Chapter 384

Rosalind felt warmth trickling from her nose. Her fingers came away crimson when she touched it.

"Not again!"

Everett instantly grabbed a tissue and pressed it against her nose. "Lean back."

She tilted her head obediently, glaring at him. "Why do I only get nosebleeds around you?"

Everett's gaze flickered. "You're fine now."

Rosalind frowned. "You didn't answer me."

What could he say?

Without responding, Everett turned to leave.

He was shutting her out again.

Rosalind blocked his path, thrusting a small tube toward him. "Here."

Everett eyed it warily. "What's this?"

She pointed to his reddened shoulder. "You carried cement bags all day. This ointment will help. Apply it morning and night."

Everett studied her for a silent moment.

Rosalind pushed it closer. "Take it."

His fingers closed around the tube—and her wrist. Suddenly she was pulled against his chest.

Rosalind's breath hitched. His face was inches away, damp hair clinging to his forehead. The usual icy detachment had melted, revealing something unexpectedly vulnerable.

Her pulse raced. "What are you—"

Everett's gaze dropped to her lips. His voice was rough. "What do you want?"

Rosalind blinked. "What?"

Then his mouth crashed onto hers.

The world spun. Her first kiss—stolen without warning.

He pulled back just as abruptly, a challenge in his eyes. "Was that it?"

Rosalind stood frozen.

His thumb brushed her cheek. "Thanks for today. I don't like debts. Did that cover it?"

Realization dawned. He'd kissed her to settle a score.

Anger flared. Was that all she meant to him? A transaction to be balanced?

She smirked. "That's all you've got?"

Everett stilled.

Rosalind stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Do you even know how to kiss properly?"

His ears turned scarlet.

She bit back a laugh. The unshakable Everett Sinclair—blushing because of her.

Emboldened, she looped her arms around his neck. His muscles tensed, but he didn't push her away.

If he could kiss her, she could kiss him back.

Rising on her toes, she captured his lips with hers.