"What are you drinking for? Go to sleep."
"I don’t want to!" She threw a tantrum, kicking her feet on the bed. "I need to drink."
"Handsome..." Vera Wave murmured, snuggling up and clinging to his arm. "Please, just lend me some alcohol. I’ll pay you back double later."
"Drinking too much will hurt your stomach."
"I’d rather have a stomachache than a heartache!"
His heart tightened, and a surge of rage rose within him. He turned and pressed her down onto the bed.
"So what if it’s just a man? Is he really that special? Are you really going to act over him? You’re forbidden from mentioning his name in front of me ever again."
Her temper flared even hotter than his. Who did he think he was, controlling her drinking just because she was heartbroken!
"I will say his name! Harry Snowpine, Harry Snowpine..."
He raised his hand to cover her mouth, but she grabbed it and pulled it away.
"Harry Snowpine, Harry Snowpine..."
Grabbing both her hands and pinning them above her head, Kris Cooper lifted her chin and kissed her hard on the lips. Let her try and shout now! Let’s see how she calls out!
She couldn’t make a sound or turn her head. Forced to endure his kiss, she soon found herself panting and weak.
Her lips tasted of alcohol, a seductive, rich flavor. Just like that night.
What began as a punishing kiss unexpectedly took on an amorous quality.
As he kissed her, his hand slid down, settling on her waist.
He stole her breath, and Vera Wave gasped for air. She was nearly suffocating. Finally, she managed to push his head away.
"You... you’re suffocating me..."
Kris Cooper came to his senses. Releasing her lips, he noticed her shirt had been pushed up to her chest and quickly pulled the blanket over her.
Gazing at Vera Wave panting on the pillow, he spoke softly, his voice hoarse and indistinct.
"Huh?" Vera Wave asked breathlessly.
Pinning her shoulder down, Kris Cooper asked again, "Harry Snowpine, that bastard, did you two sleep together?"
"Sleep... sleep together? What are you talking about?" Vera Wave opened her eyes and looked at him. After a moment, she understood his meaning and immediately rolled her eyes. "I... I’m not like you!"
This time, Kris Cooper didn’t argue with her. He simply held her small face and asked again.
"Not what?!" she asked, dazed and confused. The alcohol had muddled her thoughts.
Kris Cooper held her face. "Be a good girl. Tell me, did you sleep with Harry Snowpine?"
"I absolutely... did not!" She pushed his hands away. "Get... get off! Don’t... don’t bother me! I... I want to sleep!"
He released his grip. Watching Vera Wave close her eyes on the pillow, Kris Cooper smiled with satisfaction.
He gently smoothed her disheveled hair and pulled the blanket up over her. Then, he quietly got out of bed, walked to the outer room, picked up his suit jacket from the floor, and dialed Tommy Taylor’s number.
"Investigate Harry Snowpine’s background. Also, spread the word: anyone who cooperates with the Davis Family makes an enemy of me, Kris Cooper!"