Chapter 161: The Art of Provocation
Summer felt uneasy. The awkward goodbye that afternoon had left her unsure how to face Fraser now. Before coming, she had told herself, Just treat this man as a financial backer. Fulfill the necessary obligations as agreed. But now, seeing him in person, her heart beat a little faster than usual.
Was it because he was too damn attractive? Bare-chested, his exposed skin radiated an unbridled wave of male pheromones. Men could be such visual temptations. Even when angry, Summer still had to admit: those striking looks and flawless physique were enough to overshadow his terrible temper.
Fraser set the water glass down on the counter with deliberate weight, his lips quirking. “I know my body really attracts you, but can you at least control your gaze?”
Summer’s face burned at his words. Only then did she realize she’d been staring. Who walks around half-naked like an exhibitionist, wrapped only in a towel? Of course people would look!
Just then, there were two sharp knocks on the door. “Mr. Graham, your food is here.” Summer turned to see two cooks in crisp white uniforms rolling in a small cart. Fraser nodded slightly.
With practiced efficiency, the cooks arranged the cart’s aromatic dishes on the dining table. Each plate, a meticulous display of color and fragrance. When finished, they bowed and quietly withdrew, closing the door behind them.
Fraser’s deep, indifferent voice cut through the room. “Come, eat.” Summer glanced at the barbecued ribs, sautéed mushrooms, mushroom soup with garlic bread, chicken chop, fried prawn, and fish and chips. She swallowed hard and decided not to fight the demands of her stomach.
She sat down, kept her head down, and concentrated on eating. Minutes passed. “Summer,” Fraser’s voice was lazy, almost teasing. “Feed me.”
She choked, almost swallowing her food. Her wide, innocent eyes blinked. “You have hands. Why should I feed you?”
Leaning back in his chair, he said matter-of-factly, “Fulfill your girlfriend duties.”
Gritting her teeth, she muttered, “You might as well let me eat for you.”
Chapter 161: The Art of Provocation (continued)
As the meal progressed, he parted his lips leisurely and chewed with calm. When he finished, he tilted his chin up, silently demanding more. Summer’s eye twitched. She aggressively grabbed another mushroom and pushed it forward.
But just as her hand reached out, Fraser yanked her wrist without warning. Off-balance, she had no time to react before tumbling into his lap.
Fresh from his shower, his scent was cold, distinct, and unnervingly potent. He wrapped around her, invading her senses with an almost predatory intensity. The sudden proximity burned her skin. Instinct screamed at her to flee.
Fraser’s voice was a slow, deliberate taunt. “I find this way… more romantic.”
“Romantic my ass.” He raised an eyebrow. “What? You never did this with your ex?”
The words hit her like a splash of ice water. Her frown deepened. “My ex wasn’t that childish!”
Fraser grinned. “Really?” In one fluid motion, he released her and pushed her back into her seat. Then he stood, his movements dripping with arrogance, and strode to the bedroom. He reappeared minutes later in black gym shorts and a fitted T-shirt.
Summer seethed. This man is unbearable! Her appetite, once ravenous, now soured. She forced down a few bites before pushing her plate away.
After dinner, Fraser sprawled on the sofa, idly scrolling through his phone, probably working. Summer waited, then approached, stopping a foot away. “Fraser. We need to talk.”
He looked up, his gaze cutting through her. “If it’s something I’m not going to like, save your breath.”
Her jaw clenched. How am I supposed to know what you like or dislike! Steadying herself, she spoke slowly. “Even if our relationship is transactional, I want an end date.”
Fraser’s brow arched. He tossed his phone aside and leaned further back. A smirk played on his lips. “With me, you don’t get to negotiate terms.”