Chapter 25
Andera’s pov.
Thane’s hand rested on the back of my neck, and a jolt of electricity ran through my veins. I wondered if he felt me stiffen under his touch. I can’t believe my own body is betraying me like this.
I wanted to hate him, but yet I relished the feel of his fingers on my skin, yearning for his touch
Perhaps it was because Thane was the only man my boys has ever known. He was familiar with my body, knowing exactly how to weaken my knees, to make me moan with maddening ecstasy, leaving me on the brink of exhaustion with pleasure.
There are things…feelings a woman cannot forget.
I was ashamed to admit it to myself, but I had been having some..cravings, I wanted to be touched and by someone who knew how. Despite the pain Thane caused me five years ago, I was still a woman with needs and desires that refused to be silenced, regardless of how much I helped myself.
With his thumb, Thane drew lazy circles at the back of my neck. Sending tingles down to my core, his thumb wanted it
wasn’t where I
I pressed my thighs together, hoping to create some kind of friction between my legs. The movement made the slit of my dress part further, exposing more of my thighs. Thane’s eyes followed it, and when he looked back at me, his gray eyes were as dark as the night sky.
“Andera. Do you know what you’re doing to me right now?” He rasped, his breathing uneven.
Thane’s finger trailed down from the back of my neck to the daring V–neckline of my dress. It was dipped low, exposing a tantalizing view of my cleavage. His fingertips brushed against the top of my breast. The gentle touch sent shivers down my
spine.
“Thane. “I breathed “What are you doing?” I had intended for it to sound like a reprimand, but it comes out as an embarrassing
pant.
Thane made a low, gravelly noise at the back of his throat as he answered me.
“We’re standing in front of my limousine, Andera, and I’m admiring the beauty that is my business partner. “His voice was a rich timber, pulling at the stiff strings of my heart.
No, this is going too far. I can’t let this happen. I’m…I’m supposed to hate Thane.
“Let’s get going. “I say as I drop my eyes to the floor. His fingers stops teasing me and I almost groan at the loss.
He took a step back and slowly devoured me with his eyes before nodding.
The drive to the Scale–up soiree was quiet. The tension still hovered between us. I could feel Thane’s eyes on me as I looked out the window. I had to steel myself from staring at him, clad in his gray suit with a body that was slouputerd to perfection.
Chapter 25
+20 Bonus
My nipples tightened behind the thin fabric. I squeezed my eyes shut. I tried to be angry at myself for wanting a man who had put me in misery, for craving Thane’s touch, but no anger came. The only thing I could register was need.
I had made a stupid move and chosen this dress so I could tease Thane the way he’s been doing with me. But now I’m starting to
regret it. Yes, the dress may have served its purpose, but it also affected me too.
My initial plan was to make him fawn over me but I don’t expect to be turned on by him too
Tonight is going to be a long, long night
We arrive at the hotel where the Scale–up soiree is being held. It is a magnificent building. I step out of the limousine, and in seconds, Thane is by my side. He placed his hand on the small of my back, and once again, I stiffened under his touch-
involuntarily.
This is embarrassing
We both walk in together inside. I could remember coming to such occasions as Thane’s wife and the excitement I had to be out
with my busy husband.
Gone are those days, now I’m the one who commands his attention, despite myself, a smile tugs at the corner of my lips.
Most of the people we walk past stop to greet us and share their congratulations on our partnership.
Many of them only know me as Andera Campbell, CEO of Auraspire Energies, they don’t know about the history between me and
Thane.
Everyone is gathered in the grand Longue hall before the main course of the night starts. The reason is so we could socialize with ourselves, but many use this opportunity to secure investment, fundraising, and collaboration with whom they deem fit.
An elderly woman sights Thane and starts walking towards us. I recognize her instantly – Grace. Her salt and pepper hair is pulled into a tight bun. My heart lurched forward when I saw her coming. This is one of Thane’s former business partners and a good friend to his late father; she also knows me very well. Not the current me, the old me. When I was still Thane’s wife.
Thane’s grip on my waist tightened in what I guess is a comforting gesture.
“Mr Renihardt. Loolding as dapper as ever.” She hugs him briefly before turning to me.
“Andera?” Grace bats her eyelashes. “Oh, my days. It’s you. And you’re here. Look at how beautiful you are.” She hugged me
tightly.
ee you’ve come to your senses.” Grace says to Thane.
“I’m so glad to see you‘
My brows furrowed. What was Grace talking about?
“Andera. You don’t know how furious I was when I learned of the divorce. I’m extremely glad to see that you both together now.
There’s no other better fit for him than you.” She smiled at me.
“Grace.” I tried to call her attention so I could clear this misunderstanding, but the woman wouldn’t stop talking
2/4
⚫20 BonuS
“When he told me what happened. I was confused and angry. I thought, how is Thane going to find a woman who can tolerate him and love him at the same time? Now that you’re back…“. The woman rants on
Thane mouths an apology when I look at him
“Grace. “My voice is higher this time. She stops talking. Thank Goodness.
We’re not to
together. Not in the w
way you think. “I announce
Her face contorted in confusion
“What do you mean?” She looks from me to Thane.
Thane and I are not together. We’re just business partners in a collaboration. You must have heard of Renihardt’s infrastructures patterning with Auraspire Energies by Andera Campbell; well, that’s me.
Her eyes widen with surprise
“No way. You’re Andera Campbell?” Her shock is genuine, bringing a small smile to my face.
“Yes, Grace.”
She looks to where Thane’s hand is still positioned at my back
“And nothing is going on between you too? You both sure do look cozy together.” She directs at Thane.
“We’re just business partners. “Thane answers her, voice clear and stern.
Grace shakes her head.” You young folk of nowadays.
“We have a lot of talking to do.” She points a finger at Thane and then holds my wrist.
“Andera, come with me.
Η
“Where are you taking her?” Thane question, as if I would go missing if I leave his sight. I hide my annoyance out of respect for
Grace. It wouldn’t be respectful to lash out at Thane in front of her.
Grace’s eyes glint with challenge.
“I’m taking Andera to meet my son. Michael. You know him right?”
“Yes.” I answer.
She smiles
“You’d love him, he knows how to keep a good woman, unlike some nameless people.
She starts leading me in another direction. But Thane suddenly grips my other wrist. His eyes turned impossibly dark, causing me
to flinch.
Chapter
She isn’t going anywhere.” He growls
