Grace Quinn recalled the night they first met when he saved her.
The man was drenched, his short, jet-black hair neat. His sword-like eyebrows were raised, and his chiseled features exuded a raw, hormonal charm. His strong arms cradled her soft form.
Alexander used to complain about her being an unromantic, cold woman, who never showed any passion for sex. This time, she proactively wrapped her arms around this man's neck, boldly inviting him.
It was he who had unlocked her passionate side, showing her that pure physical pleasure could still satisfy.
The alcohol had slowed her brain. John leaned in to kiss her before she could refuse. His lips were gentle, like a spring breeze and a soft drizzle. His hand guided her arm around his muscular waist. And with the soft sofa beneath her, she felt desire awaken within her sooner than she'd anticipated.
"You want me too," he whispered in her ear.
Grace, dazed and unsure if the alcohol was clouding her judgment, didn't resist. She tried to speak. "I—"
But before she could finish, he sealed her lips with his own, firmly blocking her words. His fingers landed on the bow at her waist, coaxing, "Baby, tell me, do you want it or not?"
Ding--
Suddenly, the doorbell rang, like a bucket of cold water thrown over her. The interruption jolted her back to reality, and she pushed him away instinctively.
Seeing the dissatisfaction in his eyes made her feel guilty, and she quickly glanced toward the door. "Go hide in my room first!"
John frowned. "Am I that shameful?"
"If it's a colleague or my mother, I can't let them find us like us!"
Grace tugged at him, and he finally relented, allowing her to guide him into the bedroom. "Don't come out..." she instructed, but before she could finish, he pressed her against the wall, kissing her deeply.
"John... Mm..."
He held the back of her head, kissing her passionately, his touch both tender and commanding. "I'm a businessman. I can hide, but what will you give me in return?"
In the dim light, his lustful gaze was intense, igniting a fire within her. His hands roamed her waist, teasing her with a promise of more. "If you agree, I'll behave."
"Okay, I agree." Cornered, she had no choice.
She escaped his embrace and hurried to the living room, slamming the bedroom door behind her. After adjusting her appearance, she opened the door to find Alexander standing there, looking disheveled and reeking of alcohol.
"What are you doing here?" Grace's tone turned icy, ready to close the door.
He wedged his foot in the way, hurt flashing in his eyes. "Grace, you haven't contacted me in ninety days."
"So? Should I give you an award for your twelve minutes and thirty-eight seconds?"
His expression turned even more pained. "Even if I cheated, I just wanted to see if you really cared about me. Grace, have you ever had feelings for me?"
Grace stayed silent, weighing her words carefully. If John Amster were to overhear, it could complicate everything.
Seeing her hesitation, Alex's eyes lit up. "That night, I was drugged by my mother. I had my reasons."
"And what do you mean by that?"
His face softened, filled with a mixture of desperation and hope. "It's a commercial alliance with Susan. Grace, I regret it. I don't want to break up."
Grace pried his fingers off her shoulders one by one. "Sorry, I don't have the habit of recycling trash. Besides, your twelve minutes can't satisfy me."
Alex's face blanched in shock. "What? what did you mean?"
"I said I have a wonderful man. He's wild and powerful."
"Grace, you must be joking. We were together for three years; you wouldn't even let me hold your hand. How could you be with another man?"
He almost accused her of being frigid.
"I know you're trying to provoke me. You must have me in your heart..."
Before he could finish, a male voice interrupted, cutting through the tension. "How much longer do I have to wait?"
Alex was stunned, turning to see John standing in the doorway, tall and imposing.