Chapter 32: First Kiss

Annabel finished her song to thunderous applause. Someone even chanted, "One more song! One more song!" Smiling politely, she stepped down and returned to Marcel's table.

"Annabel, you sing beautifully! It's like the sound of nature. Far better than Angel!" Marcel exclaimed.

"You flatter me," Annabel grinned. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."

Perhaps the wine had gone to her head; she felt a little queasy. As she approached the restroom, a middle-aged man in a suit and leather shoes stopped her.

"Are you a new singer here?" he asked.

Annabel looked up. He was middle-aged, with a beer belly; his expensive designer suit seemed incongruous. He looked like an upstart.

With an expressionless face, Annabel shook her head. "No."

The man grabbed her arm, thrusting a wad of money into her hand. His lustful eyes raked over her as he licked his lips. "Come on, beauty, one night. All this is yours."

He'd been captivated by her performance and now, unexpectedly, here she was. He swallowed, his gaze dropping to her chest, his thoughts clearly impure.

Frowning, Annabel stepped back and threw the money at him. "Get out of my way!"

His offer rejected, the man's face fell. "Aren't you a bar singer? Trying to seduce men? I'm doing you a favor!"

Annabel could hardly believe her ears. His self-importance was astounding. She took another step back. "Leave, or I'll teach you a lesson!" He ignored her, grabbing her shoulders and pulling her into his arms. "Don't be shy. Serve me well, and you'll have a good life."

Feeling sickened, Annabel was about to kick him when a familiar voice called out, "Let her go!"

The next second, the man screamed, falling heavily to the floor. Rupert stood before Annabel, his foot on the man's chest, his expression cold and impassive.

Annabel was stunned. Rupert? "Who the hell are you?" she asked.

The middle-aged man, furious despite being overpowered, sputtered, "Do you know who I am? You'll regret this" He then recognized Rupert Benton and visibly shuddered, begging for mercy.

"Mr. BentonI didn't know! I'll leave her to you. Please forgive me!"

Rupert's cold gaze seemed to freeze the air. "Get out!" he barked.

The man scrambled to his feet and fled.

Annabel finally recovered her composure. "Thank you," she said.

Rupert remained impassive. A wave of oppression washed over her.

"I have an appointment," Annabel said, stepping back. "I'm leaving."

But before she could turn, Rupert's arm encircled her waist, pulling her into the men's restroom.

"Rupert, what are you doing?" Annabel gasped.

Luckily, it was empty. Rupert locked the door, pinning her against it.

"Annabel, do you forget who you are?" he demanded, his eyes narrowed.

"What's wrong with you? Let go! My friend is waiting!" Annabel struggled against his grip.

"Marcel?" Rupert scoffed, his face hardening. His anger was palpable. "Annabel, you are my fiancée!"

He'd been furious seeing her singing for Marcel, but seeing her with that man had enraged him further.

"So what?" Annabel asked, confused by his anger. She hadn't done anything to offend him.

"My fiancée should behave herself, not seduce men," Rupert said, his hands on her shoulders, his gaze fixed on her face.

What? Annabel was shocked. "Did you see me seduce anyone?"

"I did!" he insisted, tightening his grip. He'd seen her wearing Leo's expensive dress – a gift from Marcel, implying an inappropriate relationship.

"Rupert, that's enough!" Annabel was furious. He was being unreasonable! His stare only fueled her anger. "Don't forget our engagement is ending in three months. So what if I seduce men? What's it to you?"

"Are you so cheap?" Rupert retorted, disgusted. He stared at her lips, then suddenly kissed her.

The searing heat of his lips sent a jolt through her, momentarily stunning her. Then, realization hit: Rupert was a bastard! And this was her first kiss!