Chapter 73: He Will Protect Her

“Why me?” Summer understood that most men harbored possessiveness over things they had once claimed as their own. On top of that, Fraser had previously mentioned how well their bodies aligned. That was likely why he had made this request. She wasn’t foolish enough to assume Fraser had developed feelings for her. Besides, she had her own motives. She needed Jasper to abandon the idea of tying her to the Larson family through marriage. At this moment, Fraser was undeniably her best option.

She hesitated for a few seconds. Fraser’s breathing deepened slightly, his gaze unwavering as he studied her. The next second, Summer lifted her eyes, her clear gaze locking onto his.

“Alright.”

Fraser’s jet-black eyes flashed with sudden intensity, his concealed fervor barely restrained.

Summer continued, “But we need to establish some rules.”

Fraser’s pulse thundered at her single word of agreement. He took a deep breath. Right now, no matter what conditions she set, he was willing to concede to all of them.

“Go on.”

“During our relationship, you cannot be involved with other women.” Summer had already endured Trevor’s first love, Peyton, and she had no desire to relive that kind of humiliation. Even though she had learned to guard her heart, the sting of being discarded still lingered. She added, “Of course, I will abide by the same rule.”

“Fine.” Fraser had no interest in other women. From beginning to end, he had only ever wanted her.

“And if either of us finds someone we genuinely love and care about, we should be free to walk away.”

Fraser’s brows knitted together. Only now did he grasp her true intent. She had entered this arrangement with the expectation of an eventual separation.

“Fraser, we’re not together out of love. Giving each other space seems like the best approach, doesn’t it?” She never dared to hope that Fraser would fall for her. His status and background were worlds apart from hers. There was an untouchable distance. She refused to become another fool groveling for affection. If Fraser ever found someone he truly wanted to be with, then they would simply part ways.

Fraser’s sharp eyes narrowed, his sculpted face unreadable. He knew she didn’t love him. Not yet. But that didn’t matter. As long as she agreed to stay by his side, he would make sure she gradually accepted him.

In the past, he had neither the position nor the right to shield her from harm. He had stood by while others mistreated her. But from now on, he would protect her. He would protect Summer.

Summer tensed slightly, uncertain whether Fraser would agree. Then, his deep voice resonated above her, low and husky, like gravel crushed beneath heavy footsteps.

“Well, let’s give it a try.” A pause. Then, he added nonchalantly, “But I have one condition as well.”

“What condition?”

Fraser’s tone was lazy, almost indifferent. “This relationship has to be public.”

Summer blinked. So, the whole other-man fiasco really did a number on this bossman. She couldn’t suppress a chuckle. Her eyes glimmered with amusement.

“Alright.”

“Good. Then, Ms. Stewart, it’s time for you to fulfill your role as my girlfriend.”

The moment the words left his lips, Summer barely had time to react before Fraser’s face closed in. A second later, warmth crashed against her lips. A searing kiss stole her breath. Summer hadn’t expected Fraser to kiss her so abruptly. His intense presence filled her senses, his domineering warmth invading her mouth, leaving her breathless. Her body tensed, frozen in place as he kissed her in the middle of his office.

Fraser pressed a brief, lingering kiss to her lips before pulling back slightly, his face mere inches away. His dark eyes gleamed with unmistakable desire, the depth of his gaze like an abyss ready to swallow her whole.

Noticing her stunned expression and the faint pink tint rising to her cheeks, Fraser suddenly chuckled.

“Summer, remember to close your eyes when you kiss me.”

Lowering his head again, Fraser kissed her once more. This time with tenderness. His lips and tongue moved with deliberate, intoxicating skill, savoring her sweetness, pulling her into his rhythm. Under his guidance, Summer finally closed her eyes. The heated, lingering touch sent shivers down her spine, making her knees weak.

Just as she felt herself getting lost in the moment, a sudden knock echoed against the office door. Summer snapped back to reality, her face instantly flushing a deep shade of red.

Chapter 74: Hiding a Woman

Summer hastily shoved the man in front of her away.