Christian turned to see her stomping angrily towards him, yet didn’t budge from his position. It angered Skylar to see the amusement in his eyes. So, he found it funny, right? She would disrupt his cozy relationship with the clingy woman right away. She would show Rossi her exact position! “Oh, here you are, Christian! I had been looking for you,” she gushed, putting on a fake smile to hide her jealousy. Christian raised an eyebrow at her, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He knew what she was up to. Why would she look for him when he had clearly informed her where he would be? “Have you sent me the email, Skylar?” “Yes,” she said without glancing at the woman beside him. Skylar was acutely aware of the hateful glare she was giving her. “I’m going to the cottage to freshen up.”“Come back in five minutes. The press meet will start.” Skylar nodded and turned to rush to the cottage. “Does she live with you? How can you allow her to call you by your first name, Christian?” asked Ms.

Skylar opened her bleary eyes but felt mowed down by Christian St. James. Her eyes widened with horror and all the sleep left her instantly. When did the guy return and why was he sleeping on top of her? Anger bubbled inside her after the stunt he pulled last night. How could he spend the night with Rossi and return to her for a cuddle? “Get off me, asshole!” She shoved him off herself with all her might. “Ow! Can’t you let a guy sleep in peace?” he grumbled, rolling back into her. Skylar grunted with anger and pushed at him again. “Sleep on your side. Why do you have to sleep all over me?” “Because I want to.” Skylar sprang up from the bed at seeing him roll over towards her again. Why was he so damn stubborn? Why couldn’t he take no for an answer? He wasn’t this way earlier? “Well! I don’t.” His fingers gripped her wrist as he pulled her back to the bed with him. “I don’t give a damn! You’re coming back to bed. We can afford an hour of rest.” Skylar scowled at him, feeling her

Skylar stared into his mesmerizing blue eyes with surprise. They seemed to lure her into their depths, making her helpless enough to surrender to his wishes. A strange guilt gripped her heart and she gazed at him, his hypnotic gaze leaving her under his spell. “Kiss me, Skylar!” It was a needy whisper that stirred her deeply. She leaned in to place a warm kiss on his cheek. It wasn’t enough for Christian. He needed more. He turned to claim her lips hungrily leaving her flustered. He cupped her cheek to intensify the kiss while his fingers glided to her hips to pull her into him. Crushed against his hard torso, Skylar felt a strange elemental need in her heart to surrender to him. Although her mind battled against it, at that point, she had no control over her heart. A soft breathy moan escaped her lips and her arms went unconsciously around his shoulders for support. She opened her mouth to him, surrendering to her heart finally. Christian’s heart pounded in his ribcage at her reac

Skylar lay down on the bed, acutely aware of his hawk-like gaze fixed on her. The sexual undercurrents passing between them were becoming too much to resist. She knew she would cave in soon if she wasn’t careful. A strange force seemed to attract her towards him. No, she wouldn’t surrender to the temptation. She wouldn’t do anything she might regret later. After all, she still wasn’t sure about their future. She lay down with her back towards him. Maybe blocking him from view would do her good. “What? I thought you were going to live up to your promise!” Skylar turned to face him with wide eyes. “What promise? I don’t remember any.” “I thought you wanted to thank me with a kiss.” Realization dawned on her and she looked at him with embarrassment. She hadn’t taken him seriously at all! “I’m exhausted. Good night, Christian,” she whispered, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. She just hoped he would let it go. Strangely, as she closed her eyes to sleep, something deep inside her

Skylar ignored the amused look on his face all the way back to Florence. No, she wouldn’t kiss him at all. She had no wish to repeat last night’s mistake. What if he behaved the same way again? She wouldn’t let him witness her vulnerability. “Are you ignoring me?” he prodded, making her roll her eyes at him. “No, why would I?”“Maybe because you’re scared to kiss me.” Skylar wanted to erase the stupid grin off his face. “No, I’m not scared. I just don’t want to kiss you.”“Liar!” She blushed crimson but didn’t answer. She closed her eyes, feigning sleep all the way back to Florence.Skylar headed up the elevator straight to their room on reaching the hotel in Florence. Christian stopped at the reception to inform them about their early morning check-out the next day. She had just showered and changed when Christian arrived. His smoldering look swept over her body, making her acutely aware of herself. “Can we order dinner? I can’t go down to the restaurant tonight.” “I know. I’ve