Husband With Benefits
Chapter 728: Blind date.

Chapter 728: Blind date.

Dora stood at the top of the stairs and clenched her hand on the balustrade. She still couldn’t believe she’d agreed to this. A blind date, orchestrated by the council and her father. And with Kael Ignis, of all people.

"Just get through it," she muttered to herself, steeling her nerves. "Smile, be polite, and then get out. That’s the plan. Do not engage. And do not challenge."

She looked at herself one last time in the mirror and nodded in satisfaction. For a date with anyone else, she might have gone casual. But with Kael, she needed an armour.

Hence, here she stood, decked up in a fitted dress, looking all unapproachable and regal. Satisfied that her expressions matched the aloof look she wanted to convey and started to walk down the stairs slowly.

What was his problem, anyway? She hadn’t had any choice in this matter, but couldn’t he have refused? It wasn’t as if he needed to obey his ministers’ every whim; that was more Rafe’s headache than his. So, why had Kael agreed to this blind date?

After all, he was not the heir so he did not need to get married anytime soon. Was it part of some elaborate plan for revenge this time again, considering how she had ditched him and disappeared after their last encounter? If that were the case, then...

But as she reached the bottom of the stairs and caught sight of him, all her thoughts came to an abrupt halt. Damn it! If he had looked handsome before, losing weight should have made him look gaunt or something—anything that would have made this easier. But no, instead, he looked even more attractive, damn him.

Like her, he had chosen an all-black ensemble. A perfectly tailored black suit paired with a black shirt, making him look every bit the dark, brooding figure straight out of those romance novels. And Damn it again! They looked like they had coordinated their outfits on purpose.

As she reached the final step, he moved forward, extending his hand towards her in a gesture that seemed both polite and expectant. She stiffened at the sight. Did he really think she would just place her hand in his as if they were old friends? However, before she could ignore his outstretched hand, she caught sight of the paparazzi and other onlookers discreetly stationed at the corner of the room. Instantly, her expression softened, a beaming smile replacing her frown as she gracefully placed her gloved hand in his and thanked him with a composed nod.

But, of course, he couldn’t just settle for holding her hand. No, that would have been too simple! Instead of the expected formality of placing her hand on his elbow, he wound his arm around her waist, his hand settling possessively on her lower back. Her body went rigid at the contact, her teeth clenching in frustration and she shot him a smile that was all teeth, a smile that promised retribution as her eyes sent a clear message—I will break your hand if you don’t remove it.

She’d been so glad that she was wearing gloves and wouldn’t have to feel his touch. But now, his hand remained on her bare lower back. Instead of taking off his hand, he gave her a knowing grin, and murmured," You look stunning, Princess Dora. Thank you for dressing up for me."

Dora scoffed," Who dressed up for you? Don’t flatter yourself, Kael. I didn’t even know you were going to be my blind date. I thought it was going to be Rafe."

She’d said it impulsively almost without thinking but as his eyes flashed in danger, Dora felt a thrill pass through her. She’d touched a nerve apparently.

His hands on her back tightened, fingers almost painfully digging into her waist. She stepped away from him the moment the car door was opened and sent him a frowning look. Was he trying to bruise her. As she stepped into the car, Kael stood frozen for a minute.

She’d dressed up like that for Rafe? Her words from that night echoed in his head for a moment- if you break my trust, I will break your heart...

For a moment, he stood frozen, his mind whirling with a storm of conflicting emotions. But then, without another word, he climbed into the car after her, almost glaring at her.

Dora barely had time to register his presence before he was beside her, his hand reaching out to grab her arm with a firm grip. She turned to him, her eyes wide with surprise, but before she could say anything, he pulled her closer, his breath warm against her face.

"Kael, what are you—" she began, but her words were cut off as his lips crashed down on hers, the kiss hard and almost punishing.

There was nothing gentle about it; it was fierce, raw, and filled with the anger that simmered just beneath the surface. His hand moved from her arm to the back of her neck, holding her in place as he deepened the kiss, leaving her with no room to escape.

Dora’s initial shock gave way to a surge of emotions she hadn’t expected. What did he mean by attacking her like this?

She tried to pull away, to regain some semblance of control, but his grip only tightened, his lips moving more insistently against hers. It was as if the last six months had never happened. As if they’d never been separated...

For a brief moment, she kissed him back, her mind hazy with the intensity of the moment. But then, just as quickly, she remembered herself, remembered the situation they were in, and what he represented. With a sudden burst of resolve, she wrenched herself away from him, breathing heavily as she glared at him with a mix of anger and confusion as she wiped her lips with the back of her hand.

"How dare you? Don’t you ever do that again!"

"Then stay away from my brother!"

Foll𝑜w current novℯls on fre𝒆web(n)ovel.co(m)