Chapter 5 Proposal

Emerald couldn't avoid it; in front of her was the man's wild, powerful body. From such close proximity, she could clearly see the thin layer of sweat covering his chiseled face. She couldn't help but think of those nights when he was drenched in sweat, claiming her completely.

Alaric clasped Emerald's chin, his wet fingertips burning with a heat that seemed to want to melt her. He was so close, just an inch away from kissing her. He had long desired to taste her lips, but she always pulled away. He had explored almost every part of her body, except for those alluring red lips, which had become the most irresistible part of her to him.

Gently, he traced her chin with his fingers, his gaze flickering between her lips and her eyes.

"If you're so upset about this, why don't you become his mother, huh?" he rasped, his voice rough with a mix of irritation and desire.

Emerald's eyes widened in fury as she struggled against Alaric's hold, her voice filled with anger and desperation. "Asshole!"

She tried to push him away, but his grip was unyielding, pinning her wrists behind her back with ease. Her efforts felt insignificant against his strength, and her heart pounded wildly with fear and frustration. She couldn't think of anything else but how to escape his intense grasp.

"Let me go, Alaric!" Emerald demanded, her voice trembling.

Alaric's smile widened into a devilish grin. "Calling me by my name now, huh, Ms. Greene?"

His large hands roamed over Emerald's waist, slipping effortlessly beneath her thin blouse. Despite her attempts to avoid his touch, she found herself unable to escape his proximity. The more he advanced, the more Emerald was pressed against the ropes, her body seemingly suspended in the air.

She gasped as Alaric's hands continued their exploration, his touch both overwhelming and invasive. Emerald's struggle to maintain control seemed futile, and she was left with no choice but to confront the growing intensity of the situation.

"Oh my god!" Emerald cried out as she instinctively wrapped her arms around Alaric's neck, bracing herself as she felt her body teetering dangerously close to falling. Her heart raced, and her breath came in sharp, panicked bursts. The sensation of Alaric's strong arms supporting her against the ropes heightened her sense of vulnerability.

"I still like you to wear skirts, Ms. Greene. It is more accessible than these pants," Alaric uttered in his hoarse, sexy voice.

The two of them have only one purpose every time they meet, and this is what they go for. Skirts are indeed more convenient and can add more fun, but Emerald has always kept a clear distinction between personal life and work.

Emerald couldn't even move or utter any word, especially when Alaric's fingers fell on the zipper of her jeans. Emerald gasped as she felt Alaric's warm breath and his tongue lightly tracing her ear.

"Do you want to do it here with me, Ms. Greene?" he whispered, his voice husky and laden with desire.

Her heart raced uncontrollably, her mind spinning with so much tension.

"Let me go!" Emerald shouted, lifting her left knee to drive it into Alaric's stomach. But he quickly caught her leg, restraining it firmly.

Her slippers slipped off, and her toes, painted with red nail polish, curled slightly. Emerald Red was a complex person: gentle and kind to her students, yet cold and detached towards men. To everyone, she was a model teacher.

She noticed Alaric's gaze drifting from her thigh down to her foot. Her fair, white skin seemed to be his weakness-so clean and delicate that touching it made him feel almost scorched. In the dark of night, Alaric knew how enchanting, seductive, and irresistible she was. All that consumed his thoughts, while Emerald struggled helplessly in her position.

With only one arm draped around Alaric's neck and the other gripping the rope to maintain her balance, Emerald tried to free her leg from his hold, but he wouldn't let go.

"Mr. Corrigan, let me go, please," she said, her voice calm yet firm, but Alaric merely smirked at her.

Instead of releasing her, Alaric lifted her leg even higher, bringing it up to his waist. Emerald could feel the heat radiating from his body, their bodies pressed together in an undeniably intimate and ambiguous posture.

Alaric lowered his head and brushed the tip of his nose against Emerald's, his breath warm against her face. His voice, laced with confusion and a hint of menace, seemed to erode her sanity bit by bit. His rough hands gently stroked the soft flesh of her waist as he lowered his voice deliberately.

"My bed is bigger than the one at the hotel. Do you want to try it?" he murmured, his tone teasing yet intense.

Emerald's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Although they had flirted before, this was the first time their interaction had become so overtly provocative. Before she could lose her composure, she shook her head firmly.

"I'm here for a home visit, Mr. Corrigan, not for what you have in mind."

Alaric's mischievous grin widened, clearly enjoying the way he was provoking her. "Really? Besides my lips, where on my body have you ever explored?"

Emerald's face grew even hotter at his insinuation. It was as if Alaric was deliberately testing her resolve, seeing how far he could push her.

Flushed but resolute, Emerald met Alaric's seductive gaze with steely determination. "I'm here to work, Mr. Corrigan."

They locked eyes in a prolonged stare. Realizing he wasn't going to break her will today, Alaric finally nodded and flashed her a teasing smile.

"Fine, Teacher. I'm just going to take a shower. Do you want to join me?" he taunted one last time before loosening his grip on her.

Emerald shot him a disdainful look, letting out a frustrated sigh as she wriggled free from his embrace. She quickly exited the boxing ring and headed for the elevator. Just before the door closed, Alaric's large hand blocked it, and he stepped in with her. He pressed the button for another floor, and the door slid shut.

In the confined space, Emerald stood rigidly, her eyes fixed on the door to avoid meeting Alaric's intense gaze. She prepared to rush out as soon as the door opened, but Alaric pressed the button to keep it closed.

Frowning in irritation, Emerald turned to face Alaric.

"Mr. Corrigan, I hope this is the last time you interfere with my work. I'm concerned about how others might misinterpret my actions. Whatever happened between you and your wife is none of my business. I don't want to be the cause of any family problems," Emerald said seriously to Alaric.

Alaric's jaw tightened as he stared at her. No matter how much Emerald wanted to be involved in his life, he had no interest in being a mistress.

"So, you regret it?" Alaric asked.

"Yes," Emerald replied without hesitation. "If I had known you were married, I would never have chosen you."

A sense of danger emanated from Alaric as his aura darkened abruptly. His eyes grew colder, and his voice took on an icy tone.

"Then who are you going to choose?"

Emerald didn't flinch. "Anyone, but a married man," she declared firmly.