Loving You Too Long

“But what you see is different from what you feel in person,” Nathan said, not wanting to back down.

“Of course, Nath. I know that too. It’s all just acting, except maybe if the video’s title is a tutorial,” she said and placed the plate on the dining table. Nathan grabbed Haisley’s arm before she could go to the kitchen.

“Don’t pretend that you’re trying out what you’ve seen, Haisley,” he growled. His grip on her arm tightened, making Haisley wince in pain. She harshly attempted to free herself from Nathan’s grip.

“I’ve told you multiple times, Nathaniel, it’s none of your business,” she said, her tone as cold as ice. “I have my own rights to do whatever I want, and I’ve said that to you repeatedly.” Her words were a reminder.

Nathan stood tall in front of her, his head bowed to meet Haisley’s eyes, which only reached his chest. His sharp gaze made Haisley afraid, but she tried to conceal her fear.

“I know you’re experienced. Very experienced,” she said softly. She looked back at Nathan with a sharp gaze. A small, teasing smile appeared on her lips, making Nathan swallow hard, resisting the temptation to grab her and kiss her as he did when she was asleep. “Someday, if I need your help on how to seduce, I’ll definitely ask you to teach me,” she said shamelessly.

She turned away, leaving Nathan standing there, stunned by Haisley’s words that felt like they were stabbing him, while Haisley tried her best to calm her racing heart.

“So, it’s like a boxing ring, you want to turn me into a punching bag for practice, is that it?” Nathan asked when his momentarily weakened mind regained function. Haisley, putting potatoes into a large bowl, just shrugged nonchalantly.

“Gilbert said if I want to be great, I need to practice often,” she replied, trying to provoke him. “So, the more I practice, the better I’ll become. How many punching bags does a boxer have to destroy before becoming a professional? If you can count, try counting for me. I’ll make that the number of men I’ll date until I’m finally declared a pro,” she answered, placing the bowl of mashed potatoes on the table.

As Haisley turned back to the kitchen to get a drink, Nathan blocked her way. He stared at her with fiery eyes. But Haisley stood her ground, gazing back at him with a cynical look. “What are you doing?” Haisley asked coldly.

“You said you wanted to count how many punching bags are ruined before a boxer becomes a pro. Do you already have your first punching bag?” he asked coldly. The large figure of the man drew closer, instinctively making Haisley step back slowly to avoid him. Haisley swallowed hard; it seemed like she had baited Nathan excessively. His anger was evident.

“Who’s your first punching bag? Tell me. Is it Steven? Demian? Or is there another man?” With each step Nathan took, Haisley took a step back.

“It could be Steven, it could be Demian, or maybe both at the same time,” Haisley answered without hesitation. Although in her heart, she knew it was neither of them, and it would never be.

“Stop it, Haisley,” the man growled. Nathan gripped Haisley’s upper arms tightly, causing her to frown and struggle to break free. Instead, he pushed Haisley with his body, pinning her against the bar table, her back now trapped between Nathan’s large frame. “Don’t try to be a slut. It’s not suitable for you,” he continued, his gaze piercing.

“And what do you think, if I’m not allowed to be a slut, what kind of woman should I be then? A graceful and obedient woman who just agrees with whatever my future husband says?” Haisley challenged. “I’m sorry, Nathan. Maybe Loretta is more suitable for a woman like that. But me, I prefer to be a rebellious wife.” She tried to push Nathan’s chest.

If he were in good health, Nathan might never have moved from his position, but because he was still in the process of healing, Haisley’s quite forceful push made Nathan stagger and step back a few paces. Haisley was surprised herself when she saw Nathan bump into the dining table, causing the plates and bowls on it to shift from their places.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“Are you okay?” Haisley asked in panic. She reached out and tried to help Nathan stand upright again. Nathan didn’t reject her hand. Instead, he hugged Haisley’s waist rather than accepting her help.

Haisley jerked as her body once again came into such close proximity to Nathan’s. “I’ll never allow you to play around, Princess,” Nathan growled in her ear. “I won’t allow anyone to be worthy of you,” he continued softly.

In her conscious and shocked state, Haisley tried her best to hide her joyful smile. Finally, her bait had worked. She had to keep challenging Nathan if she wanted her dreams to come true.

“Why? Isn’t anyone worthy to be my partner?” she challenged, tilting her head back to meet Nathan’s gaze directly, which he returned with intensity.

“No one. Because I won’t allow anyone to be worthy of you.”

“Don’t be so arrogant, Nathan. There are plenty of men in this world better than you. And don’t assume you’re an expert in everything. Even though I know you’re a playboy who can easily switch women like changing clothes, I don’t like teasing a man who already has a girlfriend. I don’t want to be seen as a woman trying to steal someone, even though my intention isn’t to make them mine, but just like you said, to make them my partner in life.”

“And Demian or Steven is a suitable candidate because neither of them is close to any woman right now. Plus, both of them seem to admire me, so I’m sure they will kindly fulfill any of my hopes,” Haisley said and pushed Nathan to sit in a chair.

“I won’t let it happen, Princess.”

“And I won’t ask for your permission to let me, My Prince,” she retorted and started spooning mashed potatoes onto Nathan’s plate. Again, she tried to conceal her delight at the victory she had achieved.