?Chapter 112:


    When consciousness returned, every muscle in Rachel’s body ached with a sweet soreness. The events of the previous night existed only as hazy fragments in her mind, refusing to form aplete picture.


    ncing down, she discovered the evidence of their passion painted across her neck in tender bruises. Her face flushed crimson as she realized the marks weren’t confined to her neck alone—they traced a telling path across her entire body, each one a reminder of his ardent attention. The sight proved too much to bear. Mortification washed over her in waves.


    Only one truth remained crystal clear in her mind: the man who had imed her so thoroughly had been Brian.


    The question of how they would face each other now loomedrge in her thoughts. Rationality suggested maintainingposure. After hastily dressing, Rachel made for the door with swift determination, unwilling to linger in this charged atmosphere.


    Just as her fingers brushed the handle, strong arms encircled her from behind. Brian’s embrace imed her waist with practiced familiarity, his body pressing against hers in a way that spoke of intimacy and possession.


    Though he remained silent, his hold conveyed volumes about his intentions. Her voice faltered as words failed herpletely.


    After an eternal moment of mental scrambling, she managed to piece together a weak excuse. “I need to eat something, I’m hungry.”


    A low chuckle rumbled through Brian’s chest, his voice rich with amusement. “Hungry?” yful suggestion colored his tone as joy danced beneath his words. “It seems I failed to wear you outst night. You still have the energy to walk now. Should we continue…”


    Rachel’s hand flew up to cover his mouth before he could continue. She turned to face him, her beautiful eyes shing with embarrassment as she attempted a re. “Just drop that idea.”


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    “But you really liked itst night. You were the one clinging to me, pleading…” Once again, her hand rushed to silence his lips as her cheeks zed scarlet.


    “I remember nothing fromst night. I must have been intoxicated. If I behaved inappropriately, please ept my apologies.”


    Displeasure darkened Brian’s expression. “Do you truly believe a simple apology canpensate for all my devoted attentionst night?”


    His head dipped to her neck, teeth grazing the sensitive skin as his warm breath sent shivers down her spine. “Rachel,” he murmured against her flesh, “everything in this worldes at a price. As a businessman, I ensure every decision yields favorable results. Losses are not part of my vocabry.”


    Guilt threaded through Rachel’s conscience. “Then… what would you have of me?”


    “Release your anger toward me. Return home. My grandma really misses you.”


    “I harbor no anger.” The truth was simpler — disappointment had led her to surrender hope. “Once the project reachespletion, I’ll consider returning.”


    “Then I shalle to collect you when that time arrives.”


    “We can talk about itter.”


    Brian recognized the softening of her resistance and wisely chose not to push further. “Join me for lunch. I’ve made reservations and will send you the details.”


    His chin rested atop her head as yfulness crept into his tone. “My afternoon is upied. Dine without me.”


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