The next scene unfolded exactly as expected.
"You have a knack for getting my attention, miss. Now that you have it, you'll have to pay the price," Ross said smoothly, his voice dripping with amusement.
He reached out, tilting Althea's chin up with two fingers, forcing her wide eyes to meet his. Before she could react, his lips descended upon hers in a sudden, forceful kiss.
"Mmph!" Althea gasped, her body freezing in place. This was her character's first kiss, and it showed in the way she stood stiffly, paralyzed by shock.
She had expected many things from this night, but not this—not the searing heat of Ross's breath against her lips, nor the overwhelming way his mouth moved against hers, commanding and unapologetic.
Her heart pounded wildly in her chest. She didn't know how to kiss back, didn't even know how to breathe properly.
