"Ms. Payne, it seems Mr. Schwartz is angry," Dana whispered as she helped pack the rest of the suitcase.


    "It''s fine."


    Juniper''s lips twitched into a faint smile. "Give him a minute. He''ll get over it himself."


    Get over it himself? Dana paused for a second, then couldn''t help but cover her mouth to stifle a giggle. It was true. Ms. Payne had Mr. Schwartz wrapped around her little finger.


    At ten o''clock that night, Juniper finished packing, took a shower, and realized Shanley still hadn''te out of the study.


    With her hair still damp, she sauntered into the living room for a stroll. Shanley, who had assumed she wasing to appease him, watched as she grabbed a ss of ice water and headed straight back to her room, treating him like he was invisible. His expression darkened further, and in a fit of pique, he fumed some more.


    A few secondster, he stood up, grabbed a hairdryer, and followed her into the bedroom.


    "Pfft-"


    Watching their interaction, Dana almost burst outughing. When it came to Ms. Payne, Mr. Schwartz had no pride to speak of.


    In the bedroom, Juniper was leaning against the headboard when she saw him walk


    in with the hairdryer. She raised an eyebrow. "Feeling better, Mr. Schwartz?"


    Her jab left Shanley speechless. He let out a helpless, frustratedugh. This heartless girl.


    "Yes," Shanley said, walking over to dry her hair. "I''ve calmed myself down. Satisfied?"


    "More or less."


    Feeling the warm air on her head and watching his gentle movements, Juniper stared at him for a few seconds. Then she opened her arms and wrapped them around his waist, resting her chin on his shoulder.


    "What is it?" Shanley''s body stiffened, his movements bing awkward and his voice turning impossibly hoarse.


    "Nothing," Juniper murmured, holding him without moving, her eyes closed. "Since I''ll be gone for a few days, I''m giving you a little painkiller in advance."


    Painkiller? Shanley froze for a moment before a soft chuckle escaped his throat.


    "As a painkiller, this might not be strong enough," the man said, putting down the hairdryer He cupped her deficate face, his gaze alluring. "We might need to up the dosage."


    "What?" Juniper''s eyes flew open, not understanding.


    "This."


    Shanley leaned down, his warm lips pressing against hers. Juniper''s eyes widened, and she stared at him, hershes fluttering.


    Seeing that she didn''t resist, Shanley deepened the kiss.


    "Are you trying to take a mile?" Juniper found an opportunity to pull back slightly, her lips moving as she asked calmly.


    "I am," Shanley''s lips curved into a wicked, captivating smile. "Not just a mile. I want it all."


    Further... and further still...


    "You''re quite ambitious!"


    Before she could finish, Shanley was suddenly grabbed and yanked back toward her.


    Juniper''s eyshes brushed against his cheek, her clear eyes narrowing dangerously. The next second she bit down hard on his neck. The teeth marks were sharp and conspicuous.


    "Hiss—" A jolt of pain shot through him, and Shanley couldn''t help but frown.


    Looking at the clear imprint, Juniper


    felt


    strange sense of satisfaction.


    It was as if this priceless treasure


    had been branded, belonging only to er


    To everyone else: Don''t touch, don''t look, don''t even think about it.


    "You''ll stay home quietly. Understood?"


    "Understood."


    Shanley touched the bite mark and nodded with a smile.


    As soon as Juniper was asleep, he sent a text to Felton and Flint: `Prep the jet.


    We''re flying to the Amazon Rainforest.`


    There was no way he was actually going to let her go to such a dangerous ce alone.


    If she got angry, he''d just let her bite him a couple more times.