Semua Bab Love's Redemption: Bab 241 - Bab 250

My past with Jace had left some serious scars. I needed to know—was I really that unappealing? Like, was I the kind of girl who could be held like this without him feeling anything? Someone he could resist without even breaking a sweat?"Hayden," I whispered, my hand sliding up his back, pulling him closer through his shirt. My nails dug in a little.His whole body went stiff, and he sucked in a breath. "Kiki..."I pressed against him, knowing he could feel how soft I was under this nightgown, fresh from the shower.If he could still walk away now, then yeah, I'd have to accept I was a complete failure."Kiki," he said, voice tight, before suddenly pulling away. His hands gripped my shoulders, head down, breathing like he'd just run five miles.His Adam's apple bobbed, and I could see he was shaking.He looked like he'd just crossed a finish line, exhausted.I wasn't much better. I'd made this move, and now I felt both embarrassed and bold as hell."It's late," Hayden muttered

He had this helpless yet fond smile on his face. "You've done it before. You've got a track record."I didn't even know what to say.My cheeks burned with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.Seriously? It was one thing for him to know, but did he really have to spell it out?Clearly, his emotional intelligence was lacking."Kiki," he said softly, "you're so bold when you're doing something naughty, but afterward, you act all scared. You've been like this since we were kids."I was about to snap back, but then it hit me.Doing something naughty?Last night, when I showed up at his door in my nightgown... he didn't think it was some innocent mistake. He knew I did it on purpose?Oh my God!This is beyond humiliating.I almost crushed the car key in my hand as I straightened up, ready to argue back. "Who are you calling naughty? It's clearly you! You're the one who—Mmm..."Before I could finish, Hayden leaned in and kissed me.Maybe because he'd just been running, his lips

Thinking about how he'd accused me of stuff before, I decided to get back at him. "Let go, or I'll report you for harassment."Brad just laughed. "Go ahead, I'd love to see that."He looked way too confident for my liking.Ugh, dealing with guys like him was so exhausting. I tried to pull my hand away, but he still didn't let go, that stupid smirk still plastered on his face. "It's been a while. You look even... prettier now.""Ew, get lost!" I snapped, yanking my hand back again.But he still wouldn't let go. Instead, he stepped closer, still holding on. "Your temper's gotten worse, too."Seriously, there's a saying that shameless people are invincible, and it's definitely true for someone like Brad."What are you doing? Flirting with a girl? Get your ass over here!" someone yelled from a few feet away.So that's why he was in such a rush earlier—he actually had somewhere to be.But now? He didn't seem bothered at all. He just ignored the person and tightened his grip on my h

Cole stepped closer, and I instinctively took a step back. He smirked. "Be my girlfriend."I blinked, totally caught off guard. Then I scoffed. "Not the best joke for this early in the morning. You know—""I'm serious," Cole interrupted. "Only my girlfriend gets to meet my dad."I froze. He was definitely using this to trap me.So, my twitching eyelids weren't just a random fluke. They were warning me about this."You probably don't know this, but my dad's always been paranoid. He doesn't trust anyone, especially now with his new position," Cole continued, launching into a whole explanation. "Too many people are trying to get close to him, and none of them have good intentions. So, to save his energy, he won't meet with anyone who isn't family."But I knew he was just making excuses.Then he added, "And as for me, let's be real. I was into you from the moment I saw you. I know I've got a rep as a player, and yeah, I've been with a lot of women, but they were all just for fun. Br

Sure enough, my phone rang just as I had that thought.This was beyond awkward.Cole's mouth twisted into a mocking smile. "Guess you don't trust me, huh? So why bother messing with me?"I didn't have a good answer for him.He took a step back. "Let's just pretend we don't know each other from now on."Then he got into his car and took off, leaving me standing there as the wind whipped at my clothes and tangled my hair.Wow. This guy could change his mood in a split second. Ten minutes ago, he was all about his feelings and wanting to pursue me. And now, one phone call later, he's throwing a fit?But maybe it was for the best. At least now I wouldn't have to worry about him chasing after me or causing any more drama.As Cole drove off, I glanced again at the locked gates, wondering who Thorsten's important guest could be.Was it Matthew?The thought made me pause before I called Lindey."Rea! I was just about to call you!" she said, not even letting me get a word in.I can