Chapter 39
Joshua’s lips curled into a shy smile as he gently guided Avery’s hand to his face.
Avery couldn’t help but marvel at him. Though he was a man, his skin felt softer and smoother than any woman’s. She almost felt embarrassed by how nice it was. Without thinking, she touched his face again
Delcan, who was driving, glanced up through the rearview mirror and immediately dropped his gaze, his face going pale.
Avery truly was the apple of Joshua’s eye. If this had been any other woman, she’d probably be six feet under by now,
“Do you like it?” Joshua’s voice broke through her thoughts.
She was still pinching his face, completely lost in the sensation, and instinctively nodded.
His voice dropped to a low, almost seductive tone. “Come stay with me. I’ll let you touch me every day. How about it?
The words hung in the air, a and she felt her heartbeat pick up. He had already promised to let her touch him every day, so staying with him didn’t seem too far–fetched. But then her mind backtracked. Stay with him?
Her thoughts snapped back into focus, and she immediately stopped touching his face.
He watched her with a knowing smile. “Did you have enough?”
She shot him an irritated glance. He tried to charm her with his looks, and she almost fell for it. He was sly and cunning, a master at playing mind games.
Joshua noticed her glare and raised an eyebrow. “So, are you throwing me away now that you’ve used me
She bared her head away in annoyance. “Mr. Smith, your ability to deceive is truly unmatched.”
He chuckled. “If you lived with me, wouldn’t it be easier to pinch my face whenever you want?
She had no way to argue with that.
He continued, “And not only could you touch my face anytime if you live with me, but you could use me however you please. Are you sure you don’t want to consider it?” “No! I’m not considering it!” she shot back.
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Joshua sighed dramatically, shaking his head, as if heartbroken. “Well, if you say so. Delcan, take us back to Serenity Manor.”
“Yes, Mr. Smith.” With a soft reply, Delean started the car, heading toward Serenity Manor.
Only then did Avery realize that Delean had been in the car the whole time. Had he heard all those things she’d said to Joshua? Great, there went her reputation.
She buried her face in her hands, leaning back into the seat, pretending to be dead.
As long as she didn’t feel embarrassed, it was everyone else who should be embarrassed. Yes, that was right. She kept up the act all the way to Serenity Manor.
“Mr. and Mrs. Smith, we’ve arrived.” Delcan’s voice finally brought her out of her self–imposed “death” state
She followed Joshua out of the car. The cold wind hit her, helping to clear her head. The long time spent lounging in the car had made her a bit drowsy.
When they entered the dining room, she stopped in her tracks, stunned by what she saw. The entire room had been meticulously decorated with all her favorite colors. On the table, a beautiful birthday cake sat surrounded by various gifts.
Noticing her shock, Vera smiled and explained, “Mr. Smith specially instructed us to prepare everything. He wanted to surprise you.”
