Chapter 542

Joe felt diffident as he stared at Skylar. Although she seemed weak, she was still a temptress. Scenes from last night flooded his mind. His heart pounded, his Adam's apple bobbed, and his eyes darkened. He used his height advantage, crossing the room in a few strides to kiss her.

Skylar was unprepared. She hadn't expected the kiss. As his hands slid to her waist, she grabbed his hand.

"Joe, can't you control yourself?"

Skylar was tearing up, terrified. "You went at me so many times last night. How can you still?" Her voice trailed off. Her legs were still sore.

Joe kissed the corner of her red-rimmed eyes. "Don't overthink it," he said. "You seemed so tempting when you looked at me like that. I didn't want to let you down."

"You've read way too much into it!" Skylar exclaimed, the corner of her lips twitching. She hadn't realized how adept he was at twisting the truth. She had been reprimanding him, not inviting him. "Men are unbearable," she muttered. "Don't even dream of touching me for the rest of the month!"

She was livid. Not only could she not go to work today, but she'd miss tomorrow as well. The markings on her neck were glaringly obvious.

Joe smirked, then chuckled. "If you don't want to go out, why don't we have fondue in the hotel?"

"I'm currently full of rage. I'm not hungry," Skylar huffed, getting back into bed.

Joe looked at her fondly. "Let's have Wiscadian food instead."

Skylar glared at him, a clear warning.

Joe choked back a laugh. "Bring me everything needed for a fondue."

Skylar's anger subsided slightly when she heard his request.

Steven went to bed at 5:00 a.m. after finishing his work. He woke up at 11:00 a.m., having been given the day off. After showering and making breakfast, he scrolled through his phone, noticing multiple missed calls from Annie. Why so many consecutive calls? Was she in trouble? This was unusual.

He abandoned his breakfast and immediately called back. Annie answered quickly.

"Steven" Annie's voice was choked with tears, conveying helplessness.

Steven's heart leaped. "Annie, tell me. Has something happened? Tell me about it slowly. I'll help you think of a solution."

Annie's racing heart slowed at his words. Tears streamed down her face, even through the phone.

"Let's talk face-to-face. I can't explain it over the phone. Can you take a day off today?"

Steven answered gently, "I worked until 5:00 a.m. last night. I've been given the day off. I'll visit you."

"No, I'll find you," Annie said hurriedly.

Steven found this strange. He sensed something important was about to happen. He could tell she wasn't well, even over the phone, and he worried about her.

Less than forty minutes later, Annie arrived.