I Married the President-Chapter 103: Why Is He Suddenly Not Busy Anymore

Claire tilted her neck back, lost in the man’s frenzied yet restrained kiss as her mind began to short-circuit.

’I can’t take it anymore, I’m almost out of breath...’

Just as Claire was about to struggle, the man released her lips. He leaned in close to her ear, his voice an alluring whisper. "I heard from Nancy that you did a great job on this assignment. What do you want as a reward?"

"Let go of me first..."

Adrian pulled back slightly, but his hands remained on her slender waist, his gaze both passionate and gentle.

Only then did Claire dare to gasp for breath. "Um... I want to keep working at the Astoria Daily Press. Please, you have to protect my job."

’After the way I treated Phoebe Lockwood, my job is as good as gone. But if Adrian intervenes, maybe Governor Lockwood will give him some face.’

’Sigh... She wondered if doing this made her a sycophant, but she really did want to stay at the Astoria Daily.’

Adrian’s voice was low and serious. "If you want to keep working there, you have to earn it yourself. The only thing I can give you are opportunities, like the one today. I can’t interfere with anything else."

"Okay, then..." ’So it’s hopeless after all.’

Claire lowered her head in disappointment, her heart aching with sadness.

"Is someone trying to make you leave?"

"Something like that. I just offended Governor Lockwood’s daughter again. There’s no way I can keep this job now."

Adrian’s cold eyes narrowed. "The Astoria Daily is about to go through a major shake-up. Just do your job, and no one can force you out."

"A major shake-up??" Claire felt a sudden surge of hope.

"Claire, people who are diligent and down-to-earth will never lack for opportunities. Have some confidence."

’This isn’t a matter of confidence...’

Claire knew the matter was already settled, so she decided to let it go. She smiled and said, "You’re right. Talented people never have to worry about finding a place to go. I’ll head back to work now."

She turned to leave, but the man didn’t release his grip.

"Mr. Quincy, I’d like to get back to work..."

"You still haven’t told me what you want for a reward."

’But I already told him, and he’s the one who turned me down!’

A little annoyed, Claire decided to say something absurd off the top of her head. "I want you to take me shopping for clothes."

’Busy, busy, busy. Let’s see if you’re too busy for that.’

"Alright. I’ll go with you tomorrow."

"!!!"

’Why isn’t he busy all of a sudden? This isn’t how it was supposed to go at all!’

Adrian released her waist with one hand, only to slide it around to the back of her head as his lips descended on hers again.

This time, his kiss was exceptionally gentle, even a little guiding. He taught her, little by little, how to be more in sync with him, how a kiss could be at its sweetest...

After what felt like an eternity, the man reluctantly released her lips. "You’re a fast learner. Don’t forget this feeling. Now, go on back."

Claire’s face flushed red, so embarrassed she wanted to hide.

The moment the man released her slender waist, Claire tried to make a run for it, but she found her legs were ridiculously weak. Her body felt like jelly; she couldn’t even stand, and she began to slide uncontrollably to the floor.

Adrian’s heart clenched, and he quickly swept her up into his arms. "What’s wrong?"

"My legs are weak..."

’That’s strange. In the past, my legs would only go weak like this when I was terrified or extremely nervous. I’m not scared or tense now, so why is it happening again?’

’Could it be because that kiss was too intense?’

’I could just die. This is so pathetic!’

Adrian carried her over to a chair and set her down gently. "Just rest for a moment."

Claire looked at the man’s handsome face, ashamed. "If you’re busy, you can go take care of your work. I’ll be fine after sitting for a little while."