Without waiting for a response, she moved to the wardrobe and pulled out a coat, intending to use it as a makeshift blanket.

Behind her, she heard the faint sound of wheels turning as Collin maneuvered his wheelchair toward the bed.

Just as she was about to shut the wardrobe door, his voice cut through the silence, Come help me with the blanket.

Okay, she answered simply, walking over and bending down to assist him.

But the moment her hand touched the covers, Collin suddenly seized her wrist. Linsey froze, her eyes wide in surprise. In a swift, seamless motion, he tugged her onto the bed. She fell against the soft mattress, and Collin leaned over her, his body caging hers with unmistakable authority.

W-what are you doing? she stammered, her voice laced with panic.

Collin s gaze bored into hers, unreadable and intense. Shouldn t I be asking you that? His voice was calm, too calm, like a taut thread before it snapped. To avoid sharing a bed with me, you deliberately ate mangoes to trigger an allergic reaction. Then you fabricated a hereditary illness, even went so far as to fake medication with a bottle of vitamins from your suitcase.

Linsey s heart skipped a beat. How how did you know?

To Collin, her scheme was amateur at best. Before inviting her to move in, he had conducted a thorough investigation into her background. He already knew she was allergic to mangoes and that there was no family-related illness in her records.

Ironically, he was also allergic to mangoes. He knew precisely what kind of symptoms would appear after exposure.

Earlier, while she was in the shower, he had gone downstairs and checked the kitchen. The refrigerator was stocked with freshly delivered groceries, and the trash can told the rest of the story: mango skins and pits scattered inside.

For final confirmation, he had rifled through her suitcase. There, tucked in a side compartment, he found the supposed medication a bottle of over-the-counter vitamins.

He gave a wry smile, brushing his thumb along her cheek. You clearly don t know me well enough. I don t trust easily and I verify everything.

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Nice try, he added. But not good enough.

Linsey opened her mouth to explain, but he cut her off, his voice turning steely. I told you I loathe lies. Yet you chose to deceive me. How should I punish you?

She flinched. Terrified he might lash out at Felix again, she softened her tone, her eyes pleading. I m sorry. I shouldn t have lied. You can yell at me, hit me if you must, but please, don t hurt Felix.

Fine, he replied, far too easily. Then give me a kiss.

Linsey blinked. What?

He raised an eyebrow. What, you don t want to?

She faltered, and her gaze flicked to the phone on the nightstand. Seeing him reach toward it, she panicked. Don t hurt Felix I ll kiss you. Right now.

Satisfied, he set the phone back down, then rolled over, pulling her into his arms.

Their positions shifted he lay beneath her now, his eyes cool and expectant. Then, he issued the command again low, firm, and undeniable. Kiss me.

Linsey s hands trembled. But she had no choice.

With quiet resignation, she leaned in, closed her eyes, and brushed her lips against his. She pulled away instantly, as if she had touched fire.

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