CHAPTER 205: CHAPTER 205: A ROMANTIC AND PERFECT PROPOSAL (PART 1)

Holly Crowe had initially planned several places for the wedding photos.

But in the end, they settled on Brelond.

This was the place where she almost achieved her dreams, and where Blake Sinclair had spent six years.

Blake emerged from the shower, loosely tying a dark gray silk robe.

Upon entering the bedroom, he saw Holly sitting cross-legged on the carpet, with two open suitcases in front of her.

They were already filled with various clothes and items.

She was frowning, checking each item against her phone memo list, worried she might miss something.

"Aren’t you afraid of catching a chill sitting on the floor?" He walked over, slipped an arm under her elbow, and effortlessly lifted her from the carpet.

"Hey!" Holly exclaimed softly, nearly dropping her phone.

Blake sat on the edge of the bed, letting her sit on his lap, wrapping her in his arms from behind.

Both had just taken a shower and shared the same jasmine-scented body wash fragrance.

Blake rested his chin in the nook of her neck, his warm breath caressing the skin behind her ear.

He glanced at the long list on her phone screen and felt a warmth swell in his chest.

"Miles Quill just called me,"

Holly relaxed against him, "He wants to meet up to discuss the Art Corinium preparation details since he heard we’re going to Brelond, so we agreed to meet the afternoon before our wedding photo shoot."

"Shall I go with you?"

"No need. You also mentioned meeting an old friend in Brelond, right? We should do our own things separately for better efficiency."

As she spoke, she resumed checking her checklist, "Ah, did I pack this? I better go check..."

As she tried to get up, Blake gently pressed her back down with an arm around her waist.

His thumb lightly stroked her soft waist, a gesture that was both comforting and teasingly restraining.

"These two suitcases, you’ve been fussing over them since the afternoon. The memo list on your phone just keeps getting longer."

He chuckled softly, his warm breath made her neck tense up, "Trust me, nothing will go wrong."

"Blake," Holly turned to him, "I’m a bit nervous."

"I read a lot of guides online, and they said the must-take road to Eldoria is under construction, with only one-way traffic allowed. What if we get stuck or can’t get through?"

"And the weather, what if it rains? Then our outdoor shoots would be ruined. Online advice says wedding photo shoots are physically demanding, you shoot from dawn to dusk. What if I run out of energy and can’t keep up? Then it’d all be for nothing..."

She rambled on, her frown deepening with each word.

Completely unaware, because of her turning around and the forward-leaning posture as she sat on his lap, the neckline of her nightdress had slipped slightly, revealing a glimpse of her fair skin.

Blake’s breathing turned heavier, struggling to suppress the desire rising within him, he leaned back slightly, trying to distance himself.

But the warmth in his embrace, the omnipresent jasmine scent, was a sweet torment.

Yet Holly remained oblivious, becoming more absorbed as she spoke, even subconsciously moving closer, almost pressing against his chest.

"And, and, my period is delayed again. According to my calculations, if it comes during the wedding photo shoot days, and I get cramps, what will I do...mhm...."

The remaining words were swiftly silenced by Blake’s sudden kiss.

Holly’s eyes widened, her mind went blank for an instant.

But soon, his familiar scent and possessive deepening unraveled all her thoughts.

She involuntarily closed her eyes, arms wrapping around his neck, responding with all her heart.

Time seemed to drift, and not until their lungs were nearly out of air did Blake slowly pull away.

As their lips parted, Holly clutched at his robe collar, breathing slightly unsteady, her eyes still dreamy, "What are you doing? I was talking about serious stuff, why did you suddenly kiss me?"

Blake gazed at her swollen, moist lips, darkness swirling in his eyes, "Holly, the roadworks timing doesn’t overlap with our departure time. Our selected shooting days are either sunny or cloudy, perfect for photography. As for stamina..."

He paused, his thumb gently brushing her lower lip, "With me around, when you’re tired, we’ll rest, everything depends on your condition. I’ve planned everything, you just need to relax, be the most beautiful bride, and enjoy the process, okay?"

His words gradually smoothed Holly’s anxiety.

She leaned back against his chest, listening to his strong, steady heartbeat, and her worries slowly dissipated.

"Mm." She softly replied, snuggling closer in reliance.

Blake’s hand gently caressed her back, offering comfort, yet it had an electrifying effect, making Holly shrink involuntarily.

Despite the low air conditioning, Holly felt increasingly warm.

The pervasive jasmine scent seemed to thicken, transforming into invisible threads, tightening between them.

A moment ago, her mind was full of schedules and worries, but as she calmed down, she belatedly noticed the change beneath her.

That undeniable heat and hardness made her body stiffen.

She moved uncomfortably, and as she looked up, she met Blake’s gaze.

No longer cold and composed, his eyes burned with a smoldering dark flame, hot enough to almost devour her.

Holly involuntarily swallowed, her heartbeat falling into disarray.

"Holly." He called her, his voice husky.

"Mm." She responded softly.

"Wedding photo shoots are indeed exhausting, requiring great stamina."

His fingertips lightly traced her nightdress strap, "Adequate sleep is the key to maintaining good condition."

"Mm." Holly felt like fiery trails were left wherever his fingertips brushed.

Blake’s lips drew near, "So, is your stamina sufficient now? Enough to support you in sleeping well tonight?"

The implication in his words was unmistakable.

Holly’s ears turned thoroughly red.

This man always managed to say things that made one’s heart race and cheeks flush, all with a serious tone.

He commanded the art of language effortlessly.

Before she could respond, she felt a sudden whirling sensation, and Blake had already laid her onto the bed.

"To ensure you sleep well and stay in top form for the upcoming days," he lowered his head, his nose gently brushing hers, lips teasingly close.

"Tonight, my dear Holly, you’ll have to endure a little."

Before he finished, his kiss descended once more, deeper and more urgent than before.

As night deepened, only their breathing and heartbeats remained in the bedroom, along with the pervasive jasmine aroma, witnessing this ultimate blend of love and desire.

Blake thoroughly claimed what was due for the upcoming wedding photo shoots in advance.

When they finally concluded and headed to clean up in the bathroom, with just a simple touch on his abs, the man was ready again, even more vigorous than before.

"Blake, you..."

"It seems the advance portion requires a bit more interest."

Before her consciousness slipped into oblivion, Holly’s only thought was that her shower had been wasted once again.

...