Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 182

Suddenly, a hand wrapped around her waist. Before Stephanie could even react, Jonathan had pulled her onto his lap.

She felt her body lift into the air as he settled her firmly in his arms.

Jonathan looked down, his long lashes casting soft shadows beneath his eyes.

From Stephanie’s angle, his eyes were like a hidden night fog—hazy and alluring, making one want to delve into their deepest depths.

Their gazes met. His was serious, but her cheeks were burning from his earlier comment.

When she saw his fingers moving toward the hem of her dress, she instinctively tried to pull away.

Jonathan’s voice was laced with displeasure. “You still want to wear this dress? Who are you trying to show off for?”

The image of her and Quennel standing together in matching outfits flashed through his mind, and a wave of irritation washed over him.

He pursed his lips and said coldly, “Take it off.”

As he spoke, his hand was already slipping under her skirt.

Stephanie’s eyes widened. “What are you doing? Are you some kind of pervert?”

The violent images from last night flooded her mind…

She had been thrown onto the bed in the dead of night while he, like a beast lurking in the shadows, tore at her mercilessly.

In the few seconds she was lost in thought, Jonathan had already found the zipper of her dress.

With a soft whoosh, the gown slid down to her delicate ankles. Stephanie curled into herself, instinctively hugging her body. Her shoulder blades protruded, forming a beautiful arch.

But the feeling of anger and humiliation in her heart only intensified.

Fortunately, a moment later, Jonathan wrapped her tightly in a long, soft blanket.

The fuzzy warmth, however, lasted only for a second.

Because immediately after, Jonathan produced a tube of ointment. He gripped her slender ankle with one hand and lifted her leg high into the air.

And… rested it on his shoulder.

Realizing what this damn man was about to do, Stephanie’s heart began to pound. Her skin flushed a deep pink, and she was so embarrassed her toes curled.

This was beyond humiliating!

She had decided to lock up her heart and maintain only a friendly alliance with him.

Soon, the car reached their apartment complex. Jonathan was about to get out and open her door.

But Stephanie had already beaten him to it, stepping out on her own.

Jonathan’s gaze darkened. Seeing her wrapped only in a blanket against the cold wind, he quickly moved to drape his coat over her shoulders and swept her up into his arms.

Stephanie’s world spun as her feet left the ground, and she found herself held tightly against Jonathan’s chest.

“What are you doing?”

His eyes scanned her body, a clear hint of amusement in them. “Are you sure you want to walk back like this?”

Stephanie drew a sharp breath. The dress he had stripped from her in the car was gone.

Now, all she had on was the blanket and his coat.

Jonathan’s breathing deepened. “From now on, you’re not allowed to wear that dress. And no more matching outfits with him.”