A flicker of discomfort crossed Vincent's usually stoic expression.

Realizing he must have divulged something, Katelyn's eyes narrowed playfully, her voice carrying a hint of threat. "Are you going to come clean, or should I resort to some form of punishment?"

At that instant, Vincent appeared as if he had been caught in a misdeed. He seemed at a loss for words.

Before he could gather his thoughts, Katelyn launched into action, tickling him beneath his arms. "Not ready to talk? We'll see how long you can hold out!"

Vincent, who feared neither man nor beast, had one weakness — he was extremely ticklish. As soon as Katelyn's fingers made contact, he burst into uncontrollable laughter, pleading, "Hahaha, stop! Please…!"

This was Katelyn's first time witnessing Vincent in such a state. The sight thrilled her, spurring her to intensify her tickling. Indeed, Vincent was ticklish! It seemed Katelyn had discovered a new weakness.

"Will you speak now?" she demanded playfully.

Entangled with her on the sofa, Vincent struggled to escape her tickling assault. In his attempt to evade, he tumbled off the sofa, inadvertently pulling Katelyn along with him. She found herself lying directly on top of him.

As they made contact, Katelyn instantly sensed a shift in his demeanor. Her body stiffened. This couldn't be happening! Not this again!

Katelyn acted swiftly, rolling away, determined to escape.

However, she was too slow. Vincent caught her wrist just as she started to pull away.

Katelyn lost her balance and stumbled forward, straight into Vincent's arms. Before she could react, he moved swiftly, reversing their positions until she was beneath him. His intense gaze bore into hers, his voice a low whisper.

"You wanted to know, didn't you? I'll tell you everything."

Under his steady gaze, Katelyn felt a surge of apprehension. She pushed against his chest, her voice trembling. "I've changed my mind. I don't want to know anymore."

She wasn't naive; Katelyn knew where this was going and refused to fall into his trap.

However, Vincent leaned in closer, his lips grazing hers lightly, his voice soft but insistent. "It's too late for second thoughts."

Vincent's mouth moved to Katelyn's ear. A shiver shot down her spine, her body betraying her resolve.

"Don't…" Katelyn murmured weakly.

Vincent's playful words held an unexpected weight. "I told them you're my woman."

The warmth of his breath and the closeness of his voice sent a jolt through Katelyn, making her heart skip.

Katelyn had thought their relationship was casual. She didn't expect Vincent to announce their relationship so eagerly and so openly. As Vincent's lips hovered near her ear, he whispered enticingly, "So, darling, shall we have the engagement once we're back home?"

Instantly, Katelyn pushed him away, her eyes wide with incredulity as she exclaimed, "Excuse me? Absolutely not! Who proposes like that?"

Their relationship was too new for such a deep commitment. Katelyn wasn't ready to dive into marriage again so quickly, especially given the painful memories of her previous marriage, which had left her cautious and reluctant.

Vincent watched as Katelyn moved away, a knowing smirk on his lips. Her reaction didn't bother him; it only fueled the plan forming in his mind.

Leaning back, Vincent called out casually, "Did you enjoy dinner? Need anything else tonight?"

From the doorway, Katelyn responded wearily, "No, thanks. I'm just going to crash early. I'm totally worn out."

.

.

.