Chapter 7 Too Dangerous

My chest felt like it was about to explode as those warm lips brushed against mine. His movements were slow but left me craving more-I wanted him to linger on my lips longer.

What began as a soft kiss turned into wild bites and sucking, growing increasingly fierce. I struggled to keep up with what Max was doing-this was my first time experiencing anything like this. Max was the first to give me a kiss so intense it made me lose myself.

Was it wrong to wish he wouldn't stop?

Luckily, the lights weren't working, so he couldn't see my flushed face-a mix of embarrassment and something else threatening to burst. In the dim glow of the flashlight, I could see Max's face up close, even feeling his ragged breath against my skin.

I lost control even more as his kiss deepened, demanding, his tongue forcing its way into my mouth.

This was exhilarating. Max's bare chest pressed against me, and without thinking, my hand reached out, softly grazing his firm muscles. Oh no! I could barely breathe.

I should've been angry-this man had suddenly kissed me-but instead, I felt the complete opposite. His kiss was nothing like I'd ever imagined.

Living in a brothel and hearing terrifying stories had made me think kissing was something horrifying. But Max's kiss... it felt comforting.

A moan escaped me when Max pulled away. My lips were wet, and my stomach churned violently. Just as I was about to speak, he captured my lips again, sucking and teasing them gently until I felt like I was floating.

When his tongue slipped into my mouth, I panicked-but then our tongues tangled, and the kiss became something incredible.

"Max..." I gasped when he broke the kiss again. Even in the dim light, I could see him clearly. He looked so masculine, especially shirtless-his broad chest, muscular arms, and hard abs.

I shut my eyes, embarrassed by my own thoughts.

Just as I thought he'd stop and I could finally catch my breath, his large hand slid under my skirt. I held my breath as strange sensations overwhelmed me.

"You keep tempting me," he growled. I blinked rapidly, disagreeing-when had I ever tempted him? I'd always acted normal around him.

I stifled a scream as his fingers reached my inner thigh, stroking randomly until I couldn't breathe.

"What are you doing?" I pushed against him, but he ignored me, his fingers still teasing until I moaned.

It felt so wet-I was ashamed and wanted him to stop. This had gone too far, and the longer it went, the harder it was to control myself. Max grew bolder, tugging at my underwear-the last barrier.

"Don't..." My weak protest was drowned out by my own moans. His fingers toyed with my most intimate spot, sometimes pressing as if to push inside.

My gasps turned into long whimpers. My heart pounded violently while his hand moved wildly below.

I still tried pushing him away, but my strength was fading. My breath came in ragged bursts, and something churned in my stomach-strange and confusing.

Just as I was running out of breath, the lights suddenly flicked on, blindingly bright. Max's face was flushed as he yanked his hand away, trying to hide his expression.

"The lights are back. I'm going home," he said hoarsely. This time, I didn't stop him-I was too busy trying to calm my racing, uncontrollable heartbeat.

Only when Max was completely gone did I realize the madness that had just happened. How could I have let Max touch me like that? And why him-someone I'd just met?

I pounded my fists on the bed, filled with regret.

God, I was so ashamed! Max's kiss was burned into my mind, impossible to forget-not just the kiss, but also the way his fingers had... Ah! I couldn't bear to think about it. Even now, my thighs were still wet from what he'd done.

No matter what, I had to forget tonight ever happened!

***

It seems I'm truly unlucky right now. After tossing and turning all night, haunted by thoughts of Max's kiss, my eyes refused to shut until the rain stopped and dawn crept in.

With a long exhale, I finally left my room and headed to the kitchen. Max never specified what I could or couldn't do in this house, but glancing around the kitchen, it didn't seem off-limits. My last meal had been a piece of meat and potatoes cooked by Max yesterday-no wonder I was starving this morning.

A large loaf of bread sat on the dining table, probably the best option for breakfast. My hands rummaged for something else to go with it. A basket of eggs and fresh milk from the fridge would do.

Suddenly, I felt incredibly lucky to enjoy a meal like this. Back at Claire's brothel, everything was rationed-no one could take more than their share. The only thing I missed from that wretched place was Sandra, who must be frantic over my sudden disappearance.

I toasted the bread and fried some eggs-simple, but paired with fresh milk, it felt like a luxury.

This house still felt foreign, even though Max claimed my parents used to bring me here as a child. A sharp pang hit my chest, and I forced myself to eat quickly before sadness ruined my appetite.

I choked on my milk when Max suddenly appeared in front of me. How long had he been standing there? I'd been too engrossed in my food to notice.

Our eyes met briefly before I quickly looked away. Just seeing his face made me flustered-it brought back everything that happened last night.

"I was just about to make you breakfast," he said, watching me.

"Ah... no need. I already made some. Do you want some? I'll fix you a plate," I offered. Max didn't answer, but his intense stare made my pulse race. Even without a reply, I got up to toast bread and fry eggs for him. I couldn't hold his gaze for too long-it made me too nervous.

"Where did you get the money for all these groceries?" I asked carefully. The question had been on my mind since yesterday. How did Max afford to support me here? Did he rely solely on his job at Father's estate?

"The late Mr. Davis left an inheritance for you-one no one else knows about. I'll hand it all over to you soon. You can do whatever you want with it," he explained.

"No, you should keep managing it. All I need right now is daily meals, nothing more," I replied, placing a plate of toast and eggs in front of him before pouring a glass of milk.

"I don't need that money now. You're the one who needs it-for maintaining this house and taking care of me," I added. Max glanced at me but stayed silent. I took his quietness as agreement.

While waiting for Max to finish eating, I started cleaning the house. If I was staying here, I had to make sure it stayed tidy.

"Tell me what you need. I'll buy it this afternoon," Max said after finishing his meal. I frowned, deep in thought.

"Alright, I'll think about it first. But... can't I just come with you? You'd only need to drive me," I suggested.

"Too dangerous," he replied. (*)