Unbeknownst to her, the bashfulness in her eyes was captivating to him. Mitchel's next action was swift. He caught her wrist, drawing her close to him.

“Hey!" Raegan exclaimed, suddenly finding herself secured by his embrace. She resisted, pushing against his chest, her voice tinged with frustration. "Why did you kiss me?"

Mitchel, undeterred by her squirming, responded, "It's part of the dance of dating. Kisses, hugs, and what follows..." His stare was piercing, leaving no room for doubt about his intentions.

Raegan's cheeks burned even hotter under his scrutinizing look. She countered, "That's not right! It should start with holding hands, then hugging, and kissing comes last, doesn't it?"

"No problem at all," Mitchel conceded with ease. "We'll go at your pace."

Raegan was speechless, her eyes widened. “I didn't agree to date you!” she managed to say, her mind racing. Mitchel was cunning, adept at laying snares.

"I've already received your brother's blessing." Mitchel gazed at her intently, his eyes conveying a message. Erick's consent for Raegan's visit was, in essence, a silent approval.

Raegan, feeling cornered, retorted, “If my brother has given his blessing, maybe you should be courting him!"

Mitchel's expression hardened, his grip tightening on the back of her neck as he drew her closer, his voice laced with a hint of menace.

“You're the one I desire!" The raw desire in his eyes was unmistakable, making Raegan shiver slightly.

Raegan managed to say, "I never say yes to you."

“Why? No to what?" Mitchel pressed, his voice rough, causing her to flush a vivid shade of red. His smile was meaningful, seemingly enjoying making her shy.

With a mix of indignation and embarrassment, Raegan muttered, “Just...

I... Not sharing a bed..."

“So, hugs and kisses are permissible?" Mitchel raised his eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his voice as he noted. “Understood.”

Raegan was astounded by his ability to warp her words, her frustration boiling over. “None of that is okay!"

With a look that seemed to delve into her soul, Mitchel softly challenged, "Consider our current proximity and then reconsider your words, okay?"

Looking down, Raegan realized the compromising nature of their closeness, her position on his lap underscoring the intimacy they shared. Their bodies were closely aligned, generating a noticeable warmth. Worse, he refused to let her go.

With a softer tone, Raegan voiced her frustration, “You're way too controlling."

"I'll heed your wishes from this point forward," Mitchel promised.