Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Chapter 443

He looked at her with a kind of determination that reminded one of burning bridges behind oneself.

He was betting - betting on whether or not she harbored any feelings for him.

But what choice did Sherilyn have? Her eyes, clear and distinct in their black and white, nodded slightly as she tiptoed. "...Okay." The soft press of her lips against his, a kiss that was tentative, barely beginning before it ended.

Yet, from a spark can come a wildfire.

Gilbert quickly wrapped his arms around her back, pulling her tightly against him, as if wishing he could merge her into his very being.

Then, he opened his mouth.

"Ouch."

This wasn't a kiss. It was more of a bite.

Sherilyn winced in pain, frowning. “Gilbert, that hurts.”

"Does it?"

Gilbert cradled the back of her head, releasing her as he caught his breath. Upon inspection, her lips were swollen.

He raised his hand in a slight annoyance, gently caressing her lips.

"I'm sorry."

It was just a brief lapse in control.

Their foreheads touched, his hands cradling her face, his voice deep and entangled with a hint of severity, contradictory, much like him.

"You kissed me, you can't walk away now!"

He kissed her lightly for each word he spoke.

"I gave you a chance to leave, and you chose to stay. Now, you don't get to regret it."

Sherilyn leaned into him, shaking her head, "I never wanted to regret..."

Damn!

Just those words made Gilbert feel as if they were worth more than a thousand sweet nothings and solemn vows.

His heart, almost wilted from her missed appointment, blossomed again with renewed hope.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

His palms caressed her soft cheeks, holding onto the last bit of defiance, "Alright, considering your sincere attitude, I'll forgive you for tonight!" Sherilyn's lips curved in a smile, "Thank you, oh!"

He suddenly lifted her into his arms, her toes barely touching the tops of his feet.

He tried to keep a stern face, "Be serious, I'm talking about something important here."

"Oh." Sherilyn held onto his shoulders, mimicking his serious expression.

Mr. Johnson raised an eyebrow, amused yet feigning annoyance, gave you the option to leave, but you chose to stay. This time, it wasn't me forcing you, it was your choice. Right?"

"Yeah." Sherilyn had no rebuttal, only nodding in agreement.

The man's mood improve

"To be honest, being with me entirely forced on you, was it?"

Otherwise, why didn't she take the perfect opportunity to leave tonight?

But perhaps, her liking for him was still too shallow... enough so that a mere roommate could lure her away!

Forget it, why should a man quibble with his own woman over such trivialities?

"Sherilyn."

Holding her in his arms, he lifted her, "I will make you love me more, much more than now."

He asked her, "Do you believe me?"

In his deep, dark eyes, there was a rare clarity, as if one could see straight to their depths.

Sherilyn felt a momentary panic, but it was fleeting.

She smiled lightly, "I'll look forward to it."

An answer that wasn't quite an answer.

As they say, lovers' quarrels are soon mended - and they did not skimp on the quarreling that night.

---

The next day, Sherilyn woke up and it was almost eleven.

Shifting the arm off her waist, she got up to shower. When she came out, Gilbert was awake too.

As she combed her hair in front of the mirror, he came out of the shower.

"Oh, I have something for you."

Saying so, he left the room.

Sherilyn was puzzled - where was he going?

Gilbert headed to the garage; in a

huff the day before, he'd left

something in the car. Returning, he helda small box in his hand, placing it on the dressing table.