TRAPPED BY DESIRE

Show Of Appreciation

She observed it for several moments before leaning her head back against the leather seat.

A little while later, she glanced at the mirror again. The black car was still there, maintaining the exact same distance.

"I think we're being followed by that black car," she said, her eyes remaining fixed on the reflection.

"That's my driver," Roman replied, briefly checking the side mirror himself without slowing down.

Alana said nothing else. She simply remained silent for the rest of the drive.

When they arrived at the bustling college campus, Roman smoothly parked the car in a designated space near the main entrance gates.

Alana immediately opened the door and stepped out, hanging her bag securely over her shoulder.

Roman also got out of the car, casually shoving his hands into his trouser pockets as he stood by the driver's side.

"You're forgetting something."

Alana came to a sudden halt at the sound of his deep voice.

She turned to look at him over the roof of the car, a puzzled expression crossing her face as she tried to remember what she could have possibly left behind.

Bathed in the soft morning sunlight, Roman looked even more handsome than usual. The golden rays accentuated his sharp features and jawline, making it difficult for Alana to look away. She found herself silently taking in the sight of the man standing before her.

Roman reached into his pocket and pulled out her cell phone, lightly shaking it to get her attention.

She quickly walked over and reached for it, but Roman simply lifted his hand higher, keeping the phone just out of her reach.

Alana rose onto her tiptoes, stretching as far as she could in an attempt to snatch it from his grip, but the significant height difference between them rendered all her efforts completely useless.

She eventually gave up after noticing several passing students staring in their direction.

"Instead of trying to snatch your phone," Roman remarked, a faint glint in his eye, "why don't you ask me what you've forgotten?"

Alana frowned in confusion.

"What else could I have forgotten?"

"You forgot to express your gratitude."

Alana closed her eyes in sheer frustration, letting out a defeated breath.

"Fine. Thank you for the ride, Mr. Ashford. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness." She extended her hand toward him.

"Now give me my damn phone."

Roman looked at her for a moment before speaking.

"Do you actually believe a simple 'thank you' is enough?" he asked, his tone growing more serious as he held the device just above her reach.

"What more do you want from me?" Alana questioned impatiently, her eyes darting toward the campus clock tower as she worried about being late for her morning class.

Roman leaned closer, his broad frame blocking out the sunlight as a mischievous grin tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Kiss me," he whispered against her ear, his warm breath sending a sharp shiver down the back of her neck before he pulled away.

Her eyes widened instantly.

She searched his face, desperately hoping he was joking, but the unyielding seriousness in those emerald green eyes told her otherwise. She could already feel the heavy weight of more eyes settling on them as several passing students began recognizing Roman's luxury car and his face.

"Not here. People are watching," Alana pleaded in a hushed voice, her cheeks flushing with a sudden heat.

"All the more reason to do it," Roman replied without backing down an inch. "You're my girlfriend. There's nothing to be shy about."

Alana felt a sudden urge to facepalm.

'This man.'

She met his gaze, silently gathering every ounce of her courage as she realized he wouldn't let her leave without a fight. Her eyes slowly drifted to his lips. Grasping the front of his expensive suit jacket with both hands, she pulled him down closer, her determined stare fixed on his mouth as though she were preparing for actual battle.

The next second, she dodged his lips and pressed a firm kiss against the crisp collar of his shirt instead, intentionally leaving behind a very noticeable crimson lipstick mark.

Pulling away, she admired the bright imprint with a satisfied smile.

Roman froze.

For the first time that morning, genuine surprise crossed his features. He had expected her to comply and kiss him on the lips, but instead, she had chosen the last place he ever expected.

"Can I have my phone now?" Alana asked, extending her open hand again.

Her voice successfully pulled Roman out of his thoughts. Without another word, he placed the phone directly into her palm.

The moment her fingers brushed the metal casing, Alana turned on her heel and hurried toward the campus gates, not daring to look back at him.

She could practically feel the curious whispers and stares following her every step.

Roman remained exactly where he stood by the car door, watching his bold new girlfriend disappear into the thick crowd of students. A small smile slowly found its way onto his lips.

"Ha..." A chuckle escaped his lips

"I think I might just fall in love."