Chapter 209
She had already made herself perfectly clear.
She wanted no further entanglement with him.
Why couldn't he just let her go?
Liam Sullivan gazed at her small face, filled with grievance and resentment.
The knot in his chest gradually loosened.
Vivian Bennett might dare to throw a tantrum at him when her temper flared.
But when he truly darkened his expression, a dangerous glint in his eyes, and stared at her unblinkingly, she couldn't help but shrink back.
That overwhelming pressure made her hesitate to act out.
"Let's go. I'll take you back." Liam stood up and grabbed his car keys.
Vivian stiffened her lips. The movement tugged at her wound, sending a sharp pain through her.
She inhaled sharply and silently followed him.
Liam watched her subdued demeanor.
His gaze softened unconsciously.
He opened the passenger door, his brow slightly furrowed, and motioned for her to get in.
Vivian got in without ceremony, letting him close the door.
Once Liam was in the driver's seat, he saw the blood seeping from her slightly swollen lip.
He pulled out a tissue and gently pressed it against the cut.
Vivian winced in pain.
Her clear eyes misted over.
She was annoyed and wanted to swat his hand away.
Liam looked at her scrunched-up face. "Does it hurt that much?"
Vivian glared at him angrily. "Why don't you try getting bitten and see for yourself?"
Liam suddenly leaned his face close to hers.
His voice was deep and magnetic. "Want to bite me and find out?"
Vivian's mind buzzed, nearly dizzy.
She did want to pounce and bite him hard, to let him taste the pain.
But seeing the teasing look in his eyes, she instantly came to her senses.
She wouldn't fall for that.
Liam watched her proud, defiant little expression.
He said sternly, "I gave you a chance and you didn't take it. Fine. Next time you say such irresponsible things, see how I deal with you."
Vivian's heart clenched.
When had she ever been irresponsible?
She just didn't want to be with him. She didn't want to climb the social ladder by attaching herself to a wealthy family. Was that wrong?
Isabella Sullivan's warning still rang in her ears.
She just wanted to live her own quiet life in peace.
She really didn't want to get entangled with a man as lofty as Liam Sullivan.
Seeing his serious expression, she dared not voice her anger, afraid he would use harsh methods against her again.
The car sped along the road.
Silence filled the interior.
Neither of them spoke.
As they neared the resort hotel, Vivian asked Liam to stop.
She didn't want her colleagues to see her getting out of the big boss's luxury car.
Vivian unbuckled her seatbelt.
She stole a glance at the man's tightly pressed lips in the rearview mirror.
She reached for the door handle.
But her wrist was caught by Liam.
She turned back in surprise, only to be pressed down into the passenger seat.
Liam pinned her wrist with one hand.
He lowered his head and kissed her lips.
The cramped car cabin suddenly felt even more crowded.
A long time later, Vivian finally pushed the car door open and got out, her face flushed.
Just as she was about to close the door, she heard Liam's deep, magnetic voice. "Shall I come find you tonight?"
The suggestive words made her already red cheeks burn even hotter.
She slammed the car door shut angrily.
She ran into the hotel without looking back.
As soon as she entered the lobby, she saw Emily Davis standing by the fountain on the phone.
Emily waved at her anxiously. "Vivian, where have you been?"