Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 244

"Stephanie…" Quennel's Adam's apple bobbed, his throat so dry it felt like it would crack. "Let me kiss you, please?"

Stephanie lowered her eyes, her lashes trembling. "I don't want to."

Her stubborn yet soft demeanor sounded like pouting to Quennel.

A smile tugged at his lips. He felt as if his heart was being squeezed by a small hand, with the kite string held firmly by Stephanie, letting her pull him in and push him away as she pleased.

Quennel's body was hard as iron. He sat Stephanie on his lap, pressing against her. "Stephanie, I'm going to insist. You've finally come back to me, and I want you."

With that, he pulled her into his arms, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he bit at her lips.

This embrace, once so familiar to Stephanie, now felt like a bucket of ice water poured over her head.

It felt foreign, repulsive. Stephanie didn't know where she found the strength, but she shoved him away with a cry, "Don't touch me!"

Quennel was stunned by her strong reaction.

Stephanie glared at him. "You're with Vivian now, so what are you doing now?"

At her words, Quennel froze. He suddenly remembered the other night, with Vivian, on this very bed… He faltered, a flash of guilt in his eyes.

Strictly speaking, that had been his first time as a man.

Though it was a reluctant encounter where he had used Vivian as a substitute for Stephanie, he had, in fact, been with another woman.

Quennel felt a wave of irritation, but he quickly rationalized it.

His heart belonged to Stephanie; he had just slept with the wrong person.

"Stephanie, it was just an act with her. I was testing you. See? The fact that you're bothered by us being together proves you still have feelings for me…"

Hearing this, a sarcastic smile touched Stephanie's lips.

"Ethics? We were childhood sweethearts, we had an engagement—and you want to talk to me about ethics? No one else can compare to you in my heart. Why can't you just give me one more chance?"

His grip on her wrists was like a vice; Stephanie couldn't move.

She struggled. "Let go!"

"I won't! Stephanie, I'm never letting you go again, never!"

His voice cracked with emotion. As he spoke, his hand moved to her dress and tore the already precarious fabric to shreds.

Stephanie's skin was fair, and the struggle left marks on her neck. She instinctively pulled the blanket over herself.

But Quennel pressed down on her like a madman, his skin against hers.

His voice was hoarse. "Be good, Stephanie. It's your first time. It won't hurt if you just bear with it. I'll be gentle, I promise I'll be gentle…"