BILLIONAIRE'S UNINTENDED BRIDE

Chapter 23: Bad thing Or A Good Thing

Chapter 23: Bad thing Or A Good Thing

As the distance between Sarah and Sophia grew, Luke, sensing my slight unease, gently took my hands in his, interlacing our fingers. The warm, reassuring grip anchored me, drawing my attention back to the man before me.

Lost in the rhythm and energy around us, As the parade continued, we found ourselves swaying to the music, still hand in hand. Every now and then, I'd catch Luke stealing glances at me, and each time I'd pretend not to notice, my face heating up.

Luke's piercing gaze held a hint of mischief. "You seem a touch unsettled. Is it the crowd or... our interlaced fingers?" he asked, nodding toward our entwined hands.

The unexpected question sent my heart racing. "Honestly, it's... unexpected, you know? Running into you here, in the heart of Brazil," I admitted, the words tumbling out more rapidly than I'd have liked.

His eyes, filled with a mix of amusement and curiosity, held mine. "So, Emily," he said with that familiar teasing tone, "is this encounter a bad thing or a good thing?"

Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze, vulnerability and excitement mingling. "Definitely a good thing," I whispered, suddenly aware of the tantalizing proximity between us.

He gave a soft chuckle, squeezing my hand ever so slightly. "In that case," he murmured, eyes dancing in the carnival lights, "let's get lost in this rhythmic Brazilian night."

Swept away by the fervor of the music and the palpable chemistry between us, Luke and I ventured deeper into the carnival. As we navigated through the maze of laughter, music, and vivacious dancers, the vibrancy of the carnival gradually transitioned to a more intimate atmosphere.

The bustling noise dimmed to a distant hum, replaced by the soulful strains of local melodies. Candlelit tables, scattered around, illuminated faces glowing with contentment, each seemingly lost in their own world, yet collectively part of this beautiful tapestry of the night.

Luke's eyes met mine, a realm of unspoken desires mingling within them. "This detour from the mundane to the heart of wild whimsy is far from the 'business trip' I had in mind, but it's a narrative I wouldn't mind exploring," he grinned, his words a gentle caress that sent a flutter of anticipation pirouetting through my stomach.