Chapter 8

Charlotte had thought six years would be enough to freeze her heart. However, her body still reacted to his touch. Her breathing grew unsteady, and that jerk Brian took control without effort. Brian knew exactly where she was sensitive. Charlotte sensed danger, and a stabbing tightness in her chest warned her to stop. If this kept going, she had no idea what might happen. Panicked, she lifted her knee and drove it toward his groin. Brian reacted fast. He freed one hand and blocked her leg. Her attack failed, and he grabbed her thigh instead. He gave a cold snort. Their posture turned unbearably intimate. He pinched her chin. Desire darkened his gaze, and a smear of blood on his lip made him look wickedly sexy. Brian's voice came out rough. "Charlotte, are you that eager?" Gasping, she snapped, "Eager, my add! Brian, you jerk! Let me go!" She struggled with all her strength, but she couldn't move at all. She was completely overpowered. In a panic, she lunged and bit his neck. Brian tried to dodge but was a beat slow. Her teeth sank into his collarbone. Brian sucked in a sharp breath, his brows knitting as he looked down at her. Charlotte was furious. She bit without mercy, and the pain spread clearly through him. He warned in a low voice, "Charlotte, let go." She grunted and bit harder. Rage filled her. He had kissed her by force, so now, he had to pay. Upon seeing she still refused, Brian pinched the back of her neck and kneaded the spot—it was her weakness. In seconds, her back tingled, and a soft, tempting moan escaped her. Still, she held on. Brian laughed in anger. "Are you a dog?" She ignored him, biting harder until the taste of blood hit her tongue. Realizing what she had done, Charlotte released him and pulled away. A ring of bloody teeth marks showed on his collarbone, looking a bit frightening even to her. She was stunned—she hadn't meant to bite that hard. However, she figured he deserved it for treating her that way. While Brian checked the wound, she shoved him away and broke free. She said with righteous anger, "Don't blame me. You started it, Mr. Norman. If you try again, I'll call the cops!" She threw the threat over her shoulder, yanked the door open, and bolted. Brian hadn't expected her to escape. His expression darkened as he chased a few steps. "Charlotte, stop! I'm not finished!" She had no intention of stopping. Without looking back, she ran faster and slipped into the elevator. Brian arrived a second late and watched the doors slide shut. He gritted his teeth and said, "Run all you want, Charlotte. Let's see how far you get!" He pulled out his phone and called Henry. "Where are you?" Henry heard his tone and tensed up. "I just handled those two drunks, Mr. Norman. What do you need?" When he heard this, Brian got furious and ordered, "Break their hands. Then find out where Charlotte went! Fast!" Henry had no idea what had happened, but Brian was clearly furious. It had to be Charlotte who upset him. He quickly answered, "Yes, Mr. Norman." ... Meanwhile, Charlotte stepped out of the elevator with her heart still racing. She glanced at her reflection. She was disheveled, yet there was a hint of allure to her. Anyone could guess what had happened. Luckily, no one else was inside. She straightened her rumpled clothes. Her fingers brushed her lips, and the pain she felt made her frown. His kisses had left them swollen. How shameless! He had a son, yet still did that to his ex‑wife. What a pervert! Next time she saw him, she would take a detour. Now feeling too embarrassed to return to the private room, she called Ivy. "Ivy, something came up. I have to leave first. I'll treat you to dinner another day." "I thought something happened," Ivy said. "You were gone so long. I was about to send someone to look for you. I'm glad you're okay." "I'm fine. Please tell your friends I'm sorry," Charlotte said apologetically. "No big deal. They're having too much fun to notice you slipped out. Go handle your business." "Okay. Talk later." Charlotte pocketed her phone and let out a sigh of relief. She hurried out of the club, worried she might run into Brian again.