She Flash-Married To His Rival novel Chapter 226

His slender lips paused on hers for a fleeting two seconds, leaving Moira acutely aware of their soft, warm touch.

"What happens after the kiss?" His voice was deep and velvety, oddly captivating.

As his soft lips withdrew, a trace of reluctance tugged at her heart.

Moira blinked, locking eyes with Barclay's piercing gaze, and before she could stop herself, she uttered, "I still want to kiss."

Moira thought, 'My entire body went rigid. When had I become so bold? Am I losing my mind? How could I utter such words? Just stop and think.'

Barclay regarded her, his dark eyes inscrutable. There was a flicker of surprise, quickly masked by his usual composure.

He raised his hand and firmly placed it on the back of her head.

Moira watched in disbelief as he leaned in for a second kiss, her heart pounding in her chest, her breaths growing quicker with anticipation.

But just as their lips were about to meet again, Barclay unexpectedly withdrew.

He stepped back, his brow furrowing slightly. "I'll escort you to the hospital."

The familiar scent of sandalwood suddenly felt distant, and Moira found herself instinctively drawn closer.

With Barclay retreating a step, she found herself moving forward, catching the faint scent of fresh wood with a hint of longing. With a touch of greed, she reached out and wrapped her arms around his sturdy waist she had longed to embrace. "May I have a hug?"

She embraced him before raising her gaze. Her eyes, dewy and expressive, held a poignant yet appealing allure, inviting both sympathy and a deeper sense of compassion.

Moira thought, 'There are two voices in my head. One voice urged me to be reserved, to refrain from acting so shamelessly, and to avoid hugging and embracing Barclay so freely. After all, we were only a façade of a couple, not a genuine one! Yet another voice thundered: How could I let such a golden opportunity slip away? I'm utterly useless! Normally, I'm too timid even to consider touching him, but now, with a drink clouding my senses and possibly something in the drink affecting my judgment, do I still want to hold back? Torn between these opposing voices, I was acutely aware of my shamelessness. However, the comforting embrace made it difficult for me to let go.'

Finally, desperation pushed her over the edge. "Please, Mr. Covington, take me to the hospital!"

If she didn't get to the hospital soon, she feared she might lose control completely!

Throughout the journey, she leaned her head against the car window, the wind keeping her senses sharp.

Barclay selected the nearest hospital, and with the ease of the night's road, he pressed on the accelerator, bringing them to the hospital entrance in less than fifteen minutes.

Moira endured the wind's relentless buffeting, her face growing sore.

As they arrived at the hospital, she longed to rush inside and seek medical guidance. Frustratingly, the seatbelt stubbornly refused to release until Barclay emerged from the car, stepping forward to assist her in unbuckling the restraint.

In the next instant, she felt herself lifted into his arms again.

Moira was on the verge of insisting she could walk when she halted herself mid-sentence.

She thought, 'Never mind. Opting instead to revel in the moment shamelessly.'