Run!

Don't just stand there! Are you waiting to be caught by him?!

The shouts behind her were like a chilling breeze, momentarily quelling the panic and frustration bubbling within her.

“Maeve, the prize is $12,000! Hurry, kiss him, kiss him!"

As Khai Howell made his entrance, the lively atmosphere inexplicably quieted. It was rare to see someone so remarkable; he stood at least 6'2" with impeccable style, and his strikingly handsome face was the epitome of perfection.

All eyes, full of admiration, locked onto him.

Maeve Riley, standing at the heart of the storm, was nearly dying of embarrassment. She wanted to flee immediately, but with Khai right in front of her, it was clear the room was packed with his entourage.

With no way out, she might as well earn the money!

The paper between her lips muffled her speech as others hurriedly passed it around, and they were about to lose.

Maeve's adrenaline spiked, and without much thought, she wrapped an arm around Khai's neck and pressed her lips against him.

But he was too tall—she couldn't quite reach his irresistibly sensual lips.

Having come this far, giving up wasn't her style. Anyway, with paper in between, it felt like nothing more than a peck on the cheek.

Even if she was the one initiating it.

Her left hand climbed up his shoulder to his neck, and she leaped, wrapping her long legs tightly around him.

From holding the paper strip between her lips for so long, her face was flushed red. His breathtakingly handsome face was now inches away, a sight that enchanted countless women.

The sudden proximity took Maeve's breath away. Yet, a burning desire to win made her furrow her brows and push forward.

An unexpected twist!

The paper slipped from her lips, and the warm, soft sensation on her lips sent her mind buzzing, eliciting an embarrassed little gasp.

“Sorry... sorry, it was an accident!" Maeve swore she had never felt so mortified.

“An accident? You slapped me yesterday and now forced a kiss—just an accident?"

“If not, what else could it be? If you weren't here, I wouldn't have accidentally kissed you. Look, your assistant terrified that guy."

Her soft fingers innocently pointed to the man in the white t-shirt cornered by a few bodyguards.

Khai's intense gaze stayed locked on her face.

This woman had forced a kiss on him and seemed unwilling to take responsibility.

Since when had he ever endured such humiliation?

“You're saying that if he were here, you'd have kissed him too if the paper fell?"

“What does that have to do with you?" she retorted sharply, raising her brows. Whom she played games with or kissed was her business, not his.

“You bore my child. Do you think your personal affairs are none of my concern?" he insisted.

They remained in the same position, with Khai supporting her, while Maeve, now holding a slightly higher vantage, felt a cheeky surge of confidence.

“Please, Uncle, just because I had your child doesn't mean you get to control me. It's one thing if you touch me, but dictating whom I kiss? Why not just call yourself my father?"

Khai's hands inexplicably warmed as he held her.

The sensation stirred embarrassing thoughts within him.

He trembled slightly as he released her, unable to comprehend why he had willingly held her in such close quarters for so long.

Even more surprised was Felipe Lewis, who was busy clearing the crowd when he saw Khai kissing someone.

Whenever Khai had contact with women, his eyes would redden, becoming violent, obsessive, and extremely dangerous.

But before Felipe's actions could take effect, he realized Khai had both kissed and embraced her without his usual reaction.

Why?!

Why indeed?!

With furrowed brows, Felipe struggled to grasp the situation.

On the dance floor, as soon as Khai set Maeve down, she wanted to collect her $2,000 prize but discovered, to her dismay, that since her paper fell at the last moment, the score was invalid.

Missing out on the easy $2,000, she shot Khai a disdainful look.

This man was truly a jinx.

“Uncle, you already have our son, and I'm not asking for any child support from you. So, can you move aside? I have another gig tonight!"

Maeve's eyes darted to her phone's clock. She had only about 40 minutes before she'd be late for her next job, which was at least a 30-minute ride away, so she had to leave immediately.

Despite her dismissive and disdainful demeanor, Khai felt a dark cloud cast over his mood.

“What kind of lowlife are you rushing off to meet now?"

“None of your business!"

Maeve was never one to accept orders easily. As she spoke, she confidently headed for the exit. But after two steps, a firm hand seized her left arm.

“You secretly had my child, and I haven't held you accountable. Now you dare flirt with other men in front of me. Are you asking for trouble?"

“Are you out of your mind? Flirting? We had a one-night stand. I didn't even complain about your unremarkable skills and short stint, yet you have the nerve to act all high and mighty!"

Maeve's words were a spontaneous concoction. After repeating lies, they became second nature and flowed effortlessly.

In Khai's memories, there was no recollection of any intimate encounter with her.

However, the evidence was undeniable—the child was biologically linked to him. And the woman before him was the only person in the world he could touch without triggering a reaction.

So, was it possible they did have a moment together that he somehow selectively forgot?

He wasn't someone to shirk responsibility. On the contrary, he was meticulous and highly possessive.

Even if this woman lacked the qualities he preferred, he couldn't tolerate anyone he had been with having unnecessary ties to other men.

Also, what did she just say? Criticizing his skills and performance duration?!

A wave of irritation rose from Khai's chest. With a sudden, firm grip, he dragged Maeve into a private room.

Bam.

Maeve found herself cornered by Khai in the room, his hand on the wall, blocking her escape.

An intensely dangerous air filled the silent space.