Do You Believe Me Now
Isabella's already uneasy expression froze completely.
Her entire body went rigid.
The memory of their recent closeness in the study flooded back instantly.
A fresh, hot wave of embarrassment washed over her.
She hesitated for a beat.
Then she blurted out, a stubborn edge to her voice. "W-what? Of course I've kissed other people."
Alexander studied her flushed, delicate face.
His sharp gaze didn't miss her slight falter.
A knowing smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
She was lying.
And she was terrible at it.
He paused deliberately.
His voice took on a meaningful, almost teasing lilt. "I've never been in a relationship. That was my first time kissing a woman. Now my first kiss is gone. Just like that." He let out a deliberate, heavy sigh. "What a tragedy. So tell me, Evelyn... how do you plan to make it up to me?"
Evelyn's eyes widened.
Her lips parted slightly in shock.
She scrambled for a response.
She knew Alexander had no experience. No dating. No kissing.
But they hadn't even properly kissed! His subordinate had interrupted.
And what did he mean, 'make it up to him'?
If they had kissed, it would have been her first kiss too!
Why did he make it sound like his first kiss was more valuable than hers?
Her thoughts spiraled into a tangled mess.
Before she could untangle them, Alexander suddenly leaned in.
His lips brushed against the shell of her ear.
His voice dropped to a husky whisper. "That wasn't much of a kiss. Just the lightest touch. It hardly counts." His warm breath fanned against her sensitive skin. "So tell me... should we try again?"
Her pulse spiked wildly.
She instinctively glanced around the room. "But... someone might see us. You should let me up."
A faint, knowing smile played on Alexander's lips. "Relax. Samuel saw you on my lap. He'll ensure the staff keeps their distance."
His gaze then dropped to her parted lips.
His expression darkened slightly, but his tone was feigned disappointment. "Or..." His voice was soft, challenging. "Do you find me repulsive? Is that why you don't want to get close?"
"No!" she said quickly, urgency filling her voice. "That's not true at all! I don't find you repulsive. Don't think that."
Alexander slowly lifted his head.
His usually unreadable eyes now held a flicker of genuine uncertainty.
As their eyes met, a strange ache settled in Evelyn's chest.
She could see it clearly. He was feeling insecure again.
A quiet, almost imperceptible sigh escaped him.
He loosened his hold on her and started to turn away. "You should go. I was too abrupt."
Panic surged through her veins.
She didn't find him repulsive. Not even a little.
She didn't mind this closeness. If anything... she might even like it.
She was just nervous.
Alexander was inexperienced. He didn't understand that her hesitation wasn't rejection. It was sheer shyness.
"I told you. I don't find you repulsive," she insisted, her voice firm.
But his doubtful expression remained.
He didn't believe her.
She hesitated for only a second longer.
Words weren't enough.
Decision made, she grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled his lips to hers.
The moment their lips connected, a jolt of pure surprise shot through her.
It was nothing like she'd imagined.
Her fingers clutched the fabric of his shirt tightly.
Her other arm curled around his neck for balance.
Without thinking, she bit his lower lip gently.
She was startled by how soft and sweet his lips felt. Like jelly.
But what made her heart pound even harder was the intense heat radiating from them.
Her breath hitched.
Instinctively, she licked the spot where she had bitten him.
Now that she had started, she wasn't sure what to do next.
A nervous gulp slid down her throat.
She pressed her lips together softly.
That tiny, uncertain movement seemed to shift something fundamental in him.
His eyes, already dark, grew impossibly heavier. Something primal awakened in their depths.
She pulled back just a fraction.
Her voice was a breathless whisper against his lips. "I don't find you repulsive. Do you believe me now?"