Chapter 295: Going back
The first rays of morning light spilled faintly through the tinted windows of the car, painting the interior.
Brandon's lashes flickered as his senses slowly registered the warmth wrapped around him.
Florence's body was draped over his, with her cheek pressed lightly against his shoulder and her arms wrapped around him as if he were her most cherished possession.
He became aware of the softness pressing into him... the fullness of her chest molding against his chest.
His hands, without him realizing, had stayed exactly where they had been last night, resting against the curve of her hips with his palms cupping the plush curve of her ass.
For a moment, he simply stayed there, watching her sleep.
A strand of blonde hair had fallen across her face, rising and falling with each breath, and her lips were parted ever so slightly.
Brandon's gaze softened 'She looks so peaceful like this…'
His thumb moved slightly, brushing against her ass.
He didn't mean to, but the instinct to hold her closer, to savor the warmth, was irresistible.
Florence stirred faintly at his touch.
Her lashes fluttered, and slowly, her eyes opened.
When her gaze found him, she smiled, a slow, lazy curve of her lips that carried far too much affection for him to handle so early in the morning.
"…Good morning, darling," she murmured.
Before he could answer, she lifted a hand and pinched his cheek gently, "Mm, you're awake already. How sweet of you to let me sleep like this."
Brandon cleared his throat, trying not to show how flustered he was, "You… were holding onto me pretty tightly. I didn't want to wake you."
"Of course I was." Her arms squeezed him briefly before she shifted against him, stretching her body like a satisfied cat.
Her back arched as she raised her arms high above her head and her joints popped faintly with the motion.
A yawn slipped from her lips and the stretch accentuated every curve of her body, the smooth line of her waist, the swell of her hips pressed over his lap, and the heavy cleavage that spilled forward, only barely contained by her loosened bra.
The morning light kissed her skin, tracing her figure in a gentle glow, and she looked effortlessly seductive without even trying.
Florence, of course, noticed his stare.
Even in her just-awoken state, her instincts were sharp.
Lowering her arms slowly, she tilted her head and her blonde hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders, and she gave him a smile.
Brandon was again captivated by her beauty and after a moment of silence, he asked "...Should we leave?"
Florence tilted her head a little more, "We can stay here a bit longer, Kael," she whispered, using the name she had claimed for him.
"Haa..." Slowly, he pushed himself up and the slight shift in his body made Florence adjust as well.
She moved with him gracefully, never letting go of his warmth.
Instead, she slid herself closer until she was perched snugly on his lap with her legs folding against the seat and her arms going around his neck.
For a brief moment, they just sat there, gazing at each other.
Brandon's hands instinctively settled at her waist, his fingers brushing against the curve of her body.
Brandon's eyes softened, his usual awkwardness clashing with the undeniable pull he felt toward her.
Every part of her seemed designed to overwhelm him... her smile, her scent, the way she carried herself so confidently yet so tenderly when it came to him.
Florence shifted slightly on his lap, her body pressing closer, and Brandon felt the warmth of her curves against him.
"You're staring again," she said gently, but instead of reproach, there was only playfulness and affection in her voice.
She brushed her fingers through his hair, tucking a stray lock behind his ear, then tilted her head, looking at him as if he is the one who was beautiful.
They both looked at each other before chuckling "Hahaha..."
---
Brandon's hands rested lightly on the steering wheel with his eyes fixed on the road ahead, though every now and then he couldn't help but glance at the woman beside him.
Florence had her legs elegantly crossed with her chin resting on her hand, and her blonde hair cascaded down her shoulder, glowing faintly in the early morning light that seeped through the car window.
A faint, dreamy smile curved her lips, as if she was still savoring the warmth of the night they had shared.
When the car finally pulled into the long driveway of the Bleaufort mansion, Brandon shifted gears and brought it to a smooth stop.
Florence turned to look at him and Brandon opened his mouth, as if to say something, but stopped.
His words faltered when her delicate hand reached over, brushing lightly against his arm.
Then, without warning, she leaned in close.
Her lips touched his cheek, giving him a soft kiss.
"Thank you for the night, dear," she whispered in his ear.
Before he could even process her words, she had already unfastened her seatbelt.
With elegant ease, she pushed open the door and stepped out, the early light catching against her body as she straightened her nightgown.
The soft click of her heels echoed faintly as she walked towards the mansion.
Brandon sat frozen for a moment, and his gaze lingered on her as she walked up the steps, her long blonde hair swaying with each step.
Just before disappearing inside, Florence turned her head slightly, sending him one last glance and a small smile.
The heavy door of the Bleaufort mansion closed behind her, leaving Brandon alone in the quiet hum of the car.
He exhaled slowly, leaning back into his seat, and his heart was still beating just a little faster than it should.
"Huff..."
Brandon sat for a long moment in the car after Florence disappeared into the mansion.
His hand reached for his phone as he dialed and the line barely rang once before the voice answered.
"Lord Herald."
With a smile, he replied "Callista, I will be there within a few minutes. Prepare the jet."
"Yes, Lord Herald."
Brandon slipped the phone back into his pocket, started the engine, and pulled out of the long driveway.
The city lights gave way to the empty expanse of the outskirts, and soon the private airfield came into view.
The sleek white jet sat waiting and a small retinue of uniformed attendants stood discreetly nearby, but they kept their distance with their gazes respectfully lowered.
In front of the lowered boarding steps, Callista was standing.
Brandon parked the car in the designated space, turned off the engine, and stepped out before walking toward her.
Looking at her, he muttered "Thank you, Callista, for answering so quickly yesterday evening the moment I called, and for coming here."
A faint blush touched her cheeks and she bowed her head just slightly, "Lord Herald. I exist to serve you."
"Come on, let's go inside and talk."
"Mhm."