All Chapters of No Way to Win Me Back: Chapter 161 - Chapter 170

Ryan’s POVThe city outside my window was a fast blur as I pushed my Bugatti’s engine to its limit. I’d spent the morning playing a round of golf on Robert’s private course. Between complementing his swings and listening to Steven and my father solidify their business relationship, I had been a forced smile away from exploding. “There’s no need to draw out the engagement, Robert.” Maximilian had said as we sipped iced tea. “The sooner we have the wedding, the sooner we’ll have little feet pattering around.”Robert gave him a conspiratorial nudge. “That’s what I told Lisa! She’s set on a summer wedding, but isn’t it summer somewhere in the world every day? Destination weddings are popular among the kids these days.”Raucous laughter had broken out, and the two men seemed pleased with their plans. But I felt sick to my stomach.Did that mean I only had a couple of months before the wedding? Possibly less? I was running out of time to cut myself free of this web.After a quick excuse,

Celeste’s POVI heaved a heavy sigh as I headed up the elevator from the parking garage.After Ryan and Molly left the studio yesterday, I threw myself into creating a show-stopping design for the competition. It was the only way to stop myself from dwelling on how Michelle’s parents liked Ryan enough to supply my studio with their finest materials.Alone in my apartment, there was nothing to distract me, and the night had been spent tossing and turning.I stomped out of the elevator, frustration boiling… until it turned to exasperation.“I’m technically not in your studio,” Damien said, hands raised. “You never said I couldn’t meet you outside…”He trailed off at my withering look.An unannounced visit from my ex-husband was the last thing I needed on a gloomy Monday morning.“Just tell me what you want, Damien, so we can get this over with.”He took a tentative step forward, reached for my hand, and then thought better of it.“I was worried about you,” he said, voice gruff. “After th

Celeste’s POVWhen the police officers arrived, we received a stern chastising for riffling through the crime scene. One went over the studio with a fine-toothed comb while the other—Officer Raymond—took my statement.He asked questions straightforwardly, and the process went smoothly.It was only when he asked about my relation to Damien and Ryan that I noticed the interest in his gaze.“Oh, Ryan’s just an employee.” I hid a gleeful smirk when my assistant looked gutted. I turned to Damien. “And this is my ex-husband—he was actually just leaving.”The officer nodded, a corner of his mouth raising.“Celeste, how can I leave you after the ordeal you’ve been through?” Damien asked, though his gaze kept darting to Raymond.“I appreciate your help, but you’ve overstayed your welcome.” My tone didn’t leave room for argument. He cast one last lingering glance at me before finally leaving. I’d seen enough of him for a year.“Ugh, what was Damien doing here—what the fuck?” Grace’s jaw drop

Ryan’s POV“Make yourself at home,” Celeste said, her gaze landing anywhere but on me. “I’m just going to change.”She gestured to her clothes, dusty from riffling through the remains of her design table. I nodded, and she disappeared down the hallway.When Celeste peered at me with those frightened pools of gold in her car, they held my heart captive. I’d have given her anything she asked for at that moment.If being in her apartment made her feel safe, then that’s where we’d work. The moment I heard her door click shut, I checked the doors and windows. I closed the blinds, where my father’s spies had a clear view from outside. I shook my head at the shabby lock on her front door. It would do nothing to stop Maximilian Edwards.I was just ending a call when Celeste emerged from the hallway. Her hair was up in a bun, clean face glowing, and her body clad in leggings and a knitted sweater.There was nothing suggestive about her outfit, and yet my body stirred.“I told you to settle in

Celeste’s POV“What’s the matter, Celeste?” Ryan asked in a husky whisper. “Bit off more than you can chew?”There was no way I would let this flirt win.I shifted my hips, grinding slowly into him. The grunt that escaped his throat was deep and ravenous and addictive.“I’m not so sure about that. You’re the one who sounds like you’re starving for another taste of me.” I moved against him again and earned another deep grunt. “You’re rock hard, Ryan.”The world was a blur as I went from straddling him to being pinned under his muscled mass. He held my hands against the rug over my head and propped himself up on his elbows.“Tease all you want, Celeste, but I bet you’re dripping for me.” “In your dreams,” I breathed.But I didn’t attempt to free myself.Ryan lowered his head into my hair, nose and lips brushing skin as they trailed down my neck, along my collarbone. I squirmed despite myself, unable to suppress the sparks at every touch.“I wouldn’t even have to touch you to know,” he