Chapter 2

On my first night in Liam's house, I decided to "hit "him hard.

We were rivals. We'd signed a contract saying whoever fell first would lose everything. So naturally, I was going to win — by whatever means necessary.

After my shower, I skipped my own pajamas entirely and dug through his closet until I found an oversized white dress shirt. I pulled it on.

It just barely covered the tops of my thighs — enough to cover everything, not enough to leave much to the imagination. My legs dangled bare in the cool air.

I ran a towel through my half-damp hair, pushed open the door to his study, and walked in.

Liam was sitting at his desk, in the middle of an international video call. His English was flawless — sharp, cold, and completely professional.

He heard me come in and turned his head.

The moment his eyes landed on me, his voice cut off mid-sentence.

【Thump thump! Thump thump!】

I could practically hear his heart slamming against his ribs.

【Oh my God. Why is she dressed like that?! Those legs… that waist… wait — that's MY shirt! She's wearing MY shirt! She's doing this on purpose. Is she trying to kill me tonight?!】

I was dying laughing on the inside, but I kept my face perfectly innocent. I picked up a glass of warm milk, walked over to him, and leaned down slowly.

The neckline of the shirt fell open just enough.

"Honey, it's so late — you should take a break." I let my breath brush right against his ear, warm and soft. "I brought you some milk."

Liam's throat moved in a hard swallow.

He snapped his laptop shut — cutting off the video call entirely — and his expression darkened into something dangerous.

"Ruby." His voice came out rough, like he was grinding the words between his teeth. "Do you have any idea what you're doing?"

【Don't lean that close! I'm losing my mind! One more inch and I swear I won't be able to control myself. Does she know? Has she figured me out? No — impossible. I've been so careful.】

I blinked at him, all wide eyes and innocence. "I just wanted to take care of you. What's wrong?" I glanced down at the shirt and smiled. "This smells so good, by the way. I didn't bring any pajamas, Mind if I borrow yours? You're not being stingy, are you, Mr. Hartwell?"

As I said it, I reached out and traced a slow circle on his chest with one finger.

Liam's hand shot out and grabbed my wrist. His grip was startlingly strong.

His eyes burned dark, locked onto mine. "Take it off."

I held his gaze and raised an eyebrow. "And if I don't?"

【Don't take it off! Please, for the love of — just keep it on! AHHHH I can't take this anymore, someone save me! How does she always know exactly how to drive me insane?!】

Watching him scream internally while keeping his face completely blank on the outside — I almost lost it. I nearly burst out laughing right then and there.

I let my foot slip on purpose.

I stumbled forward and fell straight into his arms.

Liam's body always told the truth, even when his mouth wouldn't. His arms came up on instinct and caught me, pulling me firmly against him.

His muscles were rigid as stone. His heart was pounding so hard I could feel it.

【She's so soft… she smells so good… I'm done. I am completely done.】

【She's moving again — if she does that one more time I'm going to lose all self-control! No. No, Liam. You have to hold it . If you give in now, you'll never have the upper hand in this relationship again. Not once. Ever.】

He pushed me back — firmly, but carefully, like he was afraid of hurting me.

"Stay away from me. Go back to your own room."

Then he turned and bolted like he'd seen a ghost, making a beeline straight for the bathroom.

A moment later, the sound of rushing water came through the door.

Cold water.

I leaned against the doorframe and listened to him fall apart on the inside:

【Cold shower. I need a cold shower. Okay. Clear your mind. Think of nothing. Think of anything else… God, she has an incredible figure… ugh, this is so unfair. I'm a married man taking cold showers in my own house. oh no.】