Tempting Mr. Cole

“Is your period over?” “Yes.” “Come to me at 7 p.m.” Delilah Hayes stared at Sebastian Cole’s cold message on her screen and let out a mocking smile. She replied with just one word: “Okay.” At that moment, she was riding her motorcycle through the mountains with a few teammates. When the clock struck 6 p.m., she twisted the throttle hard. Riding a Harley worth over a hundred grand, she sped along winding roads, weaving through turns until she reached a private villa nestled between the lake and the mountains. She removed her helmet and gloves and walked straight into the living room. The space was lavish and refined, yet it carried a cold, detached air-mysterious, like the man who occupied it. Sebastian was lounging on the sofa, slowly swirling a glass of aged whiskey in his hand, as if he'd been waiting for her all along. His face was sharply defined—clean lines, sculpted features, and an air of detached nobility that made him almost too handsome to be real. Delilah didn’t bother with seduction. She simply walked over and began undressing. She shrugged off her jacket and let her long hair fall, instantly transforming from a fierce biker into a breathtakingly alluring woman. When she reached him, she swung her leg over and straddled his lap. She took the glass from his fingers, took a sip herself, exhaled with a slow smirk, and then handed it back to him. “Want me to shower first?” she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck, her gaze locked on his. “No need.” He tilted her chin up and brushed her lips with his thumb before pulling her into a deep, hard kiss. She kissed him back with matching heat-wild and relentless. His touch sparked across her skin, sending shockwaves through her whole body... The man’s name was Sebastian Cole. A year ago, when Delilah was attacked by a shark while surfing off the coast of Hawaii, he saved her life. That adrenaline-soaked night led to an even wilder one between the sheets. Back in Canada, they began an unspoken, untraditional arrangement. He gave her whatever she asked for financially. In return, she was always available to satisfy his unpredictable physical needs. One year. Countless nights. And yet, Delilah knew nothing about his life beyond his name. Not that she cared. What mattered was the raw, addictive pleasure every time they met. Just like tonight—they lost themselves in each other again and again, tearing through every room in the villa, their clothes abandoned on the floor, their bodies moving in perfect sync. He was ruthless. Animalistic. And she reveled in every moment. Over an hour later, the chaos settled. Delilah lay against the headboard, drained and completely spent. Sebastian took a shower, got dressed, and returned to his usual cold, composed self—the very image of a “high-quality man.” Watching her casually scroll through her phone, already detached from the intimacy they’d just shared, something stirred in his expression. He had always known—this woman was wild, untamed, and impossible to hold on to. And yet... it still irritated him. He reached for his phone. A moment later, Delilah’s phone buzzed with a bank transfer notification. She glanced at the screen—and blinked. The amount made her dizzy. There were seven zeros after the 1. Ten million dollars. Delilah stared at the screen, wondering if he’d hit the zero key one too many times, when his voice cut through the air like a knife. “This is our last meeting,” he said flatly. “Don’t contact me again.” She paused, then asked calmly, “Why?” Not because she was attached. Just curious. Sebastian looked at her evenly. “I’m getting married next month. Take the money—and disappear.” “Married?” Delilah raised a brow, completely unfazed. “Huh. I thought you already had a wife and three kids. Well—congratulations.” His eyes darkened as he stared at her. Delilah thought of the money. And in case he changed his mind, she got up quickly and began to dress. She stepped in front of him, wrapped her arms around his neck, and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Then I’ll gladly take the money. You’re so good to me, Mr. Cole.” The look in her eyes—so smooth, so sly—made him feel sick. He shoved her away. “You can leave now. And remember what I said. Disappear.” “Sure.” Delilah pulled out her phone, blocked his number, and deleted his contact right in front of him. “See? You won’t be able to reach me again. Don’t worry.” She reached under the blanket, pulled out her bra, slipped it on, then turned around. “Help me hook it.” He frowned, but wordlessly complied, fastening it with practiced ease. “I’ve got a midnight snack date with my baby brother, so I won’t waste your time.” She leaned in, lips by his ear. “Goodbye, sugar daddy.” Without waiting for a response, she grabbed her things and walked out. In the pitch-black night, with the wind howling around her, she accelerated steadily—nearly flooring the gas pedal—navigating sharp turns with ease and weaving effortlessly through traffic. The engine’s roar turned heads on the road. But she relished the thrill—it was the kind of indulgence that melted stress away, as if all her worries vanished into the wind. Aside from motorcycles, she had a passion for surfing, skydiving, rock climbing, and racing—anything fast and dangerous. She loved thrilling extreme sports and straightforward, uncomplicated relationships. She was wild and unrestrained, never one to be swayed by petty emotions. But that night, as she lay in bed, Delilah couldn’t stop replaying the image of that man’s face—the places they’d been, the year they’d spent, and how it all ended tonight. Sleep was impossible. Then she thought about the ten million. Maybe she was just too excited to sleep… Within a month, Mr. Cole was already a distant memory. She spent her days going on adventures with teammates or hanging out with her best friends—carefree and unapologetically indulgent. Vivian glanced at Delilah Hayes, noticing the limited-edition Hermès bag in her hand and the high-end designer outfit she wore from head to toe. "No wonder she suddenly wants to move out,"Vivian sneered." She probably found herself a rich guy." Delilah let out a cold laugh." You’re not wrong. He’s generous, and I’m not short on cash anymore." Malcolm Hayes exploded. He pointed a finger at her, shouting,"Have you no shame? Are you trying to disgrace me completely?" "Shame?" Delilah raised an eyebrow, her tone cool." Sorry,I lost both parents when I was little.I was born, but no one ever raised me. I don’t even know what shame feels like. But if you did, you wouldn’t have done what you did back then." "You—" Malcolm trembled with rage, his jaw clenched." You think I can’t control you anymore?!" Delilah turned away, done with the theatrics." Spare me the lecture. I’m just here to collect my mother’s things. I’m not coming back." Vivian folded her arms, her voice laced with self-righteousness." Your father and I supported you for over twenty years. You think that came free? Either pay us back—every cent, with interest—" "Or follow through with the agreement I arranged. Marry into a family that benefits ours, and you can walk away after." That so-called agreement was nothing more than selling Delilah off to the disabled heir of a wealthy business family for political gain. Delilah stared her stepmother down." Vivian, do you really think you have control over me?" Her gaze narrowed, landing on the woman who stole her mother’s life. Memories from decades ago resurfaced like a wave. "Maybe I should remind everyone that the so-called refined Vivian was once just the Hayes family’s adopted daughter—who seduced her benefactor’s husband, drove her adoptive parents into despair, seized their pharmaceutical company, and clawed her way up. Let’s see how well your social standing holds when the truth comes out." "Shut up!"Vivian’s expression twisted in fury. Pale with rage. She raised her hand to strike Delilah, but Delilah caught her wrist mid-air—and slapped her back. "You—you—" Vivian stood frozen, stunned that Delilah had actually hit her. "Mom!" Aubrey burst in and rushed to her mother’s side." Are you okay? Did she hurt you?!" Vivian shook with fury." That girl dared to hit me...I swear I’ll—" Her voice stopped short as a tall man with a piercing gaze appeared in the doorway. Delilah followed her line of sight—and froze. It couldn’t be. Her heartbeat quickened as Sebastian Cole entered the room, his presence chilling the air. Their eyes met. Everything went still. "Mr.Cole!" Malcolm quickly approached with a beaming smile." Please, come in. Sorry about the noise—it’s just a small family issue.I thought you’d arrive later. Make yourself comfortable!" Then he leaned toward Delilah and whispered sharply,"That’s Aubrey’s fiancé. He’s a very important guest. Don’t make a scene. Leave.Now." Fiancé? Delilah blinked, shocked. She looked at Sebastian again. Vivian stepped in, eager to fix the moment." Mr.Cole,I sincerely apologize you had to see that. This isn’t how we usually are." She motioned toward Delilah with a dismissive smile." She’s the daughter from Malcolm’s first marriage. A little difficult, but she doesn’t live here. We’ll sort it out." Sebastian didn’t respond. He gave Delilah a cold glance, then turned away. That single look—chilly, dismissive, judgmental—was enough. After everything they had—after an entire year—was that really all she meant to him? Aubrey stepped closer, feigning concern. She gently brushed Delilah’s hair and said,"Sister, if my mom upset you, I’m sorry. You can take it out on me, just please don’t hurt her…" "Don’t touch me," Delilah snapped, jerking away. She hated being touched—especially by this fake angel. She shoved Aubrey aside. Aubrey stumbled back, nearly falling—until Sebastian caught her. He stood straight and glared at Delilah." Touch her again, and you’ll regret it." Delilah paused. Seeing him protect that delicate, manipulative woman made her sick. So this was the woman he chose? "Fine," she muttered, her smile turning razor-sharp. Without hesitation, she snatched the glass of water from the butler’s tray and splashed it in Aubrey’s face. Then she tossed the empty glass into the trash, grabbed her purse, and calmly headed for the door. But just before she reached the hallway, a firm hand seized her arm. She turned—and found herself face to face with Sebastian Cole. His grip tightened. Delilah tried to break free, but he held fast, as if daring her. She tilted her head slightly, her voice soft but taunting.“Careful. Keep touching me like that and someone might get jealous.” Hearing her say something so bold, Sebastian Cole stood frozen, staring at her in silence.