Chapter 69

Nicolas tapped the table with his wine glass, a thin smile playing on his lips. "We are related. You are my wife, legally, after all. But Thea, you said this was a partnership, that you wouldn't cross boundaries." Thea's hands tightened slightly in her lap. "I wouldn't dare."

"Is that so?" Nicolas waved his hand. "Come here."

Thea obediently stood, intending to sit beside him, but Nicolas reached out and grabbed her wrist. With a gentle tug, she fell into his embrace, the scent of mint mingling with the fruity aroma of his wine. The smell of alcohol was pungent, yet intoxicating. Her cheeks flushed. She placed her hand against his chest. "Mr. Hendrix, you're drunk."

Nicolas didn't respond. He fixed his gaze on her. "You've used the privileges of being my wife. Can I not require you to fulfill your duties?"

Thea's nerves tightened, a tingling sensation spreading through her back as her breath grew shallow. She tried to snap him out of it. "Mr. Hendrix, you really are drunk."

Nicolas held her hands firmly, pulling her closer. His handsome face loomed near, and Thea saw her reflection in his eyes.

He said, "I'm giving you one last chance. Do you still love Jake? If you have any feelings for him, I'll immediately initiate a divorce and support your marriage. You know my methods. If you lie to me again and I find out, I won't go easy on you." The charged atmosphere, and Nicolas's icy demeanor and hostility, caused Thea to break out in a cold sweat.

She locked eyes with him, replying earnestly, "I don't love him anymore. I have no feelings for him at all."

Nicolas raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at his lips. Thea wasn't sure, but his cold gaze seemed to soften.

"Really?" he asked.

"Really," Thea affirmed, her tone resolute. Nicolas leaned in and kissed her. Thea's mind went blank. She didn't know how to react. With wide eyes, she looked at him in disbelief, feeling the warmth and alcohol from his lips in the passionate kiss.

Nicolas pulled back slightly, looking somewhat dissatisfied. "You don't know how to kiss?"

Thea pushed him away, gasping, covering her mouth in shock. To her surprise, she didn't move him; it seemed to irritate him. He grasped her chin, kissing her deeply again. This kiss was forceful, as if he wanted to steal her breath. Thea struggled, but she was no match for him. Eventually, she succumbed, melting into his embrace, her heart racing as she accepted it. The temperature around them seemed to rise. Under the influence of alcohol, Nicolas kissed her with abandon.

Though it was Thea's first kiss, she thought Nicolas might be inexperienced too. She didn't think a seasoned man would bite and nibble while kissing. Taking a cue from dramas she'd seen, Thea tentatively extended her tongue. Nicolas's surprise was palpable. He cupped the back of her head and deepened the kiss. His hand began to wander around her waist.