Chapter 287

Skylar’s face flushed crimson. Gripping the steering wheel, she cursed the timing of Natalie’s message. They used to chat freely, and now Joe had seen their messages. She didn't need to look to know how impressive the muscular men in Natalie's pictures were. However, compared to Joe's superior physique, none of them stood a chance. Her best friend had set her up!

"She doesn't know I'm married," Skylar explained, trying to sound natural. "She still thinks I'm single and wants me to find someone. Since she's married, she doesn't want me to be lonely."

Internally, however, she was a mess. Any woman would be mortified if her husband saw her texting about other men.

Joe's lips curved slightly as he sensed Skylar's forced calmness. "Do you want me to tell her to stop trying to find you a man?"

A surge of possessiveness washed over Joe. Some things needed clarifying.

Skylar's composure crumbled; her smile faltered. "That's not necessary"

She sensed a potent intensity in Joe's gaze—a signal unmistakable to any adult. The air crackled with tension.

By the time they reached Galaxy Villa, the tension had reached a boiling point. The door closed behind them, Skylar slipped into her slippers, and Joe's urgent, fervent kisses descended. Skylar gasped for breath as Joe pressed her against the wall, taking control. Rational thought yielded to the intensity of the moment, and the villa was consumed by passion.

Joe lifted Skylar and carried her upstairs, gently laying her on the bed. He quickly undressed and joined her, his body pressing down on hers.

Skylar's understanding of Joe deepened. He seemed cold and restrained, but in bed, he was anything but. The contrast was stark and intoxicating, revealing a wildly passionate and uninhibited side. Joe knew he didn't fall in love easily, yet his desire for Skylar was overwhelming and uncontrollable. His years of being single, or perhaps his usual self-restraint, made him crave more with Skylar.

Mischievously, he whispered, "Call me darling."

Skylar obliged. "Darling"

The single word resonated deeply with Joe, momentarily startling him.

When Skylar was finally exhausted, Joe held her contentedly. Feeling her warmth, he closed his eyes. He thought that while he might not love her, their physical compatibility and mutual understanding made their relationship satisfactory—a decent foundation for a marriage, in his view.

Maisy had waited three hours at a five-star hotel, with still no sign of Kenny. This was a risky move. She'd told Kenny they could discuss personal matters privately at the hotel, away from prying eyes at home. However, Kenny hadn't responded to her message, and her heart pounded with uncertainty. This was the crucial step; she needed Kenny to take it.

Maisy sent another WhatsApp message: "Kenny, I know what you're worried about. Don't worry, we're just going to talk. I'm afraid our parents, Peter, and Samuel will notice my feelings if I talk about them at home."

Meanwhile, Kenny sat in his car outside the hotel, hesitating for two hours, silently pondering. He needed to determine if his feelings for Maisy were sibling-like or romantic. He still didn't have an answer. His mind was in turmoil. The thought of Maisy crying, saying her feelings were unspeakable, ached his heart.

Seeing her message, a surge of emotion rose within him. He couldn't leave Maisy to face this alone. He took his phone and walked into the hotel.

A few minutes later, Maisy was nearly out of patience. Then, Kenny arrived. She eagerly opened the door at his knock.

"Kenny!"

Kenny hugged Maisy tightly as she threw herself into his arms. "You've been waiting a long time, haven't you?"

"Yes," Maisy said, her eyes red. "I was afraid you'd find me annoying. I even prepared to leave home so you wouldn't have to see me struggle every day."

Kenny entered, closing the door behind him. He spoke gently and patiently. "Maisy, your feelings aren't something to be hidden."

"Then, do you do you like me as a sister or as a woman?" Maisy asked.

Kenny's expression faltered. "After you kissed me that day and apologized, you clearly said you had feelings for me. Why did you start ignoring me afterward? Your mixed signals confuse me," Maisy added, aggrieved.

Kenny sighed, remembering the night he kissed Maisy. He'd only wanted to comfort her; if it weren't love, he would have simply hugged her, as they did when they were children. He remembered holding her and comforting her during her hospital visits.

Seeing Kenny hesitate, Maisy couldn't wait. She lifted her head and kissed him, placing his hand on her chest, even removing her dress. "Take me," she said. "If you take me, you'll know how much I love you, and you'll see how much you love me. Please, take me."

Kenny's hand stiffened, his breath heavy. "Maisy, do you know what you're doing?"

"Yes, I know exactly what I'm doing. I want you." Maisy knew how to arouse a man, and she knew Kenny well. Seeing her determined look, Kenny decided not to hold back and pushed Maisy onto the bed.