Chapter 2
The young, fresh–faced staff member grinned at me and asked, “Miss, how can I assist you today?“}
I rubbed my foggy head and replied, “I’d like to order a male escort.“>
He paused for a moment, a bit taken aback, then led me to a private room before going off to fetch someone.>
I lost track of time, but eventually, the door swung open, and in walked a tall, well–dressed man in a sharp suit. His eyes landed on my disheveled, tom clothes, and he froze in place.
Before he could say anything, I pulled him close and kissed him, whispering, “I’ve been drugged, please help me.“}
The man seemed momentarily stunned. He frowned a bit, trying to push my hands away.}
“Is it about the money? I’ll pay whatever it takes!” With that, I pulled a credit card from my pocket and shoved it into his hand, then started to unbuckle his belt. In a haze, I thought I heard him call my name.
“Anastasia, don’t do this.“>
Gosh, he was noisy. I furrowed my brows and kissed him again to silence him. No wonder these upscale clubs were so popular–the male escorts were not only good–looking, but they played the game of hard–to–get so well.
I finally heard a sigh from above me. “Since you’re the one making the first move, don’t regret it later.“}
He then flipped me over, pinning me beneath him, and kissed me with a passion like a storm.}
After a night of wild abandon, I woke up with a start before dawn, realizing I had slept with a stranger, a male escort from the club. He was still asleep, so I quietly slipped into my clothes and snuck out.
As I exited, I passed a massive storefront window on the commercial street and noticed my clothes were ripped, and my neck was adorned with vivid red marks. I hurried home before my brother woke up, using concealer to cover the evidence. Just as I stepped through the door, a cool voice greeted me from above.
“Where were you last night?”
Elijah stood there, arms crossed, leaning against the doorway, looking at me. I froze. Wasn’t he supposed to be out with Juliette at the hotel?
He had noticeable kiss marks on his neck and a lazy, indifferent gaze. I looked down, feeling guilty, thinking that last night’s events would put an end to whatever was between Elijah and me. From now on, I’d just see him as my brother.
“I just went for a walk. Why are you back so soon?“}
Elijah was crashing at my place for a few months because his new house was being renovated, thanks to my brother. I glanced around. “Where’s Ms. Lennox? Didn’t she come back with you?“}
Elijah’s gaze darkened as it settled on me. “Anastasia, where did you really go last night? Who gave you those?“}
Only then did I realize he was talking about the marks on my neck. I instinctively pulled my collar up to hide them. “It’s nothing, just mosquito bites.“[
Elijah let out a cold laugh. “Don’t think I don’t know. Last night, Dominic not only drugged me but also spiked your drink. So, what, you didn’t manage to sleep with me and went out to find another man?“}
‘Anastasia, did you think by bringing Jules over last night and disappearing, you’d make me worry? You played hard–to–get the wrong way!”
I was bewildered. Why was Elijah so upset? Wasn’t I doing him a favor by helping him with Juliette?
As I processed this, a sour feeling settled in my chest. He thought my attempt to help was me playing a game of hard–to–get. His voice, cold and distant, continued.}
“As you can see, I was with Jules last night, and I plan to marry her. Whatever games you’re playing, I suggest you stop.“}
I lowered my gaze and smiled lightly, “Okay. I’m sorry about the drugging, but… I really don’t like you anymore.“}
Elijah looked at me deeply, clearly unwilling to believe me, his brow furrowed. Everyone in our circle knew I had a crush on Elijah, refusing to date or go on blind dates for him, cutting off any potential suitors.
But now, I realized my mistake. I didn’t want to repeat the past, watching my daughter be born with hope, only to die in despair. Just as Elijah was about to speak, my brother’s panicked voice echoed from behind.}
“Oh my God, why is there an extra person in the house?“}
He rushed over, pointing shakily toward the upstairs room. “Juliette, when did she start sleeping in our house?“!
Elijah calmly closed the door, explaining with an air of nonchalance. “I brought her over last night. We had a long night, and she wasn’t comfortable at the hotel, so I brought her here to rest.””
Chapter 2
“What?!”
My brother looked at Elijah, then at me, his expression complex. “You two… last night you didn’t?”
Finally, his gaze landed suspiciously on both our necks. I quickly made my escape, “I’m going back to sleep, Domi.”
I darted back to my room, shutting the door, still hearing their voices faintly. It was likely my brother was grilling Elijah about what really happened.
When lunchtime came around, my brother knocked on my door, calling me to eat, but I didn’t get up.
