Chapter 199: The luxury of the villa

Words : 1305 Updated : Sep 27th, 2025

Chapter 199: The luxury of the villa Augustine closed his eyes for a second, exhaling slowly. Then his voice rang out, sharper than before. "Yes. We’ll be there in a moment." He didn’t move. His eyes stayed fixed on Anne, intense and smoldering. He reached up, his thumb brushing slowly across her flushed cheek. "We’ll eat," he murmured. "But I’m not done with you." Anne felt her heart trip over itself. The hunger in his eyes, the possessive edge to his tone—it sent a fresh wave of heat coursing through her veins. Every nerve in her body stayed alert, attuned to the fire that still burned between them. "Go get dressed," he whispered, "if you really want to eat." Anne’s skin prickled with heat at the implications of his words. She pressed a hand firmly against his chest, trying to create space between them. "I’m hungry," she said, attempting to slip away. But Augustine’s arm tightened around her instead of letting her go. His voice dropped to a low, velvety murmur, eyes burning with intensity. "So am I, and I don’t want to wait." His lips hovered dangerously close to hers, so near she could feel the warmth of his breath. Her body tensed, lips tingling in anticipation. But he didn’t kiss her. He was holding back on purpose, playing with restraint. Anne could see it clearly now: he was taunting her, coaxing her to break first, to surrender to the tension and turn it into something more. But she wasn’t going to let him win that easily. Instead of resisting, she met his gaze with a calm defiance and slid her arms around his neck. "Unfortunately for you," she said in a sultry tone, her finger tracing a slow path from his jaw to the center of his chest, "you’ll have to wait a bit longer." Augustine’s heart thumped. The teasing glint in her eyes sent a thrill through him. The dynamics of the game had changed. He was the one teasing her, but she started teasing him back. He wasn’t sure anymore who was in control. "Get ready," she murmured, her voice provocative. "The game is only just getting started." Augustine stood momentarily stunned, Anne’s sultry words still ringing in his ears. The confident glint in her eyes had disarmed him more than he expected, and his grip around her loosened just enough. She seized the moment and slipped out of his arms. She didn’t bother rummaging through her suitcase for something to wear. Instead, with swift steps, she headed into the walk-in closet and grabbed one of Augustine’s crisp white shirts. She threw it on, buttoning it just enough to stay modest. The shirt hung loosely on her frame, brushing the tops of her thighs and leaving her long legs exposed. Augustine froze as his eyes landed on her. The sight of her in his shirt, her legs bare and graceful beneath the oversized hem, made his throat dry. She looked effortlessly sensual, and it was driving him mad. Anne felt the heat of his gaze trailing down her body, but she didn’t let on. With a composed expression and a flick of her hair, she walked right past him, leaving Augustine rooted to the spot, pulse racing and eyes dark with hunger. Anne’s expression froze the moment she stepped into the hall. It was enormous, with high ceilings that seemed to touch the sky. A large, elegant chandelier hung in the center, its crystals catching the sunlight from tall arched windows and spreading golden light across the shiny marble floor. The walls were covered in rich mahogany wood, carved with detailed patterns. In the corners, golden sconces shaped like ivy leaves glowed gently, giving the room a calm, graceful feel. In the middle of the hall was a big Persian rug in deep red and gold. Around it were antique chairs covered in velvet and a marble coffee table with a crystal bowl filled with fresh fruit. The walls were decorated with oil paintings in golden frames, each adding a touch of class. At the far end was a grand fireplace decorated with carvings of vines and lions. A tall mirror above it reflected the room in a soft, graceful way. Everything about the room showed great wealth and style. Anne stood still, her heart racing. Even the lavish Beaumont mansion she once admired couldn’t compare to this. Anne was still taking in the grandeur of the hall when she heard the soft sound of footsteps. She turned to see Johnson approaching. "Good morning, Madam," he said with a slight bow. "Breakfast has been served in the sunroom. If you’d kindly follow me." Anne nodded in a daze and followed Johnson through the hallway. Johnson opened a set of double glass doors, revealing the sunroom, and Anne’s breath caught yet again that morning. The room was bathed in warm morning light, with glass walls on three sides allowing a view of the sprawling gardens beyond. Ivy trailed lazily along the edges of the windows, and flowering plants in antique ceramic pots lined the corners, filling the air with a fresh, floral scent. The ceiling was a vaulted glass dome, letting in the soft blue of the sky above, while sheer white curtains fluttered gently in the breeze. In the center of the room sat an elegant table set for two, draped in crisp white linen. The breakfast spread looked like something out of a luxury hotel—golden croissants, fluffy scrambled eggs, roasted tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and crisp bacon. There was a basket of warm pastries, a tray of cheeses and cold cuts, and tiny glass jars of preserves and honey. Freshly squeezed juice sparkled in crystal glasses, and a porcelain pot of coffee steamed gently beside matching cups. Anne stood in awe, stunned by the sheer abundance and elegance of it all. "I wasn’t sure what you’d prefer, Madam," Johnson said, "so I prepared a bit of everything I thought you might enjoy." Anne blinked, still taking in the elegant spread before her. Her thoughts were scattered, awed by the quiet luxury surrounding her. "Oh... I’m not very picky," she mumbled, still adjusting to the reality of Augustine’s world. "Please, make yourself comfortable," Johnson said, gesturing courteously to the table. Anne nodded, settling into a plush chair. "If there is anything else you need, please don’t hesitate to call me," Johnson added with a polite dip of his head. She hesitated, then asked, "How long have you been working with Augustine?" A warm smile lifted the corners of Johnson’s lips. "Five years, Madam. He is an exceptional man, kind, fair, and protective of everyone under his roof. On the outside, he may seem cold or aloof, but I assure you, his heart is made of gold." A gentle warmth spread through Anne’s chest. She already knew how loving and protective Augustine could be, but hearing it from someone else filled her with quiet joy. It comforted her to know he was surrounded by loyal, caring people. Johnson continued, "He has always been so focused on his business. I’ve never seen him close to anyone romantically. Honestly, I often wondered if he’d ever let a woman in. But with you... He is different. I’ve noticed it. You bring out something in him that no one else ever has. It’s clear—you are important to him." A gentle blush crept up Anne’s cheeks, her lips lifting into a soft, bashful smile. "This is the first time I’ve seen him truly smile—from the heart," Johnson said, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Please... don’t break his heart. He’s the kind of man who would go to any lengths for the one he loves. But if that person ever hurt him... I don’t think he’d be able to bear it. It would destroy him."

Chapter 199: The luxury of the villa

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