(Daisy's POV)

Behind Hill Manor sprawled an immense forest, home to dozens of animal species. From diminutive rabbits to imposing black bears, the area served as a private hunting ground for London's elite, offering them both sport and spectacle.

We had changed into our hunting attire. Bella, who was ever efficient, finished dressing in record time before her husband Lincoln swept her away. I, however, was waging a losing battle with the zipper at my waistline as it had jammed inexplicably halfway up. Suddenly and Quietly, the dressing room door slid open.

I assumed Bella had returned and cried out, "Sweetie, help me! My zipper's stuck."

A large hand settled against my waist. In one unhurried motion, the zipper surrendered to its captor and slid all the way to the top.

But every muscle in my body turned to stone.

This wasn't Bella's hand.

I whipped my head up, and my eyes collided with Alan's, his eyes steeped in playful mischief and something darker, bolder.

"It's you?" I shoved him away, stumbling back to establish a safe, desperate distance between us.

Alan shrugged. His eyes roved over me, bold and unapologetic, and he allowed himself a flick of his tongue across his lips. "Sweetheart," he drawled, "you're stunning today. That dress earlier is a perfection on you."

I shot him a fiery glare. "That's none of your business!"

In no mood to prolong this encounter, I moved to sidestep him.

But he blocked my escape. His gaze, heavy with intent, landed on my face, voice softening into something far more intimate. "I thought you came here for me."

He reached for my face, caressing my cheek with versed tenderness, voice becoming hoarse. "I've got a suite reserved in this manor. Would you come with me?"

"You pervert!" My fury surged into every corner of my being, and I lifted my hand, aiming a sharp slap across his face.

But this time, Alan anticipated it. He effortlessly gripped my wrist, a sardonic smile curving his lips. "The same trick again? Really, Daisy, you'll have to do better than that."

"Bang!" The door was suddenly kicked open, the crash resounding through the room.

"Well, well," Andrew said from the doorway, voice dripping with irony. "Am I interrupting?"

Alan let my wrist go at once. Fixing Alan with a glare that could scorch marble, I stormed past him, leaving his excuses to Andrew far behind me.

Bella's wide, startled eyes met mine the moment I emerged. She froze mid-step, taking in the redness clinging to my eyes. "What happened? Are you alright?"

"Nothing," I lied, afraid she would lose her temper. Before she could press further, Andrew sauntered toward us, hands carelessly thrust into his pockets.

He slowed as he reached my side, glancing at me with an inscrutable expression. Then came a soft chuckle. "This is hardly the place for a fragile little flower."

I bit my lip, words choking to a halt in my throat. Andrew strode away as if the moment had held no weight at all.

Bella made a sharp, irked noise. Nudging me, she scolded, "He's handing you a golden opportunity, and you're just standing here? Go!"

Stumbling forward, I found myself rushing to catch up with Andrew.

At a loss for anything better, I launched a clumsy attempt at conversation. "Sir, what a pleasant coincidence. We meet again! Do you visit here often?"

Andrew's lips curled into a faint, amused grimace. "It is quite the coincidence, Miss Daisy," he replied. "And yet, every time I see you, Alan isn't far behind. Someone watching might think you're...reconciling."

His barb struck its mark. My protest burst forth, unsteady and flustered. "Every time has been a mistake. If I had my way, believe me, I'd never set eyes on him again."

"Oh really?" Andrew's tone turned idle, almost lazy. "Then what are you doing here?"

I pursed my lips, and with my head bowed, I whispered, "I was hoping to ask you..."

Just then, a steward rushed up, bowing politely to Andrew. " "Alpha, the preparations are complete. The hunt may commence at your command."

Andrew offered a slight nod. The steward retreated, and Andrew raised his eyebrow at me. "What do you want?"

Whatever shred of courage I'd summoned evaporated. "N-Nothing."

Andrew's eyes narrowed incrementally. The air around him seemed to tighten as he gave me a once-over. All at once, he leaned over and reached for me, his fingers tilting my chin upward until my gaze collided with his unyielding stare.

From this proximity, every angle of his face was magnified. My breath caught in its cage.

"Miss Daisy," he murmured, his tone both terrifying and intimate, "have you finally made up your mind?"

His words transported me back to the rainy night, memories bursting forth unbidden. Color rushed to my cheeks at the thought of that evening and its lingering echoes.

"No!" I began, intending to deny it. But just as quickly, reality hit harder. He was the only person who could help my father out. Swallowing the bitter lump in my throat, I quashed my denial.

My silence didn't escape Andrew's notice. A ghostly smile played on his lips, and then, without warning, his lips captured mine.

My eyes widened, my mind a riot of shock. Andrew was kissing me!

My frantic instincts demanded I push him away. But as the purpose of my visit weighed me down, I surrendered, abandoning every trace of pride.

His hot lips branded mine, firm and demanding. A moan escaped me. Against his dominance, my body betrayed itself, slackening as my breaths tangled and climbed.

His hands claimed my chin with possessive force. The kiss deepened, unyielding, fevered, electric. His breath warmed my cheeks, and my pulse raced to match the wild rhythm he dictated.

And after what felt like forever, Andrew pulled back reluctantly, his voice a guttural rasp. "An unforgettable taste," he murmured. "Let's see how you perform on today's hunt, Miss Daisy. Perhaps you'll surprise me."

He traced a thumb across my lips in a final teasing touch, then turned and strolled away, leaving me rooted in place. Molten heat climbed from my face to the tips of my ears.

Andrew had stolen a kiss here! Worse still, some part of me had been swept up by it.

Heart pounding, I glanced around in a panic, desperately scanning for witnesses. That was when I looked into Alan's eyes.

"So, this is your plan, Daisy? I underestimated you."