Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Finally, Cliff’s attention shifted to her.
“Oops, my robe just slipped off,” Laney said with feigned innocence.
As she made a slow show of reaching to adjust it, Cliff caught her fingers, his voice dropping to a husky whisper, “Leave it. I prefer you this way.”
His words accompanied the deliberate movement of his finger, hooking beneath the delicate straps to reveal her upper body entirely to his view. Laney’s hands instinctively moved to cover herself.
“What’s there to be shy about? Weren’t you just trying to seduce me?” Cliff challenged, preventing her retreat.
“It’s so embarrassing,” Laney murmured, her cheeks flushed pink.
“So now you understand embarrassment. That’s new.”
After drinking in the sight of her, he returned to conclude his work, desire burning in his eyes even as his expression remained masterfully controlled.
His composed restraint only heightened her arousal. “Cliff,” she breathed, her voice honey-sweet, “I don’t feel very well.”
Catching her hint, Cliff swallowed hard and said, “Two minutes. I’m nearly finished with work.”
“It’s not that kind of discomfort. My whole body feels weak, like I’m burning from the inside,” she purred. Her eyes gleamed seductively as she feigned accusation. “What did you put in that water earlier?”
Cliff clicked his tongue. “Just water. Stop making excuses.”
Laney inwardly snorted. Boring.
With her ruse exposed, Laney changed tactics. Her hand wandered lower as she whispered, “Cliff, your zipper seems to be undone.”
Cliff crossed his legs, retorting, “Since when does a robe have a zipper?”
Withdrawing her hand in defeat, Laney pressed on with another challenge. “Cliff, why not just admit it? You’re having performance issues, aren’t you?”
Cliff’s expression remained neutral. “Provocation doesn’t work on me, Laney. I’ve already said, not now.”
Seeing his resolve unchanged, Laney sighed. “No couple just sits around chatting in a hotel room.”
“Then we’ll make history as the first.”
Laney decided to take a more practical approach. Sliding from his lap, she offered sweetly, “Thirsty? Let me fetch you some water.”
After their playful exchange, Cliff did feel parched. “Add some ice cubes,” he said.
With her back to him, Laney carefully opened a capsule and dissolved the powder into the ice water. Her hands trembled with nervous anticipation as she imagined how he would change after drinking it, holding her breath as she carried the glass to him.
Cliff instinctively swirled the ice cubes and lifted the glass, but something made him pause mid-motion.
“What’s wrong?” Laney asked, her heart skipping a beat. No, it couldn’t be. Even with his sharp instincts, he couldn’t have detected it that quickly, could he?
The dealer had promised it would be completely undetectable-colorless and tasteless.
Her worst fears materialized as Cliff cut through her thoughts. “Where did you get the drug?”
Laney fought to keep her expression neutral. “Cliff, what are you talking about?”
“Answer my question.”
His penetrating gaze bore into her until she crumbled, whispering, “A friend gave it to me.”
“Kailyn?”
“No, no.” Determined to protect Kailyn, Laney quickly fabricated, “I bought it from an online friend.”
Cliff set the glass down deliberately, his expression grave. “Have you tested it yourself?”
Laney shook her head. “I don’t dare.”
Though relief flickered across his features, his voice remained glacial. “So, you won’t risk taking it yourself, but you’re willing to drug me with it.” This reckless girl hadn’t considered the implications at all.
Laney bit her lower lip. “It’s meant for performance issues. I don’t need that kind of help.”
Genuine confusion crossed her features. “Cliff, how did you catch me? How could you possibly know?”
He regarded her with a mix of exasperation and amusement. “You didn’t stir it. The powder settled at the bottom. It’s quite visible.”
Laney’s eyes grew wide. “Oh! Lucky you didn’t drink it then. If it wasn’t stirred properly, it wouldn’t have worked anyway.”
Cliff stared at her, dumbfounded. Was that really her main concern?
With an impish smile, Laney reached for the glass. “Let me get you a fresh drink, with ice.”
“Planning to stir it properly this time?” Cliff’s voice was dangerously soft.
Under Cliff’s intense gaze, Laney reluctantly poured the water away.
Her scheme discovered, she didn’t even earn a single kiss that night. After pestering him unsuccessfully, Laney finally dozed off sprawled across his chest like a contented frog.
Listening to her peaceful breathing, Cliff finally allowed himself to brush his lips against hers.
Half-conscious, Laney nuzzled his neck and murmured, “Cliff, I love you.”
His heart stuttered in his chest. Though she had never been shy about showing affection, this was the first time those three words had crossed her lips. Yet, he had never offered such words in return. Cliff ran his fingers through her hair, studying her peaceful features, lost in contemplation.
Just then, his phone lit up with a notification. Reaching for it, he found a message from Juliet-a new wedding jewelry design.
Laney was having such a fantastic time that her two-week trip turned into a month, thanks to Cliff’s decision to extend it.
During their extended stay, Cliff meticulously planned their daily adventures, leaving Laney free to savor every moment without a care. The nights, however, were reserved for a different kind of bonding.
Cliff, with his newfound playful side, indulged in their growing intimacy, and Laney found herself letting go of her initial anxiety. She no longer obsessed over the idea of him thrusting into her because Cliff always ensured her needs were met. Her goal had quietly faded into the background.
By the time they returned to Warrington, Laney looked noticeably different. A slight weight gain added a soft, radiant glow to her appearance, making her seem even more charming.
The first thing Laney did upon their return was rush into Madison’s arms, her face glowing with happiness.
Madison hugged Laney tightly, then pulled back, examining her with a teasing smile. “Well, don’t you look radiant! That glow on your cheeks is almost suspicious. Did someone sweep you off your feet while you were away?”
Laney’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Madison raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. She turned her attention to Cliff, who had been silently observing the exchange. “What about you, Cliff? Did Laney confide in you about anything-or anyone-special?”
Cliff’s expression remained calm and unreadable. “She doesn’t share her personal matters with me,” he said, his voice steady, almost detached.
Laney couldn’t help but suppress a smile at the irony of his statement. Personal matters? In his eyes, she didn’t even have any. He had a say in everything-from her daily schedule to the style of lingerie she wore.
Madison wasn’t one to give up easily. “You were with her the whole time. Surely, if someone was paying her extra attention, you’d know, right?”
Cliff smirked, his tone laced with frustration. “Oh, yes. Too many to count.” That was the truth.
Cliff wasn’t one for public displays of affection, preferring to keep things subtle when they were out together. This restraint often created the perfect opportunity for bold admirers to approach Laney and ask for her contact information.
More than once, Cliff had been tempted to announce to the world, “I’m her boyfriend,” just to put an end to it. But he held back, keeping his feelings carefully hidden.
Madison grinned at his remark, her teasing tone unwavering. “Too many to count, and yet none managed to catch her eye? Laney, am I going to end up worrying about your marriage like I do about Cliff’s?”
Laney chuckled and whispered, “I’m still young. There’s no rush.”
Madison wasn’t ready to let it go. “So, what’s your type? Maybe we can help you find someone.”
Laney stiffened slightly and avoided glancing in Cliff’s direction. “Well…” she began hesitantly, but before she could say more, another voice cut in.
“They’d have to be better-looking than Cliff and me, right?” Gerry’s confident tone filled the room. “With two dashing guys at home, how could she possibly settle for less?”
All eyes turned toward the door as Gerry strode in, his usual air of casual charm on full display.
Madison rolled her eyes but smiled. She actually needed to talk to Gerry about something. “Since Cliff and Laney are back, let’s celebrate. Gerry, book a nice restaurant for dinner tonight-and don’t forget to invite Miss Foster.”
Laney wasn’t ready to reveal her relationship with Cliff to her family just yet. That evening, she had no choice but to attend the dinner as his cousin.
Still, Laney dressed to impress. Her dancer’s physique exuded natural elegance, her curves perfectly complementing the custom-made dress she wore. It was as though the dress had been designed solely for her-it looked even more stunning on her than it ever could on a model.
Cliff waited outside by the car, cigarette butts scattered at his feet. As Laney approached, holding up her dress carefully to avoid tripping, he stubbed out his cigarette and waved away the lingering smoke.
Laney looked radiant, almost otherworldly, like a nymph stepping out of a dream. “Cliff, do I look good?” she asked softly, her eyes shimmering with anticipation.
Cliff’s expression remained calm, but his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than usual. “Yes,” he replied simply.
Once inside the car, Cliff closed the doors and rolled up the tinted windows. Without a word, he leaned over and kissed Laney, catching her completely off guard.
Laney’s breath hitched, her heart pounding as his lips pressed against hers. The faint taste of tobacco mixed with something uniquely his left her both thrilled and disoriented.
When they finally pulled apart, Cliff looked at her with a faint, teasing smile. “It’s the first time you’re wearing this dress, and you’re already thinking about wetting it?”
Laney’s cheeks turned scarlet. “Stop exaggerating-it’s not like that!”
Cliff chuckled but didn’t reply. He knew better. Her allure was undeniable, and it had a way of leaving him off balance.
By the time they reached the restaurant, Cliff had composed himself. He led Laney to Madison’s side and stepped back, letting Madison escort Laney inside. Curious, Laney looked up at Madison and asked, “Why isn’t Cliff coming in with us?”
Madison gave her a knowing smile. “He’s being a gentleman, escorting Miss Foster inside. Laney, Miss Foster will be part of our family soon. You should make an effort to get along with her.”
Laney’s heart sank. A sharp ache coursed through her as she turned to glance at Cliff. He stood tall and composed, as captivating as ever, but for the first time, he felt so distant.
Not long after, the Foster family’s car arrived.