The words hung in the air, bold and unapologetic. Tess’s breath caught, her heart pounding as her fork froze halfway to her mouth. She stared at the president, her mind spinning, unsure how to respond to such a question by the most powerful woman in the country.

Martin approached the table, but was slightly hesitant. “Madam President, it’s time,” he said softly.

Adeline sighed, standing up with reluctance. Before stepping away, she glanced down at Tess, her expression softening. “I want a picture with her,” she declared.

Tess blinked in surprise, caught off guard by the sudden request. Adeline turned her attention to her and asked, “Can I take a picture of you? Do you have somewhere private?”

Tess stared at Adeline, her thoughts racing. Moments ago, Adeline had asked her an intimate, life-altering question, and now she was shifting gears like nothing had happened. Tess pushed her confusion aside and nodded slowly, standing up. “This way,” she said, leading them toward the back of the café.

Adeline followed closely, her sharp gaze fixed on Tess’s figure. The way Tess’s pink bodysuit hugged her curves was driving Adeline to the brink of distraction, but she forced herself to maintain composure. Tess, oblivious to the president’s wandering eyes, pushed open the door to her office.

The small space was tidy but rarely used, with a simple desk, a chair, and a few shelves. Tess turned to face Adeline. “Is this fine?” she asked hesitantly.

Adeline nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. She reached for the phone Martin handed her and motioned toward the desk. “Stand in front of it,” she instructed.

Tess complied, moving to the desk. She stood awkwardly, unsure of what to do. The flash of the camera startled her, and she looked up, confused. Adeline handed the phone back to Martin without a glance and approached her.

Before Tess could ask what was happening, Adeline closed the distance between them. Her gaze was intense as she placed her hands gently on Tess’s hips. Tess froze, her breath catching at the unexpected intimacy.

Adeline’s voice was low and smooth, her words a caress. “You’re a natural beauty, Ilya.”

The warmth of Adeline’s hands seeped through the fabric of her bodysuit, and Tess could feel her heart pounding in her chest. She was at a complete loss for words, her mind a flurry of confusion and exhilaration as she stared into the president’s piercing eyes.

Adeline’s eyes widened, and she quickly pulled her hands back, stepping away as though she’d been burned. Tess stared at her, confused by the sudden retreat. “What happened?” She asked softly, her brow furrowed in concern.

Adeline swallowed hard, her expression shifting from confidence to vulnerability. “I didn’t ask for your permission to touch you. Please forgive me,” she said, her voice tinged with genuine remorse.

Tess blinked, taken aback by the unexpected apology. After a moment, she nodded. “You’re forgiven,” she said, her tone reassuring.

Adeline hesitated before asking, “May I... may I have your permission to touch you now?” Her voice was soft, almost pleading.

Tess felt a blush creeping up her neck, but nodded again. “Yes, you may.”

Adeline stepped closer, her movements deliberate. She raised her left hand and placed it gently on the small of Tess’s back, her touch warm and steady. Tess felt her pulse quicken as their eyes met, the tension between them thick enough to cut with a knife.

Martin, still standing in the room, cleared his throat lightly to remind them of his presence. Adeline and Tess both glanced at him, and the camera flashed, capturing the moment. He nodded approvingly and stepped out of the room, leaving the two women alone.

Adeline turned back to Tess, their gazes locking. Her expression softened, her voice low and heartfelt. “When I started my campaign, I didn’t think I’d meet someone like you,” she admitted. “You were the last person on my mind last night and the first one I thought about this morning.”

Tess’s breath hitched, her heart pounding as she tried to process Adeline’s words.

Adeline sighed, her vulnerability on full display. “I’m the president of this damn country. I have responsibilities—things I can’t just walk away from. But all I want to do right now is drop everything and watch you all day.” Her voice dropped to a whisper as she added, “I want to kiss you, Miss Tess. But why do I feel like you’re something dangerous?”

Tess couldn’t respond. The words caught in her throat, disbelief and a storm of emotions swirling inside her. All she could do was stare, her silence speaking volumes.

Adeline took a deep, steadying breath, her gaze never leaving Tess’s. “I’ll be back tonight,” she said softly, her tone almost a plea. “Can I have my answer, then?”

Before Tess could gather herself enough to respond, Adeline stepped back, giving her space. She turned and left the room, leaving Tess standing there, her heart racing and her thoughts spinning in confession.