She felt like a yer, someone who only wanted the fun without the responsibility.


    But to her, marriage felt too heavy a burden right now.


    She knew Joshua shouldn''t have to pay the price for the hurt she''d endured in the past.


    But she really didn''t want to make the same mistake again.


    Joshua was different to her.


    Seeing how anxious he was, Ste''s heart softened.


    After a moment, she decided to try and soothe him first.


    "Joshua, we haven''t been together that long, so..."


    Her words were cut off as his lips suddenly captured hers.


    His kiss was both lingering and fierce, as if he meant to devour her whole.


    Ste was overwhelmed. She instinctively tried to turn her head away, but Joshua held the back of her head, his grip firm, leaving her no room to escape.


    She was locked tightly in his arms, unable to move.


    The man''s eyes were filled with a dark storm, deep and unsettling.


    As if sensing her gaze, Joshua closed his eyes, hiding the emotions they revealed.


    Soon, Ste''s strength gave out, and she could only lean against him, letting him do as he pleased as she gradually sank into the kiss.


    When it ended, both of them were breathing unevenly.


    His eyes were dark and clear. The way he looked at her was deep and fervent, filled with a man''s undisguised desire for a woman, as if he would devour herpletely in the next second.


    It was only then that Ste realized just how restrained and reserved Joshua''s gaze had been before.


    But Joshua didn''t make another move. He simply held her and coaxed her in a low voice.


    "Star, let''s not break up, okay?"


    His gaze made her heart race.


    She found herself nodding. "Okay."


    Joshua''s expression rxed slightly. "From now on, if I do something you don''t like, you can just tell me and I''ll charge.


    But don''t mention breaking up again, alright?"


    His apology was so sincere that Ste started to wonder if she was the one being


    overly dramatic and unreasonable.


    She nodded again.


    Joshua said no more, and they held each in silence.


    After a while, Ste''s emotions began to settle.


    She looked around the room''s furnishings and said softly, "Joshua, there''s still a lot to sort out with the Williams family so won''t be leaving them for now."


    The arms around her tightened unconsciously.


    Joshua''s voice was unreadable. "Mm, I know."


    Ste knew that with Joshua''s intelligence, he would understand without her needing to exin.


    She then added, "But, after the matter with Coleman is settled, I won''t need to live at


    the Williams estate anymore.


    I could... I could move in with you..."


    As she spoke, a blush crept up her cheeks.


    Since Joshua had agreed not to push the subject of marriage, she felt she had to offer something in return she couldn''t just say no everything.


    They were both adults; there was no need to insist on a purely tonic rtionship.


    Still, they hadn''t been together for very long. This could serve as a transition period to get used to the rtionship.


    Moving in together right after they started dating felt a little strange.


    Joshua seemed to guess her thoughts, and a smile finally appeared on his face.


    He had plenty of patience for Ste. As long as she didn''t mention breaking up, he was willing to concede anything.


    He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Okay. I''ll wait for you."