<b>Chapter </b><b>485 </b>


    Once you get a wicked idea, suddenly you feel like you can do anything


    Taking a deep breath, I looked at Ryan’s handsome face, cheeks tinged with red no doubt it was his first time.


    He was not just good–looking, but cool and sexy, bold and charming–he really made my heart race.


    I’d heard that for guys, their first time is unforgettable, like that one person they could never get out of their minds.


    Edward was eyeing me like a tiger stalking its prey, forcing me to get crafty. If I wanted to escape from under his ws, I had to find someone even stronger to rely on.


    Edward definitely had more power than Ryan, who hadn’t even stepped into the family business yet. In families like theirs, bloodline and status are everything, and from the way Edward treated Ryan, it was clear who really called the shots.


    “Vic, spacing out again?” My bright eyes met Ryan’s, and that look seemed to irritate him all over again.


    Without a second thought, I grabbed Ryan by the cor and yanked the tall guy down to me.


    Ryan was clearly caught off guard by how forward I was. While he was still stunned, I pressed my lips to his.


    His breath was crisp and intoxicating–it was addictive.


    Still dazed, his ears burning red, Ryan’s big handnded on my waist. Surprised and thrilled, he pulled me in, holding me even tighter against him.


    “Vic…” Ryan’s whole face was glowing with happiness, his eyes swirling with disbelief and a flood of emotion he could barely contain.


    His Adam’s apple moved in a sexy roll, and with wild excitement, he came at me again, unable to hold himself back.


    Me taking the lead was basically my way of giving him a prize, and Ryan finally lost all restraint, pinning me down on the sofa.


    I pulled out all the stops to make sure he’d never forget this night–soft skin, sweet warmth, everything I had, until Ryan waspletely swept away and didn’t know what hit him.


    I had to admit, these young guys really are something else–talented in every possible way.


    Ryan was gentle, holding himself back for my sake.


    After the storm, the room was left in a haze ofnguid warmth.


    I curled up in his arms and drifted off, his big hand hot against my stomach, spreading warmth through me.


    With the night air turning cold and no nket in sight, his arms around me were the best kind of warmth–a perfect heater on a chilly night.


    The wild passion fromst night had mostly faded by morning.


    I had no idea when Ryan finally fell asleep, but by seven, he


    was still


    <i>out </i>


    cold.


    Soft morning light slipped through the beige floor–to–ceiling windows, falling gently across his body.


    Lying there on the gray–blue sheets, his physique looked like it had been carved by a master–every inch radiating strength and pure allure.


    I couldn’t help but stare at him like a total fangirl for ages. A young body like his… honestly, it’s the ultimate treat for a woman.


    Getting older means I really need to step up my self–care game.


    I grabbed my pajamas and headed to the bathroom for a shower. Afterward, I pulled my half–dry hair back, ready to hit it with the blow dryer.


    Suddenly, the light at the doorway dimmed. Ryan showed up, just a towel around his <b>waist </b>hadir’t even noticed an <b>he </b>woke up


    His handsome face carried azy, masculine satisfaction, looking totally content.


    “Up so early? Was I not strong enough for youst night?” Ryan teased, giving me a mock pout and looking at me all hurt


    ! smiled, smoothing out my half–dry hair. “My waist is about to snap. If you go any harder, you’ll be the death of me”


    Ryanughed at that, came up behind me, and started running his fingers through my hair. “Let me help you dry it?


    “You know how to do that?” I gave him a teasing look in the mirror.


    “I’ll learn for you,” Ryan said, picking up the blow dryer and starting to work on my hair.


    He was totally out of his depth, fumbling with the dryer, but his touch was so careful, like he was terrified of pulling my hair.


    I didn’t say a word, just stood there quietly, watching him in the mirror.


    Ryan must’ve noticed the way I was looking at him, because he blushed and got even clumsier.


    “Vic, why did you say yes against night?”


    asked, still fussing with my


    hair.


    I felt a little guilty and looked down, my voice soft. “Seriously? Youin when I do, and youin when I don’t. You’re impossible to please.”


    Ryan got flustered right away. “That’s not what I meant. I was just… really surprised, and honestly, really happy.”


    “People change their minds in a heartbeat. There’s nothing to exin.” I looked up at him. “You said it yourself–it’s not just the first time that matters, it’s every time.”


    Ryan stared at me for a couple seconds, and the strands slipped through his fingers. Startled, he quickly gathered another small section and kept drying.


    B