She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 1008

As the car turned onto the winding mountain road, the streetlights grew sparse. The shadows of the plane trees danced along the windshield, casting fractured patterns across the dashboard.

The air carried the crisp, clean scent of the woods, mingling with the faint smell of leather inside the car and Morris's subtle cologne. It made her relax completely.

Helena had no desire to resist him. In fact, fueled by the alcohol, her addiction to him was already flaring back to life.

The automated gates of the estate opened smoothly, and Morris pulled the car into the courtyard, parking it right next to the central fountain.

The bubbling of the water sounded exceptionally clear in the quiet night.

He cut the engine but didn't unbuckle his seatbelt immediately.

Helena opened her eyes and turned to look at him.

"Morris," she began, her voice carrying a lazy, gravelly drawl from the wine. "This definitely wasn't on the way."

"No." He didn't deny it. "It wasn't."

He turned his head to meet her gaze. "I think it's better if I handle the arrangements for your Golden Globe appearance."

"Hmm?" She shifted, resting her cheek against her hand. "Why?"

"Because everything they suggested isn't nearly good enough for you." He unbuckled his seatbelt and pulled her across the console from the passenger seat.

Helena easily settled onto his lap, her lower back pressing against the steering wheel. Her breath ghosted over his face. "I think it's fine."

"I know how talented you are. The Golden Globes won't be the peak of your career." His voice was low. "You are a brilliant musician, and one day, you'll be my wife. You deserve the absolute best."

"I never said I'd marry you." Her palm pressed flat against his chest, feeling the steady heat radiating from within. It seeped through his gray suit jacket, through her thin silk blouse, warming her inch by inch.

"We will get married." He sounded entirely certain. "It's not arrogance. I fit every standard and fantasy you have. I knew it from the very first time you looked at me. I am indispensable to you. Even if you don't love me, you love my body and my music."

He was being incredibly pragmatic.

And Helena couldn't argue with him.

"I will solve all your family issues, support you in achieving your grandest musical ambitions, and give you the respect and care you deserve."

He lowered his head until their foreheads were practically touching. "Can you really reject me?"

They were adults. Any woman with half a brain would know how exceptionally rare an offer this was.

"What's so funny?" Her voice was already completely unsteady.

"Just marveling," he whispered, his lips trailing down to her earlobe. The hot breath against her skin made her ear flush a deep red. "I never saw much use for these looks of mine, but I'm finally understanding the appeal."

He took her earlobe between his teeth, gently rolling the soft flesh.

Helena dug her nails into the back of his neck, but he didn't seem to mind. His kisses trailed down her neck to her throbbing pulse point. He dragged his tongue over the artery, feeling the frantic rhythm of her heartbeat.

She tipped her head back, resting it against the window. The AC was still blowing cool air, but she felt like she was on fire.

She proactively unbuttoned his shirt. As her fingertips brushed against his tight abdomen, she felt his muscles instinctively contract under her touch.

His hand cupped the back of her head, holding her steady so he could kiss her deeper. He kissed her until she was practically gasping for air.

The space inside the car was already tight, and their entangled bodies made it feel even more claustrophobic. Helena's knee accidentally bumped the steering wheel, and the horn blared sharply, shattering the quiet of the courtyard.

They both froze before bursting into laughter. The shared amusement broke the intense, overwhelming surge of lust, giving them a brief moment to breathe.

Morris reached down and adjusted the driver's seat, pushing it as far back as it would go. Then, grabbing her by the waist, he lifted her up entirely. Helena straddled his lap, her knees sinking into the leather bolsters on either side of him. She rested her hands on his shoulders, looking down at him from above.