My CEO Husband Says I'm Irreplaceable

Chapter 76: Chapter 76: You Feel Wronged by Calling Me Big Brother?

Vesper hesitated for a moment, then leaned in and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"The fact that President Hawthorne was willing to show up means you wanted me to use your influence."

A moment ago, she had been worried Warren Childs would take Gwen Grayson away, and in her panic, she had rushed downstairs to save her.

She hadn’t expected him to be so audacious and arrogant, trying to take Gwen Grayson away in public without a hint of fear. If Jared Hawthorne hadn’t appeared, she and Gwen would have been in serious trouble tonight.

"You’re my woman now. There’s no reason you should let anyone walk all over you. Besides, if word got out, how would that make me look?"

Jared Hawthorne raised a hand, his long fingers gently taking hold of her small, soft earlobe. He kneaded it tenderly, and though the motion was gentle, it made her heart race, feeling as if a flurry of butterflies was about to burst forth from her chest.

Her breathing slowed, and the atmosphere in the car grew thick and sultry.

"So, President Hawthorne, is it because I’m your woman, or is it for the sake of your pride?" Vesper’s lips curved slightly. ’Some things just need to be asked.’

Perhaps not expecting such a question, Jared Hawthorne raised an eyebrow. His narrow, deep-set eyes darkened, becoming like black holes ready to pull her in.

The pad of his thumb pressed gently against the nape of her neck, pulling her forward until no distance remained between them. Their foreheads touched. The moment their eyes met, even the air they breathed seemed to turn aggressive.

A soft chuckle escaped his throat. "It’s because of the former, of course. I don’t attach my reputation to just anyone."

Vesper’s lips curved. "Then I’m truly honored."

"So, is Miss Grayson ready to change what she calls me?" Jared Hawthorne’s voice was low, carrying a hint of seductive charm.

"Change it to what? I think ’President Hawthorne’ is perfectly fine." She laughed softly, her tone gentle. "Or does President Hawthorne want me to call him ’boyfriend’?"

"Call me Elias, or..." He paused, a smile playing in his dark eyes. "Big Brother Jared?"

"..."

Her mind flashed back to a passionate moment, him pinning her down, their bodies tangled together as he forced her to call him ’Big Brother Jared’ in a voice thick with emotion. Her face instantly flushed crimson, and a deep sense of shame washed over her.

’Shameless bastard!’

Jared Hawthorne’s almond eyes narrowed, his smile full of meaning. "What are you thinking about? Your face is so red."

"Jared Hawthorne, why do you always have to take advantage of me!" Both embarrassed and angry, she reached out to push him, but with his strength, he didn’t budge an inch even after several shoves.

"I’m older than you. Is it really so wrong to call me ’Big Brother’?" His lips brushed against the shell of her ear as he spoke, his voice husky. "You sounded so good saying it the last few times. I really liked it..."

’Liked it, my ass.’

"I won’t!" Vesper mumbled. "I’ll just call you Elias."

"Fine by me. I’ll have plenty of opportunities to hear you say it."

"..."

Jared Hawthorne chuckled and let her go. He opened the car window, leisurely pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. "Have you thought about the question I asked you before?"

Seeing her dazed expression, he reminded her softly, "Moving in together!"

Vesper pursed her lips. "I haven’t decided yet. Besides, I’d have to get my father’s permission."

’She hadn’t even tried to sound her father out about it yet.’

"This is something between two consenting adults. When you were in Ashmore, Miss Grayson, you didn’t call President Grayson for his approval, did you? Why are you suddenly so conventional when it comes to me?"

He took a deep drag from his cigarette, and the swirling smoke blurred his handsome face, hiding his expression.

"That was different," Vesper answered instinctively.

He pressed her. "How was it different?"

’She didn’t report back to anyone when she moved in with Luke Lockwood!’

"I was in my rebellious phase back then. I’ve turned over a new leaf now."

Jared Hawthorne crushed the cigarette butt out with his fingers and tossed it from the window. His large hand seized her chin, his lips curling into a sharp, arrogant smile. His voice was laced with displeasure. "What? Am I not better than Luke Lockwood?"

Vesper froze. Looking at the handsome face just inches from hers, her eyes curved into a smile. "President Hawthorne, you’re not getting jealous, are you?"

’The air suddenly feels heavy with jealousy.’

A low chuckle rumbled in his throat. The pad of his thumb caressed the corner of her mouth, his tone lazy and dangerous. "And what if I am?"

Vesper had expected him to say something, anything, but she never imagined he would actually admit it.

Ripples spread across the placid surface of her heart.

"You’re joking, right? We’ve barely known each other for any time at all..."

’She’d been with Luke Lockwood for years and had never once seen him get jealous. She and Jared Hawthorne had only known each other for a month. Could he have fallen for her already?’

’Was it really that easy to fall for someone?’

"Knowing someone for a long time doesn’t mean you love them more," Jared Hawthorne murmured, leaning in. His cool lips traced the soft curve of her mouth.

Vesper’s pupils constricted. Before she could process it, his mouth captured hers forcefully. The tip of his tongue pressed against her teeth as he gave a husky command. "Open."

His voice was magnetic, bewitching. She parted her lips slightly, and his warm tongue slipped inside, stealing her breath and her reason. Their lips and tongues intertwined. Hot breath was the only thing churning wildly in the cramped space, and the scent of wine mixed with faint tobacco instantly enveloped her.

The kiss left her weak, her body going soft. Her fingertips, clutching his shirt, curled inward as she surrendered completely.

When the kiss ended, she leaned against his chest, panting through parted lips. Her own lips, now thoroughly kissed, were swollen, full, and glistening like petals dotted with morning dew, fragrant and lush.

"I’m giving you three days. Move in with me. Otherwise, I’ll have no choice but to go talk to President Grayson myself."

Vesper bit her lip. "Can’t you be reasonable?"

"If I were being unreasonable, I would’ve just tied you up and locked you away by my side." Jared Hawthorne lowered his gaze, his jaw tightening. "Don’t forget, you’re the one who came on to me first."

"..."

’Once a man gets a taste of it, he’s like an unchained beast, his possessiveness running completely wild.’

’Vesper was only now beginning to truly understand that!’

A knock sounded on the car window.

Leon Quillan’s voice came from outside.

"President Hawthorne."

Jared Hawthorne released her. "Get in the back."

They had both been drinking, so they couldn’t drive. He had called Leon Quillan over at the last minute.

As they got out of the car, Leon Quillan glanced up. His gaze swept over Vesper’s obviously well-kissed lips, and he hastily averted his eyes.

’So President Hawthorne’s a man in love now. Guess that means PDA anytime, anywhere with Miss Grayson.’

’I hope I didn’t interrupt anything important.’

’If I’d known, I would have come later.’

Sensing Leon Quillan’s gaze, Vesper pressed her lips together, a hint of embarrassment in her eyes.

"Leon, did you just come from Shiloh’s?"

"Yes. Miss Sloan is safe."

’That’s good...’

The car started. Jared Hawthorne leaned back lazily in his seat, closing his eyes to rest. His palm enveloped her small, soft hand, kneading it gently, as if he were toying with a piece of precious white jade.

The car soon pulled up to the Grayson Residence.

"President Hawthorne, we’re here!"

Jared Hawthorne opened his eyes and glanced to the side. "When your things are packed, let me know. I’ll come get you."

’...’ ’But I haven’t even agreed yet.’

When she didn’t answer, Jared Hawthorne tightened his grip on her hand and yanked her into his lap. Caught completely off guard, Vesper tumbled into his embrace.

"Did you hear me?"

His low, husky voice was laced with a dominance that couldn’t be refused.

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