Chapter 42

Liam sneered, "Besides, a woman like you, who's been passed around so much, will never find a husband. You should be grateful I'm even willing to take you. Cooperate with me, and I might consider marrying you later. Speak well of me to Nicolas and get me a transfer to headquarters. It's a sacrifice for me, of course, but I'm generous like that. You should be thankful for the benefits I can offer you."

Thea, furious, bit down hard on Liam's hand. He yelped, his face twisting in anger, and slapped her. Gasping, he fumbled with her clothes. "Still playing hard to get? I'll make sure you're not so proud after tonight." The cold air on her bare skin made Thea shut her eyes in despair. Liam's eyes gleamed with lust as he stared at her pale neck and collarbones. Just as his hand moved lower, her phone rang from her bag.

Liam ignored it at first, but the persistent ringing annoyed him. He snatched it up, answering rudely, "What do you want?"

"Thea, where are you?" Nicolas's voice, cold and angry, cut through the air.

Liam shuddered, sobering instantly. "Mr. Hendrix?" he asked cautiously.

Nicolas fell silent, the rhythmic tapping of his fingers on a table betraying his displeasure. Thea wanted to scream, to attract Nicolas's attention, but Liam clamped a hand over her mouth, silencing her. Her eyes remained desperately fixed on the phone.

"Why is her phone in your hand?" Nicolas asked indifferently.

Liam stammered, searching for an excuse. "Ms. Rowland had too much to drink tonight. She asked me to take her home. If you have anything to say, I can pass it along when she's feeling better."

Nicolas! Thea screamed silently. You have to sense something is wrong!

Nicolas chuckled coldly. "She asked you to take her home? Then I won't bother you two. Tell her to call me when she wakes up."

The call ended. Thea's last hope vanished. Liam smirked, patting her cheek. "See? It's late. Behave yourself, and maybe I'll be a little gentler later."

Thea bit her cheek, the pain a distraction from her terror. Helpless, she watched as Liam drove to a hotel and carried her into a room. As soon as the door closed, he pounced. Her mouth tasted of blood as she stared dazedly at the ceiling, tears streaming down her face.

Suddenly, she felt lighter. Liam was thrown aside like a ragdoll. The familiar scent of Nicolas filled the air as she found herself in his arms. Dazed, she looked up at his handsome face. She thought she must be dreaming.

Meanwhile, Liam groaned on the floor, his face bruised and swollen.

Nicolas signaled his bodyguard to stop. His cold eyes fixed on Liam. "You have one minute to explain yourself, or I'll throw you into the ocean."

Liam sobbed, crawling to Nicolas's feet. "Mr. Hendrix, Thea and I have been getting along well since she joined Virtues Group. We're in a relationship…"

Nicolas let out a chilling laugh. "In love? Why did you need drugs?"

Panic flashed across Liam's face. "It's Thea's idea. She wanted something more exciting tonight."

Liam straightened, feigning confidence. "Maybe you're interested in her, but I'd appreciate it if you'd give me my girlfriend back."

Liam was desperate. If he let Thea return to Nicolas, he'd be finished. Dragging her down with him seemed his only option.

"She's your girlfriend?" Nicolas's eyes darkened.

Liam answered shakily, "Yes. Ask anyone at the company."

"I'm not feeling well. Take me home," Thea said softly, her flushed face against Nicolas's chest.

"Alright." Nicolas calmed her before turning back to Liam, looking down with cold disdain. "She's my wife. How could she possibly be your girlfriend?"

Liam's face went ashen. Thea's married to Nicolas?

Before leaving, Nicolas addressed his bodyguard, Darwin. "Make sure it's handled cleanly. I never want to see him again."

"Yes, sir."

Darwin shook his head at Liam. "What were you thinking? That Mrs. Hendrix would leave Nicolas for you? Next time you lie, maybe do a little research first." Liam collapsed, muttering in disbelief.

Thea's body felt unbearably hot. She desperately clung to Nicolas, her hands around his neck, her lips brushing his throat. His body tensed. He gently pried her off. "Thea, calm down!"

Thea looked up at him, her eyes misty with tears, a vulnerable, dangerous desire in her gaze.

Nicolas reached for his phone, then felt her hand on his chest. She fumbled to unbutton his shirt, tugging impatiently.

As her fingers brushed his skin, his gaze turned dark. He grabbed her hands. "Thea, if you keep this up, don't regret it later," he warned.

She shook her head. "I won't regret it. I'm really uncomfortable." She nuzzled against his hand. His restraint snapped, and he kissed her.

She pressed closer, her inexperience evident as she held her breath, her face reddening. He pulled back, amused and helpless. "You don't know how?"

Thea nodded honestly. "It's my first time."

Surprise flickered in Nicolas's eyes. He squeezed her hand, his dark eyes locking onto hers with intense focus.