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Novel Catalog
Chapter_93
A Room Card
He pressed me against the closing door with a forceful thud, the air thick with tension. A fresh, intoxicating scent enveloped me as his presence loomed too close, his face mere inches from mine.
“Let me see where you’re hurt,” he said, his voice sharp, yet calm.
I stiffened, looking up in alarm. “What do you think you’re doing? You’re putting me in an awkward position!”
His gaze never wavered, and he completely disregarded my protest. “Where are you hurt?” he insisted.
Reluctantly, I brushed my hair from my forehead, revealing the wound. His eyes immediately darkened, a frown pulling at his lips. His expression shifted from concern to something colder, sharper. It was a look I’d never seen from him before.
Quickly, I let my hair fall back over the wound, my voice weak. “It’s nothing.”
His tone turned frigid. “Are you out of your mind? You’re saying a wound this size is nothing? Are you a masochist?”
I shot him an incredulous glare, but deep down, there was an overwhelming sorrow that gnawed at me, one that I couldn’t easily shake off.
Atlas’s expression hardened further as he narrowed his eyes. His voice softened slightly, though still full of intensity. “Why didn’t you call me?”
I turned my face away just slightly, trying to hide the frustration rising within me. “I’m a married woman. What would it mean if I kept calling you? I didn’t want to bother you!”
Before I could finish my sentence, he pulled me into his embrace, his grip firm and possessive around my waist. “You’re being stubborn, aren’t you?”
I pouted, feeling trapped by his control. This man was incredibly bossy. How had I ended up tangled in such a mess with him? I knew it wasn’t right, but in that moment, I couldn’t help but crave his proximity. He was the one constant, the safe harbor, even if it was wrapped in contradictions that tortured me inside.
“After this is all over, leave him,” Atlas commanded, his voice low and firm.
The words struck me deep, but I didn’t enjoy being ordered around. And yet, for some strange reason, I found myself wishing for his command. Whenever I thought about leaving Matthew, I saw Ava in his arms, calling him “Daddy.” That thought alone kept me grounded, tethered to the life I was trying so hard to maintain.
I wrapped my arms around Atlas, feeling the peace and security in his embrace, even if I knew it was fleeting, perhaps dangerous.
“Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you planning on staying with him?” Atlas’s tone turned contemptuous, as though he could see right through me.
“I have my own plans. It’s not as simple as you think. There are many things—”
Atlas’s face darkened. “It seems you still have some hope for him. Are you a glutton for punishment?”
His words were like daggers, but there was truth in them. His hand cupped my face gently as he spoke again, his gaze steady. “Sometimes, you have to hit a dead end before you can turn around. And I’ll make sure you give up for good.”
Before I could respond, he kissed me, his lips urgent, insistent. My head spun, the world around me blurring as I sank deeper into the kiss.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway. Panic surged through me, and I quickly pushed him away, my heart racing. What was I doing? There was a hall full of guests waiting, yet here I was, in the arms of another man.
I scrambled to pull away, but Atlas held me firmly, slipping something into my hand. I looked down to see a room keycard.
“Come up in twenty minutes,” he said, his voice low and full of meaning.
I shoved the card back at him, my mind a whirlwind. I couldn’t do what Matthew had done. Today was supposed to be our anniversary celebration, and I was still Matthew’s wife, no matter how broken things were between us.
“What are you thinking?” Atlas’s slender fingers held the card, his eyes watching my flushed face with amusement. “Where has your mind gone? I mean, I’m more than willing to comply.”
I snapped at him, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and confusion. “What are you saying?” I tried to turn away, but he pressed the card back into my hand.
“You’ll find out later. It’s up to you,” he said, his voice laced with quiet assurance.
With that, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving me standing there, clutching the keycard in disbelief. What had just happened? What was I supposed to do now?