Chapter 60
After finishing his cigarette, Drake's frustration intensified. He drove back to his hotel. Opening the door to his suite, he irritably loosened his tie and hung his jacket on the hook. Glancing up, he froze.
Sienna lay sprawled seductively on the large bed, wearing nothing but a black lace slip. “There you are, handsome,” she purred, her voice dripping with invitation. “Miss me?”
The scene was intensely provocative. Drake felt his blood rush south, his mind momentarily short-circuiting. Despite his immediate physical response, he forced himself to maintain control, his expression hardening. “What the hell are you doing in my room?”
Sienna's eyes were liquid with desire. “Waiting to give you what she never could.”
“Get out!” Drake snapped, his tone glacial.
“You don’t mean that,” Sienna’s voice was husky.
She slid off the bed and slinked toward him, her hips swaying. She grabbed his tie, her smile predatory as she pressed herself against him, whispering, “Come on, Drake… let me take care of you tonight. I know exactly what you like.”
Drake intended to push her away, but Sienna yanked his tie downward, rising on her tiptoes to kiss him. Drake groaned, his resistance crumbling. The temperature in the room skyrocketed.
Drake shifted from passive to aggressive, picking Sienna up and throwing her onto the bed. What followed was a night of reckless, almost angry passion.
The next morning, Drake awoke to find Sienna's face inches from his own. He sat up abruptly, the sheet falling away from his bare chest. “What the fuck are you still doing here?”
Sienna smiled lazily, letting the sheet slip to reveal her naked body. “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten our little… workout, baby. You couldn’t get enough of me last night.”
Drake was dumbfounded. His gaze shifted downward, taking in the scattered clothes and ripped lingerie. The memories of their raw encounter flooded back.
“Goddammit,” Drake cursed, running a hand through his disheveled hair as he got up to dress.
“Where are you running off to?” Sienna reached for him, her fingers trailing up his thigh.
“Back off!” Drake shoved her hand away. “Listen to me. This was a one-time mistake. Don’t try to seduce me again. Thalia is the only woman I care about.”
“Bullshit,” Sienna laughed coldly. “You seemed pretty damn invested in me last night. Why deny what’s between us? You still want me. Admit it.”
Drake laughed harshly. “Christ, you really don’t get it, do you? Sex is just sex. When I was fucking you, I was thinking about Thalia the entire time. Why else do you think I could keep going for so long?”
“You—” All color drained from Sienna’s face. “You absolute piece of shit!”
Drake pulled on a clean shirt. “Like that’s news to you? You’ve always known exactly what kind of asshole I am.” He laughed bitterly. “If I wasn’t trash, would I have screwed around with you while I was with Thalia? If I wasn’t a complete asshole, would I have lost her in the first place?”
Sienna laughed. “So you knew all along what you were doing.” Contempt flashed in her eyes. “At least you’re self-aware about being scum.”
Chapter 60
Blackwood Industries, CEO’s office. Asher's brow furrowed. “Any progress? Have we identified who took Vanessa Miller?”
William, his assistant, reported: “Based on surveillance footage, the people who kidnapped Miss Lucy at the engagement party and those who took Vanessa Miller are likely the same group. Vanessa has been smuggled out of the country. Our private investigators and the police have made no progress. Every lead disappears.”
Asher's expression was grave. “It seems the person behind this wields considerable influence.” He tapped his fingers on his desk. “Have we questioned the Walsh family?”
William replied: “Yes, their story remains unchanged. They claim Mr. Walsh had no knowledge that Vanessa was your admirer; they were simply attending the event as companions.”
Friday morning. Sinclair & Klein law firm. Sarah, the litigation department head, sent a message to the group chat: [Department dinner tonight. All litigation team members welcome. Time and location details to follow.]
Shortly after, Lucy Jenkins messaged Thalia privately: [Miss Winters, will you be joining us this evening?]
Lucy had always been close to Thalia, and after Thalia saved her from an attacker, she became practically a devoted fan. Sarah later assigned Lucy to be Thalia’s assistant, and the two had developed a genuine friendship.
Thalia replied: [I shall indeed. Haven’t any plans after work anyway.]
Chapter 60
Nathan had been formally arrested on suspicion of criminal activity. Enzo had been sued by Thalia for slander and defamation. He resigned after the court accepted the case.
Thalia enjoyed the improved office environment and naturally wanted to attend the department dinner. Lucy quickly responded: [Brilliant! If you’re going, I’m definitely in!]
The dinner venue was a tasteful restaurant. After the meal, someone suggested moving to a bar for drinks. Thalia, feeling on edge, agreed.
They went to a quiet lounge bar. Colleagues drank, chatted, and shared stories. Thalia, whose alcohol tolerance was low, had a few drinks and lost clarity.
“Listen to me,” Thalia slurred, her face flushed, her steps unsteady. “I am Loki of Asgard, and I am burdened with glorious purpose! You were made to be ruled! Kneel before me!”
Some colleagues were passed out. A few, more sober, laughed and recorded videos. Lucy, who wasn’t drinking, stayed close by, worried about Thalia.
Seeing Thalia’s drunken antics, Lucy found it amusing and recorded, playing along: “We kneel before the mighty Loki!”
Thalia giggled. “My fiancé… is the best bloody fiancé in the world. He’s fancied me for ages!”
Lucy smiled, continuing to record. “Is that right? How terribly sweet.”
“My fiancé may look gorgeous, but actually he…”
Another colleague asked with a grin: “He what?”
The intoxicated Thalia giggled. “I think my fiancé might have… a bit of trouble getting it up…”
At the bar counter, a strikingly handsome man spat out his drink. After laughing, he texted a message: [I heard you have trouble in the bedroom department, mate?]