Chapter 13

• She averted her gaze in response to the taunt. He wanted to think she was self-centered and shallow. She realized at that point that she needed every possible defense against this man. His kiss had shattered their illusions of neutrality. His lips against hers had rocked her to the core of her being, just like the first time in the woods. Nicholas Ryan shattered her defenses and exposed her vulnerability. She'd be jumping his bones after a week of living in such close quarters.
• Alexa was at a loss for words.
• She needed to instill hatred in his heart for her. If he thought she had a bad character, he'd leave her alone, leaving her with her pride intact and her family intact. She refused to accept his pity or charity. The rest of her defenses would crumble if she told the truth about her family. He might even give her the money free and clear, leaving her forever in his debt.