CHAPTER 321: HER DEEPEST DESIRE

"Fine! I’ll do it. Just leave us alone!" Dominique demanded.

He had no choice. He wouldn’t let anyone touch Athena.

The gang leader chuckled in response.

"Don’t deceive us. You are under our watch. If you won’t do it, then expect my men to step forward on your behalf," he reminded Dominique, his words carrying a threat.

"I know! Just give us some privacy! Leave this room. NOW!"

The gang leader licked his lips as he stared at Dominique. It did not take long before he signaled his men to follow him, leaving the room.

When they were gone, Dominique brought his attention back to Athena.

Athena was still gripping his arm when she leaned closer and whispered, her voice trembling, "I feel hot."

A wave of discomfort surged through her body, building rapidly beneath her skin like a fire she couldn’t extinguish.

Her breathing grew shallow, and her grip on Dominique’s arm tightened. She needed relief from the heat overwhelming her senses.

Meanwhile, Dominique cursed under his breath as he took in her flushed cheeks and unfocused gaze.

He clenched his fists, furious and concerned. There was no doubt in his mind that this was the effect of drugs.

Athena’s hands moved to her clothes. She wanted to undress to ease her discomfort.

Dominique had no choice but to carry her to the bathroom. He placed her into the bathtub and turned the dial, releasing a stream of cold water.

The water began to cascade over Athena’s body, quickly soaking through her clothes. She let out a soft gasp as the cool sensation hit her skin, momentarily easing the burning discomfort that raged within her.

Dominique knelt beside the tub, watching her closely, his jaw clenched.

"Athena... forgive me... I’m too naive. I only want to protect you... But still... You were put in this mess."

Dominique rested his forehead on hers, his heart clenching with worry and concern for Athena.

Athena’s breathing began to steady as she listened to Dominique. His voice somehow gave her a sense of security. Having him by her side, the tension in her body slowly subsided.

Reflexively, her hands reached out to cup his face. She wasn’t sure if it was the effect of the drugs clouding her judgment, or something she had secretly felt all along... but at that certain moment, she had the urge to kiss him.

Unable to resist her desire, Athena pulled his face closer to hers. Her lips found their way instinctively to his. She kissed him!

Dominique froze for a few seconds, caught between reason and emotion. ’She is doing this because she is under the influence of the drug. I should not take advantage of her...’

But later on, his lips finally moved, slowly and deliberately, responding to her kiss. He seized her lips with demanding mastery.

Soon, his tongue traced the soft fullness of her lips, savoring her taste. Dominique was having a hard time controlling himself.

Deep down, he wanted her, and he missed her. It felt so amazing to kiss her again. However, this was so wrong. Athena was not in her usual self.

With his remaining rationality, Dominique drew back, breaking the kiss.

Athena groaned in frustration. She didn’t want him to stop. She was about to pull him again, but Dominique captured her wrists.

"Athena... No. I know... You don’t want this to happen..." Dominique uttered, shaking his head. "I will never take advantage of you..."

Hearing his sincere words ignited Athena’s desire. What if this was the last time they could be together? Was she truly willing to give herself to him?

Should she forget everything else and focus solely on Dominique? Could she allow herself to follow her heart and do what she longed to do... for one last time?

After all, once everything was over, they could never return to how things used to be. Even if they survived this, she had to go back to Vladimir, her fiancé. And she had no reason to be with Dominique anymore.

And so, for this one fleeting moment, she wanted to surrender to her heart’s deepest desire.

"I want you now. Please... Do it with me," Athena whispered in her needy tone.

She began undressing, and her eyes stayed connected with him.

Dominique frowned, feeling so helpless. How would he be able to refuse Athena if she were giving him such a tempting look? Her gaze seemed to invite him, urging him to make a move.

’Come. Touch me. Claim me yours... for one last time.’

Dominique could only swallow hard as he watched her slowly take her clothes off. Her upper body became exposed to him.

When he remained motionless, Athena grabbed his hands, guiding his palms on her bare breasts.

She closed her eyes and moaned softly as she made him squeeze her breasts using both hands.

"You said... you’ll do it. Why do you hesitate now?" She asked him in her hoarse voice.

Dominique gritted his teeth. ’Not like this. If I’m going to do it, I want her to be in her usual self.’

"Athena... listen to me," Dominique said gently. "I only said that to keep them away from you. You’re feeling this way because of the drugs. Don’t worry, you’ll feel better soon."

After reassuring her, Dominique stepped into the bathtub without hesitation. He gently guided her to sit on his lap, wrapping his arms around her from behind, holding her close as the cool water continued to ease her burning skin.

Athena could only lean her back on his sturdy chest as she heaved a deep sigh. She somehow felt disappointed due to Dominique’s refusal.

He continued to hold her tightly, his arms wrapped protectively around her as he tried to offer whatever comfort he could. Neither of them spoke. They simply stayed in that quiet moment, clinging to each other in silence.

But their peaceful moment was suddenly shattered by the sharp sound of gunshots echoing through the house.

The crack of each shot rang out like thunder, jerking them both into alertness. Dominique instantly pulled her closer to him as he lowered their bodies into the tub.

"They are finally here. Our rescue is here, Athena," he whispered in her ear, his eyes sparkling with hope.