was happening, something soft grazed his lips.

A soft,tender warmth brushed against him, stirring something deep within.

Cedric felt his heart soften, almost,melting at the touch.

At first, he let Daniela's hesitant kiss continue, but her soft, impatient sounds made him chuckle before he leaned in to return the gesture fully.

It wasn't long before his laughter faded, overtaken by a deep, smoldering desire.

Cedric kept the glass in one hand while his other arm wrapped around Daniela's waist.

In the past, she had always held back, and Cedric never pressured her.

He allowed her to set the pace for everything between them.

He would always give in to whatever she desired.

Even when his desire for her burned fiercely, he'd cool off with a cold shower.

He had a feeling she was holding something back, or maybe she was leaving him a way out.

He couldn't understand why she thought he needed that.

He didn't. He never wanted an escape. But because it mattered to her, he went along with it without question.

Now, as Daniela's hands reached for the buttons of Cedric's shirt, his expression turned serious in an instant.

He pulled away slightly, his voice soft yet firm. "Is this just a fleeting moment, or are you sure of what you want?"

Despite his question, she continued to undo his buttons, drawing closer for another kiss.

"Daniela?" Cedric's-voice was gentle, laced with a touch of self-awareness. Though he couldn't deny the excitement building within him, a part of him wrestled with doubt, wondering if he was somehow overstepping.

That small voice of reason urged him to pause, and so he called her name, seeking reassurance before moving any further.

However, Daniela ignored him. She focused on the buttons again but soon grew frustrated and looked up at Cedric with a silent, pleading gaze.

"You do it yourself." Her voice was gentle and enticing. Cedric's hand shook slightly around the glass,droplets of water falling onto his arm like little sparks.

The drops felt strangely hot against his skin. He could no longer control himself.

Cedric's lips curved into a playful smile as he looked at her. "You're quite the demanding one, aren't you?

Too lazy to undress me yourself, so now l've got to handle it all?"

Daniela's eyes were tinged with faint redness.

Without saying a word, she focused on his buttons again.

Cedric's heart raced, a dizzying feeling washing over him.

Every part of this moment seemed to pull him in, intoxicating and irresistible.

She fumbled with the shirt for what seemed like an eternity, and Cedric couldn't tell whether it was frustrating her or himself.

At last, he placed his hand over hers, meeting her gaze. "If you regret this later, I won't feel bad. But right now,all I want is you."

As soon as he finished speaking, Daniela closed the distance and kissed him once again.

Without missing a beat, Cedric deepened the kiss, matching her intensity.

After they pulled back, breathless and dazed, Daniela whispered, "I like that."

Cedric blinked, completely taken aback, his mind racing to process her boldness.