Chapter 143 That's All It Takes
Cosette would be the death of Maxen's fragile heart. How could she come into his room without notice? Not that he didn't want to spend some time with her, but he needed the necessary preparation. He needed a brief ceremony to remind himself to control his perverse urges.
Although Cosette had already given her consent in the past, Maxen didn't want to break his promise to Conrad. Conrad might've given his blessings to Maxen, but on one condition. That was to preserve her chastity until they got married. That would be difficult to uphold, especially while undergoing this 'phase' of his life.
Maxen closed his eyes and breathed out. He peeled his back from the door, only to plant his palms on it. He hung his head low, eyes drooping until they were partially closed. His breathing was heavy, and the tension in his groin doubled.
"She'll literally kill me," he breathed out, moving his head until the top of it was touching the surface of the door. "Get a grip Maxen. What she meant was you two were unofficially engaged, and tonight isn't the wedding night."
Maxen bumped his head against the door mildly, refraining from making the slightest sound. He stayed like that for minutes. Yes, minutes, unbothered by the fact his body eventually dried up.
"Damn," he cursed under his breath. He pushed himself away from the door after mustering every bit of energy. As he stood straight to his height, he closed his eyes and shook his head. Maxen had to slap himself mildly to get a grip.
When he was certain he already calmed down slightly, he changed his clothes to his usual outfit. A loose shirt and sweatpants. Knowing she was just right outside this door, Maxen drew a deep breath while standing in front of the door.
He reminded himself of a long list of not to do and what to avoid. Once he made sure he didn't forget anything, his expression died. He opened the door wearing a poker face as if he just didn't struggle for minutes.
As soon as he left the walk-in closet, Maxen arched a brow. Tilting his head to the side, his eyes fell to the floor.
There, right beside the bed, was Cosette, kneeling with her fist raised over her head.
"Please forgive me for invading your room unannounced. I swear I didn't have any ulterior motive when I snuck in Butler George's office and stole — borrowed the keys," she explained, forcing her eyes to let out a tear, but to no avail. Still, she continued. "I really just want to spend some time with you, Max. If you think this is too much, or your privacy is being invaded, just say so and I won't do it again. I will knock next time — I swear!"
Maxen stood there, stunned, watching her repent. He held his breath, watching her adorable face as if she practiced it the entire time he was inside the walk-in closet.
'She'll be the death of me,' he muttered inwardly, marching towards her vantage point. He squatted down in front of her, and without a word, he tilted his head to the side, only to plant his lips on her.
Her eyes literally popped out of their sockets as her breath hitched at his action. When she blinked, Maxen already drew his head away. His eyes were sharp as they were partially closed, looking at her in the eye.
"That's all it takes to be forgiven, Cosette," he explained under his breath. "Don't kneel again, hmm?"
Cosette blinked twice, trying to process what had just happened. "Did you… did you just kiss me?" she asked, confused.
"I did." He nodded, knowing he didn't regret it, but at the same time, had this urge to slam his head against the wall. This was his problem! Maxen never felt sorry or had ever regretted everything he had done with her, but that was the point. He could barely control himself when they were together, and the sheer thought of having her inside his room with just the two of them amplified his feelings.
She was driving him crazy, and she didn't even know that. How cruel.
Cosette pursed her lips into a thin line, biting her lower lip to stop herself from smiling. "Am I forgiven now, then?"
"I was never angry —" Maxen's entire body stiffened when she suddenly leaned forward and claimed his lips for a second.
"Still angry?" she asked, lips stretched from ear to ear.
He blinked, mesmerized by her beautiful grin. His mouth opened and closed, and before he could think of an honest answer, he blurted out an obvious lie.
"Yes, very much."
Cosette pursed her lips to stop it from stretching, but she couldn't help it. He was so cute in her eyes, and even though he was in his teen and his facial features looked young compared to the manly and sinful beauty she used to stare at, he still looked hot while lying.
"I'm sorry." She leaned forward, planting another peck on his lips. Her lips stretched even broader and before she could say anything, she planted another one.
One kiss…
Two…
Three…
Cosette kept showering him with quick kisses until she had lost count. The more she did, the longer her lips stayed on his lips. Until Cosette planted her lips on his but didn't draw her head back as quickly as the previous ones.
As if on cue, Maxen moved his lips to deepen their kiss. This time, she didn't need guidance. Instead, Cosette willingly parted her lips as he slid his tongue inside. Her arm slowly crawled around his nape while his arm snaked around her waist.
Cosette slowly closed her eyes while Maxen was observing her reaction. He clicked his tongue mentally, but then unable to resist her and his growing desire to taste her more.
"It's been a while," he whispered into her mouth, guiding her to stand up without breaking the kiss.
The bed was just right beside them, so they simply needed to be a little cautious before Cosette felt the soft mattress on her back. Once she did, Maxen draw his head back, hovering over her, drunk with desire.
Cosette smiled mischievously, hands on his nape. "It has been…" the rest of her words were shoved back in her throat when Maxen suddenly bent over, claiming her lips much more aggressively this time.