Page 59 of Entrapped
I wrapped my arms around his neck, grateful for the sanctuary he provided. "Let’s take that breather," I whispered, leaning into him.
Colson smiled, his hands sliding down to the small of my back. "Gladly," he said, and in that moment, everything else ceased to matter.
I leaned against the cool granite countertop of the closet island, my cheek pressed to the surface as I struggled to catch my breath. Behind me, Colson’s firm grip on my hips anchored me in the moment. The lingering heat between us was almost too much to bear, and I shivered as his thumb brushed over my skin.
“That was delicious, my bride,” he murmured, his voice low and satisfied.
I smiled, the corners of my mouth lifting despite the flush still coloring my cheeks. “We should get back,” I managed, my voice slightly hoarse.
He slowly withdrew, his touch gentle as he helped me stand upright. The moment our eyes met, something dark and intense flashed between us. Before I could say anything, he pulled me into a searing kiss, his mouth claiming mine with an urgency that made my knees weak. His tongue tangled with mine, a dance as familiar as it was exhilarating.
When he finally pulled back, I was breathless again, but for a different reason. “I’d like you all night tonight,” he whispered, his voice a delicious promise that sent shivers down my spine.
I laughed softly, my head still spinning from our encounter. “I’m not sure if I have the energy for that,” I admitted, though the thought of being in his arms for the rest of the night was tempting.
He wrapped me in a warm embrace, his arms solid and reassuring around me. “Let’s get some food in you,” he suggested, his tone both tender and playful.
I nodded, knowing he was right. With a gentle nudge, he steered me toward the bathroom so I could clean up and reapply my lip gloss. I took a moment to steady myself, smoothing down my hair and fixing my makeup.
When I emerged, Colson was waiting for me, looking every bit as immaculate as he had when we’d first entered the bedroom. It was almost infuriating how he could remain so composed, but it was also one of the things I loved about him.
As we walked down the hall, the lights in Vaughn’s old bedroom caught my eye. They were off, the room shrouded in darkness.I wondered if he had returned to the party downstairs or if he was indulging in another round with Serena somewhere. The thought made my stomach turn, so I quickly shoved it to the back of my mind.
When we reached the ballroom, the festive energy was palpable. Dinner was in full swing, with laughter and the clinking of glasses filling the air. I tightened my grip on Colson’s arm, drawing strength from his presence as we rejoined our guests. The world outside our little bubble felt distant, and for tonight, I was content to let it stay that way.
The room spun in a blur of glittering gowns and tailored tuxedos as Colson and I made our rounds, exchanging pleasantries with his business associates and friends. I tried to keep a smile plastered on my face, but the nausea that had been gnawing at me all evening finally became too much. I needed a moment to myself, something to settle my uneasy stomach.
"I'll be right back," I whispered to Colson, giving his hand a gentle squeeze before slipping away from the crowd.
The kitchen was a refuge, fairly quiet with just two attendants heating food. Now that dinner was served, most of the staff was in the ballroom. I headed straight for the refrigerator, grateful that I’d stashed a bottle of ginger ale earlier. The cold bottle felt like a lifeline in my hand as I twisted off the cap, the hiss of carbonation a small relief. I took a long sip, letting the cool liquid soothe my throat and hoping it would do the same for my stomach.
"Josephine?"
I almost dropped the bottle at the sound of Simone's voice. I hadn’t heard her come in. She was standing in the doorway, her brow furrowed in what looked like genuine concern.
“Simone,” I said, attempting to sound casual as I set the bottle on the counter. “What do you want?”
She stepped closer, her eyes narrowing slightly. “I was looking for Logan, are you feeling okay?”
For a moment, I didn’t know how to respond. Simone had never been one to show much concern for me—at least, not sincerely. I searched her expression for any hint of mockery, but all I saw was a question.
“I’m fine,” I replied, trying to brush it off, but I could see she wasn’t buying it.
She tilted her head, her eyes softening. “Josephine, you know you can talk to me, right? If something’s wrong…”
I forced a smile, trying to keep my voice steady. “It’s nothing serious. Just a little nausea. I’m sure it’s just the excitement of the night.”
Simone watched me for a beat longer, then nodded slowly. “Well, if you need anything, let me know. We might not always see eye to eye, but I do care.”
Her words caught me off guard. I wasn’t sure how to respond, so I just nodded, offering a quiet, “Thank you, Simone.”
No use poking at her the way I wanted. She was trying and since I promised Colson to be civil for the holidays, I would keep it.
She gave me a small smile, then turned to leave, pausing at the door. “You should try to enjoy the night. It’s a big deal, this party.”
As she left, I leaned against the counter, my hand still clutching the bottle of ginger ale. Maybe she was right. I had to get through tonight, at least, and if Simone was extending an olive branch, maybe things were changing. Or maybe I was just too tired to care.
I took another sip, steadying myself before I headed back into the fray.
