“Do you need someone to go with you? If you’re scared, you can beg me. I might reluctantly accompany you,” Tyler said, lounging on the couch with his legs stretched out. The light above cast shadows over his jawline and features, giving him a vague, smoldering look.

Tyler always had that superior attitude wherever he went. To be fair, he had the right to act that way.

Rachel smiled. “No.”

Tyler leaned back again. He didn’t press the issue.

Following the waiter’s directions, Rachel made her way to the restroom. Once inside, she retrieved her phone and checked it again. She saw that William had sent her a message ten minutes ago.

For a moment, the icy wall around her heart seemed to thaw slightly. But when she opened the message, the chill came crashing back like a tidal wave.

[Rachel, my mom’s not feeling well. William was worried about me being alone tonight, so he took me to the hospital. Did you need him for something?]

Rachel read it, shrugged, and let out a cold, sarcastic chuckle.

Mery never failed to disappoint her.

She had almost been assaulted, and William was at the hospital with Samantha’s mother. He was worried about Samantha being alone at night, but not her.

She didn’t believe for a second that William hadn’t heard the urgency in her voice earlier. The call had connected.

Rachel washed her hands and left the restroom. When she returned to the table, she was surprised to see Tyler surrounded by a group of women.

She had assumed women were at a disadvantage in this kind of place, but now it looked like the men had it worse.

The women had completely encircled Tyler, leaving not even a sliver of space.

These women weren’t just ordinary. They were all stunningly beautiful, sexy, and impeccably styled. Even Rachel couldn’t help but feel a little envious of their looks.

They were boldly leaning into Tyler, one even resting her hand on his thigh. It was full-on seduction.

Rachel stared in disbelief and swallowed hard.

Were women always this forward these days? If Tyler actually gave in to all of them, he might get eaten alive, literally and figuratively. She could already imagine the wild scene in her mind. It was a lot to take in.

Suddenly, a deep voice cut through the air. “Why are you standing there? Come here.”

Rachel froze for a moment when Tyler called out to her, but she still walked over.

She could feel the women’s gazes boring into her.

She wasn’t sure how she managed to reach him. Tyler took her slender wrist and yanked her into his arms. In her heels, Rachel lost her balance and fell right onto his lap.

She was immediately engulfed by the mix of tobacco and a rich whiskey scent clinging to him. She noticed he had unbuttoned two of the top buttons on his shirt. His collarbones were exposed, his Adam’s apple bobbed, and every inch of him radiated masculinity.

With his perfect features, dark hair, and prominent brows, Tyler was already irresistibly charming. His cool, piercing gaze made him seem restrained, but that only made him more appealing.

Chapter 199

Even through the fabric of his suit pants, Rachel could feel the heat coming off his body.

She felt like she was sitting on pins and needles.

She pressed a hand against the seat cushion as she tried to get up, but Tyler wrapped an arm firmly around her waist.

He whispered softly into her ear. “Rachel, mind doing me a favor?