The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 252

Joseph's smile deepened. "I'll come see Chaim, have some dinner, and sample your chef's cooking. If it's not up to par, I'll find you a new one."

Vivica didn't buy his excuse for a second.

Lately, he'd been showering her with gifts, finding every opportunity to ask her out, and now he wanted to come to her home. It was a clear, step-by-step campaign to break down her resistance.

She remembered how brazen he’d been the last time he was over, in her walk-in closet. If he came over at night, would he expect to stay over?

"My chef's cooking is excellent, I'm quite satisfied. It doesn't need your inspection," she said, gently trying to push him away. "You've had a long day at work. You should go home and rest."

But Joseph held her fast by the waist, refusing to let go. "Since you're the one repaying me, I believe I have the initiative here. Is this your way of backing out of your promise?"

Vivica frowned, looking at him, words caught in her throat.

Breathing in her sweet fragrance, Joseph’s mind drifted back to the memory of her taste. He couldn't resist leaning down to brush his lips against hers. "So, is that a yes?"

Vivica tried to pull back, but trapped in his embrace, there was nowhere to go. "No, it's not…"

He lowered his head further, closing the distance. The light touch became a hungry, demanding kiss as he nipped at her lower lip, tugging gently.

"Mmm…" A soft sound escaped her. "Joseph, you… mmmph!"

Just as she was about to protest, he captured her mouth completely, his movements both tender and commanding, utterly indifferent to the sleeping three-year-old nearby.

Joseph was deeply satisfied by her reaction. It was clear her feelings for him weren't as detached as her words suggested. This was the response of someone captivated, someone falling.

Fueled by this realization, his control slipped. He tightened his arms around her, pulling her impossibly closer.

The intimate position made Vivica acutely aware of the physical difference between them. Her eyes shot open, her face turning a shade of crimson she'd never felt before. She had never realized a man's physical response could be so… obvious.

Joseph didn't understand her sudden jolt. He eased back slightly, studying her face, and saw the panic in her eyes. "What's wrong?" he asked, confused.

"You… you…" Vivica stared at him, tongue-tied. She instinctively tried to shift back on his lap, creating some distance between them. Her eyes, against her will, darted down toward his waist. Her shock deepened.

Suddenly, Joseph understood. "Did I scare you?" A hint of embarrassment touched his smile, but he quickly adopted a serious tone. "It's a normal reaction. I'm a healthy man, after all."