Page 60 of My Ruthless Neighbor

When he looks up, his eyes darken as if he sensed my arousal.

In a blink of an eye, he releases me and takes a step back.

The disappointment that fills me at the loss of his touch infuriates me. It takes a second for me to relax. With great effort, I raise my gaze to his.

I can still feel him pressed against me. Can still smell his cologne which I can only define as masculinity.

I am so aroused and angry at the same time. The desire raging through me makes me tremble. Still, I keep staring into his dark gaze.

No matter how hot Archer is, I am not going to fall to his feet.

Other women may be into his mysterious aura but I am not one of them.

And even if my body is aching for him, I won’t ever get involved with him. I should stay away from him.

After a few moments when he says nothing. I break the silence. “I guess this conversation is over.”

Before I could move, he is there. Blocking my path again. His nostrils flare and a muscle clenches in his jaw. “Remember a week ago we had an agreement?”

“Agreement?”

“I told you I would call in my favor one day.”

“Of course, I remember. What about it?”

“You said you’ll return the favor.”

“Yes, yes I did but why are you bringing this up right now?”

“Because I need you to do something for me.”

At first, all I do is stare at him, feeling befuddled. Then as if a light bulb goes off in my head, I finally get it. My eyes widen with realization.

“You want a discount, don’t you?” I wrinkle my nose. “Didn’t expect that from you, though.”

He looks at me as if I am stupid to even think it. I narrow my eyes. “If you’re so displeased by my guess, why don’t you go ahead and say it? We both have things to do—”

“I want to cut this date short. And you’re going to give me an out.”

I’d never imagined he’d say that. “Why would you do that?” I ask, bewildered.

“That’s none of your business.”

“You just won the biggest douchebag of the year award. Here’s your trophy.” I flip him off as I turn to leave.

“That woman wouldn’t take no for an answer, okay?” He says, his voice gruff.

I stop in my tracks at that. I face him again.

He stabs his fingers into his hair. I cross my arms. “I’m listening.”

“She is the daughter of my mother’s friend.” He struggles for a second. It seems as though he can’t believe he’s having this conversation with me.

I am having a hard time comprehending this situation too.

“I was coerced into this by my mother.” He motions to the back door of the restaurant, most probably hinting at the date.

“She wants me to settle down with someone. Get married. Have a family.” He grimaces like the idea repulses him. He continues, “With KIM advertising consuming almost all of my time, dating isn’t on my radar at this point.”

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