Chapter 80: Chapter 80 : Birthday Shenanigans

“I’m not kissing you!” I insisted, stepping back from Ellis.

He cocked his head at me, his eyes dancing with amusement. “A kiss is the price to pay. I’ve been more than generous and that dress is…” Ellis trailed off as his eyes raked over me again.

I shivered under his intense gaze, my heart pounding. He always knew just how to look at me to make me feel like I had no clothes on.

“… very expensive,” he finished, smirking.

“What does that have to do with it?” I asked. I crossed my arms to try and shield myself from his eyes.

“Seeing as the last dress you wore got soaked in red wine, I do worry how much this act of kindness will cost me, financially. So, I want some collateral. A kiss to seal the deal,” he explained, chuckling.

“And you can’t just do me a favor out of the kindness of your heart?” I challenged, raising an eyebrow.

Ellis sighed and shrugged one shoulder. “I’ve been kind enough, don’t you think?” he asked, tilting his head again.