Heid her down on the wide, inviting bed.


    There, Lindseyy, a soft figure amidst the disarray, her hair tousled, her cheeks flushed a deep, vibrant red.


    Her disheveled appearance only added to her allure.


    Domenic, who had long contained his yearning for her, held back no longer.


    With a swift motion, he loosened the buttons at his cor and leaned over her, his hands reaching to untie the knot at the back of her dress.


    As the knot of Lindsey’s dress untied, a sudden surge of sobriety washed over her mind.


    She swiftly seized Domenic’s wrist, halting him in his tracks.


    “What’s wrong?” he asked,ing to an abrupt stop.


    Lindsey nced away.


    “No, I- I’m not ready yet.


    ”


    Observing her flushed face and evasive eyes, Domenic sensed her sincerity.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    He wouldn’t push her if she wasn’t prepared.


    Exercising restraint over his desires, Domenic rolled over, reclining beside her.


    He enveloped her in his arms and whispered, his voice husky, “Okay.


    Then let me hold you for a while.


    ”


    Lindsey offered no objection, finding sce in his warm embrace.


    Once back in her room, Lindsey shut the door and leaned against it, her heart still racing.


    What the hell was she doing?


    She’d resolved to keep her distance from him, yet how had she be entangled and agreed to be his girlfriend?


    Every time Domenic flirted, she lost herposure, irresistibly drawn closer to him.


    She couldn’t afford to let these emotions run unchecked.


    That one-night stand with a stranger remained a burden on her heart, an obstacle she couldn’t ovee.


    She doubted whether Domenic could ept her past after being with him.


    Fear gripped her-fear of his disdain, his potential rejection because of that incident.


    Though the odds were slim, she couldn’t take the risk.


    Even at the expense of losing him, she’d rather not have him at all.


    Lindsey crawled beneath her nket.


    Her thoughts were a chaotic whirlwind, preventing her from finding respite in sleep.


    Suddenly, her phone rang-a call from Sh.


    Startled, Lindsey sat up, answering, “Good evening, Sh.


    How’s everything going?”


    “Hello, Lindsey.


    I used the phone you gave me to contact one of my friends.


    He has a good rtionship with the manager of the Emperor Hotel.


    He nned to rece the surveince video of you going to the hotel tonight, but the manager informed him that the footage has been deleted and substituted by others.


    ”


    “Who did it?” Lindsey asked, her surprise evident.