Page 19 of Misconducts & Temptation

She looked away for a moment before meeting my eyes again. "Because everyone deserves a chance at happiness."

For a moment, we stood there in silence, the weight of her words hanging in the air between us.

I took a deep breath and shook my head. "It's not that simple," I repeated, though my resolve felt weaker than before.

"It could be," she whispered.

Her optimism was almost contagious. Almost.

"What's your name?" I asked suddenly.

She hesitated before answering, as if revealing this small piece of herself was a significant risk.

I scowled and lit a cigarette, the flame briefly illuminating her face. She watched me with clear disapproval.

"Those are bad for you, especially considering you play hockey," she said, her voice carrying a note of concern.

"Ah, so you do know me." I raised an eyebrow and took a long drag. "Want a drag?" I offered, holding the cigarette out to her.

"I'd rather keep my lungs, thanks," she muttered, crossing her arms.

"And what would you know about it?" I asked, leaning against the desk. "It's not like you know anything about arranged marriages. I bet you have a little crush on some goody two-shoes, some good boy who would never even think about bending you over that desk and rutting in you like an animal."

Her cheeks turned crimson at my words.

"As I thought," I said smugly. "Virgin."

Her mouth opened and closed a few times before she finally managed to speak. "I… My… It's… That's none of your business."

She was cute when she was flustered.

"Am I wrong though?" I pressed, enjoying the way her face turned even redder.

"I know more than you think," she replied, lifting her chin defiantly.

"About sex?" I arched a doubtful brow. "I doubt that."

"About arranged marriages," she said, then her brows shot up as if she had revealed too much. Maybe she wasn't allowed to say anything more.

I watched her carefully, intrigued by this unexpected turn. Her reaction suggested there was more to her story than she let on.

"No offense, babes, but I don't think you're from a family who has business to… offer anything," I said, taking another drag from my cigarette.

"You're a jerk-face," she shot back, her eyes narrowing.

"Ooh, careful, your words are biting," I replied with a smirk, placing a mocking hand over his heart.

"Whatever," she said, rolling her eyes. "You wouldn't know. You were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, and you're hiding in this room like a coward."

"A what?" My voice edged with irritation. I'd been called a lot of things, but a coward wasn't one of them.

"You heard me," she continued, not backing down. "Your parents want your future to be secure. Life is so hard for you. It's much better than being given away so your parents' debt is taken care of."

My eyes narrowed as her words sank in. "What?" I asked, disbelief and anger mixing in my voice.

"Just forget it," she said quickly, taking her plate and turning to leave.

But I wasn't about to let her walk away that easily. I grabbed her wrist, stopping her in her tracks. She looked up at me, and our gazes locked in a heated stare.

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