Chapter 1196: Starting from Scratch

The room was hot. Their increasingly intimate kissing ceased only when the voices of Salem and Max were heard outside the door. Both stopped at the most critical moment; Oscar forcing himself to do so, somewhat affected by the situation. He also anticipated Hannah pushing him away once she regained her composure.

Just as Oscar was about to leave, Hannah asked, in a slightly breathless voice, "Is that how long you last?"

Oscar's eyes flickered. He thought he'd imagined it, but continued without hesitation, holding her and whispering, "It will be something you'll remember for a lifetime."

Hannah clutched the bedsheet tightly.

Later that night, Hannah opened her eyes, her body exhausted. Oscar, she thought, was terrifying. As she attempted to get up, he pulled her back down, a magnetic voice murmuring in her ear, "Where do you want to go?"

"I need to use the restroom," Hannah said irritably.

"I'll accompany you."

"Oscar!" Hannah protested.

"I'm worried you can't walk," Oscar smirked evilly. "I'll carry you."

"No need, I'm perfectly healthy."

"Really?" Oscar nibbled her ear. "Then who was begging for mercy just now?"

Hannah gritted her teeth. He's a man without restraint, she thought.

"Since you're so strong," he continued, "want to do some more exercise?"

"Oscar, that's enough."

"No," he licked her ear. "I'll let you know what it feels like to be unsatisfied."

"Ah!" Hannah shrank away as Oscar buried his face in her neck, smirking.

"Let go of me," she said angrily.

Unexpectedly, they made love again. Hannah's irritation finally prompted Oscar to release his grip on her delicate body. Gaining her freedom, she immediately stood, only to collapse to her knees as her legs gave way. Oscar quickly scooped her up.

"Are you okay?" he asked nervously.

Hannah remained silent, simmering with anger. Oscar, on the other hand, found the aftermath surprisingly invigorating. It seemed unfair.

Holding her, he smiled as they headed to the bathroom. "Go to the restroom," he said. "I've seen enough."

Hannah sulked in silence. Oscar deposited her on the toilet and stood before her. His motionless gaze finally broke her, and she snapped, "Get out!" He was naked.

"When you're finished, I'll put you back to bed," he smirked.

"I'm not going back to your bed. I'll go to Sal's room," Hannah retorted, meeting his unwavering stare.

"Fine, get out."

Leaning against the wall, he said composedly, "So, Miss Cooper, are you going to steal this from me for free?"

Hannah's eyes widened, finding the situation absurd.

"You slept with me and want to escape responsibility?" he said slowly. "I'm not easily dismissed."

"Oscar," Hannah bristled, "we're not some outdated couple, just two consenting adults who had too much to drink. Don't get any ideas."

"I wasn't drunk, and neither were you."

Hannah was speechless.

"It wasn't because of the alcohol. It was something between two people in love," Oscar concluded.

"I remember you saying, Mr. Commander," Hannah said seriously, her expression unwavering. Oscar's eyebrows rose. "You said if I had a need, you'd unconditionally fulfill it, without responsibility."

Oscar felt the sting of his own words, refusing to admit defeat.

"Is it honorable for a country's leader to break their word?"

"I said it," Oscar conceded, "but I recall you also saying you'd never have such needs."

Hannah's face darkened.

"So, I believe you desired me not for what you needed, but what your heart wanted," he said with a charming smile. "And I overestimated myself. I realized I wanted you to take responsibility."

"Oscar."

"I'll give you time," Oscar compromised, always quick to back down when Hannah was angry.

Hannah was lost for words. She hadn't intended to start anything with him; it was unexpected sex driven by instinct, an overestimation of her body's needs.

"I'll go out first," Oscar announced, seemingly changing his mind. "Don't get constipated."

"..."

Hannah later showered, needing to wash away the sweat and soreness. Emerging cautiously, she assumed Oscar was asleep.

He was still there, waiting.

"Constipated?" he chuckled, teasing her about her extended shower.

Hannah glared. He lifted her again, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, fearing a fall.

"I said I wouldn't go back to your bed," she protested.

"It's 4 a.m.," Oscar reminded her. "Going to Sal's room now would wake him. Sleep is crucial for his development." He always knew how to leverage Salem. "And I have to work early tomorrow. After Theodore leaves, I won't even have time to be lazy. I'll probably wake up at 7, leaving only three hours to sleep—with you."