No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric) novel Chapter 895

Mia gasped as the heat of his touch startled her, and her reaction caused Eugene to let out a low chuckle. "Why are you screaming? Aren't you afraid they'll hear us?"

Mia clamped her lips shut, but she could still feel his hand shifting at the small of her back. She quickly tried to push his arm away, but it felt like trying to move a steel beam. His body was so tense and solid that her effort did nothing but stoke the heat radiating from him.

Then, he leaned in and kissed her—he had wanted to do that for a long time. Mia struggled, but his hand slid from behind to the front, making her forget everything, even resisting. She didn't manage to push him away and ended up pinned to the door as he kissed her harder.

Just before completely losing control, Eugene pulled back. His hand lingered on her waist like he couldn't let go. With a husky voice, he asked, "Still planning to go on that blind date?"

He had come back this time for Mia. At first, it was just to protect her, but after spending so much time together, he couldn't fight his feelings anymore. Now that he was sure she still had feelings too—and he had nothing holding him back—he didn't want to keep pretending.

However, this girl wasn't as obedient as she used to be. Now, she knew how to get under his skin when she wanted to.

Mia looked down and said softly, "I mentioned going on dates before, and you didn't say anything either."

Eugene thought back to those times. Back then, the gap between them had felt too wide—who was he to stop her?

He admitted, "I was stupid. My pride got in the way. I didn't want people thinking I was living off a woman."

After all of Salena's cruel jabs and constant humiliation, his confidence had been shattered. He hadn't dared to break the tension between him and Mia.

But Mia hadn't expected such a blunt confession. She looked at him, stunned that he'd actually answered her question.

Eugene held her gaze. "I've grown thicker skin since then. And I've realized something—Salena only said those things to keep control over you. If you chose me, she'd lose her grip on you."

Mia felt her chest tighten with a strange mix of emotions. There was a lump in her throat that she couldn't swallow. She scoffed, voice low. "Too bad you figured that out now. I'm not the same Mia anymore."

"You're right," Eugene teased, glancing down. "These have definitely gotten bigger."

He leaned in and kissed her chest through her clothes. Even with the fabric between them, Mia still felt the heat of his lips. Her cheeks flushed bright red.

"Heartbreak can't catch you if you're always one step ahead." The second she finished saying it, he tossed her onto the bed. Before she could react, his tall, broad body pinned her down, completely locking her in place.

Mia saw the flash of anger on his face—and, oddly, felt a little satisfied. She turned her head and added smugly, "But if you behave yourself... maybe I'll consider canceling the date."

Eugene stared at her intensely, then sat up and stripped off his shirt in one smooth motion. Hard muscle met her gaze—his chest was solid, his eight-pack defined, the V-line dipping low beneath his waistband.

Mia's eyes widened, and her heart skipped. Memories of their first night together came rushing back. She had been nervous then, but she'd definitely noticed—he was well-built in every way.

She made a break for it, but Eugene grabbed her ankle and dragged her right back. After that, he leaned down and kissed her.

"It's too late to run now." He'd been waiting since that night in the gym for a chance to redeem himself.

Mia opened her mouth to speak, but every word fell apart with each movement, shattered into pieces before they ever formed.