Billionaire’s Ex-wife : Craving You

Chapter 72
RAVEL
PRESENT TIME
Earlier, Elenor reached out to me, expressing her inability to provide an immediate update. Although her message was slightly cryptic, I opted not to probe further, having full confidence in her capabilities. She gave me reassurance, mentioning that her chauffeur, Sebastian, would keep me informed about her whereabouts alongside Hazel.
Approximately an hour ago, my phone buzzed with a message from Sebastian. He conveyed that Elenor had successfully arrived at the airport in the company of Hazel. Just moments ago, another text popped up, notifying me that they had entered the elevator and were en route. The room’s lights had been dimmed, and everyone stood in anticipation, maintaining absolute stillness to preserve the element of surprise.
Amidst the silence, the distinct beeping of the keypad reverberated as the lock code was attempted. The door slowly swung open, and footsteps cautiously traversed into the obscurity of the room. Even before the illumination returned, a harmonious chorus of the birthday song resonated as a unified surprise for Hazel.
Caught off guard, Hazel stood with eyes widened, her gaze fixed on the spectacle unfolding before her. Every person present, including Elenor, joyfully joined in singing the celebratory tune. Only when the song concluded did I step forward, holding a petite cake that contrasted with the extravagant confection resting on the table. In a hushed tone, I greeted her, “Happy birthday, Hazel,” and raised the cake, presenting her with the candle to extinguish.
While still seemingly rendered speechless, she bent slightly and blew out the candles, a moment that spurred cheers and applause from the gathered group. Emboldened, I decided to press my luck, handing the cake over to Raymond before enveloping Hazel in an affectionate embrace. She reciprocated, her fingers finding solace as they encircled my waist.
Elenor’s dramatic throat-clearing finally managed to draw me away from Hazel’s embrace. Elenor stepped in, embracing Hazel in her turn. “You really gave me quite a scare, Elenor,” Hazel remarked with a chuckle, her words carrying a mix of relief and jest, “I was fervently hoping you wouldn’t meet your demise before the doctor arrived.”
Elenor responded with a giggle. “Perhaps I should explore acting as a potential new business venture.”
With my hand gently resting on the curve of Hazel’s back, I guided her deeper into the room. She shared warm hugs with Raymond and broke into a wide grin upon spotting Adam. It was a significant moment, as this marked the first occasion she had laid eyes on Adam since their divorce, especially since he had promptly departed for military service right afterward.

“I have a surprise for you,” I whispered into her ear, my voice laden with anticipation. Holding her hand, I guided her into one of the rooms. She settled onto the bed, and as she did, I slipped into the closet to retrieve the gift.
“Is this place yours?” she inquired, her gaze sweeping over the room with appreciation.
“It’s not mine,” I replied, gently placing the velvet box on the bed beside her. In truth, it was hers-a penthouse I had purchased for her, originally intended as a birthday gift. Circumstances, however, forced my hand, and we divorced before her special day.
“Did you rent it just for my birthday?” she asked, a hint of disbelief evident in her voice.
With a slight tilt of my head, I pondered how to respond most effectively. “More like I borrowed it,” I finally admitted, taking a seat beside her on the bed. I reached for her hand, intertwining our fingers, and explained, “I didn’t pay a penny for using it, and I’ll be returning it to the owner soon.”
A soft smile played on her lips as she mused, “I should find more friends who are willing to casually lend out their penthouses.”
If only she knew the complete truth. My attention shifted to the velvet box nearby, and I urged, “Go ahead and open it.”
Her attempt to withdraw her hand from my grip triggered an unconscious tightening of my hold. “Ravel,” she mumbled, avoiding my gaze, “I need both hands to open the box.”
Realizing my slip, I released her hand quickly. “Of course, my apologies,” I responded, acknowledging my blunder. In a bid to diffuse any awkwardness, I offered a light chuckle.
Her smile softened, and her attention shifted to the velvet box. As she opened it, a gasp of awe escaped her lips upon discovering the exquisite beauty resting within. I had invested a year of effort into crafting that piece. “This is truly beautiful, Ravel,” she whispered, her gaze seemingly captured by the mesmerizing jewelry set.
A sense of contentment welled within me. “I’m delighted you like it.” With gentle movements, I lifted the necklace from the box. “Could you turn around for me, Hazel?” I requested. Slowly, she obliged, her back now facing me. Gently gathering her hair, I swept the strands to one side, exposing the nape of her neck. My resistance waned, and I leaned in, pressing a tender kiss against her skin.
An immediate tensing of her body was perceptible, though her lips remained sealed.
With careful precision, I secured the all-diamond necklace around her neck, my fingers adeptly fastening the clasp. My hands then settled on her shoulders, gently pivoting her to face me. Hazel’s gaze remained locked onto mine, a subtle parting of her lips hinting at the underlying tension.
My attention involuntarily dropped to her lips, the memory of their taste and the desire to experience it again resurfacing vividly. As my hand rested on her shoulder, its motion gradually ascended, my fingers tenderly curving around her neck, pulling her gradually nearer.
A slow inhale on my part met her exhale, my thumb instinctively tracing the rhythm of her pulse. “I’ve missed you, Hazel,” I breathed out, my words a mere whisper that triggered an escalation in her breath. Summoning every ounce of courage, I decided to play my final card. Leaning in, I closed the distance, pressing my lips against hers in a kiss, a fusion of emotions encapsulated in that one daring act.
Remaining perfectly still, I allowed Hazel the space to make her decision, to withdraw or reciprocate. Astonishingly, she held her ground, a silent agreement to allow this connection. Neither of us moved for a moment, a delicate equilibrium hanging in the balance.
Gradually, our lips began to move in sync, a tentative rhythm forming between us. The kiss was a gentle dance, an unspoken exchange of feelings that transcended verbal expression, a testament to the depth of longing we had for each other. My grip on her neck grew firmer as the kiss deepened, and a telltale moan escaped her lips, melding with the connection we shared.
Hazel’s moan was intoxicating, a raw affirmation of desire. With a lustful growl resonating within me, I pulled her even closer, any consideration for the delicate jewelry momentarily forgotten. The feel of her hands encircling my neck fueled my passion, her teeth teasingly tugging at my lower lip, a tantalizing blend of yearning and restraint.