Stella couldn’t help but think that Weston was the kind of man no woman could resist. When he was serious, no one could escape the intensity of his gaze. Yet, despite that, she felt almost nothing. Instead, all that lingered in her heart was a dull, trembling ache.
She closed her eyes and allowed him to claim her lips. But when she felt a sharp bite at the corner of her mouth, sending a jolt of pain through her, she opened her eyes to find Weston watching her with a displeased expression.
“You can’t even focus on the kiss, huh?” he murmured, his voice carrying a hint of frustration.
Stella, still holding onto his arms, took a deep breath and finally spoke, “I’m hungry.”
At her words, Weston’s expression shifted. He sighed heavily beside her neck and gently rubbed her head, his voice softening. “Let’s eat.”
This was the first time she’d cooked for him since their reunion, and he was more than willing to let her take the lead. Besides, her cooking was always to his liking. Stella hesitated, then carefully served him some food. “Do you like this?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Weston stared at her with such intensity that it made her heart race. He set down his cutlery and looked up at her, a serious edge to his tone. “Say it. What’s going on?”
Stella froze, caught off guard. She realized that her intentions must have been too obvious, so she decided to speak plainly. “Before I get a new job, can I stay with Roger for a while?”
“No,” Weston replied, his voice firm and unyielding.
Stella had known he wouldn’t agree, but his blunt refusal still caught her by surprise. She stared at her plate for a moment, the weight of the words sinking in, before setting down her cutlery. Her voice was quieter now, tinged with disappointment. “Okay.”
She stood abruptly, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. Weston’s face tightened. “Where are you going?”
“I’m going to my room,” she said flatly.
He rubbed his temples in frustration. “You’re making a big deal out of this, just for that? Now you’re upset because I didn’t agree? Is that it?”
Stella didn’t move. She turned her head slightly, forcing a smile. “I’m not upset.”
She knew she had to please him if she wanted things to go smoothly between them. Weston remained silent for a beat, before his eyes darkened with intent. He gestured for her to come closer.
She didn’t budge.
He frowned, his voice low with irritation. “Do you want me to come over there and pick you up?”
Reluctantly, Stella walked toward him, only to be pulled into his lap the moment she was within reach. She found herself pressed against his left thigh, unable to move, as he tilted her chin up.
“You’ve made a feast and not taken a single bite. Are you trying to piss me off?” he asked, his voice a mix of amusement and irritation.
“I’m not hungry,” she replied quietly, her gaze faltering.
“Not hungry for me, or not hungry for the food?” His voice dropped, his tone playful but edged with something darker.
Stella looked away, her eyes flickering with hesitation. “I’m not hungry for either.”
She expected him to react with anger, but instead, she heard his soft chuckle. Then, she felt a sharp sting at the corner of her mouth, and instinctively, she pushed him away.
But Weston’s grip only tightened. His forehead pressed against hers, and his deep voice sent a shiver down her spine. “When did you develop such a temper?”
Stella took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. “I didn’t. Let me go.”
He smirked. “What can you do if I don’t? It’s a shame, I was enjoying myself just now.” His fingers pinched her face, forcing her to look directly into his eyes. “So, this is all just a game, huh?”
Stella met his gaze, her voice steady despite the tension. “Didn’t I fail to get what I wanted?”
She didn’t look away, even as she spoke. “You didn’t grant my wish. Let’s just pretend it was all for you.”
Weston’s lips curled into a smile, though it was tinged with frustration. “You’re good at this, aren’t you? Coquettish and subtle.” He sighed, rubbing his thumb across her cheek. “Just pretend it’s for me? What do you take me for? You think you can settle this with just a meal?”
Her heart skipped a beat, unsure where this was heading. “What do you want, then?”
His hands slid lower, his touch slow and deliberate. “What do I want? I’m sure you know. You’ve been starving me.”
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