All Chapters of BAD REPUTATION : Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

“The things I said when we broke up…” Jack continued, his tone shifting, softer now, more deliberate. “You should know I didn’t mean most of them.”That got her attention, and Olivia looked back at him.“They were said out of anger,” he added. “And frustration.” His gaze held hers. “What man wouldn’t be angry at losing a woman like you?”Olivia let out a small, incredulous laugh, shaking her head. “Wow. Flattery?” she said. “That’s new. Very unlike you, Jack ”Jack’s grin widened slightly. “It’s not flattery if it’s true,” he said. Then, after a beat, “But I’ll use whatever works if it gets you to say yes. Please, Olivia,”Olivia hesitated. It was only a drink, and a few drinks wouldn't hurt right? She exhaled slowly, already knowing she was about to make a decision she’d probably have to defend later.“Fine,” she said at last, cutting the moment short before she could overthink it, and mostly because she was exhausted and wanted the conversation to end, “I’ll see you tomorrow evenin

“There’s nothing to tell,” Derek said stubbornly.The words came too quickly. Too flat. Like he’d rehearsed them in a bid to convince himself as well, and Isabella’s smile faded instantly. She just stared at him for a second, searching his face as if she might find the truth hiding somewhere beneath the denial. “You’re still going to lie to yourself?” she asked quietly. “Even now?”Derek’s jaw tightened. “I’m not lying to myself—or anyone,” he shot back. He pointed a finger at her, the movement sharp and defensive. “You made an assumption, and now you’ve decided your assumption is fact.” He shrugged, feigning indifference, though his shoulders were too tense to sell it. “That’s on you. Not me.”Isabella shook her head slowly, disappointment settling into her expression. “Wow,” she muttered. “Camille really did a number on you, didn’t she?”Derek went still. Then his eyes narrowed, something dark flashing through them. “What the hell does she have to do with this?”“Everything. She sc

“You look so distracted.” Isabella’s voice cut through the soft hum of the car, light but observant. She spared Olivia a quick glance before returning her eyes to the road, one hand draped casually over the steering wheel. Olivia blinked and turned her head, like she’d just been pulled back from somewhere far away. “What?” she asked, a little too quickly. Isabella huffed out a short laugh. “My point exactly,” she said. “You didn’t even hear me the first time.” She shifted slightly in her seat, adjusting her grip on the wheel. “Say something, Liv. Engage. It’s been, what—five minutes since we got on the road? You haven’t said a word, and you look like you’re about to be driven to your execution. It's just dinner with my family.” Olivia let out a quiet breath and leaned her head back against the seat, closing her eyes for a second. “I’m fine.” “Mm-hmm,” Isabella hummed, unconvinced. “And I’m the queen of England.” That earned a small smile from Olivia, but it faded quickly. Isabel

There was, indeed, so much they could have explored together, so many pleasures awaiting her—and him. The thought made him feel delirious. And possessive. But it was more than her body that intrigued him. It was also her mind. Her fight, her determination, their connection to each other. They wiggled their way into his brain, told him she was more like him than he knew. When someone told him he couldn’t do something, couldn’t have something, that just made him want it more. That was why he'd gone after her in the first place, but then it'd become something more. Something real. Blowing his plans apart. Jacket off now, Olivia turned once again to look at him, looking as beautiful as ever. The gown she wore revealed a hint of the top curve of her breasts, her skin the color of a perfect creamy latte. He tried to avoid her neckline, but found himself drawn to it again and again. He studied it all: the ridge of her collarbone made him want to lay feather kisses on it, the flawless gol

Almost without thinking, her gaze shifted to Derek. He turned his head at the same moment, like he’d felt her eyes on him— the weight of her attention pulling at him. His eyes met hers instantly, sharp and unreadable. For a second, neither of them moved. Then Olivia looked away, dropping her gaze back to her plate, focusing a little too intently on her food as she lifted another bite to her mouth. “There’s a guest at the table, you guys,” Isabella drawled at her parents, leaning back slightly in her chair, amusement dancing in her eyes. “You might want to save the flirting until we all leave.” Claire let out a small, embarrassed laugh, but Henry only waved a dismissive hand. “Nonsense,” he said easily. “A man should compliment his woman whenever and wherever he can.” He glanced at Claire again, his expression softening. “And your mother has done a fine job today. She always does,” He kissed her hand again. Olivia smiled, the warmth of the moment easing some of the tightness in her