Call her fragile or hesitant, but her fears were real. She had grown exceedingly wary. She had grown insecure.

With her thoughts organized, Raegan's voice was steadier, and she said, "My stance hasn't shifted. You're the one who's mistaken."

The room fell into a heavy silence.

Raegan felt an icy tension enveloping the room.

The next second, Mitchel unexpectedly kissed her. His embrace was firm, his hand cradling her head as he initiated a deep, fervent kiss.

Raegan's eyes widened, her thoughts scattering. He was kissing her yet again!

Raegan attempted to push him away, her breath uneven. "Mmm... Mitchel..."

This kiss was passionate and filled with longing.

It lasted for five long minutes before Mitchel finally released Raegan.

Raegan's face went white, and without a second thought, she lifted her hand and slapped him.

Then, Mitchel's face bore the mark of her hand, with five red fingerprints standing out starkly. He didn't dodge or halt her, allowing her to release her frustration.

Breathing heavily, Raegan was seething. “Mitchel, you couldn't kiss me if I don't consent!"

Mitchel seemed oblivious to her words, his gaze fixated on her flushed lips, his expression intense. "You still have feelings for me.

You could have pushed me away, but you didn't. You're interested in me."

The mention of "feelings" shifted Raegan's demeanor dramatically. Her previous feelings for him had only brought her anguish.

Her eyes quickly became detached and indifferent. "Mitchel, yes, I responded to the kiss, but it was merely physical desire, nothing more. Why complicate things?"

Mitchel stood rigid, his body and heart frozen. His heart felt Like it was being poked by a bunch of needles, which hurt him a lot. He refused to believe it was merely a physical urge. He couldn't believe that someone who used to care about loyalty in relationships would say such things. It was a slap in the face for him. She knew well that he allowed no woman but her such proximity, a privilege exclusive to her.

Mitchel's eyes turned icy. "So, you've satisfied your need and want to kick me aside?"

Raegan saw stubbornness in Mitchel's stance. She moderated her words since she still needed his help on rescuing Nicole. She sighed.

"Let's not complicate this. It's not just me in the equation. It's not like you're at a loss, right?"