Chapter 2

Keith was no stranger to the rumors, having seen my feed filled with cozy snaps with various guys.

He stood by the window for a bit before he commented, "This guy's the one who looks most like me? Guess that's why he's lasted the longest."

His voice was icy, a riddle wrapped in frost, and the room fell silent, no one daring to chime in.

Right then, I shooed Daniel off and, feeling a sudden pull, our eyes locked—mine from below, his from above.

My heart skipped a beat. Without a second thought, I climbed the stairs and swung open the VIP room door.

"Excuse me, folks, I need a sec to chat with my brother."

The room's eyes flicked to Keith, and with his silent nod, they scattered like leaves in the wind.

Then, it was just Keith and me, alone in the quiet of the room.

In the dimly lit room, I could not take my eyes off Keith. I was dying to see how much he had changed since the last time we were together.

Keith was slouched against the window, looking bored. "What do you want?"

I had been a mess of nerves for ages, but a few drinks gave me the guts to pull out my phone and flick to our old photos. I shoved the phone in his face.

"Be with me for two months before your bonding ceremony. If you don't, these pictures will go viral."

The photos were from when we were an item, all cuddles and kisses.

However, Keith wasn't the slightest bit bothered.

He scrolled through each photo like he was admiring art, then chucked the phone on the table and gave me a once-over. "I can't believe I ever went for a flat board like you."

I was fuming, but I puffed out my chest and forced a smile. "I've filled out since then. Want to give it another go?"

Keith just shrugged and smirked. "Do what you want with the photos."

I snatched up the phone, swinging it with a cheeky grin. "You're about to be the big alpha and mark 'Miss Perfect Match'. If you think I won't leak these during your big moment, think again, my dear brother."

Keith gave me a long, hard look, then cracked a smile. "Okay, you've got two months."

I was floored. I thought I would have to twist his arm, but he folded easily.

Too bad I did not have much time left. I did not want to die with regrets, so to get Keith back, I had stooped to that.

We got back in the car, the air charged with a tension that was all too familiar.

I still could not believe it was happening, my heart racing like crazy. I stepped up close to him, pressing myself against Keith. My eyes locked tightly on his lips before I kissed him.

Keith did not pull away. He gave me a quick look, his deep eyes flickering with amusement. "Getting a little wild, huh?" he teased.

I grinned, feeling a bit mischievous. "Hey, I just got carried away. I mean, I wouldn't want you to end up in the tabloids, or let anyone else see you like this."

I knew I had looks that could kill. Some said I was ice-cold when I did not smile, but when I did, I was irresistible, like a siren's call.

Keith softly held my chin.

As our lips met and our breath mingled, he whispered, "Now that we're an item, what else do you want?"

My heart skipped a beat, racing even faster.

Keith always seemed so serious, but he had a wild side he kept hidden. Me? I was all tough on the outside, but a total pushover when it came to love.

Back when we first dated, Keith had me wrapped around his finger.

Years later, he still had that same pull on me.

Out of nowhere, a sharp pain hit my chest.

My hand shook, and I pushed him away, trying to hide my sudden weakness.

Keith's warmth vanished in an instant, his face turning icy, the flirty vibe gone like smoke.

"Elsie, playing hard to get doesn't suit you," he said.