But since he insisted, she had no option but to get closer.

As her shoulder brushed against him, she felt a flush of embarrassment.

Swiftly, she turned, presented her face to Bennett and fluttered her lashes. "Would you go easy on me? I'm susceptible to pain!"

“If I don't deal with you sternly, how will you learn your Lesson?" His words sent a shiver down Claudia's spine.

Was he planning to be really harsh with her?

Her father's reproaches were always mild, for he lacked the heart to really physically harm her. Otherwise, she would never have suggested such an idea.

Bennett glanced at her, his gaze intense. He lifted his hand, placing it behind her head.

Claudia froze, staring at Bennett as he leaned in towards her...

Was he about to kiss her?

Impossible!

Help! If she were to reject his advance, would he grow even more angry?

Lost in her thoughts, Claudia was jolted back to reality by a piercing pain on her forehead. Bennett had unexpectedly lowered his head and their foreheads collided.

Claudia recoiled in pain.

“Does it hurt?" Quickly, Claudia pulled back, putting distance between her and Bennett.

She could finally breathe easier.

The back of her head was ablaze, and she could still sense the warmth of his palm on her nape. Claudia hung her head low and swallowed, her heart was racing.

The throbbing on her forehead brought her back to her senses. She cast a disapproving glance at Bennett and grumbled, “That hurt.”

He was too harsh.

A smirk played on Bennett's lips.

“Did you learn your lesson?" Witnessing his smile, Claudia sighed with relief. She massaged her aching forehead and admitted, "Yes."

It was a painful experience she wouldn't soon forget.

After a while, Bennett's smile faded and he inquired, “Did it hurt a Lot?"

Claudia released her forehead and answered, “It's bearable." Truthfully, it had only hurt when their heads collided.

"It appears I didn't use enough force then.”