chapter 4

"How did it go?"

Claire immediately asked her even before she fully stepped inside her house.

Lexie just rolled her eyes at her and walked straight inside without a word.

"The way you're ignoring me, I can tell that the 'Operation Help Lexie Get Laid' didn't go well."

Her cousin teased with a mischievous grin, even giggling as she followed Lexie into the kitchen.

"Fine, it didn't go well. That guy did nothing but reject me. Why do I have this feeling that this plan is a really bad idea?"

Lexie pouted, throwing her bag onto the kitchen counter with a huff. She scowled again as she recalled how Ram Jordan repeatedly turned her down earlier.

"Wow, you just thought about that now?"

Her cousin teased again, earning another eye roll from Lexie.

"No, I will get him to want me. Like, literally in me, Claire."

She said, staring at her cousin without a reaction.

"Hmm, let me get this straight. You're really going to force yourself to give your virginity to that guy even though he keeps rejecting you?"

"Yep, that's the plan."

"And you're willing to sin with that man just to take revenge on your stupid ex?"

Claire clarified with a furrowed brow.

"I mean, that's what we talked about in the first place, right?"

Lexie answered flatly before rolling her eyes again.

"Wow, so you're planning to use an innocent soul for your weird, overly messed-up, and dark revenge plan against Rafael? And you think you and God are cool with that?"

Claire said sarcastically. Lexie paused for a moment, suddenly thinking.

"Gee, I forgot about God."

She muttered absentmindedly, only to hear Claire burst into laughter. Annoyed, Lexie grabbed a small spoon nearby and threw it at her.

"He said he would call, Claire."

Lexie grumbled to her cousin, glancing once again at the clock on the wall.

She had lost count of how many times she had checked the time, even though it was obvious that Ram Jordan had no intention of calling her. He probably only took her number because she kept pestering him earlier.

It was past nine in the evening, and she still hadn't received a single text message from him.

"Yeah, maybe he's really not interested. Just sleep it off, cous."

Claire grinned before leaving her to head to her room.

Lexie waited a few more minutes before finally giving up. With a scowl, she stood up to change into her sleepwear.

Just as she was about to walk away, a series of knocks on her door made her freeze.

"God forbid if this is Rafael again."

She muttered irritably before opening the door.

"Hi."

A wide smile greeted her—the very man she had been waiting for.

"Ram?"

She gasped in surprise.

"H-how did you know where I live?"

She asked, her face full of confusion.

"I have my ways, Lexie. So, are you still up for a drink?"

Ram grinned.

"It's late."

"I know. I had a bad day at work, and I remembered you inviting me earlier. So, are you in?"

He asked.

"O-okay..."

She agreed, quickly moving to go with him.

"This is not the way to any bar I know. Where are you taking me?"

Lexie asked Ram in confusion when she realized they were heading toward the university she attended.

"My house is huge. I have my own bar at home."

He answered briefly, making her frown even more.

"We're going to your house?"

"I hope you don't mind."

Ram smiled sweetly at her.

Lexie had no choice but to stay silent.

'This is what you wanted to happen, Lexie. Deal with it.'

She told herself as she shifted her gaze to Ram, who was now driving quietly.

'Gosh, he's kind of intimidating, but he's so hot.'

She thought again, unaware that she was already biting her lip.

"Stop biting your lips like that. It makes me want to do it for you."

Ram said without looking at her.

Lexie quickly fixed herself and averted her gaze.

"Your house is huge. You live here alone?"

Lexie asked as soon as they got out of the car, her eyes landing on the massive door before them.

'A mansion...'

She thought.

'No, this place is more like a palace than a mansion.'

She told herself.

"No, I live with my servants."

Ram informed her.

"Well, servants are servants. You live alone, I mean, you don't have anyone?"

"I have women come and go."

Ram said nonchalantly. Lexie wanted to believe he was joking, but there was no hint of humor on his face.

"I mean women my age, not a child like you."

Ram added, making Lexie roll her eyes sharply.

"I am not a child, Ram."

She insisted, quickly walking to catch up with him as he went ahead without waiting for her.

He walked up a grand staircase, and with his height and long strides, it was no surprise that Lexie ended up panting just to keep up with him.

"Wait!"

She called out. Ram stopped in front of a door and looked at her.

"I am not a child! I will keep saying that until you get it."

She pouted as she finally caught up.

"I've said this before, and I'll say it again. Don't waste your time proving that you're not a child. You're 24, and that is more than enough."

He smirked.

Lexie rolled her eyes again before suddenly pulling him by the neck and pressing her lips against his.

She felt Ram's muscles tense. He obviously wasn't expecting her to kiss him. Even she was surprised by her own actions.

But the kiss...

Lexie closed her eyes tightly when she felt Ram responding. It started as a light kiss, but as the seconds passed, it deepened. She felt his hand gently pulling her closer by the waist while the other held the back of her neck.

'Five minutes...'

Lexie mentally counted the time. Then, she was the one who pulled away, especially when she felt the kiss getting even deeper.

"See? Be careful with your claws, my little cat, or you might end up scratching yourself."

Ram teased, smirking.

Lexie quickly snapped out of her daze. As a defense, she simply rolled her eyes again, making Ram chuckle.

"I am not a kid."

She insisted.

"Whatever. Come with me."

Ram ordered authoritatively before walking ahead.

As she followed, Lexie couldn't help but admire the grandeur of the house.

"Stay here."

Ram said, gently pushing her onto a soft couch. She was too busy admiring the house to respond, so she just nodded and watched him disappear into a nearby room.

After a few minutes, she felt the need to use the bathroom. Instead of wandering around, she decided to knock on the door where Ram had gone earlier.

"Ram?"

She called, knocking. When there was no response, she turned the doorknob and entered.

"Ram, sorry for barging in. I just need to use the bathroom and—Ohh-lala."

She froze at the sight of Ram standing naked with his back to her.

Her eyes traveled over his broad shoulders, down to his narrow waist, and firm butt.

She was completely mesmerized.

'Gosh, does this man live in the gym?'

She thought in awe.

"I thought I asked you to wait?"

Ram's voice snapped her out of her trance.

"Uhm yeah, I—I was naked."

Ram raised a brow, amused.

"I-I mean—"

Lexie stammered.

The next thing she knew, she was pinned against the wall, answering to Ram's kisses.