Jolie’s breath hitched as Gavin captured her completely off guard. His lips dominated hers with an intensity that left her no room to resist, his tongue teasing and tangling as though he intended to consume her entirely. “Mmph…”A muffled sound escaped her, and she instinctively tried to push him away. The kiss was overwhelming, leaving her breathless, and she felt as if she couldn’t take it.But the moment her hands brushed against his skin, she recoiled as though burned.He had just taken a shower.He was wearing nothing but a towel, his skin warm and damp, carrying the faint scent of soap.Fortunately, the kiss ended as abruptly as it began. He pulled back slightly, though his breath still lingered over her lips, leaving her flustered.”You were going to push me away?” he asked, his deep voice tinged with something unreadable as his eyes locked on her flushed face.Jolie’s lashes quivered, her hands frozen mid-air, and her voice trembled as she stammered, “I… I wasn’t ready.”Gavin chuckled softly, his thumb brushing lightly over the curve of her jaw. “And when will you ever be ready? Next year? Next decade?” Jolie bit her lip, speechless.”Besides,” he added in a calm tone, “weren’t you the one who wanted to end this as quickly as possible?”He had a way of piercing through her thoughts with unsettling precision, making her feel as if every layer of her defenses had been stripped away.Standing before him, Jolie felt utterly exposed, as though all her secrets were laid bare. The realization unsettled her deeply.Taking a shallow breath, she pressed her lips together and said, “Fine, let’s get this over with.”She closed her eyes tightly, bracing herself.But the heated kiss she expected never came. After a long pause, curiosity got the better of her, and she opened her eyes to find him still in the same position, gazing at her with a dark, unreadable expression. His eyes, black as night, seemed to pull her in, their intensity making her heart pound.Feeling unnerved, she blinked and asked hesitantly, “What… what’s wrong?” sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Without answering, Gavin released her and turned, striding toward the kitchen.”Hungry,” he said flatly, tossing the words over his shoulder as his tall figure disappeared into the dining area.Jolie froze.Hungry?She had assumed he’d go straight to the point.But as soon as he mentioned it, her stomach growled softly in response, as if in agreement.Pressing her lips together, she stood and followed him into the dining room.On the table were six dishes and two sets of plates and utensils, neatly arranged.”Did you include me in dinner too?” Jolie asked, raising an eyebrow.”Are you hungry?” Gavin countered.Jolie nodded honestly. “Starving.””Then sit down and eat,” he said simply before beginning his meal.He didn’t even bother putting on a shirt, sitting there casually in nothing but his towel. Jolie caught a glimpse of him, her cheeks heating inexplicably before she quickly averted her gaze and sat down to eat. Neither of them was particularly talkative, so the atmosphere remained relatively calm as they ate.Jolie finished quickly, feeling satisfied.Glancing at Gavin, she said, “I’m going to take a shower.””Alright,” he replied indifferently, not even looking up.She stood and headed to the guest room. While showering, her thoughts drifted, and Gavin’s tall, powerful frame flashed in her mind-broad shoulders, defined muscles, and an unmistakable strength. Normally, he wore his suits so impeccably, not a crease out of place. Who would have guessed what was hidden beneath?The more she thought about it, the more she realized… maybe she hadn’t lost entirely.His physical presence, his prowess-he was exceptional, undeniably so.Every time they were intimate, the pleasure was undeniable, leaving her breathless and fulfilled.If that was the case, then why not let go and enjoy it?After all, there was no escaping this arrangement.So why not savor themoments of joy and make the bestof the present? Content St