novelxo Chapter 1059
Jolie let out a startled gasp, her wide eyes meeting Gavin's as her body stiffened. Perched awkwardly on his lap, she didn't dare move.
"But you took a shower, got so close to me, and then asked if I wanted to stay. If that's not an invitation, then what is it?"
His voice was low and deliberate as his strong arm wrapped around her slender waist, holding her firmly in place. His dark eyes locked onto hers, catching the panic flashing through them.
Jolie's breath hitched, her lips trembling slightly, as though even her soft, petal-like lips were reacting to his words. Her hands instinctively grabbed his arm, feeling the solid, defined muscles beneath her fingers-a testament to years of disciplined fitness. "Mr. Cooper, I..." she began, but before she could finish, his hand tipped her chin up, and his lips captured hers.
Her eyes widened in shock, and she instinctively tried to pull away, but his grip was unrelenting.
The kiss was searing, his breath hot and consuming as he dominated her lips. His intensity left her gasping for air as he claimed every corner of her sweetness.
"Mm!"
It wasn't a kiss of finesse but one of raw possession, clumsy yet overpowering. The roughness made her uncomfortable, her body twisting in protest.
"What are you squirming for?" Gavin growled, his breath heavy as he shifted, pinning her down on the sofa. His broad chest loomed over her, amplifying her smallness and fragility beneath him.
Jolie's breath came in shallow, uneven gasps. Her lashes fluttered as she whispered, "Mr. Cooper, why are you doing this?"
She looked up, her gaze searching his, desperate for answers.
"Is it because, when you look at me, you see someone else's face?" she asked, her voice trembling but firm as she voiced the doubt that had been gnawing at her.
The tension in the room shifted instantly. The intimate atmosphere deflated like a balloon pricked and slowly losing air.
Gavin's expression darkened further as he stared into her eyes, his own holding a storm of emotions.
"So, this," he said slowly, his voice a notch deeper, "was all to test me?"
They were both intelligent people her single question was enough for Gavin to grasp her intent.
Having her thoughts exposed, Jolie felt a flicker of embarrassment but didn't shy away.
Instead, she lifted her chin slightly and said, "That's right, Mr. Cooper. I know you like Selena. But she's her and I'm me. I won't be anyone's substitute. If you think you can't have her and want to find some resemblance in me, you're mistaken. I won't play along."
With that, she pushed against his chest, trying to get up.
But his body was too heavy, and after their earlier struggle, she found herself too drained to make much effort. Her attempt to shove him barely budged him. Frustrated, she glanced up at him, her eyes now flashing with irritation.
Gavin stared at her coldly, his voice
low and firm. "Miss Quin, you're the one who tempted me, and
wantto pin this on me? I can you
accept that."
"What?"
Jolie's eyes widened in disbelief at his audacious claim.
Gavin's hand slid to her waist, this time directly against her bare skin. His fingers brushed over her softness, sending a wave of heat through her.
"I'm just a normal man," he said, his
voice calm but cutting. "You started by boldly asking me for my belt.
Then you touched my thigh. After et
that, you let me, a stranger, into your home took a shower, and got so close to me I could feel your breath. What was I supposed to think?"
Each word was sharp and deliberate, painting a picture where all the blame landed squarely on her.
No.
In his eyes, this entire series of events was her calculated attempt to seduce him.