Chapter 226
Vivian Bennett set down her fork and knife.
Her lips were pale from being bitten.
She took a deep breath.
Finally, she spoke the words that had been haunting her.
"Mr. Sullivan, please stop wasting your time on me."
She paused, her voice trembling slightly.
"I'm not... a virgin."
She expected Liam Sullivan to be furious.
She thought he would throw her out of his office.
Instead, the man simply lifted his gaze.
His dark eyes showed no emotion.
Their eyes met across the space.
The corner of his mouth curved slightly.
"So what?"
Vivian froze.
Her eyelashes fluttered.
"You... don't mind?"
She emphasized the word "virgin" deliberately.
A man like him could have any woman he wanted.
Why choose one who had been with someone else?
Liam's eyes darkened abruptly.
He grabbed her wrist with force that made her gasp in pain.
"Vivian Bennett." His voice was low.
"I don't care about your past. But from now on—"
He leaned in close, his breath hot against her skin.
"If anyone dares to touch you, I'll make sure he's no longer a man."
Vivian drew a sharp breath.
"When does 'now' start?" Her voice shook.
"From this moment."
His thumb stroked her wrist bone.
His gaze was sharp as a blade.
"Who you belonged to before, I don't care. But in the future—"
He emphasized each word.
"You can only belong to me."
Vivian secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Good.
What happened that night in the limousine shouldn't count.
And that time with Zachary Hudson at the hotel...
Wait?
She suddenly realized—
"Mr. Sullivan, I actually—"
Before she could finish, he cupped the back of her neck.
He kissed her fiercely.
Vivian's eyes widened.
He lifted her and placed her on his lap.
His kiss was demanding and possessive.
He parted her lips and deepened the kiss.
She pushed against him helplessly.
Her fingers dug into his expensive suit.
Her heart raced out of control.
A strange thrill swept through her body.
He only released her when she was breathless.
Vivian gasped for air, her cheeks flushed.
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
She was both embarrassed and angry.
"You—"
She raised her hand to slap him.
But he easily caught her wrist.
Liam chuckled lowly.
"Looking at me like that... Was it not enough?"
His thumb brushed over her swollen lips.
His eyes darkened with desire.
Vivian's chest heaved.
She snatched her hand back.
She looked directly at him.
"Mr. Sullivan, I don't want to lie to you."
She spoke each word clearly.
"If you insist on being with me, you'll only lose out."
"I have no money or influence."
"I might even use you."
"I don't know how to please a man."
"I don't know how to say sweet words."
She clenched her teeth.
The last sentence was almost forced through them.
"And I definitely won't be your... release tool every night."