Chapter 189 Agreement (Part Two)

"Nothing," Barry said. He smiled down at her. "I'll take you to another room. The kids are taking up the whole bed. There's no space for you." Barry jerked his head in the direction of the children.

"A-another room?" Mary blinked awake, startled at his reply. She became aware of his arms around her. "You can put me down, I can walk on my own..."

"No, it’s okay. I want to hold you. I’ll put you down when we get to the room next door."

‘Another room? The room next door? What?'

Mary’s thoughts repeated themselves. When the implication finally dawned on her, she was bright red.

"You—you rascal! What are you thinking?" Barry grinned at her, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

"What do you mean? What are you thinking?" Mary’s face burned. "I... I'm not thinking about anything! Don't—don't get me wrong!" she said quickly.

"Actually, Mary," Barry said. He stopped and looked at her. "I was actually thinking..."

"Hmm?" Mary gazed back at him and blinked. "You... What are you trying to say?"

"Mary, you know what I mean, don’t you?" Barry’s voice had dropped several octaves, laced with desire.

He lowered his head suddenly and kissed her.

Mary’s mind went blank. Dazed, she gently pushed Barry away with her hand.

"Mary..." Barry pulled away, dragging his lips against her neck and earlobe. "I want you. Is that delusional of me?"

"I..."

Another searing kiss swallowed the rest of her reply. Barry’s mouth was moving insistently against hers, and she found it hard to break away. "Let go... Barry, don't..." s

ght break out and ushered them to the sofa. "Come on, we can’t keep arguing like this," said Lucas. "Let’s sit down and have a talk."

"Talk about what exactly?" William asked.

"About how we’re going to woo Mary," Lucas answered.

"Alright then," Barry replied, albeit hesitantly.

The trio squished themselves onto the sofa, looking almost comical with their bruised faces and disheveled clothing.

"I say we make a gentlemen's agreement!" Lucas glanced at both of them. "We’ll all start on the same running line and pursue her aboveboard."

"I agree!"

The men nodded at the idea.

"Also, if anyone initiates anything intimate with Mary," continued Lucas, "as long as she consents, no one else can object."

William and Barry exchanged skeptical glances with each other.

"Alright, think about it. How can we not try to hold and kiss the woman we love?" The doctor reasoned, "If we all got into fights for kissing Mary, we’d all be beaten up beyond repair before anyone could actually win her heart."

"If Mary consents, it means that the other two will not have a chance with her anymore!"

Barry thought it over. "I agree. No objection," he said.

"What about you?" Lucas looked at William.

"I agree, too." William nodded. This would have to do for now. It was the best solution the three could come up with.

"Well! Then, from now on, we are formal and friendly rivals in love! Everyone should show their skills and try their best to see who will win Mary's heart! And don't act shamelessly!"

"Deal!"

"Deal!"