Khloe paused briefly before accepting the pistol from him. “Why do you want me to learn shooting all of a sudden?”
“Once people know you’re my fiancee, you’ll be in more danger. You’ll need to be able to protect yourself,” Henrik explained. “Plus, your role in the film requires shooting practice.”
Khloe shot him a surprised glance. Had Henrik read her book?
She tried to mimic Henrik’s stance, but her hands shook, struggling to keep steady.
It was almost ironic-being from the Evans family, steeped in organized crime, it made sense that the heiress would need to be proficient with a gun.
However, ever since she was a child, Joshua had purposely kept Khloe away from guns, insisting it was for her safety. Instead, he nudged her towards academics. Now, she saw the truth-her father had never really cared for her. To him, she was nothing more than a pawn.
Khloe tried firing a few rounds, but her shots were erratic, and the recoil left her hands sore and flushed. Still, she pressed on with determination.
Watching her struggle, Henrik stepped in, standing close behind her. He placed his hands gently over hers, drawing her into his steady embrace.
Khloe stiffened, every nerve on edge, feeling the warmth of his breath against her neck and the steady thud of his heartbeat echoing in her ears.
“Relax. Take it easy,” Henrik murmured, his deep, velvety voice close to her ear. “Match my rhythm, breathe, aim, and pull the trigger.”
With Henrik guiding her, Khloe managed to land a shot that struck the target. It wasn’t a bull’s-eye, but the hit sent a surge of excitement through her. She found the act of shooting exhilarating, the rush of striking the target becoming almost addictive.
“Not bad at all. Keep it up,” Henrik said, his tone calm and encouraging.
Little by little, Khloe’s confidence grew. She kept trying, and Henrik stayed close, his arms steadying hers as he guided her with unwavering patience.
Khloe took several more shots, slowly falling into a steady rhythm.
“Feeling tired?” Henrik asked gently.
Khloe shook her head, her gaze locked onto the target. “No, I’m fine. This feels amazing.”
Seeing the spark of excitement in her eyes, Henrik’s expression softened with a faint smile.
Just then, a bead of sweat slid down Khloe’s forehead, threatening to slip into her eye. As she steadied herself, poised to take her next shot, Henrik reached up to brush away the sweat.
In that exact moment, Khloe turned her head, and her lips unintentionally grazed Henrik’s cheek.
They both froze in place, caught off guard by the unexpected contact.
Henrik was the first to react, stepping back swiftly, his expression remaining as stoic as ever.
Khloe quickly grasped the situation, and a hint of irritation flickered across her face at Henrik’s overly cautious, almost exaggerated retreat.
With a subtle lift of her eyebrow and a teasing smile, she said, “Henrik, we’re playing the part of an engaged couple. Haven’t you adjusted to a little harmless affection by now?”
Henrik’s face stayed stoic. “I’m not comfortable with public shows of affection.”
Not comfortable? That seemed like an odd excuse.
Khloe paused briefly, placing her gun aside before locking her gaze on him. “There’s something I think I deserve to know. Tess once said you’ve never had a girlfriend. Does that mean you’re not into women?”
His preferences wouldn’t alter their agreement, but it would definitely shape how much physical closeness Khloe felt comfortable initiating.
If he had an aversion to intimacy, she’d clearly have to tread more carefully.
Yet, what intrigued Khloe more was discovering how Henrik really felt about her.
Henrik hadn’t expected such a question from her. Catching the sincerity in her eyes, he found himself torn between amusement and mild frustration.
Khloe really was something else.
Challenging him was one thing, but this question was downright ridiculous.
It had been ages since he’d felt a surge of irritation this uncontrollable.
“You really want to know? Fine, I’ll show you.”
Henrik’s eyes darkened as he advanced abruptly, wrapping Khloe in his arms with a firm grip on her waist.
Before Khloe could even process what was happening, his lips captured hers in a kiss that was as fierce as it was sudden.
The kiss radiated pure dominance and simmering anger, as though he meant to obliterate every question and challenge she had thrown his way.
Khloe’s eyes flew wide open as her hands reflexively pushed against his chest in protest, but his unyielding strength made her efforts entirely fruitless.
Slowly, her resistance began to falter, an unfamiliar warmth unfurling within her chest. She became acutely aware of Henrik’s quickened breath and the steady, forceful rhythm of his heartbeat pounding like a war drum.
Without realizing it, her hands, which had been pressing against his chest, grasped his shirt, as though looking for something to hold onto in the chaos of the kiss.
Henrik felt the change in her, and his kiss slowly lost its intensity. What had once been fueled by anger and retribution now held a quiet trace of tenderness and desire. He slowly parted her lips, savoring every inch of her with a deep, lingering kiss.
What felt like an endless moment passed before Henrik finally pulled away from her. Khloe’s lips were swollen, and her eyes betrayed a blend of confusion and alarm.
In that instant, she appeared stunning, almost like a dream brought to life.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
Leave a Reply