Chapter 16
Audrey woke up to the sound of rushing water coming from the bathroom.
The hotel room’s blackout curtains made it impossible to tell if it was day or night.
She had a headache that felt like a hangover. She tried to press her fingers to her temples, but her armis were too sore to lift. Her entire body ached intensely, especially in her most private areas.
The name Ryan Lambert thundered in her mind, causing her to sit up abruptly. Her blood turned to
She clutched the comforter to her chest. Her gaze fell on the down jacket and scattered clothes on the floor–her jeans, his shirt, and trousers.
The events of the previous night flashed through her mind like a movie. Audrey’s face drained of
color.
Ryan was the adopted son of the Lambert family, technically her mother’s brother.
Even though she wanted no ties to the Lambert family, she’d had sex with Ryan under the influence of the drug.
She recalled snippets from the night before, enough to call out Ryan’s name. The drug had tormented her into a state of near–death delirium. She had kissed Ryan uncontrollably and even begged him to fulfil her desire.
Audrey covered her face with her hands, feeling the swollen numbness of her lips.
She got out of bed gingerly to pick up her still–damp clothes.
Realizing she couldn’t wear the cold clothes in the middle of winter, she wrapped herself in a hotel bathrobe from the closet.
Then, she noticed several shopping bags on the sofa. Three of them contained women’s clothing, including a pair of shoes in her size. Presumably, Ryan had instructed his assistant to buy them for
her.
Audrey looked at the bathroom, still echoing with the sound of water. She dressed quickly, ignoring her discomfort.
She wanted to leave before facing Ryan to avoid the awkwardness. However, considering their unique relationship, she knew they had to talk.
Soon, the water stopped.
Audrey gripped her dead phone as she sat on the couch. Her heart pounded like a drum.
She vividly remembered Ryan’s deep, soothing voice in the dark, telling her not to rush their first time. She remembered his breath and the shiver his touch had given her.
Chapter 16
2/2
As the sound of the hair dryer ceased, Audrey’s heart leapt into her throat. Ryan came out of the bathroom, buttoning his shirt.
When he couldn’t find her in the bed, he turned to the couch to see her fully dressed. His hand paused on his shirt buttons as he gazed at Audrey’s pale face.
“Why don’t you sleep a little longer?” he asked.
His demeanor was calm and ordinary, but Audrey’s heart raced even faster.
