It was just like Nocturne had said—a partnership built on mutual benefit was the only kind that lasted.
The same logic applied to her and Carson.
Carson raised an eyebrow, a faint smile on his lips. "Such a logical analysis. Spoken like a true boss."
Marina frowned. "Can you take this seriously for one minute?"
"Alright, go on," he yielded easily.
Marina's tone turned solemn. "If you think I'm going to end up like Miranda—trapped in some quiet courtyard, turning to religion for solace—you're wrong. I won't do it!"
That finally wiped the lazy smirk off Carson's face. His expression shifted, his gaze turning dark and impenetrable. After a long silence, he spoke in a low, measured voice.
"I understand."
Having laid her cards on the table, Marina finally relaxed. "Being friends is great. There's no need to escalate things!"
Carson's lips curved slightly. "I respect your wishes."
"If you respect me, then no more kissing me out of nowhere!" Marina huffed, fiercely rubbing her mouth. "If there's a next time, I'll make you regret it!"
Carson frowned as he stared at her plump, reddened lips. "Stop rubbing. You're going to break the skin."
A slight flush crept up Marina's neck. She stood and headed straight for her bedroom.
Watching her retreat, Carson drawled, "Goodnight, darling."
Marina threw a vicious glare over her shoulder before vanishing into her room.
Carson sat alone on the sofa for a long time. Thinking back on Marina's words hadn't cooled him down at all. Instead, it stirred a dark, predatory urge within him—an urge to pin her to the mattress and watch her cry as she begged for mercy.
He wanted to see her with reddened eyes to match those reddened lips.
Was this just a man's primal need to conquer a woman?

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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
May we please have updates. Thank you...
It's time for Carson and Marina to commit further than the engagement. Looking forward to the updates....
Thank you for the updates....
Thank you for the updates. I thoroughly enjoy your writing....
May we please have updates... I'm curious to know how Marina saved Carson....
Time for Carson andarina to comit. Thank you for the updates....
Things are looking up for Xavier and Norah. Thank you for the updates....
Woohoo! This was sooooo good. Thank you for the updates....
This was classic updates. Thank you so much...
May we please have updates. Thank you...