Julian scoffed, "You know, there''s a perfect name for this little game of yours- ying hard to get


    His deep-set features, always cold and unreadable, carried a sharp edge of mockery. The words pricked at Rosalie, awakening a familiar ache that crept through her chest like a thousand tiny needles


    But no matter how tant his ridicule, she remained impassive, her expression smooth, not a flicker of embarrassment or anger in sight.


    Julian''s eyes darkened, turning even colder, a storm brewing beneath their surface.


    Rosalic, unfazed, casually brushed aside a loose strand of hair from her forehead. Then, without warning, she lifted her foot and aimed a swift, ruthless kick at the softest part of his knee.


    Caught off guard, Julian instinctively reached out, grabbing hold of her arm to steady himself. His grip was firm, but his brows furrowed as he met her gaze-a gazeced with amusement and just the right amount of icy provocation.


    closest to the


    them. Mr.


    Rosalie let out a cold chuckle. "See that? When faced with danger, people wall instinctively reach for whatever-or whoever is clos Galloway, aren''t you the same?"


    Her eyes flickered toward his hand, still gripping her arm. Her smirk deepened, the mockery in her gaze unmistakable. Tell me, would this count as you throwing yourself into my arms?"


    Julian had been married to Rosalie for a year, and the Rosalie he knew was always gentle and considerate toward him. This was the first time he had seen her so difficult to deal with..


    She hadn''t hesitated for a second before kicking him just now, as if even if she''d shattered his leg in the process, she wouldn''t have batted an eye. Julian studied the faint, yful curve at the corner of her lips. A glint of something dangerous flickered in his gaze, a quiet, simmering warning lurking just beneath the surface.


    Just when Rosalie thought Julian would be so provoked by her words that he''d let go, the grip on her arm tightened. With a forceful tug, she was pulled forward- straight into his embrace.


    Her face darkened instantly. This was the first time tonight that Julian had seen her expression change.


    His broad palm pressed against the back of her head, holding her firmly in ce, refusing to let her pull away. Rosalie''s eyes red with fury as she red up at him.