Love's Cunning Ruse novel Chapter 201

Julie distinctly remembered falling asleep with Ivan in-between her and Kieran, but when she woke up in the morning, she found herself in Kieran's arms instead.

The first thing she saw when she opened her eyes was Kieran's chin. She was nestled in the crook of his arm, and looking up she could see the faint stubble on his face with a hint of sex appeal.

She carefully reached over for her phone to check the time. It was still early for work. She tried to get out of bed quietly, but Kieran's long arm pulled her back.

"If I get up now, I'll have time for breakfast before heading to the office. Why didn’t you go for your morning run?" she asked.

"I already did. I just wanted to sleep in a bit longer with you."

"Well, I need to get up now. How about you join me?" she suggested, playfully rubbing his nose.

In the early morning, his voice slightly hoarse and nasal, he asked, "Have you heard the story of Sleeping Beauty?"

"No, I haven’t."

"What about Snow White?"

"Neither!" She let go of Kieran's nose, gave his face a gentle pat, and said, "Come on, get up, Mr. Hernandez."

Kieran took her hand, his eyes still heavy with sleep, and said, "Do you know what Sleeping Beauty and Snow White have in common?"

"They're both women, and you're a man. I'm not going to kiss you awake, but you'll wake up anyway!" she laughed, prying his fingers off her one by one.

Unexpectedly, he flipped her onto her back and planted a kiss on her before letting go, "Are you going to the office today?"

"Today marks the start of a new month. I lost my perfect attendance bonus last month because of you. I can't make the same mistake this month." With that, she got up from the bed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

Kieran picked out a black and white formal suit for Julie, "How about you wear this today?"

"I think I'll stick with this," Julie pulled out a clean outfit from the corner, a dress she used to wear often. It was from a budget brand, not too fancy but not too shabby either.

Kieran simply nodded and said, "I'll ask Daniel to send over some budget brands later."

"No need. As long as I have enough clothes to wear. I'll dress up all pretty on my off days for you." She put on the casual dress suitable for everyday wear.

Kieran stood there, arms crossed, watching the woman change and asked, "Need a hand?"

Julie nodded, "Yes, could you please leave and close the door. Thank you."

"I refuse, because I have an eye for beauty. I want to appreciate beautiful things, so I can't help you." Kieran replied straightforwardly.

Julie was unfazed. She took off her pajamas, threw it over Kieran's face, and said, "As long as I cover your 'beauty-spotting' eyes, you won't be able to see anything."

"Even if my eyes weren't covered, I still wouldn't be able to see anything." Kieran removed the pajamas from his head and purposely stared at Julie's chest.

Julie had already changed. She glared at him, "Are you going to say my chest is like two beans on an airplane runway again?"

"Beans..." Kieran replied thoughtfully, "Beans are delicious."

"Get out!"

Kieran chased after her laughing, "Darling, wait for me! Let's go to the office together!"

Julie rode with Kieran to the office.

It was peak hour, so the staff elevator was packed. Julie was led by Kieran straight to the private elevator. She frowned and said, "I've decided not to commute with you anymore. I want to keep a low profile."

"Alright. I won't join you for lunch in the cafeteria then."

Upon hearing this, Julie happily nodded and patted his shoulder as if praising a child, "You're such a good boy!"

"Then join me for lunch in my office!"

As they were approaching the legal department in the elevator, Julie looked up at Kieran, her expression suddenly serious, "Still no news from Davina Field?"

"None." He patted her back, "Hayden is investigating."

Julie had no doubts about Hayden's abilities. She held Kieran's hand and said, "Rankin... Davina said, Rankin is dead."

Kieran was silent.

Julie continued, "I'm thinking, maybe the reason why Davina hates me so much is more because of him... When she kidnapped me, from her tone, she seemed to think that Rankin's death was my fault."