Episode 3

The sharp retort of her "I don't know you, sir" hung in the air for a beat, the tension between them a palpable thing amidst the surrounding revelry. Before christian could fully respond, a booming voice cut through the noise. "Alright everyone, gather 'round! Time for the birthday boy to make a wish!"

Heads turned, and a small crowd began to coalesce around a lavishly decorated cake being wheeled into the hall, its twenty-eight flickering candles casting a warm glow on the surrounding faces. Liam's attention was momentarily diverted, a polite smile automatically forming on his lips.

Elora used the opportunity to subtly distance herself. The frustrating confusion of their earlier encounter had solidified into a fierce determination. She wouldn't let him dismiss their connection as a mere brotherly jest.

As Christian stood before the cake, a polite murmur rippling through the guests as he closed his eyes, Elora's gaze remained fixed on him, a predatory glint replacing the earlier vulnerability. The sweet scent of frosting filled the air, a deceptive innocence that belied the bold, sensual intent now burning within her. This cake cutting wasn't an end; it was merely a brief pause before she seized control and showed him exactly how much she "didn't know" him. The anticipation of what she was about to do sent a thrill, sharp and undeniable, through her.

The last flicker of the birthday candles died down as Christian blew out the flames, a polite round of applause erupting from the guests. His eyes flickered across the crowd, catching Elora's. He offered a small, almost questioning smile, the earlier teasing glint still lingering.

Elora didn't return it. Instead, her gaze locked onto his, a silent, intense message passing between them that was anything but sisterly, no no no. As the crowd began to disperse, drawn by the promise of more drinks and conversation, Elora made her move. With a deliberate grace that belied the sudden urgency she felt, she approached him, her hand reaching out not for his hand in a polite greeting, but for the lapel of his expensive jacket.

"Christian," she said, her voice low and husky, the earlier frustration replaced by a determined sensuality. "There's something I need to show you." Her fingers tightened slightly on his jacket, pulling him ever so subtly in the opposite direction of the remaining guests. Her eyes, dark and Intent, held a silent promise that she intended to create, a stark contrast to the sugary sweetness of the birthday cake that had just been cut. The game was far from over; in fact, it was just beginning, and this time, Elora was making the rules.

Christian's eyebrows rose slightly, a flicker of intrigued surprise replacing the polite party smile. He didn't resist as Elora's grip on his lapel tightened, her pull surprisingly firm. He allowed himself to be steered away from the lingering well-wishers, his gaze fixed on her determined face. A slow, knowing smile began to play on his lips, the playful teasing from earlier returning, but now laced with a tangible anticipation.

Thank you to my all ladies and gentleman thank you for liking my stories and following my account for receiving latest update first.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***