Jolie’s lashes trembled as she opened her eyes, her gaze locking with his. His dark, fathomless eyes were devoid of any emotion, like a still, bottomless lake. She froze, her movements coming to an abrupt halt.Pulling back slightly, she stared at him in confusion. “Didn’t you say you wanted a woman?”Why was he so unresponsive, even when she had taken the initiative? What was this supposed to mean?The more she tried to understand this man, the less she could. And the less she liked him. He was infuriating.Gavin stood there, one hand holding a glass of wine, the other tucked casually into his trouser pocket. His dark gray shirt was impeccably buttoned all the way to the top, the tie perfectly knotted, exuding an air of restraint and self-discipline. Even with a woman practically draped over him, he maintained an aura of cold detachment, an unapproachable distance that only emphasized his indifference.Jolie let go of him and stepped back, her lips now glistening slightly from the messy kiss. Frustration tinged her voice as she asked, “Do you enjoy toying with me, Mr. Cooper?”Gavin’s tone was cool and unaffected as he replied, “This should have been something pleasurable. But the way you approached it as if walking to the gallows, made it feel like a punishment. Do you really think being with me is such a torment?” His blunt words laid her thoughts bare, leaving her flustered and unsure of where to look.”I didn’t mean that.””Didn’t you?”His gaze shifted to the wine in his hand. Taking another sip, his Adam’s apple moved in a slow, enticing motion as he swallowed. His tone was calm, almost indifferent. “Then show me your best. Let me see who you really are.” Jolie stared at him, stunned.Wait-what? Was he raising the bar now?Her frustration boiled over, a faint redness blooming at the corners of her eyes. She bit her lip and snapped, “Gavin Cooper, you know full well I don’t want this, yet you’re using guilt to push me into agreeing to your ridiculous demands.”Do you really think I care whether you’re satisfied or not? You’ve already had your fun before-so what if I back out now? I’m done playing your games!”What could have been a straightforward matter had turned into an ordeal, thanks to his endless demands. Did he think she was some kind of wishing well, ready to grant his every whim? Dream on!Furious, Jolie spun on her heel and stormed off.But before she could take more than a step, a hand gripped her wrist, yanking her back with surprising force. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the ƒindNoᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Her soft body collided with his chest-solid, muscular, and unyielding-knocking the breath out of her as she frowned in pain.”What are you” she began angrily, but her words were abruptly silenced as the warm, intoxicating scent of wine filled the air between them.His lips descended, capturing hers in a heated kiss that stopped her protests cold.Gavin was irritated, his emotions unexpectedly stirred by her defiance. This little woman was insufferably stubborn. Promises meant nothing to her and that lack of commitment was something he wouldn’t tolerate.Jolie didn’t stand a chance against his dominance. His kiss left her dizzy, her knees weak, and her body melting against his. Only the firm arm wrapped around her waist kept her from crumpling to the floor. His hands slid to her slender waist, gripping tightly. With one effortless motion, he lifted her off the ground and placed her on the chair.The cool sensation of the fabricbrushing against her skin made her shiver, her dress hiked up enough to leave her exposed. Instinctively, she clamped her legs together-only to find them wrapping around his hips.QUMSHer face flushed with embarrassment and fury. Balling her hands into fists, she pounded against his chest in protest, trying desperately to resist.But Gavin’s strength was overwhelming, easily overpowering her attempts. His kiss grew more intense, wild, and consuming, as he claimed her softness and stole the air from her lungs.The room filled with the sound of ragged breathing, heavy and unsteady. A muffled, short cry escaped her lips, tinged with frustration and the faintest hint of tears.