Chapter 66

Her act of revenge was so impulsive, driven by a reckless defiance. Yet she took it seriously. Her slender arms crossed tightly around his waist, as if afraid he might break free, holding on with all her strength. Van was wearing only a shirt, neatly tucked into his suit pants. As Winnie hugged his waist, she could feel the firm texture of his muscles and bones, exuding strength. Her face flushed. On the wide men's watch dial on her left wrist, the second hand moved at a pace that seemed both fast and slow. 'Twenty seconds," she murmured, counting with her eyes closed. 'Forty seconds," she said smugly. 'One minute," she declared with the attitude of a winner. 'That's enough for today," Winnie said, tilting her face upward. 'Mr. Marlowe, you're so trustworthy. If you scold me, I'll just waste your money." The way she looked made Van feel that not kissing her in this moment would be unmanly. He tightened his arms around her waist. His lowered gaze was calm and unruffled, yet his voice was unusually deep, 'You are so smart." Winnie was certain he wasn't sincerely praising her, but meeting his gaze, she swallowed lightly. The cigarette he had just lit burned quietly. White smoke drifted upward, curling through the cool air, veiling his unreadable expression. Van narrowed his eyes. The hand holding the cigarette lifted, gently caressing Winnie's cheek. In a deep, raspy yet casual tone, he said, 'I've got too much money. Let me teach you a faster way to waste it." Winnie's heart tightened. Her lashes fluttered as she glanced up into the man's eyes, but she could only hold his gaze for a second before panic overtook her, and she quickly looked away, her eyes falling to his lips, which were so close. The scent of his custom cigarette filled her nose. She tilted her head slightly, her feet turning weak. Just as she braced for what was about to happen, she closed her eyes, and Van's kiss came down. His suit jacket slipped off her shoulders, landing on the floor. Winnie let out a soft 'mm" as her balance suddenly disappeared. Van scooped her up, pressing her hard against the wall. The cold surface of the wall seeped through her silk blouse, chilling her to the bone and making her shiver uncontrollably. She could barely touch the ground, her hips held firmly in the crook of his arm. Beneath her pencil skirt, her long legs stretched taut, her toes desperately and forcefully trying to find purchase. Her waist was caught in his iron grip, held so tightly it felt as if he might break her in half. But none of his force was as fierce as the way he kissed her. His kiss was relentless, overpowering, and domineering, leaving her no room to respond. He sucked, bit, licked, tangled, and pulled—unlike last night's loss of control or this afternoon's calm confidence. This was pure, raw possession, driven by surging hormones. Winnie's tongue ached under his unyielding kiss. Her arms, soft and limp, draped around Van's neck, her fingers running through his hair. She wasn't sure if she was pulling him closer to her or pushing herself closer to him. The heat radiating from his body beneath his shirt was overwhelming. A tightness gripped the heart hidden behind her softness. Just when she thought she might die from the intensity, she heard the faintest click. Through her shirt, she felt the clasp of her bra undone by his deft single hand. Her breath and softness were freed. But the kiss stopped abruptly there. Van snapped out of it, and so did Winnie—his eyes were intense, while hers were flushed with red at the corners. He swallowed hard, unable to hide his desire, while she panted heavily, trying to catch her breath. Their chests heaved as the fervor gradually subsided. Van steadied his breathing, letting his hand slide from Winnie's back and gently setting her down. Her legs were too weak to hold her, and she wobbled upon landing, only to be caught by him in an instant. He pressed her back against the wall again. Van let out a deep sigh, his tired eyes showing a hint of affection as he looked at her. After a long pause, he lowered his head and placed a soft kiss at the corner of her lips. 'I'm sorry," he said.