Free Web NovelChapter 48: Chapter 48 Kiss
Sylvia’s POV
When Caesar heard my teasing remark, a deep chuckle rumbled from his throat. He brought his fist to his lips, trying to contain his amusement, but it was obvious my comment had brightened his mood.
My heart skipped a beat watching his smile transform his face. He’d always seemed like this untouchable, perfect specimen—like fresh snow on a mountaintop—but this laugh showed me a warmer side of him. My inner wolf stirred, pleased to have caused this reaction.
"Alright, I know I’m handsome," he said with playful arrogance. "You can admire me more when we get home."
Before I could protest, his large hand landed on my head, ruffling my carefully styled hair. I could feel several strands stick up rebelliously, undoing the professional image I’d worked so hard to maintain this morning. The gesture was oddly intimate, as though we’d been together for years rather than days.
I noticed how his smile deepened watching me, his eyes tracking every change in my expression with fascination.
"We’re still in someone else’s company," I hissed, trying to smooth my hair back down. "Have some professionalism."
"I’m finished with my meetings and ready to leave," he said, his voice dropping to that private register that seemed reserved just for me. "What about you? Can I drive you back to Frostline Enterprises?"
"No need," I declined, feeling strangely protective of my independence despite the way my wolf whined in disappointment. "You should go home and rest. I have the company car—I’ll be fine on my own."
Caesar studied my face for a moment, seeming to respect my insistence rather than push back as Zane would have done.
"Alright," he conceded, his eyes softening with genuine concern. "Be careful on your way, Sivi." Then, with complete seriousness, he asked, "What would you like for dinner tonight? I could pick up groceries and cook for you when I’m done here."
The moment those domestic words left his lips, I felt a ripple of reaction from our surroundings. The hallway, which I’d thought relatively empty, suddenly felt crowded with invisible ears. My cheeks burned as I realized how many people were covertly watching us.
"Whatever is fine. Just stop asking me here," I muttered, desperate to escape the spotlight. My skin prickled with discomfort.
Caesar immediately sensed my unease. His eyes lifted, scanning the hallway with a predatory intensity. Without a word—just a piercing look—he silently warned the onlookers. frёeωebɳovel.com
The effect was immediate and startling. Everyone around us suddenly became deeply fascinated with their phones, the floor, or the nearest wall.
"I need to get back to the office—I have deadlines," I said hurriedly.
"Then I’ll walk you to the parking garage," he replied, his tone making it sound more like a decision than an offer.
I meant to refuse—I really did—but when he fixed those intense silver-blue eyes on me, my objections dissolved on my tongue. What harm could it do? Besides, he wasn’t busy. I nodded my agreement.
As we walked side by side toward the elevator, I couldn’t help noticing the absurd image we must have made. This powerful, intimidating man carrying my delicate designer tote bag looked completely incongruous. The sight was so ridiculous that I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing.
I deliberately kept my gaze averted from him during our walk, afraid my expression might betray my thoughts.
"Sivi," he said suddenly as we approached my car, "I thought you said I was handsome."
"I did," I replied cautiously.
"Then why have you been avoiding looking at me this entire time?" His voice carried amusement but also a hint of something deeper—almost like insecurity, though that seemed impossible for someone like him.
My ears burned with embarrassment as I remembered my impulsive comment. Why did he have to keep bringing it up?
"Even the most beautiful painting becomes ordinary if you stare at it too long," I said defensively. "I’m probably getting used to your face already."
The moment the words left my mouth, I sensed a shift in the atmosphere. Caesar stopped walking abruptly. I continued forward a few steps before noticing he’d fallen behind, my mind busy scolding myself for speaking without thinking.
I reached the car and turned back, confused to find him standing motionless several feet away. "What are you doing?" I called out. "Weren’t you escorting me? If you’ve changed your mind, just give me my bag."
I was already running late to return to Frostline, and I didn’t have time for whatever game he was playing. But I failed to notice the dangerous glint in his eyes as he watched me—that predatory focus that marked an Alpha wolf zeroing in on its target.
Before I could process what was happening, Caesar was beside me. He smoothly took the keys from my hand, opened the car door, and with one fluid motion, guided me into the backseat. In seconds, he had joined me and closed the door behind him, effectively trapping me between his body and the leather seat.
I blinked in confusion before reality caught up. "What do you think you’re doing?" I protested, pushing against his chest. "I need to get back to the office!"
Caesar leaned in close, his breath hot against my ear. "You’re tired of looking at me, Sivi?" His voice dropped an octave, sending involuntary shivers down my spine. "Already?"
The way my name rolled off his tongue made my wolf pace restlessly beneath my skin. "Are you seriously upset about that?" I tried to sound defiant, meeting his intense gaze. "Can’t handle a little honesty?"
"Oh, I welcome honesty," he replied, a cold smile playing at his lips that didn’t reach his eyes. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
I opened my mouth to tell him to move, but gasped instead when he suddenly moved closer. "What are you doing?!" I demanded, my heart hammering against my ribs.
Caesar buried his face against my neck, his voice muffled against my skin. "Making sure my mate never grows bored of looking at me."
The possessive claim in his words—calling me his mate so confidently—should have angered me. Pride and defiance surged through me. "Is that so?" I challenged. "A real Alpha male should be confident enough to keep his mate’s interest without resorting to—"
My words died in my throat as Caesar claimed my lips with his own. My eyes widened in shock, my brain short-circuiting at the unexpected assault on my senses. His kiss was nothing like the hesitant, careful ones we’d shared before—this was dominant, claiming, overwhelming.
My world narrowed to just him—his scent, his touch, the taste of him on my tongue. My wolf howled in triumph, recognizing what my human side had been fighting: this was our mate, our equal, our Alpha.
When he finally pulled back slightly, his eyes glowed with satisfaction at my dazed expression.
"Sivi," he murmured, his voice rough with desire, "at moments like this, you’re supposed to close your eyes."
