Once Bitten, Twice Shy - Chapter 16

“Look at me,” he said, voice barely above a whisper, like he wasn't just asking her to see him—but to choose him.She did.And oh God.The moment her eyes met his, it was like the floor tilted. His gaze wasn't cold anymore. It wasn't guarded or teasing. It was raw. Fierce. Wrecking. Like he saw through every layer she'd tried to hide.She swallowed hard. Her legs trembled.Her heart betrayed her, pounding so hard against her ribs it seemed like it wanted to break free.Why did his eyes soften like that, as if she was delicate glass, and he'd do anything to keep her from shattering?She swore she was going to melt right there.And he didn't even kiss her.Didn't have to.That one look—his fingers brushing against her skin like he owned the right, it was more than any kiss she'd ever had. More dangerous. More intoxicating.Her lips parted, maybe to speak, maybe to breathe, but nothing came out. Nothing could.The tension between them tightened—thick, electric, blinding.If he moved even an inch, it would be over.But he didn't.And that restraint? That maddening, infuriating, goddamn beautiful control made her want him even more.“Let me handle this,” he whispered. “You don't have to trust Conor. Just trust me.”Her eyes dropped to his lips. They were so close now she could feel the whisper of his breath. Her heart pounded harder, like it wanted to escape.“Please stop doing that,” she murmured. For a fleeting second, nothing moved, then he dropped his hand.His brows drew together. “Doing what?”“Touching me,” she whispered. “Especially when you're trying to make a point. You did it in the restroom too.”“Why do you think I'm doing that?” he asked, voice husky now, softer.Synopsis:At an elite college, falling for the rich, cold son of a bi-llionaire wasn’t part of the plan, especially when his brother is tied to her mother’s mysterious death.But from the moment Merlina steps onto campus, the chemistry is undeniable. He’s detached, arrogant, and everything she should stay away from. Yet no matter how hard she tries, she can’t ignore the pull.She’s here for a degree, but her real mission is uncovering the secrets of her mother’s past at this very school. As sparks fly between her and the guy she should keep her distance from, she’s torn between two things: exposing the truth and protecting her heart from falling for him.The deeper she digs, the more dangerous things get. Anonymous threats, dark secrets, and a guy who’s starting to think her obsession with the past could ruin everything. When the truth finally breaks free, it threatens everything she’s worked for—the truth, her heart, and the fragile bond she shares with him.With everything at risk, she must choose: expose the truth, or hold on to the one person who makes her feel truly alive.

Before going to college, an ordinary high school student went to celebrate and got drunk. When he woke up, he found himself in a completely different world. There was a big sect, the approaching sect entrance examination, a slum where his body’s previous owner lived, and a shared memory about a missing young girl.

When he got tangled in a fight with a few punks in this different world, he fell off a cliff and miraculously found himself still alive, with two more voices ringing inside his head. They were Sword Master and Saber Master. In the company of them, he continued to find out more about this whole new world. He took the sect entrance examination, entered the sect, met a strange man in black, and even participated in a major competition of the sect to have a chance to win over his peers!
In this whole new world, he was born again and got to explore the fantastic martial world!

- Description from Novelupdates

Throughout history, Humans have strived for greatness, not only in name but in deeds as well, and many failed to achieve it. It was no different in a Land of Dragons, Mythical beings, Knights, Mages, Demi-humans, and demonic beings. But their greatness came in a different form, a concept known as POWER. The power to conquer, to build, to control, to protect, and to love. Raffaelo Jun was a man born with a silver spoon, yet his sheltered upbringing prevented him from becoming the man he was meant to be. He was unable to achieve the greatness of the prestigious family of the Jun household and became a sight of ridicule. He was used for a while until he wasn’t, then discarded and killed for being a threat to the throne, but Fate had other plans. Reborn as a child, he starts over as the sole son of the Jun household, his actions brimming with intent. He had one goal: attain the power that he once ignored and stand on the precipice of human existence, to protect all that are dear to him. Note: It starts slowly until recent chapters. Interesting side characters, power systems, techniques, and a mixture of variety with the right blend. If you enjoy this work, give me your support, with votes, comments, and reviews :> Check out my new work; WELCOME TO GAMETOPIA!

In my last life, it was difficult to have a child. In this life, I was given three radish heads as soon as I passed it, and there was an extra head. I thought my husband was a rough guy, but I didn’t expect a tough guy to have tenderness.

- Description from novelbuddy