Page 18

The kiss was raw and demanding, his mouth moving over hers with bruising intensity. His tongue pushed past her lips, tasting her deeply, sucking on her tongue with a possessive hunger that left her gasping. His body trembled against hers, vibrating with a storm of anger and desire. She clawed at his shoulders, desperate for air, but he didn’t pull back until she was breathless, her lips swollen and wet.
His mouth trailed down her neck, his teeth grazing her skin, his tongue following to soothe the bite. He traced fiery, wet kisses along the curve of her throat and down to her collarbone, his tongue tracing hot paths as he licked and kissed every inch of her exposed flesh.
She was wearing an off-shoulder mini dress that covered her from her bosom to her thighs, leaving the rest of her body bare to his touch. His mouth explored her skin—biting, kissing, licking—leaving behind red marks as if branding her as his. His hands were just as demanding, gripping her waist, pulling her closer, as if he wanted to fuse her into him.
But the thought of another man’s hands on her, another man daring to touch her, made his jealousy burn through him like wildfire. The rage inside him was uncontrollable. The image of that bastard trying to kiss her played in his mind, fueling his every move.
Ivy’s hands wedged between them, pressing against his chest. With a rough push, she shoved him away. Her breath came in ragged gasps as she stumbled off the couch, her face red with anger.
“I told you—I will not love you!” she cried, her voice shaking with fury. The haze of alcohol was wearing off, clearing just enough for her emotions to rise to the surface. “I will never, ever love you, Christian Evans!”
Christian reached for her again, his hands grabbing her face, holding it between his palms as he leaned down, forcing her to meet his dark, stormy eyes.
“I don’t fucking care. I’ll love you for the both of us, and you’ll love me back—whenever that happens.” His grip tightened. “You will marry only me in this life. You will carry my children. And,Ivy,” his voice darkened, filled with a dangerous edge, “there is no way in hell I’m letting you near another fucking man. So get that idea out of your head.”
Ivy’s rage flared. Every word out of his mouth infuriated her more. Her blood boiled.
"Fine," she hissed. "This is what you want, right?"
She reached for the zipper of her dress, her fingers yanking it down with reckless force. “You want my body. That’s what this is all about, isn’t it?” The dress slid down her body, pooling at her feet. She stood before him in nothing but her underwear. “Take it. Get it over with. Satisfy your thoughts, your desires, whatever it is you want—and then be done with it!”
Her hands reached behind her, fingers grasping the clasp of her bra, but before she could unhook it, Christian moved.
Christian stormed toward her, grabbing her wrist in an iron grip.
His other hand cupped her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek, but his gaze was dark, feral. “If you dare take it off,” his voice was a low growl, “I will take you to my bed.” His breath was heavy, his body rigid with restraint. “I’m not that fucking strong. But it won’t be for just one night. It will be for a lifetime.”
Ivy’s patience snapped.
With a swift motion, she pushed him off roughly, and her palm connected with his face in a sharp slap. A stinging sound echoed through the room.
Her chest rose and fell with labored breaths, tears brimming in her eyes from frustration.
Christian slowly turned his face back to her, the imprint of her palm burning on his cheek.
His gaze locked onto hers, but the dizziness from the alcohol, the overwhelming anger, and everything in between finally took its toll. Her body swayed, her vision blurred, and before she could stop herself, she felt her legs giving out. Darkness swallowed her as she fainted.
Christian's heart clenched in panic.
"Ivy? Ivy!"
He rushed forward, catching her before she could hit the ground. “Ivy?” He pulled her into his lap, panic gripping him as he gently patted her cheek. “Wake up. Come on, open your eyes.”
She didn’t respond.
With shaking hands, he reached into his pocket, pulling out a candy and quickly unwrapping it. He slipped it in her mouth, urging her to take it. A few agonizing moments passed before she finally stirred. Her lashes fluttered, the darkness in her gaze began to fade as she slowly regained consciousness.
Relief flooded through him, but he didn’t let go. Grabbing his phone, he quickly dialed a number.
"Hey man, can you bring medicine for low blood pressure to my house right now? Thanks."
He hung up just as fast, his eyes never leaving her face. His hands cradled her cheeks, his fingers brushing against her skin as he searched for any sign of discomfort.
She blinked at him, then weakly pushed his hands away, slipping out of his lap.
Christian let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, relief washing over him. His heart, which had been hammering in his chest, finally started to calm. He ran a hand through hishair before standing up. He gulped hard, his jaw tightening, and then, without a word, he shrugged off his suit jacket. His fingers worked at the buttons of his shirt, slipping it off.
Grabbing her hand, he gently pulled her closer, then slid her arms into the sleeves of his shirt, one by one. He buttoned it up patiently, leaving only the top button undone. Once she was covered, he lightly pressed her shoulders, guiding her back onto the couch.