Chapter 16
By the time Frank arrived at the banquet, he saw some man holding Lea by her waist. Her cheeks were flushed, and she could barely stand.
His whole demeanor turned cold, and his patience wore thin. He strode forward and pulled her into his arms.
She collapsed against his chest and gazed at him with hazy eyes. The moment she saw him, she felt a mix of grief, relief, and longing coursing through her.
“Frank.”
Frank’s piercing gaze locked on the man. His demeanor was oppressive as he challenged, “Try touching her again.”
When the man met his gaze, he wisely stepped aside.
Frank lowered his gaze again. Lea was practically clinging to him because she couldn’t support herself.
“Frank, my head is spinning. Is that really you? Can I leave with you?” She reached out, fingers trembling, wanting to touch his face.
However, his eyes darkened, and his brows furrowed. “Lea, you’re drunk. I’ll take you home to rest.”
A cold glint flickered in her gaze.
Before they could leave, another figure stepped into their path.
Frank looked over and recognized it to be Jake. It was the same man who had forced Emma to drink previously, but Frank had turned a blind eye then. Jake raised an eyebrow. “Mr. Castro, I’m interested in Ms. Davila and thinking of pursuing her. I don’t think it’s right for you to take her away.”
Upon hearing this, Lea clutched to Frank and pleaded, “Help me.”
“She’s drunk. But I can drink with you.”
“Fine! I’ll let you have her this time. But if you two aren’t together, I’ll make my move.”
Every statement was an intentional provocation, causing Frank’s frown to grow deeper. “She’s not someone you can pursue.”
Then, without hesitation, he downed his drink in one go, nodded at Jake, and carried Lea away. Lea clung to his neck and secretly exchanged a knowing look with Jake.
Since she wasn’t feeling well, Frank booked a room upstairs. The moment he carried her inside, she cupped his face and kissed him. She closed the distance between them, dissolving all barriers.
Frank’s eyes darkened, and heat surged within his body as he deepened the kiss.
Lea’s hands slid down her dress, and she moaned out the words, “Frank, I like you a lot.” Her eyes shone with temptation, and every movement was deliberate.
He swallowed hard, carried her onto the bed, and leaned down to bite into her skin.
A satisfied, triumphant smile curled on her lips. He had taken the bait, and she was sure things would unfold exactly as planned.
Men always showed a different side in bed. And after so many years of waiting, she wanted to taste him for herself. He had remained loyal to her all this time.
Lea’s body arched, and her hands were tangled in his hair as she pulled him closer.
“Frank, do you love me?”
“Yes.” He swallowed hard.
But his voice was low, almost cold.
Everything happened naturally. Just as they were about to take the final step, Emma’s image flashed through his mind. In an instant, Frank’s eyes snapped open. He stared at the woman beneath him, finally seeing her clearly. He quickly pulled away from her.
Lea froze as disbelief filled her eyes. “Frank?”
