KISSING STRANGERS

IVY’S POV

He scoffed. “Your boyfriend? Do you think I’m stupid? I watched you sitting alone at the bar for an hour, sweetheart. You don't have a boyfriend.”

I must have actually been on heaven’s good side at that exact moment. Just as the creep reached for my waist, a man stepped out of the club’s VIP exit and stopped right near the edge of the pavement.

Not just any man.

But one that was tall—easily over six feet two—with an imposing, broad-shouldered frame and thick arms that could effortlessly crush the creep in front of me.

With him also being attractive in that tailored, black three-quarter suit, it was going to be much easier to carry out my plan.

And most importantly he didn’t seem like the kind of person that would harass me for sex afterwards.

“That’s him,” I said, pointing a finger directly at the hot stranger. “That’s my boyfriend.”

The stranger currently had a phone pressed to his ear, his full brows furrowed in concentration. He had obviously stepped out to take whatever call he was on.

The creep’s gaze shifted from me to the man in the black suit and from the way he blinked, I could tell he was getting intimidated. “What? You’re lying. I know…”

"Baby, I'm here!" I yelled at the stranger, interrupting the creep.

The stranger who was still deep in his call didn't hear me but I didn't give up. With the creep still distracted, I twisted out of his space, took three rapid steps toward the stranger, and threw myself directly into his path.

Up close, he was even more handsome. He had piercing blue eyes, a perfectly styled jet-black hair and thick stubble surrounding a scowling lip.

With me in front of him, he lowered the phone from his ear and quirked a brow at me. He was so tall that I had to strain my neck all the way back just to maintain eye contact.

“Hey,” I whispered, licking my lips. “So, I’m in a bit of a dire situation right now and the only way to get out is for me to kiss you, and for you to play along.”

His brows furrowed in confusion but I didn’t give him a single second to protest. Not when this was a matter of survival.

Reaching up, I grabbed the crisp lapels of his suit jacket which probably cost more than every single piece of clothing I had ever owned in my life. Then, I stood all the way up on the tips of my toes, closed my eyes and slammed my lips against his.

The instant our lips met, the stranger went still.

A wave of embarrassment washed over me as I became self aware of my actions. That I was really kissing a complete stranger. But I forced myself to hold still. I just needed to let the kiss linger for five seconds. Just enough time to convince the creep that I was here with this man so he would leave me alone.

When I was sure it was enough time, I braced myself to pull away, but didn’t get to as a low growl rumbled from the stranger’s chest and he instantly transformed the awkward kiss into something more passionate.

His large hand grabbed my waist and he lifted me slightly off my feet, pulling my body flush against his rock-hard chest.

My eyes flew open in shock but I couldn't move or think. Especially not when I was beginning to melt from the hungry way his mouth moved against mine.

No one has ever kissed me like this. Like they would die if our tongues were separated.

Soon enough, I lost control of my thoughts and my eyes flew shut as I surrendered into his taste and expertise. It was so good that I didn’t know that a moan had slipped past my lips until he pushed me away with a force that made me stumble back a few steps. The sound seemed to have jolted the man right back to reality and he didn’t look happy about everything despite the fact that he kissed me back.

The man’s jaw was clenched so tightly that a vein pulsed violently at his temple.

And honestly, he had every right to be angry. What I had just done crossed a line. It was reckless and inappropriate. What if he has a wife? Or a serious girlfriend? How is he supposed to explain a random girl jumping him in public?

“I am so, so sorry,” I said quickly, holding my hands up in defense. My face burned with a flush of pure shame. “I promise you, there’s a good explanation for this. A guy was harassing me, and I just needed ....”

“Save your explanation,” he cut me off as he started typing aggressively on his phone screen. “You will need it in court.”

My eyes widened in shock. “Court?! You can’t sue me! You even kissed me back”.

But the man didn’t even reply me. He just kept typing on his phone, probably texting his lawyer about everything that just happened.

No way. Was he seriously going to sue me? And for what charge exactly? Unsolicited kissing? Assault by affection? Is that even a crime?

But I certainly wasn't going to stick around to find out. This man looked rich and if he decided to sue me, my life would be ruined. The law is always on the side of the rich.

“I’m really sorry! I promise I didn't mean any harm! I’m so sorry!” I gasped out in a rush and the shock mixed with anger was the last thing I saw on his face before I spun on my heels and ran for my life.

And I didn’t stop until I saw a taxi. It was only then I started to relax, after making sure he wasn’t following me. As I tried to catch my breath at the backseat of the cab, ignoring the driver’s curious stare, one simple prayer left my lips.

May I never cross paths with that man ever again.