The Secret Heirs of the Lycan King (by Misha K) novel Chapter 35

**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**

Scott’s grin was slow and wicked, a curve of mischief that suggested he was fully aware of the effect he had on me. “So, you think I’m handsome and triple-x rated?” he drawled, his voice dripping with playful confidence. “I’m thrilled to hear that, sweetheart. But I’d be even happier if you took advantage of my sexy personality for yourself. In fact,”—his tone dipped, a conspiratorial whisper that sent shivers down my spine—”I’m completely at your disposal. You know that, right?”

Instantly, warmth flooded my cheeks, and I felt like a deer caught in headlights. “That’s not what I meant,” I stammered, struggling to sound annoyed while my heart raced like a runaway train. “I just meant you should tone down the cockiness. You keep throwing yourself at me all the time. I don’t want work and pleasure to mix.” Oh no, did I just suggest something inappropriate?

He leaned back in his chair, the smirk on his face deepening, making it infuriatingly hard to stay mad. “Work and pleasure? That sounds just fine to me, love. We can indulge in the pleasures outside of work. So, what do you say—your place or mine?”

“Oh, my God!” I gasped, my voice a mix of disbelief and embarrassment at his shamelessness. “You know I didn’t mean that!”

His grin remained, infuriatingly charming. “I’m not going to stop, Bella. I’ll do exactly what I want with you. I let you slip away five years ago, but this time…” He paused, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that made my breath hitch. All teasing vanished, replaced by a promise that sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach. “This time, I’ll keep you right where you belong. Next to me. And soon, in my house.”

My jaw clenched at his audacity. His confidence was maddening, every word a challenge that ignited a fire within me. I pressed my lips together, focusing on the food in front of me, deciding that arguing with him was as futile as trying to wrestle a storm—pointless and exhausting. The more I engaged, the more he’d push. So I chose silence, letting the tension simmer in the air.

To my surprise, Scott shifted the conversation away from flirtation and began discussing his work. He spoke passionately about his business empire, detailing his mall chains, tech investments, and a new hotel project he was launching near the mountains. I found myself captivated despite my resolve to remain indifferent. He spoke with a fervor that painted vivid images of a man who had forged his empire from nothing, a phoenix rising from the ashes.

Every so often, I couldn’t help but interject with a suggestion or two—ideas for marketing strategies, interior designs, and eco-friendly materials. Each time I did, he would flash that proud, approving smile that made my heart flutter uncomfortably in my chest.

“You always had a sharp mind,” he said softly after one of my ideas, his voice laced with sincerity. “That’s one of the things I loved about you.”

I didn’t reply, suddenly finding my fork to be the most captivating object on the table.

Dinner concluded sooner than I anticipated. As we drove back, I attempted to keep our interaction neutral, thanking him politely as I unbuckled my seatbelt and stepped out of the car.

“Well,” I said, forcing a smile. “Goodnight.”

He exited the vehicle, standing before me with a lazy smile that seemed to hold all the secrets of the universe. “No goodbye kiss?”

I blinked, taken aback. “What?”

He leaned closer, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “A goodbye kiss, Bella.”

Why did he have to say my name like that? I glared at him, trying to muster my resolve. “You’re not getting one.”

His smirk deepened, a challenge in his gaze. “Then maybe I should come in for coffee?”

“Absolutely not.”

Before I could retreat, his hand captured my wrist—gentle yet firm. He pulled me toward him, and for a moment, the world around us faded. My breath caught, and my heart thundered against my ribs, my body responding in ways that left me bewildered. His warm lips brushed against mine, teasing and electric, igniting a spark I didn’t know I craved. Then he pressed his lips firmly against mine. It was a slow, lingering kiss that sent shivers racing down my spine, and before I could stop myself, a soft moan escaped my lips. The sound rumbled deep within his chest, reverberating through me.

He finally pulled away, leaving me breathless. My cheeks flushed as I stammered, “G-goodnight, Scott.”

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