chapter 4

"How’d it go?"

Claire asked immediately, even before Lexie had fully stepped inside the door.

Lexie just rolled her eyes and walked straight in without saying a word.

"From the way you're ignoring me, I’m guessing ‘Operation Get Lexie Laid’ didn’t work out?"

Her cousin teased, flashing a mischievous grin as she followed Lexie into the kitchen.

"Fine, it didn’t work. That guy just kept turning me down. Why do I feel like this whole plan is a terrible idea?"

Lexie pouted, throwing her bag onto the kitchen counter with a huff. She scowled as she remembered how Ram Jordan had kept rejecting her earlier.

"Wow, you’re only just realizing that?" Claire teased again, earning another eye roll from Lexie.

"No, I’m going to make him want me. Like, really want me, Claire."

She said, staring at her cousin, completely serious.

"Wait, let me get this straight. You’re seriously going to push yourself to give your virginity to this guy, even though he keeps shutting you down?"

"Yep, that’s the plan."

"And you’re willing to sin just to get back at your dumb ex?"

Claire clarified, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, that’s what we talked about, right?"

Lexie answered flatly, rolling her eyes once more.

"Wow, so you’re planning to use this guy as a pawn in your twisted revenge plot against Rafael? You think that’s okay with God?"

Claire said sarcastically. Lexie paused, suddenly thinking.

"Gee, I forgot about God."

She muttered absentmindedly, which made Claire burst into laughter. Annoyed, Lexie grabbed a small spoon from the counter and tossed it at her.

"He said he’d call, Claire."

Lexie grumbled, glancing at the clock on the wall.

She’d lost count of how many times she’d checked the time, though it was obvious Ram Jordan had no intention of calling. He’d probably only taken her number because she wouldn’t stop pestering him earlier.

It was already past nine, and still no text from him.

"Yeah, maybe he’s really not interested. Just go to bed, cous."

Claire grinned before heading off to her room.

Lexie waited a few more minutes before giving up. With a scowl, she stood up to change into her sleepwear.

Just as she was about to walk away, a series of knocks on her door made her freeze.

"God, please don’t let this be Rafael again."

She muttered, annoyed, before opening the door.

"Hi."

A wide grin greeted her—it was the very man she had been waiting for.

"Ram?"

She gasped in surprise.

"H-how did you know where I live?"

She asked, her face a picture of confusion.

"I have my ways, Lexie. So, still up for that drink?"

Ram grinned.

"It’s late."

"I know. I had a rough day at work, and I remembered your invitation earlier. So, what do you say?"

He asked.

"O-okay..."

She agreed, quickly moving to go with him.

"This isn’t the way to any bar I know. Where are you taking me?"

Lexie asked, confused, when she realized they were heading toward the university she attended.

"My house is huge. I’ve got my own bar there."

He answered briefly, making her frown even more.

"We’re going to your house?"

"I hope you don’t mind."

Ram smiled sweetly at her.

Lexie had no choice but to stay silent.

'This is what you wanted, Lexie. Just deal with it.'

She told herself, shifting her gaze to Ram, who was now driving quietly.

'He’s kind of intimidating, but damn, he’s hot.'

She thought again, unaware that she was already biting her lip.

"Stop biting your lips like that. It’s making me want to do it for you."

Ram said, not looking at her.

Lexie quickly fixed herself and looked away.

"Your house is huge. Do you live here alone?"

Lexie asked as soon as they got out of the car, her eyes landing on the massive door before them.

'A mansion...'

She thought.

'No, this is more like a palace than a mansion.'

She corrected herself.

"No, I live with my staff."

Ram informed her.

"Well, staff is staff. But you don’t have anyone... else?"

"I have women come and go."

Ram said nonchalantly. Lexie wanted to believe he was joking, but there was no humor in his tone.

"I mean women my age, not a kid like you."

Ram added, making Lexie roll her eyes sharply.

"I’m not a kid, Ram."

She insisted, quickly walking to catch up with him as he went ahead without waiting for her.

He walked up a grand staircase, and with his long strides, it was no surprise Lexie ended up panting just to keep up.

"Wait!"

She called out. Ram stopped in front of a door and looked at her.

"I’m not a kid! I’ll keep saying that until you get it."

She pouted as she finally caught up.

"I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. You’re 24, and that’s more than enough."

He smirked.

Lexie rolled her eyes again before suddenly grabbing him by the neck and pressing her lips to his.

She felt Ram’s muscles tense. He obviously wasn’t expecting her to kiss him. Even she was surprised by her own bold move.

But the kiss...

Lexie closed her eyes tightly when she felt Ram respond. It started light, but as the seconds ticked by, it deepened. She felt his hand pull her closer by the waist, while the other cupped the back of her neck.

'Five minutes...'

Lexie mentally counted the time. Then, she pulled away, especially as the kiss grew even more intense.

"See? Careful with those claws, little cat, or you might scratch yourself."

Ram teased, smirking.

Lexie quickly snapped out of her daze. As a defense, she rolled her eyes again, making Ram chuckle.

"I’m not a kid."

She insisted.

"Whatever. Come with me."

Ram ordered with an air of authority before walking ahead.

As she followed, Lexie couldn’t help but admire the grandeur of the house.

"Stay here."

Ram said, gently pushing her onto a soft couch. She was too distracted by the house’s beauty to respond, so she just nodded and watched him disappear into a nearby room.

After a few minutes, Lexie realized she needed to use the bathroom. Instead of wandering, she decided to knock on the door where Ram had gone earlier.

"Ram?"

She called, knocking. When no one answered, she turned the doorknob and entered.

"Ram, sorry for barging in, I just need to use the bathroom and—Ohh-lala."

She froze at the sight of Ram standing naked, his back to her.

Her eyes roamed over his broad shoulders, down to his narrow waist, and firm butt.

She was completely mesmerized.

'Does this man live in the gym?'

She thought in awe.

"I thought I asked you to wait?"

Ram’s voice snapped her out of her trance.

"Uh, yeah, I— I was just... naked."

Ram raised a brow, amused.

"I—I mean—"

Lexie stammered.

The next thing she knew, she was pinned against the wall, answering to Ram’s kisses.