Elio approached Candice, his expression growing somber and his eyes losing their usual spark. With a hint of displeasure, he said softly, ''Don''t be afraid of me, Candice."


    Candice nodded in response, then hesitated and shook her head.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Elio sighed. "I know I can be stem at work, but that''s only toward my subordinates."


    "But I''m also your subordinate," Candice replied cautiously.


    Elio let out augh of exasperation and hung his head in resignation.


    Worried she had misspoken, Candice quickly rified, ''It''s not that I''m afraid of you. I just need a little time to get used to this."


    After all, his demeanor was notably different. He was typically harsh with others yet unexpectedly gentle with her, which unsettled her.


    Elio checked his watch and asked, "Are you hungry?"


    Candice shook her head. ''Not really."


    Taking her hand, Elio led her toward the nearby lounge. He hoped to gauge Candice''s feelings and better understand her thoughts. Candice was confused.


    Elio opened the door and guided her inside. After closing the door, he stepped close and trapped her against it. He held her wrists and leaned in to meet her eyes. Candice was startled, her heart pounding and her breath hastening as she anxiously nced up at him.


    Enveloped by Elio''smanding, masculine presence, she felt an unseen force bearing down on her, almost stealing her breath away. His subtle scent mingled with every breath she took.


    Elio''s gaze was intense and mesmerizing as it lingered on her lips. His Adam''s apple bobbed noticeably as he spoke in a low, husky voice, "Candice, should I interpret your silence as you having feelings for me as well?"


    Her mind went nk, her body trembling slightly. Without warning, Elio leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. A shy, involuntarily whimper escaped her as she leaned back against the door.


    His kiss was sudden, like a whirlwind of passion mixed with a lingering tenderness. With fervor, he delved into her mouth, their lips and tongues dancing in a wild tango of desire. His kiss went deep.


    Gradually, his body pressed against hers, pinning her soft figure against the door and leaving her immobile beneath his weight.


    Once again, like before, Candice surrendered without resistance. Yet, confusion clouded her mind.


    Wasn''t he supposed to be taking her to lunch? But here they were, locked in a passionate kiss in the office lounge.


    What followed was beyond her expectations. Their kiss deepened, and things took an unexpected turn.


    While the passion swept Candice away, Elio''s hands boldly delved under her clothes, exploring without restraint. Her legs grew weak, and she found support against his sturdy chest.


    "Candice..." Elio''s voice, rough with desire, caressed her ear as he whispered, "Candice, do you want this?"


    He had only nned to kiss her to gauge her feelings, but now he found himself overwhelmed by a desire for more.


    Ovee by passion, Candice found it hard to pull away. She nodded and shyly buried her face in his chest.


    Elia locked the door. Then, with one hand, he lifted her thigh to his waist, his other hand supporting her hips. He carefully picked her up and continued kissing her as he walked toward the single bed.


    Candice kept her eyes shut as he pinned her down on the bed, her body yielding to his touch. After removing their clothes, Elio''s body ignited a wild fervor within her


    once more.


    Though it was their second time, Candice still felt a sharp difort. But it gradually gave way to a profound pleasure that she hadn''t experienced before as she grew ustomed to their intimacy. The feeling was incredibly pleasurable and addictive.


    Candice remained shy. She dared not open her eyes or utter a sound, yet her excitement soared as if she had unlocked a hidden world of ecstasy. It was at that moment that she finally understood the wonderful and blissful experience of being intimate with the man she had feelings for.