Chapter 8 How Could He Kiss Me?

• The crowd turned their attention to the source of the voice and saw a man approaching them steadily. With his good looks and charming aura, he radiated an intimidating aura that took everyone’s breath away.
• “Who is he?”
• “I don’t know. He doesn’t look like a nobody.”
• “What? Why is he protecting her?”
• While the crowd began to fill the atmosphere with murmurs, the man slowly approached Cynthia and stood still before her. As his tall build towered over her petite figure, he radiated a strong, manly aura that wafted toward her. Then, he squinted and unhappily said, “Since when does my woman need someone’s permission to stay in my hotel?”
• At that moment, Cynthia looked at the man in surprise, stunned to see James while wondering why he was making up stories. Since when did I become his woman? Soon, Glenn walked up to James, and in a shivering voice, he asked, “Y-Young Master James, did you just say she is your woman?”
• Nonetheless, James didn’t say a single word. Instead, he wrapped his long and muscular arm around Cynthia’s shoulder, using his dominant gesture to tell everyone else that she was his woman.
• “I’m sorry, Young Master James. I’m so sorry to have upset this lady. Please forgive me!” Glenn nervously apologized, as he didn’t expect the lady to be associated with a man as influential as James.
• Meanwhile, the crowd was confused when they saw the manager’s sudden change in his attitude, casting their eyes on both Cynthia and James while wondering what was going on.
• After all, they didn’t know why the hotel manager had to give in to them when he seemed to have the upper hand in the situation. In the meantime, Larry was watching everything aside with a complicated look on his face. When he saw how James had his arms around Cynthia intimately, he couldn’t help but feel his rage surging through him.
• Unknown to him, Cynthia was also befuddled and puzzled about the development of the event. In fact, she had only met James twice and even had a bitter history with him. Therefore, she ironically reckoned she was more of a foe than an ally. Wait! I don’t think I even know his name.
• While she was prompted by her intuition to free herself, the man’s firm grip rendered her effort futile. In the end, she was even given an intimidating look by the man as a sign of warning. Surmising she could be in trouble, Cynthia couldn’t help but think James was there to retaliate. No, this can’t be. Please don’t tell me this man is here to give me a hard time.
• However, as soon as Cynthia’s idea came to her mind, the man whispered in her ear and said, “Play along if you don’t want to be thrown out of there.”
• While James’ words confirmed Cynthia’s suspicion, she couldn’t help but condemn his petty attitude for retaliating on her. I only just bumped into him, so why is he doing this to me? It’s not like he is going to die or something. Despite grumbling on the inside, Cynthia no longer struggled to free herself because she still noticed Larry’s presence, as he gave her a disgusted look like he had caught her cheating with someone else.
• Nevertheless, Cynthia found that amusing, wondering how Larry could still shamelessly feel that way. Soon, she quickly came to realize that she should play along with James to annoy Larry. Thus, she leaned on James’ chest and thumped his chest coyly. “What took you so long? There was a guy who wouldn’t stop pestering me like an annoying fly. He even said my boyfriend only deserves to be his personal servant.”
• Surprised by Cynthia’s sudden change in her attitude, James paused and squinted while looking at the lady who was resting her head on his chest. Hmm. This lady is… trying to make things confusing here, isn’t she? Does she think I didn’t hear what she said? Well, if this is what she wants, I guess I’ll play along with her. “Do you think I look like someone’s servant?” the man leaned closer to her ear and asked.
• In the face of James’ sudden intimate reaction, Cynthia felt uncomfortable with her palms on his chest. Right away, she broke into a brittle smile. “Of course not! You’re so much more handsome and charming. It’s him who should be your servant, but honestly, I don’t even think he deserves that!”
• “I feel the same way because not everyone deserves to be my servant!” As James shot a gaze at Larry’s darkened face, he chuckled and planted a kiss on Cynthia’s lips before she could even react.
• Although it was only a peck, Cynthia felt her whole body stiffen as she looked at James in disbelief with her eyes wide open. How could he just kiss me like that? That bast*rd…!
• Enraged yet slightly embarrassed, she snapped out of her trance with a strong urge to kick him in the groin. However, she restrained herself from doing that, knowing that would only give both of them away. Furthermore, she quickly realized she only had herself to blame because she was the one who decided to play along with James.
• Ugh! I just set myself up, thanks to this guy!
• “I’m tired. I want to get some rest.” Cynthia could merely look at James.
• It’s not like I can do anything else.
• “Sure, let’s go back now.” Upon finishing his words, James wrapped his arm around her waist and forcefully made her walk to the elevator with him. Before they left, he turned his attention to Glenn and said, “You won’t be held responsible for what happened today, but I want you to comfort our guests, no matter what it takes.”
• “Yes, Young Master James,” Glenn replied in relief.
• As soon as the commotion came to an end, the crowd scattered, whereupon James took Cynthia to the elevator. Then, the lady questioned him in exasperation about what he had just done. “Why did you do that to me?!”
• “What did I do?” James shot a playful gaze at her, trying to act mischievously.
• “Stop playing dumb!” Cynthia angrily glared at the man.
• “Oh, you were talking about that kiss?” James behaved mischievously and acted as if he had just recalled what happened. “That was to repay you for playing along with me. After all, I’m a guy who only accepts fair trade.”
• Cynthia was ticked off by James’ words but couldn’t vent out her anger. Oh, man! I’m so dumb! If I had known he would be such a jerk, I wouldn’t have used him to humiliate Larry.
• Noticing Cynthia’s frustrated expression, James became even more tempted to pull her leg. “What’s wrong? It felt good, didn’t it? Would you like to relive that feeling again?” Amidst the confined space in the elevator, the man slowly approached Cynthia and cornered her.
• “Cut it out! Make love, not war.” The lady nervously looked at him, ready to defend herself should he try anything.
• “Make love indeed.” James smiled.
• “Y-You have no sense of shame at all!” Cynthia felt as if her face was burning with blood rushing through her veins beneath her skin.
• How could this man say something like this?!