Chapter 188: Will You?

When her hair was completely dry and the hairdryer’s whirring stopped, Maggie opened her eyes and looked in the mirror.

“Luster Corporation’s exit is finalized, but the Camerons still have room to turn things around,” Nathael said solemnly, his words lacking clarity. She sensed her hatred for the Camerons ran deeper than her stated reasons. He worried this wouldn't satisfy her.

Maggie stood, hugged his waist, and turned. “I know. I never expected to defeat them instantly. But after this, some injuries are inevitable.”

Lifting her gaze, a curve played on her red lips. “Moreover, a slow attack is more interesting, isn't it?”

A hint of coldness flickered in her beautiful eyes, yet she remained undeniably charming.

Nathael gently covered her rosy lips with his index finger, his gaze intense. “You know I can help you.”

Maggie chuckled softly. “You’ve helped enough. Besides, I want to handle this myself.”

Her smile was calm, but her thoughts seemed distant. She knew he could help—with him, even ten Camerons wouldn't stand a chance. It would be simpler, smoother. But, as she said, she wanted to do it herself. She still had things to figure out, and she didn't want Nathael entangled in these messy affairs.

Without waiting for a reply, Maggie tiptoed and kissed his chin.

“Kiss me,” she whispered seductively, wanting to avoid the disheartening subject.

Nathael, of course, obliged.

Beneath the soft light, he leaned down, deepening the kiss. Maggie responded hesitantly, her hands unbuttoning his shirt.

Sensing her intentions, he paused, only momentarily, before resuming the kiss.

Focused on the buttons, Maggie became distracted. Soon, overwhelmed by his advances, her breath hitched, her face flushed, and her legs felt weak.

One button, two buttons, three buttons…

A moment later, his unintentional movements interrupted her.

Frustration reddened Maggie's eyes. Combined with his passionate kisses, a mist appeared, like the dampness of a forest after rain. Nathael was deliberately teasing her! He was intentionally hiding his wounds!

Annoyed, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down onto the bed.

She smiled, gazing at his handsome face. Her fingers traced his taut abdominal muscles, inching upward. Her touch was delicate and cool. Nathael’s Adam’s apple bobbed; his eyes dangerous as he whispered, “Maggie, you’re playing with fire.”

Lying on the luxurious bed, her silky hair cascaded around her, her skin glowing, exuding allure. “I just missed you,” she said, pausing to play with his hair. He remained still, his black eyes intense, turbulent desire restrained yet palpable. Her voice was soft, unintentionally flirtatious.

He didn’t stop her, but the veins on his forehead, visible through his pale skin, betrayed tension. Unconcerned, she wrapped her legs around his waist, casually tousling his hair, whispering enticing murmurs.

Using her legs for leverage, she leaned in, whispering in his ear, “Nathael, do you want me?”

Her lips brushed his earlobe, sending shivers through him. Her breath carried a seductive fragrance.

Heat surged through him; his voice hoarse. “You’d better know what you’re saying.”

She tousled the damp hair falling on his forehead. They were easier to manage now, a chaotic but surprisingly stable mess.

After a while, Maggie’s back ached, and she flopped onto the bed. A faint scab on his forehead caught her eye, and she touched it.

Instead of answering his question, she casually asked, “How did you get that?”

His dark pupils were intense. Oblivious to his reticence, she insisted, “Why aren’t you saying anything?”

He took a deep breath. “I had a bit of an accident,” he said, his voice hoarse, his body tense.

Maggie had considered that she might fulfill his wish. What harm could sleeping with him do? But she wanted to see how long he'd keep it from her.

“What kind of accident? Did you get injured anywhere else?” She began to peel off his clothes.

He swiftly pressed her hand down, turning off the lights, diverting the conversation. His dark eyes, filled with intense desire, locked onto hers. “Will you?”

The room plunged into darkness, only faint outside light filtering in. She could sense him leaning over her, his weight on his legs and uninjured arm. Even so, she sensed his right hand was unsteady.

Closing her eyes, she kissed his lips.

Desire surged, overwhelming love bursting forth. His hand landed on her leg, kisses falling on her neck and collarbone. She closed her eyes, tugging at his clothes, her body growing pliant under his teasing.

The room's temperature rose, Maggie on the verge of losing control. Yet the image of Nathael in a pool of blood, pierced her heart, impossible to forget.

Feeling the coolness of his fingertips, she tensed.

He paused, sweat on his nose. He kissed her, whispering, “Don’t be afraid, relax…”

Remembering her intention, she seized the opportunity, swiftly pulling off his clothes.

She saw arms crisscrossed with deep and shallow scars. The worst showed exposed bone. Only pale pink flesh had grown back.

A faint medicinal scent filled the air. Tears welled in her eyes. She pushed him away, turned on the light.