A forceful kiss

Ethan leaned back in his leather chair, staring at the framed awards and certificates that adorned his office walls. His mind, however, was elsewhere. He twirled a pen in his hand, his thoughts occupied with one singular idea.

"John," he called, his deep voice snapping his secretary out of his concentration.

John, who was sorting through some documents, looked up. "Yes, sir?"

Ethan smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "After our marriage registration, I'll need to take a picture of Emily and me kissing. I want it framed and hung here in the office."

John blinked, momentarily stunned into silence. He placed the file on Ethan's desk carefully and said, "You've changed a lot since Emily entered your life, sir. But hanging a photo of a kiss in the office? That's... unconventional, to say the least."

Ethan chuckled, unbothered by the implied criticism. "Unconventional is fine. She's going to be my wife, John. I want everyone to know, including myself, every day."

John muttered under his breath, "You're hopeless."

Ethan's smile didn't waver. "Hopelessly in love, maybe. Now, get out there and make sure everything is prepared for today's meeting. I'll join shortly."

As John left the room, shaking his head, Ethan pulled out his phone and stared at Emily's contact name. She hadn't agreed to their marriage yet, not fully. He'd registered the documents, yes, but he knew Emily. She was stubborn and independent, and it would take more than a simple declaration to convince her.

And he loved that about her.

---

Meanwhile, at the bookstore, Emily was engrossed in a heated discussion with Anna.

"I swear, Anna," Emily said, pacing between the aisles. "He's impossible. Who does that? Registers a marriage without even asking me!"

Anna sat on a stool, eating a bag of chips like she was watching a reality show. "To be fair, Ethan's not your average guy. He's a CEO—used to getting what he wants."

"That doesn't make it okay!" Emily huffed. "It's arrogant and controlling. I mean, what century are we living in?"

"Relax, Em," Anna said, grinning. "If he's as obsessed with you as you claim, use it to your advantage. Make him grovel."

Emily shot her a look. "This isn't funny, Anna."

"No, but it's entertaining," Anna said, laughing.

The bell above the door jingled, cutting off their conversation. Emily turned to see Ethan standing there, looking as confident as ever in his tailored suit.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, crossing her arms.

Ethan's lips curved into a smile. "We need to talk."

"Talk?" she said, narrowing her eyes. "You mean about the ridiculous marriage stunt you pulled?"

"Exactly," he said, stepping closer. "Let's go somewhere private."

Emily glanced at Anna, who gave her a thumbs-up before retreating to the back room.

Ethan gestured toward a quiet corner of the store. "Shall we?"

Emily followed reluctantly, her arms still crossed.

---

When they were alone, Ethan didn't waste any time. "Emily, I know I can be... forward. But I'm serious about this."

"Forward?" Emily scoffed. "You're practically bulldozing through my life!"

Ethan stepped closer, his intense gaze locking onto hers. "Because I can't stand the idea of losing you. I've never felt this way about anyone before, and it terrifies me. But it also excites me."

Emily's breath hitched. She hated how his words affected her, how his presence made her pulse race.

"You can't just decide things for me, Ethan," she said, her voice softer now.

"I know," he said, his voice low. "But I also know what I want. And it's you, Emily."

Before she could respond, Ethan cupped her face in his hands and kissed her.

It wasn't gentle or tentative—it was forceful, filled with raw emotion. Emily's eyes widened in shock, her hands instinctively pushing against his chest. But as the kiss deepened, she found herself melting into it, her resistance faltering.

When Ethan finally pulled back, his forehead rested against hers.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I shouldn't have done that without your permission."

Emily's cheeks were flushed, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. "You're right. You shouldn't have."

Ethan stepped back, giving her space. "But I don't regret it. And I don't think you do either."

Emily glared at him, though her blush betrayed her true feelings. "You're impossible."

"And you're irresistible," he countered, his smirk returning.

---

Back in his office later that day, Ethan couldn't help but grin as he replayed the moment in his mind.

John walked in, carrying a stack of reports. He paused when he saw the look on Ethan's face.

"Let me guess," John said dryly. "You kissed her."

Ethan leaned back in his chair, looking entirely too pleased with himself. "I did."

"And?"

"She didn't slap me," Ethan said, as though that was the biggest victory of his life.

John shook his head. "You're lucky she didn't. But if you're serious about this, you need to do more than steal kisses. You need to earn her trust."

Ethan's smile faded slightly. He nodded, his resolve strengthening. "You're right. I'll do whatever it takes."

---

At the bookstore, Emily sat on a stool, her fingers brushing against her lips. She hated how much she had liked that kiss, how it had made her feel alive in a way she hadn't felt before.

Anna poked her head out from the back room. "So, how'd it go?"

Emily sighed. "He kissed me."

Anna gasped, practically skipping over. "And?"

"And... I don't know," Emily admitted. "I'm so confused."

Anna grinned. "Girl, you've got it bad."

Emily groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Don't say that."

But deep down, she knew Anna was right.