Chapter 46_ Gemma

Kane shifted to the side, his heart quivering as he met Arya's fiery gaze. Without hesitation, he pushed Gemma away, causing her to stumble onto the frigid floor.

Gemma couldn't believe Kane's actions, solely directed by his actions towards Arya. Her disdainful glare locked onto Arya's figure as she clenched her teeth in fury. Standing up, she stormed out of the office and shut the door behind her.

Now alone with Kane, Arya remained silent, ready to go about her business. However, Kane swiftly took hold of her hands, pulling her into an embrace as he spoke hastily, "A-Arya, it's not what you think. I didn't do anything with her. She kissed me. I swear, I didn't even respond. I was about to push her away when you arrived."

Arya remained still for a moment, the initial rage dissipating as she realized she had no right to be angry. After all, Kane was not her significant other, nor did he promise her anything. They were simply cohabitating and occasional lovers. There was no deeper connection between them. As she processed this, a pang of pain tugged at her chest, but she brushed it aside and finally spoke, "You don't have to explain, Kane. We don't have a special bond, remember? I am not your girlfriend. You can be with whoever you want, just like I can be with whoever I-"

"I dare you to say that!" Kane growled, his grip tightening on her arms as he glared at her, "As long as you sleep with me, Arya Cobbler, no one else has the right to touch you. You hear me? You are mine. Period." Kane's possessive tone emphasized his last words as he forcefully captured her lips, biting her as if punishing her for even considering being with another man.

Arya grappled with his overpowering kisses, and upon seeing the tears welling in her eyes from the intensity of his mouth on hers, Kane backed away. His gaze softened at the sight of her swollen lips and ragged breaths, igniting a scorching heat within him. He wanted nothing more than to tear off her clothes and take her right then and there!

After calming herself down, Arya used her hands to wipe her lips and made a remark, "You shouldn't kiss me with the same lips that just touched Gemma's a few moments ago. What was she doing here, anyway? Don't tell me you've slept with her before?" Arya inquired, and upon seeing the guilt in Kane's eyes, she knew she was right. She shook her head in disappointment and fired another question at him.

Arya crossed her arms over her chest and gritted her teeth as she demanded, "And how many girls have you slept with in this office, Kane Maranello? I bet you're proud that you've been with almost every girl in the building, including me, right? Am I just another one of your conquests? Speak the truth, Kane, because I swear everything between us will end right now!" A fire blazed in her amber eyes as she locked her gaze onto Kane.

Kane looked at Arya and couldn't help but notice her expression. He silently mused over her flaring nose and the rage on her fair cheeks. He loved seeing her like this, and he had the sudden urge to pinch her cheeks. But with the deadly glare she was giving him, he knew she might cut off his hands if he tried. With a sigh and an amused glint in his eyes, he spoke, "Arya, you can't use my past against me. And besides, despite being a playboy, I don't just sleep with anyone. I only go for ladies who have class and beauty. And you, my dear, shouldn't compare yourself to any of them. You are a diamond, shining brighter than anyone else. And no, you are not just a girl to me. You are my Arya, my beloved Tigress.”

Arya's cheeks grew warm at his tender utterance, her anger dissipating at the sound of his sweet words. Raising an eyebrow, she inquired, "Really? I am curious, how did you manage to win over Gemma? She has always been so uptight and reserved. When I first started working here, your father assigned me to work under her. She was always strict, never allowing me to make any mistakes. So tell me, Kane, how did you charm such a capable lady to be with you, despite her being your father's secretary?"

Kane's lips curved into a small smile as he playfully tapped her nose before lifting her off the ground and seating her on his lap. Running his fingers through her hair, he responded, "I don't mean to boast, Tigress, but every woman in the city desires a taste of Kane Maranello, and Gemma is no exception." As Arya scowled at him, he chuckled and continued, "She may be good at her job, but she is still a woman with desires of her own. One night, I went to my father's office to retrieve a file and caught a sight that took my breath away. Gemma was sitting on the desk, watching my naked videos on her phone while pleasuring herself and moaning my name. I was stunned - I had no idea she was a fan of mine until that moment. She stopped when she saw me and quickly got off the desk, but I am Kane Maranello, the notorious Playboy of the city. I couldn't let her go after seeing her in such a state, so I offered her the real thing, and we went all the way."

"Wow." Arya exclaimed, her image of Gemma shattering at that revelation. Looking up at Kane suspiciously, she asked, "And now, Kane? Are you still the carefree Playboy, indulging in your sexual desires without any boundaries? Or has something changed?" She waited with baited breath for his response.

Kane felt the weight of Arya's words as she spoke, and he swallowed nervously. He knew that his answer could make or break his plans with her. He didn't know what to say. Should he tell her the truth or should he continue his facade? His thoughts raced a million miles per hour as he let the silence linger between them.