He wasn’t in the villa most of the time. Jill figured he should send her back, except she really has no place she can call home in this foreign land. Well, free rent. She perked up with that thought. Unless he plans to extort rent money from her, that would suck.

She could probably throw it in his face that he kidnapped her and she wasn’t staying willingly. Wait, she’s actually staying willingly this time. The villa is so good. She fell in love with it. She loves the garden and the green backyard. Her room on the third floor gets fresh air, too, when the wind blows. Especially at night. She could even say this is her dream house. She could stay there forever. Unless Josh comes home, then she’ll have to re-evaluate her priorities again.

The following Monday, she was surprised to see him lounging in the living room. Well, it’s his house, but it’s a weekday. A work day. She hadn’t seen him for days and now he’s back. She couldn’t let her guard down.

After her crazy stunt, he told her she can go anytime. Or she can stay and she will be treated as a guest. When she saw the whole house, as she was allowed to walk around, she grudgingly decided to stay. She didn’t have to worry about anything, though. There were helpers and cooks who wait on her. There was even a driver. She spends her time in places she liked, mostly the veranda overlooking the garden. She can work on her projects without disturbance. In a way, it made her feel like a kept mistress. She did confirm with his assistant, though, that he’s still unmarried and there’s no missus who will attack her so suddenly. Girlfriend? She asked, but Ryan shook his head. Oh right, he doesn’t do relationships. Complicated guy.

“What’s up?” She greeted as she walked over.

“No work today?” She asked, but she remained on the opposite side of the living room.

He spared her a glance as he flipped the pages of his newspaper. He still orders physical newspaper? Well, good for the business he supports.

“I took a five-day leave.” He answered, to which she froze.

Damn it. So, he’s remaining at home these next five days? What happens to her now? Should she move out?

In a way, Josh could tell what she’s thinking. But he can’t be sure about her. She always does something else than what he expects.

He specifically chose this week to spend time with her. He allowed her the last few days to feel comfortable in his home. From what he gathered from the house staff, she likes it here. She didn’t even bother going out despite the driver he arranged for her.

“Do you have a problem with that?” He directly asked, watching her expression. There weren’t many apparent changes, but there were subtle changes. He couldn’t tell what exactly those meant, though.

She straightened, “No, of course not. It’s your house, after all. Do you want me to move out? I can go pack up now.” She did sound reluctant.

His expression darkened, and she paused.

“You remain a guest here. Stay if you want.”

She grinned. “Why do you have to phrase it that way? Can’t you simply say that you want me to stay and ask nicely?”

He disregarded her questions. “Do you have any plans this afternoon?”

She turned his question in her head. What is he after? She shrugged. “I’m on a flexible schedule. I can change the order of which tasks to accomplish and I can always work deep into the night. What’s up this afternoon?”

He stared at her again. He’s the type to stick on a strict schedule. He had to accomplish his tasks on the date and time he said he would. He stood up to walk closer to her.

“Let’s go on a date. I’ll take you somewhere nice.”

Uh, what did she just hear? Her lip twitched.

“You’re supposed to ask me out, not tell me we’re going out.” She can’t help replying and his expression darkened again. She saw him struggling. She didn’t back down with her stare.

“Will you go out with me this afternoon?”

She laughed out loud when he finished. His expression was so funny. He looked constipated with how he struggled with it.

“What’s funny?” He’s back to his poker face.

She cleared her throat as she tries to control her expression.

“See? You could be this adorable, but you chose to be domineering. I don’t get you.”

“You didn’t answer the question.” He noted.

“What time?” She pondered what she’s supposed to finish today. Basically, she has written more in the last few days than what she requires from herself. She could even take the day off and take a break.

“After lunch.”

She made a face after hearing that. She likes her afternoon nap.

“How about two hours after that?” She negotiated and he grunted his agreement.

Josh watched her go, skipping into the kitchen. It has been nearly a month since they met. That’s too long a time for him to obsess over her. Usually, it’s around this time that he dismisses a woman, after he’d had his fill. Damn. He hadn’t even kissed her yet. This week, though, he’ll definitely have her. In his bed, moaning his name, asking to be taken over and over. He ran a hand over his face, tamping down the desire that rose to the fore. It’s a wonder he hasn’t lost control yet. Usually, he would ravage a woman whenever and wherever he felt his desire to possess someone.

The date proceeded in a normal manner. There were no holding hands, though. It was more like two people getting to know each other, which they technically are. She threw questions at him, about his work and his personality. He’s not sure if she was mocking her or not. She was genuinely enjoying herself, though. After being cooped up at home, working her ass off to get more work done, she’s finally able to enjoy an outing. Yeah, she’s here for vacation. It doesn’t mean she’s gonna slack off with her commitments. It’s her passion, anyway. Given how much she’d written, she figured she’s ahead by a week on her schedule. Maybe she’ll use this time to figure him out. When he’s being touchy, she allows him. She craves intimacy, too. He would wrap an arm around her waist, or around her shoulders. Sometimes, he would reach for her arm or her hand, when he’s pulling her into a store or something. Sometimes, it would remain while they’re walking. It actually felt like she has a normal boyfriend. It would be all too easy to fall for him, if she’s not careful.

Wednesday night, after a day out, they were watching a movie in his private cinema room. He was being touchy again. But not the perverted kind, so she let him. Halfway through the movie, though…

He kept leaning closer to her. By now, he’s addicted to her scent. It could be her shampoo or something, as he realized that the scent is stronger on her nape.

He bit her ear lobe and she pushed him away as she gasped. No can do, as he had his arm around her waist.

“No shit, Sherlock. Let go.” She wasn’t expecting him to do that.

“You want this, too, sweetheart.” He licked her skin as he whispered in her ear. She whimpered. He really had that ability to get what he wants, but she’s not about to give in. She gets what she wants, too.

“Let me tell you. Even if you manage to get into my pants this week, well… skirt, I would hate you to the moon and back. Your choice.” There was enough menace in her tone that had him pulling back and looking at her. He gets that feeling that when she talks, she means exactly what she says.

His choice, she said. He recalled what she said. It would seem she’d really sleep with him if he insists, but it doesn’t mean she won’t regret it. He pressed a long hard kiss on her lips before standing up. He was tempted to explore the inside of her mouth, but he’s afraid he won’t be able to stop if he does.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, then.” He walked out and directly went to his bedroom. He needed a really cold shower.

Jill had her hand in her chest. Her body heated up from his actions. She’s not exactly immune to having such thoughts and desires, too. If he really takes her to his bed, she would be putty in his hands. She would probably crave his touch. She would probably want what he has to give. And maybe more. Heck, she’s sure she would want more than what he’s willing to give. Unfortunately, he doesn’t do relationships.