[EVE]

    The shrill ring of my phone pierced through the early morning quiet, dragging me out of a much-needed slumber.

    Groaning, I groped for the device on the bedside table, my body protesting with every move. Muscles sore, limbs heavy, and—let''s just say last night''s escapades with Cole were . . . intense. My thigh were still numb and my vagina was still sore.

    Squinting at the blinding screen, I grimaced. 7:00 AM? Who on earth thought it was acceptable to call this early, especially during the holidays? My irritation bubbled to the surface—until I saw the name. Hyun.@@@@

    With a sigh, I accepted the call. "Hey, what''s up?" My voice was still scratchy with sleep, and I didn''t even bother pretending to be cheerful.

    "Eve! Sorry for waking you, but are you back in town yet?" Hyun''s voice practically buzzed with excitement.

    "Yeah . . . ," I replied warily, my brain still playing catch-up.

    "Great! I wanted to tell you this in person when you returned, but I couldn''t wait any longer!"

    I winced at his enthusiasm, rubbing at my temple. Why did he sound like a kid about to spill the biggest secret of the year?

    "This spring season, Dean Cole Frizkiel has signed a contract with us to be one of our models! And he''s coming here—to meet us in person!"

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    "Who?"

    "Dean. Cole. Frizkiel!" Hyun repeated, as if I''d just failed the most obvious quiz question. "The number one international male model in the world? The guy who only works with the best designers? Having him in our lineup is going to skyrocket our brand''s reputation! His followers alone could—"

    Hyun was off on a tangent, but I had stopped registering his words somewhere between "Dean" and "Frizkiel." Fashion wasn''t really my thing, and while his enthusiasm was contagious, my brain refused to process anything before coffee.

    "No," I replied firmly, pulling the blanket over my head like a shield. "I''m sore all over. I''m staying right here, cocooned in peace."

    But peace was not on Cole''s agenda. With a practiced tug, he pulled the blanket away and leaned down, his lips capturing mine in a deep, lingering kiss. My protests melted like snow under the sun.

    "Don''t worry," he murmured against my lips, his voice husky and reassuring. "I''ll help you relax. I''ll make sure you enjoy this."

    His hand brushed a strand of hair from my face before trailing down to my shoulder, his touch featherlight but deliberate.

    I narrowed my eyes at him. "Relax? Cole, how am I supposed to relax if you''re planning on—" I broke off, rolling my eyes. "Enjoy, maybe. Relax, not so much."

    He chuckled softly, a sound that was equal parts amusement and affection. "Shh . . . just trust me," he whispered, his lips brushing against the sensitive spot beneath my ear.

    My breath hitched as he kissed his way down my neck, his movements unhurried and slow. Every touch was gentle, as though he was savoring each moment. The sheet was already tangled at my waist, leaving my upper body exposed to his warm hands that trailed over my skin like a caress.

    I could feel the tension in my shoulders ebbing away, replaced by a strange, unfamiliar calm that his presence always seemed to bring. His hands moved with a mix of confidence and tenderness, his touch careful not to add to my soreness but instead to ease it away.

    He caressed my shoulders, his fingers tracing the curves of my skin before descending to tease the tender flesh of my breasts. His palms molded around them, squeezing and shaping them with a gentle yet insistent pressure that sent shivers down my spine.

    As I gasped softly in anticipation, he reached out and pinched my nipples –– the sudden jolt of sensation sending a burst of pleasure-pain coursing through me like a hot wire.

    But instead of stopping there, Cole kneaded them again with his fingertips, working over each peak until I felt myself melting into nothing but pure desire.

    My body arched involuntarily beneath him as he continued to toy with me –– teasing and tantalizing every inch.

    "You''re impossible," I mumbled, though my voice had lost any real conviction.

    "Maybe," he murmured, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he kissed my collarbone. "But you still can''t resist me."