"I’m sorry, ..." She tugged at his sleeve, trying to appease him. "Can you pretend I didn’t say anything?"

"Didn’t say anything? How is that possible? Both my ears heard it loud and clear."

"Asher Land, can you just not argue with me right now, please?" Sophie Smith admitted that her earlier question was really out of line; Asher Land can be quite particular sometimes.

"Are you going to agree to Irene’s request or not?" She asked tentatively.

He stayed silent.

"Asher Land, since you’re not going to sleep with Irene... it’s just three days with her, you won’t lose anything. Why not agree?"

"..."

"Agree with Irene? Hmm?..." Sophie tried to say something more when the man beside her suddenly turned sideways and pressed her down, his kisses came like a storm—hot, rough—making her breath grow heavy.

Seriously, this man, why did she provoke him again? Why use such a retaliatory kiss?

Was it just because she suggested he spend three days with Irene Morton?

"Asher Land, let go of me..." She pounded on his chest and turned her head to the side, avoiding his kiss.

"Be quiet!" He was in no good mood either; indeed, he was upset because she had casually ’loaned’ him to another woman.

He punished her harshly once; afterward, he leaned against the headboard, his breathing still a bit uneven. Sophie was already somewhat dazed, as Asher reached out to touch her, intending to hold her in his arms, but she dodged him.

"Asher Land, can you be any more of a jerk?" Sophie said with a hint of annoyance.

"I can. Want to give it a try?" He raised an eyebrow and asked.

"..."

Sophie dared not speak further; she had already witnessed his ’worse’ side.

Since he’d taken advantage of her, it was time to negotiate some terms, wasn’t it?

"About Irene’s matter..."

"Still talking about it?" He cast a cold glance at her; did she forget why he had just punished her?

Sophie had no intention of stopping. "So you’re also a petty person, taking advantage and then just wiping your mouth like nothing happened?"

Her expression showed slight indignation.

"How can wiping my mouth solve anything? I want another taste." His large hand stroked her smooth cheek, his thin lips covering hers.

Sophie pushed him away abruptly, got up, and picked up her clothes to put them on.

Seeing she was really a bit angry, he finally reined in his carefree attitude. He casually grabbed a towel from the side and wrapped it around his waist, then moved closer to her.

He knew that deep down, she still valued him a lot; otherwise, she wouldn’t have said anything about ’loaning’ him to Irene Morton. She cared enough to mind such words...

"I agree with you." He suddenly spoke.

"Hmm?" This time, Sophie felt a bit incredulous. "Asher Land, why the sudden change..."

"Can I not agree?" He smiled a self-mocking smile. In front of her, he had long since learned to compromise. "I think if I don’t agree, you’ll give me the cold shoulder for a week, a month? Or even longer?"

Sophie lowered her head, speechless. Is she really that kind of person?

She didn’t think much further; his agreement was enough.

Both of them had troubles deep down. They need to learn to yield a bit; only then can they get along better, right?