52

Drake felt like he was in a trance as he watched Nicole hold Pete close to her before settling the little boy down into bed.




Pete was probably so exhausted that the moment his head hit the pillow, he immediately wriggled to find a comfortable position and slept….




Having tucked her son in, Nicole turned and gestured for Drake to leave the room quietly.




He did as he was told and took long strides to get out of the room with Nicole in his wake.




 After closing the door behind her, she let out a small sigh and said, “Thanks for tonight.”




“How will you thank me?” he asked, his voice low and magnetic as he eyed her curiously.




She frowned, and there was a bewildered look in her pretty eyes as she thought, How else can I thank him other than to literally say thank you’? “Uh… I could buy you a meal or something if you’d like?” she guessed, unsure if that was what he had been angling for.




“Oh, there’s no need for that,” he said dismissively.




She let out a breath of relief. Good, because I don’t have the time anyway.




Her phone vibrated just then, and they both turned to glance at the phone lying on the coffee table. Even from this distance, Drake could see the caller ID on the phone screen; it was a call from Nigel.




Nicole went over to pick up the phone. The only private space she had in the small apartment was her own bedroom, which was where she went in to take the call, though she left the door a jar.

“Hello, Nigel. What’s up?”




"Nicole, let me go and stay with you for the night!" Nigel offered cheerily and relentlessly on the other line.




"Why would you do that? Don't you see how the weather is brutal out there?




You'll be soaked before you even get into the car!"




"But I'm really worried about you and Pete You're both terrified of thunderstorms.".




Nicole felt her heart squeeze as she remembered that Drake was still lingering around the apartment. She hastily replied, “No, no, don’t come over. Pete and I are about to call it a day anyway. Okay, that’s all. Bye!”




With that, she hung up the phone and turned around, only to jump when she saw that Drake's unhallowed presence had suddenly materialized in her bedroom. Not to mention, he was standing right behind her, gazing down at the woman like he was assessing her.




“President Butler, you-“She blinked her wide eyes at him. Heaven’s sake, why did he have to scare me like that?




"Have you slept with Nigel?" Drake demanded tact lessly.

She gaped at him, rendered speechless by his question. Doesn't he know it's rude to pry?




 She didn't think he had a right to inquire into her personal life, but she was frank nonetheless as she answered, "No,

why?




“How intimate have you been with him?” he pressed, as if he simply must get to the bottom of this pertinent matter.




Nicole decided to be patient with him on account of all the help he had given her thus far.




 “We hugged as friends, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Have you kissed?” he asked, getting more specific with each question.




She blinked, as if unable to process what was going on at the moment. Why should I tell him everything just because he asked? Also, this guy is definitely getting more dangerous with each passing minute.




 I can’t have him stay here any longer! With a small smile, she pointed out, “It’s getting late, President Butler. Maybe you should be getting back.”




He stared at her for a long while. She had only just showered, and she smelled clean, fragrant and particularly alluring. 




He narrowed his eyes all of a sudden, and he could feel his primal urges taking over his reasoning faculty as he eyed her like how a predator might eye its prey.




Nicole had only just brushed past him when his arm darted out and grabbed her around the waist. She staggered backward out of surprise and ended up tripping over his foot. 




In a tangle of legs and arms, they fell onto the bed with him on top of her.

For one still moment, her breath intermingled with the testosterone in the air. Just as she was about to say something in protest, Drake cupped her face and pressed his lips against hers, sealing her voice completely.




She let out a muffled whimper as her, she turned blank..

Against her own volition, she felt her veins thrum with a buzz akin to a mild electric current; her body was actually caving into his kiss..




Drake's kiss was daring and aggressive. He offered her no room for negotiation nor air as he tasted her. At the same time, his broad and well built frame pinned the breath out of her. 




Nicole could do nothing but let him have his way with her, and it wasn’t until she sensed the danger of this that she felt her senses rush back to her.




 Her eyes flew open, and as she glowered at him, she pushed him away hard.




He finally released her, and as the tips oftheir noses brushed and the lines of vision met, the air seemed to grow thick with tension. 




They were both panting with the heat of the moment washing over them.

She began to bite out through gritted teeth, “Let me go, Drake. I’m warning you—”