?Chapter 1147:


    Before he could respond, Pattie leaned in once more and pressed her lips to his, pushing him down against the cushions. This time, however, the kiss brushed by quickly, vanishing almost as soon as it began.


    Rnd tugged at his tie, dragging in a heavy breath as warmth burned its way through his throat.


    Memories of every encounter with Pattie surged through his thoughts.


    He realized then that he had been drawn to her from the very beginning.


    Yet, having never truly loved a woman, he had no idea how to show it.


    Only now did he recognize one thing — what he once felt for Maia had been nothing more than admiration mixed with respect.


    The truth was clearer than ever — Pattie was the one who set his pulse racing, the one who lingered in his mind long after nightfall, her image appearing whenever he shut his eyes. Her unflinching honesty and the zing devotion she offered pulled him in like a me too captivating to resist.


    At that exact moment, however, something cold and fragile slipped onto his skin.


    He instinctively looked up, seeing that tears were spilling down Pattie’s cheeks.


    A sudden stab of pain shot through Rnd’s chest.


    Gently breaking the silence, he asked, “What’s troubling you?” His tone carried a careful warmth.


    Even before Pattie could form a reply, Rnd’s hand moved toward her, drawn to the sorrow weighing her down.


    With gentle fingers, he brushed away the tears gathering at hershes, then drew her tightly into his arms once again.


    “I’m not running away.”


    His voice, rough with emotion, faltered briefly before steadying. “The truth is, I feel the same. I like you, too.”


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    At that, Pattie jerked her head up, her eyes widening in disbelief as they locked on Rnd’s face.


    Rnd did not waver, meeting her gaze with a steady mix of passion and tenderness.


    There was fire in his eyes, yet a softness lingered there as well. Then, with a teasing spark, Pattie gave Rnd’s solid chest a yful punch and broke into a grin. “Honestly! Did you really have to wait for me to say it first?”


    “Apologies.”


    Rnd’s tone carried a raw sincerity, as though he were standing before a judge. “I may be clumsy at this… but what if, this time, I take the lead?”


    “No way!” Pattie wasted no breath. She leaned in fast, silencing Rnd’s words with another kiss.


    Out of nowhere, the suite’s doorbell chimed.


    Pattie and Rnd froze in ce, eyes snapping toward the entrance. Could it be Maia?


    In that heartbeat of distraction, Rnd seized the moment. With a sudden shift, he eased Pattie back against the sofa.


    The weight he pressed down with was careful yetmanding, leaving her little space to object.


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