Ryan’s look was hard to put into words.

After checking everything out, he leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed and grinned. “Your ex-husband really gets women.”

I was honestly surprised too. I never expected Jared to go to all this trouble–he didn’t even mention it. Was this supposed to be a surprise for me?

“Yeah, he really does,” I said. After two lifetimes of being surrounded by women, no one gets them better than he does.

Ryan glanced at the makeup mirror, where several luxury makeup sets were displayed.

“He’s so good at this, it just makes me feel even less mature,” Ryan muttered, feeling kinda emo as he stared down at his toes.

Young people just love getting swept up in their feelings.

I walked up to him with a smile, looking up sincerely. “He’s just used to doing these things–it doesn’t mean you can’t be just as good.”

“I’m still not as thoughtful or attentive,” Ryan said. Seeing the difference made it obvious. He figured what I liked about Jared was how considerate he was.

“Ryan, you don’t need to compare yourself to anyone,” I said softly, trying to reassure him.

“I’ll learn, bit by bit,” Ryan replied, his gaze lingering on my face, eyes shimmering with emotion.

I couldn’t help but smile, realizing I was the lucky one reaping the benefits of their little rivalry.

“This, I like,” I said, my smile spreading.

Ryan looked around at the ceiling, his face suddenly serious. “This place was a gift from your ex-husband, so he must’ve had someone come by first. Do you ever wonder if he might’ve hidden something in here?”

I froze, suddenly on edge.

It wasn’t that I didn’t trust Jared’s character, but he’d been acting kinda shady lately, so it was better to be safe than sorry.

Ryan pulled out his phone and made a call.

Before long, someone showed up with some equipment.

They checked the whole room but didn’t find any cameras or anything suspicious.

“Guess I was just being petty,” Ryan joked at his own expense, giving himself a hard time. “So, your ex-husband really does treat you well.”

I leaned back on the couch, smiling lazily. “Don’t be jealous.”

Ryan walked over and crouched down in front of me.

“I kind of jumped to conclusions about you earlier. Are you upset with me for that?” he asked softly.

I brushed my fingers lightly across his brows and eyes. “No, I’m not upset. You’re just being careful, and you’re teaching me how to look out for myself.”

A smile finally crept onto Ryan’s face. He ducked his head, blushing. “Do you know why I couldn’t stand up when you patted my head before you left the restaurant?”

I blinked in surprise and glanced down, which only made Ryan blush harder.

“Sorry, I don’t even know why I’m like this,” Ryan said, completely flustered. He added helplessly, “Whenever I’m with you, I just lose control. I can’t help myself.”

I couldn’t help but laugh.

Being young is the best!

When Ryan saw me laughing, he looked a little shy and annoyed. Suddenly, he leaned in and kissed the corner of my mouth as I smiled. “Vic, don’t laugh.”

The more serious he got, the more I wanted to laugh.

But soon, I couldn’t laugh anymore–he captured my lips in a deep kiss, and the heat of it made my heart race.

Ryan had clearly been holding back for ages. His voice came out rough: “Vic, I’ve been going crazy missing you.”

“I’ve been watching the clock, just waiting for you to show up,” Ryan said.

“I honestly have no idea why I’m like this,” he admitted.

“It feels like I can’t even breathe when you’re not around.”

He pressed a kiss to my ear, whispering how much he’d missed me these past few days.

Compared to his fiery sincerity, I was much quieter. I nodded. “Well, I’m here now, aren’t I?”

“Yeah, you’re here, and I’m really happy,” Ryan said, his breath coming faster. He finally pulled me into another kiss. “Stay with me, will you?”

His words were full of longing, like a lost puppy finally finding home. He tried to hold back, but he was trembling as he gently pinned me to the couch.

“Wait a second…” I said quickly, as things started to get out of hand, reaching out to stop him.

“Is it not a good time?” Ryan asked, his eyes darkening as he looked at me.

I shook my head. “No, it’s not that. I just don’t have any protection.”

Ryan immediately reached for his phone, probably about to send his bodyguard out for a run.

“Don’t…” I stopped him. “I still had some left from last time, so I brought them.”

Ryan’s eyes sparkled with pure joy.

I got up and headed to the bedroom to grab them, Ryan trailing right behind me. I barely had a chance to hold them before he pressed me up against the wall.

He was so tall, and the way he bent down, his height towering over me–there was nothing but pure, burning want in his gaze.

I noticed something different about Ryan lately. There was a wild, predatory edge to him now–like a beast about to charge into battle, baring his claws and showing just how dangerous he could be.

He was changing, growing stronger and more confident with every passing day.