Love's New Bloom by Simone Hastings

Chapter 2 A Wrong Encounter

Chandler Frost brought Erin to the most luxurious seven-star hotel in the city—the Grand Empire Hotel. He parked in the underground parking lot and turned to look at Erin, who’d been silent throughout the journey. His eyes gleamed like a panther waiting to pounce on its prey, and his tone was devoid of emotion as he said, “I’ll give you one chance to go back on your word. If you’ve changed your mind, this is the time for you to leave.”

Erin was curled up in the passenger seat, trembling slightly. She couldn’t believe she’d actually gotten into a stranger’s car. Was she really going to go ahead with this? Then, the thought of Ian’s heartlessness made her hatred burn away her rationality. “I won’t regret this, and I’m not gonna back out!”

“So you’ve thought this through?”

“Yes, I have!” Erin said firmly.

“There’s no turning back now.” Chandler got out of the car.

Erin placed a hand on the handle as her heart raced. She took a deep breath before opening the door. Once they were out of the car, Chandler wrapped an arm around her waist before leading her toward the elevator. He pressed the button for the 128th floor—the penthouse suite.

Erin’s heart hammered against her chest as they ascended. She sneaked a few looks at him, taking in his sharp jaw and handsome features. At least she had no complaints about his looks. It was too bad he was in this line of work…

his suit jacket in the closet. Then, he uncorked a bottle of wine. Erin’s heart was almost leaping out of her throat at this point. She walked to the floor-length windows and

wineglass from him before downing it in one gulp. Chandler had originally wanted to clink glasses with her, but he retracted his hand at her actions. He looked at her

was so gorgeous that she

I hate when people lie

“You’ll find out in

of wine as he admired her looks. He had to admit she was a beauty,

her. She started doubting her decision as she stared at herself in the mirror. Was she being too rash? Then, the memory of Ian’s

scrawny body. His pants were still on, and he had his phone in hand, seemingly sending someone a message. He glanced at her and said, “Come here.” His every action exuded dominance and power, subconsciously making her obey his command. He put his

from touching his phone? This improved Erin’s impression of him and

her struggle instinctively. He flung her onto the bed and pinned her wrists above her, saying lowly, “There’s no use resisting.

almost touching hers…Now, she truly regretted her decision! “Let me go! I’ve

Two minutes later, tears rolled down her face from the pain. “It really is your first time…I like that.” Chandler buried himself in her without giving her

…

bathroom to get her clothes. Before leaving the room, she glanced at Chandler’s handsome face once more, then silently pulled her debit card out of her bag. She placed it on the pillow beside him, along with a piece of paper telling him what

was Saturday, so she headed straight to a bistro and ordered something while waiting for Holly to arrive. She’d already finished her food by the time Holly got there. Holly plopped onto one of the empty seats and was surprised to see Erin smoking. “God, babe, what’s gotten into you? I can’t believe you’re actually smoking!” Holly was dressed in branded items from

of smoke and said calmly, “I’m gonna get a

on you?” Holly asked casually. It