Chapter 173

Renee was startled by Carl’s actions. The more she struggled, the more interested he seemed to become. Eventually, the gown slipped from her shoulders, and as she tried to cover herself, he pinned her wrists above her head with one hand. His other hand lightly gripped her chin as he leaned in for a lingering kiss—teasing but never quite satisfying.

Despite her attempts to stifle them, soft sounds escaped her lips as he kissed her, even as she bit her lip to keep him at bay. Hearing her restrained reactions only fueled him further, and he nipped at her lips, sending a shiver through her as he stole her breath away.

Feeling the softness of her skin through his suit, it all felt too little—never enough.

As she gasped for air, powerless against his strength, Carl caught the frown on her face and seemed to regain a bit of control. “Will you still allow other men to get close to you?”

Renee glared at him in silence.

“It seems I haven’t made myself clear enough,” he murmured, leaning clo