"It's working! The bleeding is slowing down! Ms. York, keep going! Don't stop! His body is far more honest than his mouth. Kiss him harder! I said, harder!"

It was like Oliver was punishing Theodore's obstinate mouth with his words.

Theodore shifted uncomfortably, then buried his face in the blanket.

He was shy? Really?

Even his ears were flushed bright red, like ripe tomatoes.

The bodyguards were practically in tears, cheering me on.

"I knew bringing Ms. York would work!"

"Ms. York, don't believe a word from Mr. Theodore's mouth from now on. He's exactly the type to pretend he doesn't want something, but inside he's dying for it!"

"Look at how red his ears are, and his voice is hoarse as hell! He's embarrassed, but he doesn't want to make it awkward for you. All because your heart is set on Mr. Nathan!"

Theodore looked up and coldly glared at his bodyguards. "Enough."

Unfortunately for him, they were driven by the need to save his life and ignored him completely.

Seizing the moment, I boldly turned Theodore's handsome face toward me. Then, I cupped the back of his head and pressed my lips firmly against his.

No matter how stubborn he acted, I couldn't stay indifferent to the fact that he had risked his life for me twice.

I couldn't let his sacrifice go to waste.

The moment our lips met, I felt Theodore trembling with desire. Yet, he clung to the last thread of reason.

"Bella, don't you understand plain English? I don't need you to do this out of gratitude. Do you think I'm the kind of man who needs your charity?"

Tears pricked my eyes. "Theo, I want this. Not an ounce of me is reluctant."

I pressed his hand to my chest, letting him feel the beat of my heart.

His eyes widened, like he'd touched something forbidden.

Whoa, not okay! Bad hands—bad!

He tried hard to pull his hand back, but I held on.

"Theo, feel my heart. There isn't an ounce of reluctance here. Don't feel pressured."

He swallowed hard, every line of his face tightening as he struggled to restrain himself.

"Don't lie to me. I know my brother is the only one in your heart. When Liam called you earlier, I heard everything. You said Nathan needed you more tonight."

I opened my mouth to explain, but Theodore's phone on the bedside table rang just then.

I glanced at the screen to see that it was Nathan calling.

Theodore picked up his phone and swiped to answer the call.

"What's up, Nate?"

Nathan's pained voice came through the phone. "Theo, I just awakened as a werewolf tonight... It's unbearable. And that stupid girl still hasn't come. I thought I could handle it, but I overestimated myself."

Theodore glanced at me. "Isabella is—"

I pressed my lips to his, cutting him off before he could finish.

Theodore lost control after I kept taking the initiative, his eyes narrowing. His broad, strong hand instinctively gripped the back of my head, as if he wanted more.

But reason soon reasserted itself.

He pushed me away, but there wasn't enough time for him to tell Nathan I was here before Nathan continued.

"I know Bella's just stuck in traffic. She's probably desperate to get here and ease my pain, her heart overflowing with joy. But something that comes so easy never feels right. I really don't want her to take advantage of the situation and force me to claim her as my one and only mate. Why do we werewolves have to love so fiercely, so loyally to just one, as if it's etched into our very bones?"

Theodore's deep red eyes flickered with surprise and anger.

"You don't want to be loyal to her? Then why have you been teasing her since you were kids?"

Since he was talking to his brother, Nathan didn't bother holding back.

"I was young. Never seen a girl before. Didn't know what the world had to offer."

"Nathan!" Theodore's voice suddenly dropped, heavy with warning. "If you don't cherish her, don't regret it when I steal her away!"