Dorothy wasn''t about to butt heads with Lane now; she had said her piece, and anything more would just be beating a dead horse.


    "Lane, you''ve been straight with me, so let me be clear with you. I''m sticking with you for the antidote because I want to live, for my two kids! But if you think you can use that antidote to ckmail me or force me into doing something, I''d rather join Everett in the beyond!" Though she had to y along unwillingly, setting ground rules with Lane felt more true to her nature.


    If she agreed too readily, Lane might suspect a trap.


    "So, how long will it take for you to forget Everett and willingly be with me?" Lane asked, visibly ufortable at even mentioning Everett''s name, but aware of the ce he held in Dorothy''s heart.


    "I don''t know."


    "If that bothers you, then forget it." Dorothy adopted a take-it-or-leave-it approach, her gaze dropping, her demeanor calm. "I''ve said what I needed to. You think holding the antidote over me gives you control. And yes, I''m under your thumb to a point, but... I have my principles, and I''d rather die than break them!"


    Lane squinted at her, "What principles?"


    "That you can''t force me into anything until I genuinely fall for you and willingly give myself to you."


    "And if you never do? I''m supposed to wait forever?!" Lane''s question was tinged with frustration. Dorothy simply stood to leave.


    Seeing this, Lane quickly stood and grabbed her arm, "Where do you think you''re going? We''re still talking!" Dorothy remained unfazed, "Your call."


    Lane was taken aback, obviously struggling internally but realizing he had no leverage over this stubborn woman.


    bet


    How could he not know how hard she was to pursue? Everett had to employ every trick in the book to win her over, and Lane knew his path would be no easier.


    Had he not already experienced defeat in his ventures at East Star Enterprises?


    "I''ll think it over," he finally conceded, pondering the idea of making Dorothy his in every way.


    After all, if a woman physically epted him, her heart couldn''t be far behind. Plus, Lane had been alone for too long, hiding and without apanion. Any man would have needs. FindNovel


    "Fine, think it over."


    "Dorothy!" Lane''s expression


    darkened, his patience wearing thin, "Don''t think you can act all high and mighty just because I have feelings for you I''m even willing to deakwith Everett''s kids, and you can''t bend your ''principles'' for me?"


    "Are you saying you only want to marry me for my body?" Dorothy shot back, turning the tables.Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    The atmosphere soured instantly.


    Other patrons started to nce their way...


    Lane quickly lowered his voice, pulling her back, "Let''s not rush off. Let''s sit down and talk this through. Without you, the antidote''s worthless to me."


    Not wanting to cause a scene or attract police attention to Lane''s presence, Dorothy reluctantly took her seat again.


    "I''ve alreadypromised my principles for you, but I can''t ept what you''re asking."