The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1475

“Let go…”

Kenneth was so close, his warm breath felt like fire against Emily’s skin. Her nerves were shot, and she could barely catch her breath.

“I’ll let go if you promise me,” he said.

Kenneth’s lips curled into a crooked smile, his face all youthful swagger and shameless mischief.

“You…” Emily took a shaky breath. Her eyes shone, a little red, her cheeks puffed up in protest. “Is there anything you won’t do?”

“When it comes to trying to win you over, who cares about shame?” Kenneth shot back, not even trying to hide how bold he was. “If I can be with you a little sooner, I’d toss my pride out the window.”

Emily’s cheeks burned. She looked away, totally at a loss for what to say.

She wasn’t exactly hard to chase, anyway.

“Alright, relax, I’m just messing with you.” Kenneth could tell she was getting flustered, so he eased up. Still, just to tease her, he gave her cheek a gentle pinch. “But wow, that attitude of yours.”

“If you don’t like it, then don’t bother!” Emily shot him a glare, rubbing her cheek exactly where he’d pinched it.

“I do like it.” Kenneth gripped the wheel and started up the car. His eyes held a glint as he grinned. “I like girls with a little fire.”

Emily had no idea how to respond to that.

...

On the way home, Emily barely spoke. She was so tired she could barely keep her eyes open.

By the time they pulled up to her place, she was fast asleep.

Kenneth switched off the engine and unbuckled his seatbelt. Under the cool glow of the moon, he grabbed a thin blanket from the back seat and carefully draped it over her shoulders.

“Nothing,” Kenneth lied, heart racing, but he didn’t move. He looked so calm, even as he got caught. His voice was rough, low. “Just letting you know you’re home.”

Is that so?

“Thanks for the ride. Drive safe on your way back,” she said, still half asleep. She blinked, grabbed her bag, and climbed out.

“Wait.” Kenneth got out too, crossing over to her side with quick strides. His gaze was serious, intense. “I’ll pick you up for the set tomorrow,” he said quietly.

“Tomorrow?” Emily paused, frowning a little as she looked up at him. “That rumor online hasn’t gone away yet. The paparazzi are probably desperate for a story. Aren’t you worried they’ll get pictures and it’ll mess with your career?”

“I guess I’m a little worried,” Kenneth replied, and this time his smile was soft, barely there.

Her heart dipped. She understood. Kenneth was at the height of his career. This really wasn’t the time for scandals.

Kenneth stepped closer, lowering his head so they were eye to eye, his tone easy but his eyes full of warmth. “Honestly, I’m not scared of getting caught by paparazzi. What really scares me is not being able to win you over. That would be even more embarrassing.”