Breaking Mr. Cold (Giselle and Donovan) novel Chapter 186

Gideon's kiss came hard and fast, intense and unrelenting. Caught off guard, Giselle was too stunned to push him away at first.

It wasn't until his hand started to wander that she snapped out of it and instinctively shoved him back. Finally, she broke free from the heated kiss.

She turned away and distanced herself from him. Her breathing became a little heavy. "We shouldn't do this. I'm not ready for a relationship. Crossing that line would only make things awkward between us."

In the face of her rejection, Gideon's heart sank.

Rejection wasn't something he was used to, especially not from a woman. He wasn't sure if she was hesitant, conflicted, or just not interested.

Knowing her personality, it wasn't shyness.

A rare sting of failure hit him. He stared at her intently and said, "What if I told you it was love at first sight? Would you laugh?"

"No," Giselle replied. Her heart was in turmoil after his earnest confession. Avoiding his gaze, she carried on, "I've heard that line from too many men. I don't know how to respond anymore."

Gideon scoffed. "So I'm no different from the rest?"

"I just think… we're better off as friends," Giselle said, feeling even more torn.

"Are you kidding me?" Gideon stepped closer and locked eyes with her. "I don't want to be your friend. I want you to be mine!"

Giselle was overwhelmed by his overbearing presence. She continued to avoid eye contact and spoke softly, "You already know my past…"

"What about it? What's there to be ashamed of?" Gideon cut her off with frustration.

"Gideon, these past few weeks with you have been nice. Being around you feels easy. But when it comes to love… I still haven't overcome my past trauma yet. If I force myself to say yes now, it would be unfair to you."

Her words hit him like a splash of freezing water. It was chilling, heavy, and inescapable.

He wasn't stupid, and he knew exactly what she meant.

"Just take it as if I'd lost my mind just now." He was no longer cocky and was even afraid of losing her instead. He tried to save things by saying, "I respect your feelings. Labels don't matter as long as I can still see you whenever I want."

Before Giselle could respond, he picked up her sick dog and walked out the door. He didn't even look back, as if he couldn't bear to hear another word that might keep him up all night.

It took her a moment to realize he was already gone.