THREE YEARS LATER...

"I thought you said you were managing the resort well? Then what the hell is this?" Bree, my older sister, asked as soon as I stepped into the villa lobby.

Exhausted, both physically and emotionally, I let my heels hit the carpeted floor and sighed heavily. I'd just come back from a board meeting my dad had set up in D.C., and I was greeted by Bree's less-than-welcoming words.

"Lose more guests, and you'll find your business sailing out to sea and away from you," she added.

Bree's my sister, but she's also my advisor. I take her ideas, opinions, the spits coming out of her mouth, and even her snarky comments seriously. But sometimes, I just want to shove a mouthful of sand down her throat.

I stood by the grand piano, placed my baguette on top of it, and took the glass of orange juice offered by the staff.

"Bree, summer season is just approaching, okay? We've already received a lot of reservations. Give it time, we'll have the resort full. Just relax," I told her, but my nerves were screaming otherwise.

"Relax?" She repeated, showing me the tablet where everything about the resort was listed and recorded. "Last year and the year before, all the villas, suites, and even the huts were already booked three weeks before summer started."

I sat down, massaged my calf, and braced myself for her lecture.

"You know what? I saw this coming. This catastrophe. You know why? Because of your bastard of an ex-husband!" She exclaimed, making a few of the staff take notice.

"Hey, Bree, why don't we talk in my office, hmm?" I didn't wait for her to respond and led the way.

Three years ago, I divorced the only man I thought would give me the life I always dreamed of. But a signed piece of paper ended in another signed piece of paper.

Valerian gave me one of the three properties I wanted, this resort. I remember Attorney Eglin telling me I should be grateful. The resort did great in business for the first few summers, but it looks like it was planned to be taken down without even a wrecking ball.

Just a golf cart ride away from my resort, a new one had opened and started stealing my guests. And who owned it? Valerian Blackwood.

"Can you not shout about private conversations when we're not alone?" I told her as soon as we entered my office. "You're making a scene."

"What about it? Three years ago, that bastard even held a press conference just to tell the whole world that his cock was back to being free to fuck whatever hole he wanted!"

"Jesus, Bree! Can you filter that mouth?" I chided, sinking into my chair. "And I don't care about what happened in the past, okay? It's done, and that's a fact."

"A fact that you were bashed by a lot of women?" She scoffed. "Remember knocking on my door in the middle of the night, reeking of alcohol, crying like a heartbroken ex-wife looking for Valerian's cock to suck?"

"Have some decency, will you? Dad will surely shave your eyebrows if he heard you talking like that."

Valerian was a fine man, but I had my reasons. I needed a private life, and that was impossible with him. He's a magazine star, the headline of every internet buzz. And I got nothing but headaches whenever I saw him in the news, linked to prettier and sexier women.

I never had a moment of peace.

Even when I asked him to sign the divorce papers, he tried everything to change my mind. The last time we were together... amazing, I won't deny it, but it'll never happen again.

And we went our separate ways.

"And please, don't mention that man's name ever again." I massaged my head, feeling completely overwhelmed.

Today was not my day.

Dad kept bugging me about everything, especially my personal life, and now, this beach resort.

"Does it ever give you goosebumps?" She snorted, sitting on my desk with her arms crossed. "Got any idea how to get your payback?"

I raised an eyebrow, urging her to explain.

"He's still into you, right?"

"That was three years ago. Have you ever seen him come to me or call me? No, because he's over us. And it's fine, because I wouldn't want him bothering me either," I said, dismissing her thoughts. "What if he decided to pull some strings and take this property away from me? There's no way I'm not going to lose this."

"You're already losing the resort, E."

And that was the truth I couldn't accept.

"It started when he released banners and used his power to make his new resort louder, that's when your ratings..." She made a whooshing sound of a crashing airplane. "Your career in business? Kaput!"

"I don't give up easily."

She chuckled mirthlessly. "Since when did you become a clown? You're making me laugh."

Rolling my eyes, I knew my sister. She'd crush all my hopes and the lies I told myself before I could believe them.

"Use him," she said, her face beaming with pride.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"As your advisor, I advise you to play a little game."

I scratched my chin and opened my laptop, wanting to start working even though I was tired and wanted to ignore her. "And as my advisor, you're supposed to keep our business in good shape, not use someone or play little games."

She closed my laptop and leaned in close. "Ask him for a collaboration."

"You hate him more than I do, and now you're suggesting I have him around?" I scoffed, pushing her face away. "And to tell you, Bree, whatever you're thinking about, it's not going to work. He's not into me anymore, and he won't accept what I propose because he won't have anything on me."

"What are you saying?" She looked at me like I was the stupidest person she'd ever met. "It's pure business, E. It's a great strategy. Offer him a nice percentage, use your brain and your credibility in business. Show him professionalism and maybe, just maybe, he would bite the cheese."

Trying to catch a fish in the middle of the ocean using a fishnet with a lot of huge holes, that's how trying to capture Valerian.

"You will offer him an alliance. Talk about the event considerations, tell him that combining your skills would make a great outcome," she added as if she already planned everything. She even had the guts to check her perfectly manicured nails while talking.

"I'm sorry, but I know how to write and talk about business proposals."

"Great! Then you will meet him uh..." She checked her wristwatch. "In about twenty minutes from now at Callan's Plates. That would be in the Franklin & Franklin building, twenty-seventh floor. Table reserved for two."

I was lost. Completely lost again. "What?"

"Three days ago, I noticed that your business is not just going down, it's basically going to have a snorkel under the sea and planning to meet Krusty Crab. So, as your advisor, as an investor, and especially as your sister, I made the best decision for you. Plus, three months ago, you told me to do what I think what's best for the resort."

If there was a huge crowd having a rally inside my head, they were all shut up while waiting for Bree to drop the bomb on their feet.

"So, I sent him a proposal regarding collaborative events and package deals, bright, right?" She giggled. "It's a good thing you arrived today, I was hoping it would be earlier so you wouldn't face him looking like someone just gave you a suicide mission. But uh-- I think you'll dig it."

"You sent him a business proposal? Bree, what were you thinking?!" I didn't mean to raise my voice, but this situation was making my blood boil. I was freaking out in a pretty way.

"What am I thinking? E, you poured all your time and sweat just to keep this resort running. And if you don't want this to be left behind and go down in history, you have to take some action!" She pointed out. "Oh, and he accepted it. But he said he wanted to discuss it with you... 'personally'." And that was air quoted by her.

I think I'm going to faint.

"So, stop losing yourself in the trance and go meet your guy!"

I CAN'T believe this!

Three years that I tried avoiding this man, three years that I tried not to look at any magazines he was in or at any news he was interviewed, and now I'll end up meeting him face to face?

Would I make myself look desperate? I didn't even have a glimpse of that proposal Bree sent him.

Shit! I'm sweating like hell.

Pressing the twenty-seventh button, I let out a long exhale.

I was still clad in my black bodycon dress under a white blazer. My hair was done in a neat ponytail and my face wore light makeup, just to enhance the color on my face.

Checking my reflection on the wall, I quickly took my lipstick and reapplied it.

"Why am I doing this?" I questioned myself and cursed under my breath.

What's to be insecure about? It's not like I care about the women he dated after we divorced. Models and actresses, bitches who needed his dick to scratch their itch.

"God!" I groaned, getting a little too irritated by my own thoughts. Why was I thrusting myself back into his life? Whatever ongoing issue he had, I shouldn't care.

The elevator dinged, and the doors opened.

"You're here just for business, Elodie. It's for your resort, not for him," I coached myself before stepping out of the elevator and began taking steps closer to the handsome devil.

The whole floor was the restaurant.

There were a lot of socialites filling up the whole place. Everything around here was luxurious, it's something that could attract a lot of people who are allergic to below five-star services.

Everyone was exposing their own wealth by the way they dressed and, frankly, singing their classy laughter, but out of all the people sitting on the tables, there was this one man that my eyes caught the soonest.

His brown hair was neatly brushed back, his charm was impossible to ignore, the aura he gives off. He looked majestic in his all-black three-piece suit.

He was sitting near the glass wall where the view of the setting sun and the beach could be seen. He was checking the time on his wrist. And just as I was unaware of it, his eyes shifted in my direction... then our eyes met.

"Holy shit..."

MY HEART was pounding so loud it drowned out the chatter around me. I was hyperventilating, needing a breather.

I was about to turn back to the elevator, but I thought, wouldn't that make me look like a coward?

Lifting my chin, I met his gaze and even offered a small smile as I approached the table.

I saw the way he studied me from head to toe. Then, a spiral of emotions began to take over my body.

Suddenly, all the memories of his touch came flooding back.

"Ellie," he called my name, and I thought my knees were going to give out.

He stood up from his chair, and boy, oh boy, the jerk hadn't changed a bit. He was still yummy as fuck.

"Pleasure to have you here," he said as he pulled out a chair for me and held out his hand.

I think I had been holding my breath for too long. "It is a pleasure to have 'you' here, Mr. Blackwood. I didn't know you were willing to discuss this proposal with me." His hand was still outstretched, and I was awkwardly standing by the chair.

"Shake my hand?" A side of his lips lifted, gesturing his hand that was waiting for me to reach.

Licking my lips, I gathered all my courage and reached for his hand. The moment our hands touched, I thought I was going to pass out.

Why was I acting like this?

What was I, some kind of lovesick teenager meeting her ultimate crush? He was my ex-husband for goodness' sake!

He gave my hand a light squeeze.

As if I had been burned, I pulled my hand away quickly, leaving him hanging in the air.

There was a hint of amusement in his eyes, and I hated it.

"Shall we?" He offered, taking his seat and signaling to a waiter.

My eyes fell on the menu, and I found nothing mouthwatering on it because the whole meal was sitting right in front of me.

"What about you, Ellie? What's your order?"

I hadn't noticed I was spacing out, staring blankly at the menu until he asked. "I'm sorry?" I blinked a few times. "Uh-- I'll just uhm... order what he gets."

The waiter left, carrying the menus.

Unconsciously, my hand reached for a stray strand of hair and tucked it behind my ear.

Our area was quieter than the rest of the restaurant, since the tables around us were suspiciously empty, and we were far away from the crowds.

"So," he broke the silence. "I see you're interested in making it bigger. It's quite... amusing," he took his time describing whatever Bree had made me look like, but I managed a smile. A shaky smile.

"You see, Mr. Blackwood, I've been thinking about how we can both benefit from this new situation. I know we're competitors, but I also see the potential for collaboration," I began professionally, clasping my hands on the table and keeping my back straight.

He raised his eyebrows and slightly tilted his head to the side, humming softly. "Call me Val," he said, making me pause for a moment.

"Mr. Blackwood--"

"It's Val," he cut me off.

No one dared to give him nicknames, not even his family, let alone his acquaintances. He once told me how special I was to him, giving me the huge ass privilege of calling him by his first name, and even a nickname.

"I am certainly not my father, and we both know each other. So, why the formalities?" He slid his hand across the table and reached for his wine.

I hadn't eaten anything before I came here, just my spit and the courage pill that wasn't effective, but I felt like there was something stuck in my throat.

Clearing my throat, I kept a straight face.

"This is a business--"

"It's Val, baby," he repeated, and this time, with a pet name that had me choking on my own spit.

I mentally smacked my head and told myself to stay focused on his lips-- I mean, on whatever he said and stay composed no matter what happened.

His presence was already making me edgy. What about those eyes that made me spell 'lust'? What about his voice that made me want to beg him to dominate me? This was plain torture for me.

Years had passed, and I could recall cursing in the air that I had moved on and that I was more than sure to leave my past behind, along with the complicated feelings I had for him. But what was this? Why was I so affected by him?

"Everyone calls you Mr. Blackwood." I didn't have to check the facts listed under his name, I perfectly knew how he wanted himself addressed by his surname and never with his name. "And regarding the proposal I was--"

"Your lips still look edible." He cut me off again before sipping his wine, obviously showing me how the lump in his throat bobbed up and down.

I had to cross my legs when a familiar tingling sensation between my thighs started bugging me.

His eyes were staring at my lips, which I unknowingly licked. He was intending to make me want to pee myself.

"The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the proposal I--" I wanted to repeat, but he just wouldn't let me talk.

"I'm willing to sign the contract," he said, placing the wine glass down on the table. "I liked the idea."

That was... fast.

I was expecting him to give me a hard time making him agree with this. Throw me a rough criticism and slap it in my face that I would never be connected to his name again.

"What?"

"After signing each other's contract, let's arrange an open event. I like the idea of 'Tropical Night' and 'Sunset Celebration', considering that guests would love some beach parties," he continued, leaning closer to the table. "My resort doesn't offer island hopping, yours does. It's a good thing you opened up a piece of alliance where we could... benefit with each other's business."

It was either a relief or a burden to me.

Just as easy as that, the resort was saved. But that only meant... I had to bear with Valerian while the contract was still on.

"That's... uh-- I'm grateful that you liked my proposal," I stuttered, lost for words. I anticipated something harder than just sitting in front of him, but instead... he accepted it without a sweat.

"Honestly, I wasn't intrigued by making an alliance or in any form of collaboration since I wanted to make an independent business here on the beach, but when I read the proposal, I wouldn't deny that you piqued my interest."

I should thank my sister later.

"Besides, it's a greater way to attract a wider audience, create a sense of community. It wasn't that bad of an idea," he shrugged and looked at me viciously. "We could make this work, yes, Ellie?"

Nodding my head, I could breathe on one hole of my nose, finally. "That's great! Yeah, I mean..." Shit! I was having trouble looking back at him. "I'm confident that we can come up with something truly special while we put this plan under construction."

While I was speaking, he was only looking at me like there was something on my face, causing me to feel self-conscious about how I looked. Did I do my eyebrows too thick? What about my blush? Did I look like a stoplight?

Shit, I had to keep myself relaxed.

"I never heard any news of you dating anyone since our divorce," he suddenly brought up, leaving the business talks behind.

Indeed he was right. But did that mean he was keeping his eyes and ears on me? What a stalker!

Our order came, and the waiter wished us a great dinner.

"These delicacies are indeed mouthwatering." 'But not as salivating as you do', I wanted to add. "I've heard about this place before but never really had a chance to eat here," I shared, just to neglect what he wanted to talk about.

"Yes, steaks here are the best."

"Been here often?" I asked, taking the napkin and placing it on my lap.

"But I tasted something tastier than any of these," he added, ignoring my question and hinting something as he started slicing his food.

"Yeah, let me guess, pasta?" I rode along, but I sought it as a mistake.

"You," he confidently uttered.

Did I just swallow the air? "Excuse me?"

He stabbed the meat and slowly took a bite while those emerald eyes were glued on me, like how he's supposed to look at what he's eating.

Squinting at him, my whole body was frozen. What did he think he was doing?

Whenever he gnawed, his jaw became firm, boasting the masculinity on his face. His thick brows were relaxed, but there was a part of him that told me the tension. Where was that?

"Mr. Blackwood, my purpose of meeting you doesn't intend other than business. So, please, let's show some etiquette and have virtue while we share dinner," I said, making him chuckle.

I frowned, I couldn't find anything funny from what I said.

"What's so funny?"

"You never really changed, my Elodie," he replied, shifting his eyes to my chest, which exposed my cleavage. Causing me to feel a bit... harassed, but at some point, I wanted him to look at me that way. "I wonder..." He added yet chose to keep it trailed off.

As much as I wanted to know what was in his mind, I reminded myself to be a figure that had to be respected. "I'm not yours, Mr. Blackwood."

"Hm-mm?" He hummed, challenging me.

"May I ask what's to talk about personally for dinner when you've already decided to sign the contract? You think that maybe you could've just called my secretary or my sister?"

"I want to show you my resort tonight, since the opening will happen in a week. I might as well show you what's inside my... place," he replied.

I was sensing something fishy. "Maybe we should just schedule that, Mr. Blackwood. I still have a lot of things to attend to."

"From what I could recall, your sister clearly told me that you will be free tonight, that was why I invited you to join me for dinner."

Okay, scratch thanking Bree, I'll knock her out the moment I see her.

"You were in DC, right?"

"Are you spying on me, Mr. Blackwood?" I frankly asked him.

"Us being divorced doesn't mean I'm not in touch with your father. Uncle Harrison mentioned to me yesterday about your flight," he explained.

I felt so betrayed. Even my own family didn't even put just a few distances away from him!

"So... you can't reason with me, baby. You're 'coming' with me tonight."

I knew I had told myself that I would never follow wherever he went after the dinner we shared, but looking back, I'm grateful for accepting his invitation to visit his resort. The place felt like stepping into the Garden of Eden.

As we entered the lobby, a few staff members were present. His secretary offered his services, but this jerk immediately dismissed him, raising my eyebrows.

He led me to the beachfront, which didn't seem much different from mine, except for the surfboard decors and the name of his resort, 'BB Beach Haven'. Whatever that stood for.

"It's very... natural," I commented, my eyes taking in the surroundings with a glimmer.

There was no doubt that business would thrive under Valerian Blackwood's leadership. He excelled at decision-making, managing his company with precision and equality.

The design of the place was a stark contrast to my own resort. Everything exuded a natural vibe, from the wood-dominated interiors to the dark varnish reflecting his surname.

"Like the place?" I turned and saw him leaning on the banister, showcasing the garden in the middle of the resort-a calming and soothing nature trail.

The garden was adorned with a variety of flowers in different colors, creating a rainbow-like ambiance. The pond under the bridge housed fishes, the clear water a perfect complement to the serene setting.

But out of all the beauty his resort has, the most captivating sight was the owner himself.

Shit! I scolded myself for indulging in thoughts of his perfection.

Avoiding his piercing gaze, I shrugged and remarked, "It wasn't that bad," subtly signaling that I wouldn't shower him with too many compliments. "It's... good."

As he approached with confidence, I feigned interest in something else.

"This! This is fabulous," I cleared my throat. "What is this?" I turned to him, catching his grin.

"Great diversion, Ellie. But that's a sign, baby," he said, standing a meter away, his smugness evident in every angle.

I glanced at the sign, which bluntly read, 'do not feed the fish'.

Am I for real? I mentally cursed myself for the embarrassing situation.

I heard him chuckle under his breath. He seemed to be enjoying this. If only the floor could swallow me up right now.

Composing myself, I turned away from him and chose a direction. I had no idea where it led, but all I could think about was keeping my distance from him and hiding the redness on my face.

"Where does this lead?" I asked as I ascended the stairs, still unable to face him.

"Infinity pool," he replied curtly.

"Infinity pool?" I repeated, my jaw dropping when I reached the platform.

"I thought people would love the idea of spending time here if they didn't want to get wet in the saltwater. This part of the resort could be their best choice," he explained, gazing at the same view I was seeing.

From where we stood, we had a panoramic view of the endless ocean expanse, the stretch of sand from west to east, and the horizon where the sun dipped into the sea.

Standing by the pool, I could see the faint reflection of my face on the clear water, which vanished when Valerian switched on the lights of the pool.

"What do you think?" he inquired.

"It's..." I hesitated, wanting to temper his expectations, but the beauty of this part of his resort was undeniably a chef's kiss. "I think this is the best part."

"You think so?" He asked, standing behind me.

The tension in my body heightened. I could feel his warmth coming to me, waking what's in between my thighs.

This wasn't how it was supposed to go. I took a step forward to maintain my composure, but he was right behind me, exerting a gravitational pull that I couldn't resist.

"I think we're done here," I stated, halting whatever storm we were brewing.

I turned on my heel, but unexpectedly, the heel of my shoe broke, causing me to stumble.

My breath caught, shock coursing through me as I teetered on the edge of the pool, eyes shut in anticipation of the cold water.

A strong hand caught my waist, pulling me back from the brink.

As I regained my footing, my body collided with his firm chest, still recovering from the accident.

"Whoa," he chuckled, keeping me close and secure in his arms. "Watch those ankles."

I met his emerald gaze as our faces drew close, a mere breath away. One wrong move, our lips would touch.

"Still clumsy, aren't we?" he teased, boosting my ego.

I wanted to defend myself, but the sensation of his hand against my back sent a jolt through me.

His gaze lingered on my lips, leaving my throat dry in anticipated. I know this feeling and I hated it.

Dipping his head, he closed his eyes. But before our lips could meet, I pushed him.

And this time... I fell into the pool.

"Ellie!" His muffled voice called out from under the water.

Returning to the surface, I pushed back my hair and glared at him.

"Nice," he snickered, squatting in front of me. "Keep avoiding me, and you'll find yourself in even bigger trouble."

"You were trying to kiss me, idiot!" I exclaimed, splashing water on his face. "Now I'm all wet!"

He shielded himself with his arm, wetting his white shirt. "You're always wet for me," he joked.

"Pervert!"

"You brought it up, baby. Don't blame me."

"Will you stop calling me Ellie or baby? I have a name, Elodie," I corrected him, extending my hand. "Get me out of here."

"Only if you call me Val," he teased, a small smirk playing on his lips.

I scrunched my face and splashed him with water once more. "Alright, Val, can you get me out of your damn infinity pool?"

"Say please, baby."

"Can you just 'please' pull me out, you dogfucker?"

He burst into laughter, something that happens so rare. "Okay," he said, extending his hand.

Too bad he was too kind.

"Oh, fuck!" he exclaimed as I grabbed his hand and pulled him into the pool before I freed myself from the water.

I caught him off guard. My eyes witnessed the surprise on his face before he sank into the pool. Pretty funny.

"Elodie!"

"Now that's my name, you jerk," I grumbled, crawling to the ledge and checked my drenched purse. "Great."

"That wasn't the worst way to get back at me, was it?" He asked, pulling himself out of the pool. His side smirk was still evident on his smug face even when wet, looking hot as he pushed his hair back and flicked his head like a dog.

"It's not enough," I mumbled, pushing myself up.

He and his three-piece suit were soaked. His brown hair lay flat above his head, droplets falling from the tips of it. He pulled his necktie off and tossed his jacket aside.

I gulped at the sight of his shirt being see-through. My eyes could see what he hides underneath his clothes. I've seen it countless times, but it never failed to make me gag every time I caught a glimpse of it. He's freaking hot.

What the hell?

Shaking my head, I pushed that thought away.

Feeling the heaviness of the water on my blazer, I took it off. Now, what am I going to tell Bree once she sees me showing up looking like this?

"You just had your partner drowning in your freaking pool," I grumbled and flicked the water off my hand.

He took a couple of spare towels from the cabinet and handed me one. Instead of taking it, I started marching-limping towards the stairs where we came from, planning to just leave him.

Meeting him was a huge mistake!

This is all Bree's fault.

I can manage and save the resort myself. It will survive without needing Valerian's help. I can do it. I should've listened to myself instead.

"Ellie, baby, where are you going?" I heard him ask as I approached the stairs.

"Go to hell," I mumbled.

I frowned when he wrapped a towel around my waist. Then my feet couldn't touch the stairs, I was suddenly lifted from the ground and locked in the arms of the last man I ever wanted to touch me again.

"Put me down!" I yelped, gripping tightly onto his shirt in surprise.

I tried to make him let go of me, but I got stuck on him like glue.

Great, now all the staff are looking at us.

"Sir, would you need some help?" His secretary stepped in, looking at us with confusion.

"We're fine, Chen. Just check the pool area," the jerk replied and left the lobby, striding like a model.

"This is so embarrassing. Everyone's looking at us. Can you just put me down? I can walk by myself."

"Shut up or I'll make you."

"Are you threatening me, Mr. Blackwood?"

A grin flashed on his face, showing his teeth that I used to find beautiful because it highlighted more than just his beauty, but also his true heart. No, scratch that, it doesn't matter what kind of charm he has, I just don't care!

"Depends on how you take it." He winked at me, depositing me on a golf cart.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked when I noticed that he took the opposite course to the exit of the resort. "This tour is over, Mr. Blackwood. I'm heading back to my place, and I need to change."

He ignored me and kept his eyes straight.

"Hey! Didn't you hear me? I have to-"

"Your chest felt nice. It's a good thing that they're still soft and round," he cut me off, letting those words roll off his tongue. There was a sense of desire in his cocky comment. "Makes me feel excited."

Hugging myself, I looked at him in horror. "Pervert!"

"How am I a pervert? I've already seen all of you, licked every inch of you. Baby, I even came inside you more than a hundred times. Talking about your perfect boobs is just minimal," he said, grinning widely.

"I want to kick you in the face."

The vehicle stopped in front of a luxurious two-story villa. I'm guessing that this is where he stays, and there is no way I'm getting inside that.

He stepped out and jogged to my side. He rested his left arm on the roof of the cart and leaned close to me, openly gazing at my chest that I covered in an effort with my arms.

"I want to show you something better than the infinity pool. Come with me?"

"Are you planning to drown me for real this time?" I scoffed. "No thank you, but I still have a resort to manage." I pushed him so I could make my way, but he stood his ground.

"We've got a lot to talk about, Ellie," he said, standing up straight and pulled me by my hand.

"I am not interested," I huffed, tugging at my hand trapped in his grip. "Let go, or I'll kick your balls."

"No chance," he shot back, that cocky confidence of his making me want to strip it bare. But damn, it's like I'm the one getting stripped down by his intense gaze. "I'm pretty sure you can't hurt me, baby."

Just as I was gearing up to protest, he grabbed the back of my head and planted a rough kiss on my lips.

I wanted to push him away, give him a good slap, but damn it... I ended up kissing him back.