Chapter 358

“No? Really?”

Max echoed the words, but with a different inflection that carried a tinge of amusement.

“Yeah.”

The next moment, he chuckled softly, resting his chin lightly on her shoulder while maintaining their close embrace. His hair brushed against Brielle’s cheek, making her feel as if her heart had melted into a warm puddle.

In the past, she would have found it hard to imagine Max being so affectionate with a woman. Even during their few lovemakings, he had always been in absolute control, perhaps indulgent at times but never as tender as he was now.

Sitting in his arms with her cheeks flushing, Brielle gazed out at the snowflakes dancing in the air and thought to herself, “This must be what being together feels like.”

The thought of being with Max filled her with an indescribable sweetness.

A knock on the door drew Brielle out of Max’s embrace, and she settled herself on a nearby chair.

Patrick walked in and immediately noticed the black beads around Brielle’s wrist, his eyes betraying a flash of surprise. “Mr. Dorsey, Ms. Brielle, I’ve ordered breakfast. It should arrive in about ten minutes.”

Brielle didn’t miss the flicker of emotion in Patrick’s eyes. She had always wondered what those black beads meant to Max. To everyone in the Beaconsfield elite, the beads were synonymous with Max, and his austere demeanor earned him the nickname “The Priest.” Her fingers lightly traced the beads as a smile curled the edges of her lips.

Max, noticing her gesture, felt a strange sense of satisfaction. Perhaps admitting his fondness for Brielle had torn down some psychological barrier because now, he thought she was perfect from head to toe, including every strand of her hair.

Although Max didn’t fully understand that this was what liking someone felt like, he was certain about one thing – Brielle was different, and others simply wouldn’t do.

Patrick, sensing he was somewhat superfluous at the moment, discreetly made his exit.

True to his word, ten minutes later, a server wheeled in a cart laden with an array of exquisite dishes.

Wearing pristine white gloves, the server carefully laid the dishes out on the table.

After being up all night, Brielle’s hunger had returned with a vengeance.

Once the server had arranged everything and politely left, Max handed Brielle the cutlery and observed her eating habits. She had a penchant for a breakfast of oatmeal, a boiled egg, and a side of vegetable salad. She was a picky eater and left the carrots untouched in her salad. She favored plain oatmeal and did not even touch the sweet or savory options.

With every bite Brielle took, Max cataloged her preferences. When Brielle finally set her spoon down, Max frowned slightly, concerned she hadn’t eaten enough.

Brielle caught his gaze, and despite the familiarity of his face, she still felt a thrill each time their eyes met.

Max’s face was the most handsome she had ever known. His aura was akin to a rare blossom, cold and translucent. Suddenly, the image of his expression shifting from icy detachment to fiercely possessive as he gripped her waist flashed in her mind. It was the look of a dangerously alluring flower, and her toes curled slightly.

His usually stoic eyes softened with a smile, sparkling like stars in the night sky. “Brielle, what’s on your mind?” he asked, his gaze trailing down her neck.

Brielle abruptly remembered how low the neckline of her nightgown was. Had Patrick seen the marks there? A wave of annoyance washed over her.

“Max, about that book project, did you know William is handling it now?”

The world’s most mood–breaking woman–Brielle.

Max sighed softly, signaling for the server to clear the table, and then he undid the top button of his shirt.

Brielle’s eyes were helplessly drawn to his fingers. Max’s hands were the most attractive she had ever seen. Even if his face were hidden, just a photo of those hands posted online would attract hordes of adoring fans.

Every part of him was perfect as if he were a favored creation of the divine.

Brielle’s thoughts began to wander again, but before she could gather herself, Max had pulled her close, his voice a whisper in her ear. “Just now, were you really thinking about work?”

His voice was seductive, and she couldn’t admit that she was actually thinking about him. He was right there in front of her, yet she still wanted more.

As the snow outside grew heavier, she looked up as if making a decision and boldly wrapped her arms around his neck.

Max sensed the change in Brielle. Before, in their encounters, she had been quite forward. But since he had given her the beads, she seemed to have softened, becoming more docile as if a hedgehog was showing its vulnerable belly.

He picked her up and carried her to the bedroom, unable to resist the allure of her submissive gaze–it was too easy for one to fall for it.