“You can’t say that it’s because I failed to warm your bed,” Eva added, throwing him an interrogating look. “Last night was an exception, because you did not come home in time. As per our rules, if the fault is on your end, I'm not the one to be held accountable. However, this…you…jumping into my bed, whatever the reason was, without first getting my consent is definitely something we should discuss right now. This needs to be ironed out right here and now.” Her voice had gained a hard edge as she spoke that last sentence.

Gage was quiet, but he was looking at her as if he was fascinated by something – either something on her face, or something that she had just said. He half-bit on his lower lip and released it sexily and slowly before that gorgeous smile spread across his face.

“Of course we can discuss it, if that’s what you wish,” he replied calmly, smiling, as he positioned himself and faced her fully.

His reaction and the way he had easily conceded somehow made Eva’s brows crease a little. That simple? Impossible! She was dealing with Gage Acheron, here. What was with those amused looks in his eyes, staring at her as though he had done nothing wrong at all?

“So, tell me why, Mr. Acheron. You jumped into my bed because your bed was ice cold, and not because of any other malicious reasons, right?” Eva asked him with narrowed eyes. ‘You'd better say that is the case, you…big wolf!’ was the thought that she allowed herself within the safe confines of her mind.

He bit on his lips again, and she was certain that he had done that just to stop a grin from spreading over them. His save was so flawless, however, that she could not seem to catch him tripping over his own reactions. “Malicious reasons…mind telling me whatever you mean by that? Perhaps, you can give me some clear examples? I don’t seem to be able to grasp what it is that you meant.”

Eva shut her eyes tightly and drew in a calming and stabilizing deep breath. “You’re prolonging the topic again, Mr. Acheron. Let’s get onto it without beating around the bush, shall we?”

“Relax, Eva. This is not a business talk–” Gage tried to diffuse the situation, but Eva cut him off.

“Yes, but to me, this is more than a serious talk.”

“Alright,” he sighed, but the seemingly fascinated look in his eyes did not fade at all. In fact, it had brightened up. “You’re right. It’s because my bed is cold, and…”

“And?” She prompted, wanting to get to the bottom of it.

“Are you sure you want to know the real reason? I think it’s better if you don’t know–”

“Mr. Acheron,” she snapped at him with her signature strict working voice. “We need to finish this talk before we reach our destination. So, please just say it out.”

“Fine. Since you insist so very much, Miss Lee.” He sounded like he had finally surrendered, but he still wore that unbothered and ‘just chillin’' expression on his face. Eva felt like she wanted to give it a hard pinch.

His eyes held hers. “It’s because you didn’t let me go.”

Eva blinked. “W-what?” Of all the things she had expected him to say, that was not it.

Gage elegantly shrugged. “You fell asleep on the chair last night. So, I decided to be the ever-so-gallant Prince Charming and carried you to your room. Just as I was tucking you into your bed and wanted to leave, you suddenly latched onto me and didn’t want to let go. You were hugging me and clutching hard on my shirt. And since it was already very late, I didn’t want to disturb and wake you up anymore – so, I allowed you to just chain me to you.” He narrated the events of the night as though reading out a business report, toneless and bland. No sign of mischief appeared even once in his expression while he was speaking.

Eva tried to convince herself that he was making up a story, but…she really could not see that playful gleam that was usually flashing across his eyes every time he teased her. In fact, his gaze looked downright serious and truthful.

Blushing, Eva cleared her throat several times and looked away. “That can’t be, Mr. Acheron. Why would I cling to you?”

He let out a sexy chuckle. “You looked really cute last night, Eva,” he mused. “Like an adorable little kitten. I really decided to stay docile and quiet because I knew that if I were to wake that little kitten up, she would then proceed to turn into a fierce tiger, and…” he threw her a heart-stopping look. “I might get eaten alive.”

For a moment, Eva was speechless. But before she could open her mouth to speak, the driver solicited her attention.

“We’re here, Sir, Ma’am,” the chauffeur reported, and Eva realized the car had already stopped. Oh, damn! How could she just forget everything when this man was…

A soft groan left her throat and she hastily composed herself. Now was not the time for her to pursue their conversation. It was showtime!

“Are you ready?” she asked him, and Gage just shrugged. This man! She remembered how nerve-wracking it had. been for her that very first day she had taken over XY Corp.

“Alright,” she took another deep breath, and when she opened her eyes, her expression was soft, yet elegant. A delicate smile was now plastered over her face. “Shall we go, Sir?” she said, now in perfect Evelyn Lee mode.