Chapter 1162: Chapter 1162: Do you mind if I smoke a cigarette?

“I’ve gotten older, so theoretically, I should be wiser.” Sylvan Cheney held his cue stick, gazing at her, “Come over.”

He looked at her, a slight provocation in his eyes.

He knew that Jasmine Yale was never submissive to anyone, including him.

Sure enough, Jasmine Yale hopped over, her eyes sparkling and as alluring as peach blossoms, “Isn’t this bullying? You play all the time, and I’ve only played a few times.”

“I’m not bullying you, just play a couple of games with me,” Sylvan Cheney handed her a cue stick.

Taking it, Jasmine felt clueless, “I’ve forgotten everything, I can’t play anymore.”

“I’ll teach you.”

“Fine, I’ll play, but you’re not allowed to call me stupid,” Jasmine stipulated in advance.

She wanted to avoid being called stupid later on, not to mention being told she was slow to react.

“…” Sylvan Cheney sighed helplessly, “I’m just stating the facts.”

“F**k, then play by yourself. Do you talk to other women like this when you play with them? Call them stupid too?” Jasmine really couldn’t stand it and dropped the cue stick.

How was she the stupid one?

“I haven’t played with anyone else,” Sylvan said indifferently.

“Then go find someone smart to play with. I can’t learn and I’m no good at playing.”

“You have to argue back every time I say something, huh?”

Finishing his words, Sylvan forcefully pulled her arm, pushing the cue stick into her hands, and stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her.

Embracing her from behind before she could react, he gave her a pat on the butt, “Bend your waist.”

Such a gesture was purely an intimacy reserved for couples.

Jasmine was stunned at first, then pushed Sylvan with her elbow, “Get lost.”

“Don’t move.”

He grabbed her hand, aimed at the ball, and with a strong shot, the ball went into the pocket.

His heartbeat was steady and even.

But Jasmine was a whole different story; she hadn’t snapped back from his recent actions, her cheeks flushing as she leaned against his chest.

Sylvan, however, acted as if nothing had happened, not blushing or skipping a heartbeat, his attention fully focused on teaching her.

She was forced to bend over, having her posture adjusted by him.

Holding her hand, his shots almost never missed as long as there was no deviation.

His skills were quite impressive.

Jasmine’s breathing grew rapid, her gaze flickering aimlessly, somewhat scattered.

Her hand was mechanically grasped by his, following his movements.

In the empty billiard room, only their intertwined breathing and the sounds of the balls colliding could be heard.

Jasmine remembered a time like this when he taught her to play billiards in the same manner.

So many years had passed, and her state of mind had completely changed.

Back then she was a lively, radiant girl, naive to the ways of the world, but now, between her and him, there was a barrier…

“Focus,” Sylvan Cheney scolded her for being distracted.

“Oh.”

Jasmine followed his lead.

Being confined in the Cheney Residence with nothing to do, she was happy to spend time playing billiards.

After a few rounds, Jasmine got the hang of it.

“I don’t need your lessons anymore, I can play on my own,” Jasmine pulled away from his grip.

“Then play, do you mind if I smoke?” asked Sylvan Cheney.

The billiard room was spacious and well-ventilated, and his craving for a smoke was kicking in.

“I do mind,” she said almost without hesitation.

Suddenly she remembered what Butler Santana had told her, that sometimes when he went out to the balcony in the morning, he would find a pile of cigarette butts.

When she said “I do mind,” Sylvan smiled and put away his pack of cigarettes.

Even the strongest craving for a smoke was promptly suppressed.

Jasmine eyed him indignantly, knowing he was eager for a cigarette.