Chapter 374

The dinner concluded smoothly; Kylian displayed none of the arrogance expected from a powerful CEO. He was relaxed, almost too casual for his status. Hayden, however, remained largely silent throughout the meal. Beyond offering me food and water, he barely spoke, his cool demeanor suggesting he was the one in charge.

After dinner, Kylian departed in his understated Maybach, and a slightly tipsy Ron arranged for a sober driver. While waiting, Ron slung an arm around Hayden’s shoulder. "So, Hayden, what do you think? Everything go smoothly tonight?"

Hayden calmly brushed Ron's arm away. "You've had too much to drink."

"I'm not that drunk," Ron laughed, reaching for Hayden's shoulder again. "I know you're worried I'll say something stupid, but I've got it under control."

This time, Hayden caught Ron's wrist, preventing him. "I don't like people touching my shoulders. And you probably shouldn't do it to anyone else either. In feng shui, it's said your fortune rests on your shoulders. You don't want to slap away someone's good luck, right?"

I almost laughed. Hayden, concerned about feng shui? Who knew?

Ron blinked, momentarily stunned, then chuckled. "When did you get so superstitious? You sound like an old man."

"Your ride's here," Hayden interrupted, as the driver arrived. He efficiently directed the driver toward Ron. "It's his car. Take him."

Then, putting an arm around me, Hayden turned. "Let's go."

"Hey, I wasn't finished! Where are you two going?" Ron called, but Hayden didn't look back.

As we reached the car, I remained quiet.

"What's on your mind?" Hayden asked, sensing my mood.

Leaning against the car, I looked up at him. "Do you really think Kylian Hart seems like our company's big boss?"

Hayden frowned slightly. "You don't think so?"

"No, I think you seem more like the boss," I said, meeting his gaze.

"I thought so too," Hayden replied casually. Then, with a slight smile, he added, "But you know, looks can be deceiving."

I laughed softly, touching his face. "You do have that whole 'romance novel CEO' look going on. But you're not."

"Are you disappointed? Or do you wish I was?" Hayden asked, his eyes searching mine.

I shook my head. "No, don't overthink it. I like you just the way you are—no crazy rich family, just simple and handsome. You make me feel… safe."

Though I hadn't had a drop of alcohol, my emotions felt giddy, as if I'd overindulged.

Hayden's voice softened. "And if I came into money one day? Would you still feel safe?"

I squinted playfully. "Planning to come into money soon?"

He didn't answer, and I thought of his struggle to afford Yuna's surgery. Wanting to comfort him, I said, "Security isn't about money, you know."

I then pulled away my hand. "Let's go."

But before I could move, Hayden caught my hand, gently pressing it back against the car, leaning closer. He'd had a drink, and I could smell the faint scent of alcohol mingling with the night air. The atmosphere between us felt charged, electric.

My fingers gripped the car door as my heart raced. "Hayden, what are you doing?"

His eyes fixed on my lips, and I saw his intention—he wanted another taste of the kiss I'd given him earlier.

I glanced at his lips too. The lipstick was gone, but I couldn't resist teasing him. "You know, lipstick kinda suits you."

"Hmm."

I laughed. "You always say 'hmm.' What does that even mean?"

"It means I want you to put it on me again," Hayden murmured, his nose brushing mine.

"Only I get to put it on you?" My hand slid to his throat.

"Hmm."

I ran my fingers over his Adam's apple. "What if I want to put it here? Is that okay?"

"You've already done that before," Hayden reminded me, referring to the love bite I'd left on his neck.

"Wanna do it again?" he asked softly.

I didn't answer verbally. Instead, I leaned in and gently bit his neck.

Hayden groaned, and before I knew it, he'd lifted me, pressing me against the car door. The night air was cool, the car cold, but Hayden's body? Burning hot.