He jostled me a bit for no reason, making me tighten my grip around his neck.
Resting against his chest, I could hear the steady thump of his heartbeat, bringing an inexplicable sense of calm, much like when we were on the plane.
Perhaps it was the strong liquor I had consumed last night that made my thoughts uncontrollable, including my actions.
I traced his brow, following the line of his nose down to his neck, and finally resting my hand on his Adam's apple.
I watched as his Adam's apple moved, and I instinctively swallowed as well.
He finally looked at me, his eyes filled with complex emotions and a barely concealed desire.
Even in my haze, I could feel the heat rising in my face.
The air around us grew thick with tension, and I forced myself to look away.
He gently placed me on the couch in my hotel room.
He grabbed my wandering hand. "Stop moving around. You're seducing me."
"Sweetie, did you bring me here just because you felt sorry for me?" My cheeks flushed, and in my semi-drunken state, my eyes gleamed as I looked up at him.
"Yesterday you called me sir, now I'm your sweetie?"
I heard him chuckle softly, unsure if he was mocking me or laughing at my pathetic state.
"You don't like it?" I tilted my head and looked at him. "You still hasn't answered my question."
"I don't sleep with women who are engaged."
I grumbled in protest. "Who said I'm engaged?"
I wasn't sure when my hand slipped under his jacket, but he stopped me.
He held my wrist firmly, not enough to hurt, but it was painful.
His voice was low and restrained. "Then what is this?"
"Oh."
An engagement ring.
I sank back like a deflated balloon.
My head throbbed.
I picked up my phone and habitually opened my WhatsApp, seeing Conrad's name pinned at the top and the empty chat.
Susanna had sent me a picture of a stained shirt.
It was Conrad's birthday last year, and I had it custom-made overseas.
"Sharon, Conrad said this was your birthday gift to him. I didn't know it couldn't be machine washed..."
I tossed my phone aside, rubbing my temples in frustration.
"Apply this, and drink this." The man returned, handing me a warm towel and a glass of water.
I didn't take them and just stared at him blankly.
Maybe it was the vengeful thoughts growing inside me...
Maybe it was the alluring gentleness of the man in front of me...
Maybe it was the enchanting first light of dawn...