A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Chapter 165

Chloe swiftly swapped her frown for a beam. “Mr. Yeager, you know I adore you.”

After grinding the beans for what felt like an eternity, she brewed Declan a cup of straight–up Americano.

The man finally began to sip it languidly, nestling into the couch. He shot a glance at the standing Chloe, his brow furrowing. “Scoot over; you’re blocking the TV. I’m trying to get my game on with the PS4.”

Chloe stifled her frustration, grinning sheepishly. “About that end–of–the–month bonus, Mr. Yeager – any updates?”

Declan didn’t even look up. “Depends on my mood.”

Where’s a knife when you need one? She was ready to go for the jugular!

But as Chloe leaned in. Declan’s keen eyes spotted the love bite on her neck, his gaze suddenly taking on a suggestive quality.

With a smirk that didn’t quite reach his eyes, he teased Chloe, “Been leading a colorful life. lately, haven’t you?”

Her mind didn’t register the jab at first.

But before she could grasp his meaning. Declan set his coffee down and stood, his slender fingers tracing her throat in a mock–caress that tightened ever so slightly.

air being squeezed

mood swings, she

her lipstick, as he insinuated,

off, “I

your hands. You want laughter, I won’t shed a tear. Your comfort heals me because you care,” she thought.

his voice. After a long pause, he murmured, “Chloe, don’t let me catch you slipping back into old

smile froze, her complexion turning pale.

*Thaver t—*

your mouth,” Declan said with a smirk, “how

she

10:53

he came to

her, “That just proves you’re quite the

Chloe kept up her smile, “You’re a great teacher,

men. I’m not buying it. Shape up

finally murmuring. “You’re right,

he insulted her to her core, she had to agree. devoid