Chapter 624: “Susan, Who Am I?”

Susan stared at him, her mind blank. It felt like a dream, a shameful sex dream, in fact.

"Don't you want some?" Manuel frowned, offering her something.

She’d asked for water, but only stared at him even after he’d given it to her. He saw a hot, eager desire in her eyes. Manuel swallowed nervously.

Susan felt out of her mind. She sat up, leaning toward him, and kissed his Adam’s apple—a fantasy finally realized.

Manuel was instantly aroused, frozen by the warmth of her lips. She kissed and licked it softly; the water glass still in his hand, he was completely captivated.

His silence seemed to encourage her. She held his neck, burying her head there, continuing her kisses.

The room heated up. Susan initiated the kiss, Manuel passively accepting. She wanted more than his neck. She fell to her knees, looking into his eyes; his flush and arousal mirrored her own.

Vaguely, she remembered their first time—her drugged, virginal experience with him. It had been crazy, yet she had to admit, he’d satisfied her completely. She’d climaxed repeatedly that night. The sex had been incredible.

Her heart pounded. Drawn to his thin, perfect lips, she leaned closer, unable to resist. Closing her eyes, she moved to kiss him…

…but a hand covered her face. She kissed his palm instead. Arousal consumed her; she craved him desperately.

"Who am I, Susan?" Manuel asked.

She'd stumbled into his room drunk before, initiating a similar encounter. They’d nearly made love. He wondered if she’d mistaken him for someone else. He wouldn’t take advantage of her, though he'd broken his own rules countless times for her allure, losing himself in her seduction.

Susan stared, unblinking, unsure why he’d asked. But she knew exactly who she wanted—she parted her lips against his palm, a sensual kiss—and said, "Manuel."

She knew it was him; she only desired him. Manuel relaxed slightly, slowly removing his hand. Her warm, red lips, like a blooming rose, were powerfully seductive.

He’d decided to leave if she said Henry’s name. But she’d spoken his. His resolve crumbled.

He lowered his head, eagerly kissing her. Their passion was interrupted.

"What the hell are you doing?" Henry thundered.

Fear gripped them. Susan shivered; Manuel stopped abruptly, their lips parting. He knew she wanted more; she knew she didn't want him to stop, but morality intervened.

Manuel turned to face Henry, his eyes blazing. Henry stepped forward and punched him hard—a blow Manuel didn't dodge. After all, he was kissing his girlfriend.

Manuel absorbed the punch. Susan, sobered by fear, saw Henry about to strike again and pulled his arm.

"Henry! No!"

He shoved her away furiously; she fell.

Manuel's face hardened, his fists clenched.

"Stop it!" Susan cried.

Manuel glared coldly at Henry.

"Please! Stop!" Tears streamed down Susan's face; she was terrified.

She never imagined being caught cheating. Shame and guilt overwhelmed her; she’d desired another man while with Henry. She didn't know Manuel's relationship status, nor Tia's with him.

"I'm sorry, Henry," she said, wishing she could also apologize to Manuel. She felt like the worst kind of woman, a person she’d once despised.

Henry snorted, refusing her apology.

"Susan, you're the most shameless woman I've ever met!"

Susan bit her lip, weeping. She couldn't deny it; she’d even planned it.

"Let's just break up," she said.

Shame prevented her from facing him again. She’d longed to break up, but guilt had held her back.

"Break up?" Henry laughed, incredulous.

He’d been surprised. He'd thought she wouldn't dare, believing her too timid, or that he'd always interrupted her attempts.

Finally, she couldn't bear him any longer.