Chapter 637

Edward gave me a wry smile, looking right at me. "Is that your way of brushing me off?"

I paused, a little annoyed. "If you think I'm not being sincere, then just drop it. Maybe next time—"

Before I could finish, his warm hand closed gently around my wrist. "Alright."

My eyes sparkled for a moment. Maybe after running into so many guys, I'd learned how to play the game—acting sweet one minute, sly the next.

Did I really figure out how to play men? Give them a treat, then smack them down, and guys just ate it up.

On the dark roadside, a black Rolls-Royce pulled up slowly. The back door swung open, and Edward said in his low voice, "Get in. It's cold out here."

I hadn't felt cold at all until he pointed it out—then suddenly, the chill seemed to sink right into my bones.

Inside, the heater's warmth washed over me. The door closed behind me, and the car eased away into the night.

As my apartment disappeared further and further behind us, a twinge of anxiety crept in.

Was I being reckless? Did I really just agree to go check out his horses with him in the middle of the night?

Edward looked like he had something weighing on his mind. His brooding, dark eyes kept drifting to the window, then back to me.

I avoided his gaze, keeping my eyes glued to the passing scenery outside.

"So, what's the deal between you and Nathan?" Edward finally blurted out, unable to hold it in any longer.

No way I was going to give him the details. I kept my tone cool. "Why do you even care? Don't tell me you still want to boss me around."

Edward looked stunned, clearly not expecting me to hit him with that comeback.

"Can I even control you?" he said, half-joking.

I laughed. "Well, since you know you can't, just drop it."

"I'm just curious…" Edward wasn't ready to let it go.

"Mr. Jennings, you said we're friends," I replied, still not willing to spill the beans. I couldn't let Edward think he was the only one I needed.

Guys get called players for having close female friends, but if a girl has close male friends, she's labeled as promiscuous.

'Why should it be like that?' I thought, feeling a surge of frustration.

Why did guys get all the privileges from the time they were kids, and still get special treatment as adults? I couldn't help but feel bitter.

Edward went quiet for a while, then let out a laugh. "Honestly, your temper's even wilder than Whirlwind."

"Whirlwind?" I asked, curious.

"That's my horse. When he runs, he's fast as a whirlwind," Edward replied with a warm smile.

I blinked, a little taken aback.

"You're not trying to tame me like you do your horses, are you?" I shot back, instantly put off.

Guys always think they've scored some epic loot when they bag a girl. But what about us? Why do we have to be the prize, anyway?

"Victoria, if I really managed to tame you, would you even be yourself anymore?" Edward arched an eyebrow, teasing. "Maybe you should try taming me instead—I'd still be me."

I could tell he was trying to set me up, but I wasn't about to play along.

"We're friends. What's the talk about taming each other?" I said, curling my lip in mild annoyance.

Edward laughed again. Not sure if I'd annoyed him, but he looked genuinely happy.

"Horses are meant to run free," Edward said, his gaze burning into me. "Just like me—don't let anyone rein me in. That's what makes me so damn attractive."

I took a deep breath. Edward was at it again, teasing me with that smooth charm—he really knew how to play the game.

"Living life exactly how I want—that's real happiness. I'm done changing myself for anyone," I said, my voice steady. In my previous life, I spent years bending over backwards for others, and all I got in the end was regret and disappointment. Now that I've got a second chance, I'm choosing freedom, no matter what.

"Love that!" Edward's eyes sparkled. "Living wild and free—couldn't agree more."

I turned to him, searching his face. "Why does this seem to hit you so hard?"

Chapter 638