Chapter 313

“It’s… so good,” she murmured, her mouth full of the cocktail. She’d swallowed it in one gulp instead of savoring it. “Hadwin Stephenson, what do you want from me? Tell me!”

Perhaps the cocktail emboldened her, making her voice louder. His black eyes darkened. “Whatever you owe me, you pay me now.”

Tilting her head, her round eyes fixed on him, she asked, “I just pay you whatever I owe?”

“Yes,” he replied.

Lina Sweeney stood, shaking her head. The alcohol was clearly affecting her; she felt dizzy. The cocktail was potent, making her bolder than usual. She unzipped her coat and removed it.

Hadwin Stephenson narrowed his eyes, watching her. His gaze glistened. Lina Sweeney took off her sweater, then her cotton t-shirt.

“Do you think I want you?” Hadwin Stephenson asked coldly.

Lina Sweeney blinked. “You’re right. You hate me. You probably… don’t want me. Get someone else to do it, then. Since I owe you, you should… uh… you should be able to let go of your anger if I repay you.” Her words trailed off, her tongue stumbling.

His expression turned grim. He moved closer, cupping her chin. “Do you let just anyone do this to you?”

“I’ll think of it as… being bitten by a dog. How… how else am I supposed to pay you? However… you have to keep your promise… Don’t… don’t touch my mom and dad. They’re honest citizens… They’ve never hurt anyone…” Her voice, though stammering, rose to a shrill pitch when she spoke of her parents.

He glared. She was clearly protecting her parents, fearing his retribution. But he didn’t want her fear.

She stared at his handsome face, so close it resembled a childhood doll. “You’re so pretty,” she said, grinning, then touched his cheek, her fingers tracing his features.

He realized she was drunk, just as she had been before. She’d said the same things then, vowing eternal love, completely captivating him. Had she not left the next day, that night would have been his most cherished memory. Unlike the ridicule and coldness he’d endured since childhood, her eyes held warmth.