Chapter 148: Kiss Me

She couldn't recall the last time she'd harbored such a crush, such intense feelings for someone as she felt for Charles. It seemed she'd only known hate for a very long time, a deep-seated hatred for him that overshadowed all other emotions.

Hannah regarded him with conflicted emotions. She couldn't decipher her feelings—was it infatuation, or simply gratitude for his actions? Either way, it felt inconsequential. She admitted to being swayed by Manuel's recent words, contemplating a serious relationship with Oscar regardless of her reservations. Seeing his wounds, however, she questioned whether to trust him again. Should she give him another chance?

Oscar was different from Charles. Charles would never have sacrificed himself for her; he'd even feign indifference. But Oscar nearly lost his life. Ultimately, she hesitated. The more she cared, the more afraid she became; the more serious the situation, the more cautious her approach. She was no longer the naive girl who'd do anything for love; she had far more important priorities. Therefore, her only recourse was time. Time might alter her mind and feelings. Perhaps, in time, she'd wholeheartedly accept him—free from resentment, holding only love.

Hannah carefully managed her emotions, stifling her tears. She'd become a woman who could take love lightly, avoiding being entrapped again.

"It's late. Rest now. Let me know if you're unwell. I'll sleep on the bed next to you," she said. She felt it was sufficient. They'd exchanged promises that barely qualified as promises; the future rested in God's hands. Turning to leave, she was stopped by Oscar.

"Hannah Cooper," he said, using her full name—a rarity, signaling seriousness.

She turned. "You said you didn't know how to repay me, right?" he asked.

Hannah was surprised. Hadn't she made it clear? She needed time to accept him and his love. She wouldn't deliberately reject him. What more did he want?

"Kiss me," Oscar said abruptly.

Hannah's eyes widened in shock. Had she expected too much? Did all men only think of sex? He wanted intimacy while she was discussing love and feelings.

She glared at him.

"Trust me, Hannah. No man can refuse a woman he loves who throws herself at him," Oscar said earnestly. "And for me, I just want to feel your warmth after surviving that terrible accident… Mm…"

Oscar's eyes widened. He desperately wanted to kiss her, anytime, anywhere. He'd dreamt of this moment his entire life. He'd panicked when she was in danger. It wasn't just about feeling her warmth; he needed her to stay. He was terrified of her disappearing, of the heartbreak it would cause. He didn't want to relive that fear. But had he truly experienced it? He was in a trance, craving her presence, her kiss, to confirm she was still alive, beside him.

He swallowed. Somehow, the thought of her kiss aroused him. He'd been unsure if she'd kiss him, and never anticipated such a long kiss. He was bewildered, simply letting her kiss him eagerly.

Hannah herself couldn't comprehend her impulsiveness. She kissed him with a hint of anger, feeling she had nothing to lose, and wanting to be generous to her savior. Yet, touching his lips, she found it increasingly difficult to control herself; she even stuck out her tongue.

Startled by her actions, she attempted to pull away, but Oscar held the back of her head, preventing her from breaking the kiss.

"Mm!" Hannah stared intently, immobile under his grip. Their kiss deepened. Her thoughts shifted from the embrace to the strength it took for him, injured as he was, to initiate such intimacy.

"Mm…" Hannah gradually ceased struggling. For the first time, she experienced Oscar's tenderness. He wasn't his usual bossy self; he kissed her softly, then deeply.

Their kiss lingered. Oscar ended it first, but Hannah felt unsatisfied, watching him stop, her eyes misty.

"Hannah, that look will definitely turn me on," Oscar rasped.

Hannah snapped back to reality. She'd lost herself in his kiss. She stood up, gasping. He was a womanizer, undeniably skilled at kissing. If he were well, she thought she might have succumbed to his seduction. Her face flushed. Then she heard him: "Miss Cooper, if you're dissatisfied, I can try to…"

"Shut up!" she yelled, wanting no more from him.

He burst into laughter. How could he laugh with his injuries? Couldn't he see how creepy his smile was?

"I'm going to bed!" she declared, moving to the bed.

Oscar watched her bury herself under the blanket, like a caterpillar.

"Aren't you afraid of suffocating?" he asked.

"Shut up. Sleep!" she shouted from under the covers.

"Show your head, and I'll sleep."

"Nope!"

"Don't be shy. I've seen every part of you!" he smirked.

"Oscar!" Hannah emerged, her face crimson. "Did you peek at me?"

"Nope! I didn't peek. I saw your body openly and naturally," he smiled.

Hannah was speechless.

"Don't worry. You're perfect to me."

Damn! What a playboy!