Ryan turned back to me, his eyes gentle, almost indulgent. “Maybe. I wanted to see if you’d actually stand up and fight for

us.”

I dropped my head, feeling totally crushed. “I barely even tried to resist before Uncle Ryan’s temptations got to me. Ryan, guess I just proved you had me all wrong. Stop being so good to me–I don’t deserve it.”

With that, I turned and headed for my bedroom, too embarrassed to even look at him.

But Ryan followed me into the room, standing by the door as he watched me sink onto the couch, looking completely defeated. He let out a quiet sigh. “It’s just human nature. Trying to fight it is like fighting against yourself. I don’t blame you. I’ll have a real talk with Uncle Ryan about this.”

I looked up at him blankly. “What are you even gonna say to him?”

“I’ll tell him to stop interfering in our relationship,” Ryan said, his voice dropping low and serious.

“What if he doesn’t agree? Would you really turn against him? Ryan, let’s be rational about this,” I blurted out, jumping to my feet. I honestly didn’t want to be the femme fatale here, the one who brings disaster. I couldn’t bear the blame, and I definitely didn’t want anyone getting hurt because of me.

This isn’t about being kind–it’s just me trying to protect myself.,

Ryan’s eyes burned into me, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Victoria, even now, at a time like this, all you care about is

whether Uncle Ryan and I will end up as enemies.”

11

11

acting like a green

guys really fall for this green tea act?‘ I

kindness just looks real

moment, I

As long as Uncle Ryan doesn’t cross it and stays away from

why do you even like me? Just tell me straight,”

neck. “Honestly? I don’t really know. You’ve got this nurturing vibe, like something I’ve always wanted. And don’t freak out, it’s not some weird mommy thing–I’m not into that. Actually, me and my mom

even that close.”

little lost. “Why would you

in everything, makes things grow quietly. When you smile, there’s this softness about

1/2

09:08 Fri, 29 Aug

Chapter 438

almost nonexistent, his lips lingering softly against my neck and

to let

90%

the bedroom seemed to thin out, making it hard to breathe. A flush of heat surged up from deep inside me, and my fingers curled instinctively, as if I could hold back the rush of warmth flooding through my

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