HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Daven settled into the chair beside the kitchen, the warm scent of melting cheese gradually enveloping the room. His gaze remained fixed on Althea, unwavering. He observed her as she moved gracefully around the kitchen, every step deliberate and assured, as if the space belonged to her alone. There was a fluidity to her movements, a natural ease that suggested she felt truly at home here.

Breaking the quiet, Daven remarked, “You’re quite talented.”

Althea glanced back over her shoulder, blinking in mild surprise. “Talented?”

“In the kitchen,” he clarified.

A soft chuckle escaped her lips, tinged with amusement. “I’ve had my fair share of practice,” she said, turning back toward the stove. Her voice softened. “Cooking is something I enjoy. There’s a certain joy in transforming simple ingredients into a meal that someone else appreciates.”

She caught herself, remembering how Daven disliked when she rambled. “Sorry, Daven,” she murmured quickly, cutting off her own words.

He smiled, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Why apologize? Keep talking if you want to.”

Althea hesitated for a moment before changing the subject. “So, what happened with the merger talks with that Asian company yesterday? Did they come to a decision?”

Daven raised a subtle eyebrow. “You’ve been keeping up with the news, haven’t you?”

She shrugged casually, then set a plate before him. “Here. Enjoy.”

Daven sliced into the omelet, the aroma already whetting his appetite. “The problem isn’t the merger proposal itself,” he explained between bites. “It’s the board—they’re too conservative.” He took a slow, deliberate mouthful, savoring the flavors. “This is really good, Althea. You definitely know your way around the kitchen.”

Her face brightened with a genuine smile. “Thanks for the compliment.” She poured a glass of water and placed it beside his plate. “I’m sure you’ll find a way to convince them.”

He nodded thoughtfully, taking another bite. “Maybe.”

After a few more mouthfuls, Daven leaned back, closing his eyes briefly as he savored the meal. “Better than I expected.”

“The omelet?” she asked, a small smile playing on her lips.

His large hand came up to cup Althea’s face—not harshly, but with firm intent. The touch startled her, eyes widening in stunned surprise.

His breath was hot against her skin, and then his lips crashed down on hers like a storm—deep, fierce, relentless. The kiss overwhelmed her, leaving no room for hesitation or doubt.

Althea gasped, her body jolting from the intensity. Daven’s kiss was not gentle; it was as if he was trying to scorch away every lingering question she had. There was no softness in it, only raw, unyielding force—a reminder that this was what she had asked for, not him.

It hurt. God, it hurt. But she forced herself to meet him halfway. Her fingers gripped the edge of the chair, steadying herself as her breath caught in her throat.

Only when Daven pulled back just enough to let her breathe did she draw in air—shaky and uneven.

Before she could collect her thoughts, his voice dropped low, brushing against her ear like a warning wrapped in fire.

“Tonight… will be a very long night for you, Althea.”