Prologue

ASTIN'S emotions were raging as he watched Laura get into an Audi. The man wrapped his arms around her waist, which infuriated him. He was jealous, but he had no right to be.

When was the last time he held her? Probably when she was fifteen. It was even a stolen hug. And now she was letting this guy do it willingly?

He couldn’t bear the sight, so he forced himself back to his car—a Porsche Carrera S, a car that his father gifted him upon graduation. He stomp the steering wheel and punched the seat.

He was roaring with anger at the moment.

“Damn you, boy!” he shouted in the car, still watching. The Audi hadn’t even left yet. How long had they been sitting in there?

“What the hell are they doing?” he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

He had offered to pick her up from the university since it was her birthday. He knew she was still upset with him, yet she always agreed to go with him whenever he came to get her. His family had organized a small celebration, and he’d contributed as well, hoping to surprise her. And this is what he discovered?

How many men had he turned away, leaving them disheartened over her? Did this guy really think he could compete with him?

Only a year ago, he’d graduated from that same university. Even though he had publicly announced their engagement, once he left, suitors had flocked to her. He still had people keeping an eye on things, but that wasn’t enough to keep her from dating.

Laura was still giving him the silent treatment over his actions. Was loving him truly that difficult? Was he so unappealing? What qualities was she looking for in a man?

He looked back at the car, which still hadn’t moved.

He’d only been tied up at work for a while, and already someone had slipped through?

Frustrated, he reached out to their driver, Mang Vincent, and instructed him to fetch Laura, offering no explanation for the sudden change.

He sped off and headed to ZL Lounge, a popular bar owned by his godfather.

He arrived at ZL Lounge at quarter to six in the evening and handed his car keys to a guard, who parked it for him.

It was still early, and the staff couldn’t do much about his early arrival. He was free to come and go as he wished because his father still held shares in the place. 

“Good evening, Sir Astin,” greeted Oliver, the assistant manager.

He knew that his uncle Dane—his mom’s first cousin—was the one running the bar.

Astin smiled at him. Oliver took his staff place at the counter and asked what he’d like to drink since the bartender wouldn’t be on duty until seven.

He opted for Jack Daniels. By seven, people had begun to arrive, and by nine, the place was bustling with noise.

Having had quite a bit to drink, he moved up to the second floor to hang out there alone.

He rubbed his temples, feeling the buzz hit him hard. His mom would be furious if she found out he drove while drunk, so he called the family driver to come pick him up.

It was past eleven by the time he got home, stumbling slightly as he crossed their spacious yard.

He glanced up at the window of Laura’s room.

“Happy birthday, my Laura,” he said softly, forcing a smile as he gazed at her window.

He froze when he heard a sound coming from the pool. Someone was there. He walked over with his hands in his pockets, almost in a daze. He smiled when he recognized who it was.

“What a beautiful sight,” he whispered.

He sat on the deck near her clothes. She hadn’t noticed him because she was swimming back and forth. It was somewhat dark in that area, so she really wouldn’t see him.

It seemed she sensed someone watching, so soon she climbed out of the pool. His jaw dropped as he took in the sight of her. It felt like time stopped.

He swallowed as he watched her. She walked slowly, like a model, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

Laura looked stunning in her black one-piece swimsuit, perfectly fitting her slim frame and fair legs.

The alcohol had already warmed his body, but watching her walk toward her clothes made him feel even hotter. He watched her intently as she looked his way.

She frowned when she saw him. He smiled at her, but she didn’t smile back, leaving him feeling irritated.

Was it because of the guy she was with?

She quickly slipped on her loose shirt and layered a robe over it. Anticipating she’d pass by him, he blocked her path. As she got close, he unexpectedly pulled her against him, a surge of electricity shooting through him as their bodies met.

He breathed in her fresh scent, eyes closed in the moment.

Stunned by his sudden move, she tried to push him away, but he only gave her a sweet smile and had no plans of letting her go.

“Astin!” she exclaimed, struggling. “What are you doing? Let me go!”

“Why?” he murmured. “I just wanted to tell you something. The day’s not over, so... happy 21st birthday, my Laura,” he said and, without hesitation, captured her slightly parted lips in a kiss.

Her lips were soft, and unlike the gentle pecks he’d given before, this kiss was more intense. She pushed against his chest, but he was caught up in the moment, possibly emboldened by the alcohol, wanting to express his jealousy over what he’d witnessed earlier.

Didn’t she realize she belonged only with him? 

When she resisted, he gently bit her lower lip, and as he paused, her lips parted instinctively, letting him savor her even more. His kiss grew deeper when she stopped pushing him away.

A smile played on his lips as she began to kiss him back, and they stayed that way for a few moments.

Her response only fuelled his desire, but he forced himself to regain control. He gently released Laura’s lips to stop himself from wanting more.

Again, a smile flashed on his lips as she opened her eyes. His heart raced when their eyes met.

He really missed those beautiful eyes. Damn much!

He caressed her lips that were still wet from their kiss.

Astin chuckled when Laura avoided meeting his eyes. She seems shy after the passionate kiss they shared.

“These lips are mine, my Laura,” he murmured in a husky voice.

She frowned, pulling back slightly.

“You’ve said that so many times, Astin,” she replied. “And you keep claiming me like other things that aren’t yours.”

He ignored her sentiments and smiled. He draws her closer to him, and her hand lands on his chest. 

“Let me go, Astin! Please— stop!” she protested, struggling once more.

He leaned close and whispered firmly, “It’s not just your lips I’m claiming. It’s you, because you’re mine, my Laura. Only mine.”