Chapter 112

Dorothea spent her morning at the salon and made it back to the villa by lunchtime. The past few days had been nonstop with hotel business, and she could see the exhaustion on her own face.

Once home, she sipped on the soup Linda had made, filled her stomach, then curled up on the couch and drifted off for a midday nap. She had no idea how long she slept. Out of nowhere, lightning ripped through the sky, and huge raindrops hammered against the windows.

The sudden noise sent her heart racing for no reason she could name.

Dorothea glanced at her phone and saw a dozen missed calls from Latham. All while she’d been sleeping.

She blinked, confused. Wasn’t he out watching the game with Wade?

She called him back, but no one picked up. The line just rang and rang.

Maybe it wasn’t anything important.

With a shrug, she grabbed a book, curled up again, and let the sound of rain soothe her. It was oddly peaceful, the kind of quiet she hadn’t had in days.

That peace shattered with a loud bang at the front door.

Latham stood in the entryway, completely soaked. His expensive suit was wrinkled and clinging to him, hair dripping water in messy strands. Droplets slid down his jaw, trailing over skin stretched taut with tension.

Dorothea’s heart clenched.

“You didn’t bring an umbrella?” Her voice was gentle, but she couldn’t hide her worry. The basketball arena was indoors, right? And he definitely had a car. How had he ended up like this?

She frowned, noticing a storm in his eyes that she’d never seen before.

Latham’s lips twisted into a sharp smile. “You gave the ticket to Wade p>

So he was upset.

Dorothea dropped her eyes, not wanting to meet his gaze. “Yeah. I heard you both liked basketball p>

A chill swept in with him, heavy with rain. Dorothea instinctively pulled her bare feet up onto the sofa. She stared at the growing puddle at his feet and stood ready to help te me get you a tower p>

Before she could move, a cold, wet hand wrapped around her wrist, gripping so

tightly it hurt. The shock of his touch made her shiver.

She frowned and looked up at him, confusion in her eyes. “Latham, let go p>

“First, stop trying to set me up with Wade. I told you, I don’t like him. Second, don’t try to set me up with anyone else, either p>

He stepped closer, and she could feel the chill radiate from him, nearly freezing her in place. He spoke slowly, each word deliberate. “And last, you enjoy giving me gifts p>

His other hand caught her chin, forcing her to look up. “Let me show you what kind of gift I want p>

Latham’s breath was hot against her lips.

The moment their mouths met, Dorothea gasped, hands braced against his damp chest. He didn’t let go, only pulled her closer, the kiss turning rough, hungry, almost punishing.

Her lips tingled, turning from pale

pink to a bruised red. Latham

pressed forward, deepening the kiss

until her mind went completely

blank His fingers, cold at first,

warmed against her skin, growing almost feverish.

Tears pricked at Dorothea’s eyes. She didn’t know where the strength came from,

but she shoved him away with all her might and slapped his wet cheek.

Latham froze for a second, shock

plain on his face. Then his eyes

darkened, the heat in them only

intensifying. He smirked, turning his head and offering his other cheek to her open palm. Want to do this side too p>

Dorothea stared at him, stunned. “You p>

“Not going to hit me?” His voice was low, teasing. “If you don’t, I’m just going to keep kissing you p>

She couldn’t tell how long he kept demanding more, kissing her until she was breathless and dizzy. Only when she felt like she might pass out did he finally pull away.

Latham rested his forehead against hers, his breathing ragged and warm.

“Next time, make sure your gifts are up to this standard. Got it p>