Chapter 2
As I rounded the corner, I crashed right into a warm chest, wrapped in a cozy, woody scent.
It smelled so good, so comforting.
I couldn't run anymore.
Tyler called out. "Mr. Fletcher?
"Ms. Hartwell and I have some business to discuss. She looks pretty drunk, so I was going to take her to rest. Why don't you let me have her?"
As he spoke, he started to reach for me.
Maxwell's arms suddenly tightened around me, locking me firmly in that warm, woody scented embrace.
Maxwell said coldly, "Get lost."
That icy voice sounded amazing.
Tyler blinked, confused. "Huh?"
Maxwell's tone was cold as steel. "I said get lost. Don't make me repeat myself."
"Oh, Okay! I'm leaving. Please don't be mad, Mr. Fletcher!" Tyler scrambled away, practically tripping over himself in his hurry.
"Aurelyn," Maxwell said softly.
"Mhm," I replied.
"You've had way too much to drink," Maxwell told me.
"I have not," I protested.
Maxwell chuckled, "That's what all drunk people say."
Maxwell let out a helpless sigh, then scooped me up in his arms and carried me straight to his room.
"Get some rest. Since you're drunk, I'll let it slide this time," Maxwell said.
He set me down on the bed, tucked the blanket around me, and turned to leave.
"Don't go," I pleaded.
I suddenly sprang up from the bed and wrapped my arms around Maxwell from behind, holding him tight.
"You smell amazing... Please, don't leave," I mumbled.
Maxwell gently unwrapped my arms from around him.
"Aurelyn, you're drunk," he said, his voice firm but gentle.
"I'm so hot... can you help me?" I mumbled.
My head kept rubbing against his back without me even realizing it. He felt cool to the touch, and leaning on him was just so comfortable.
"Did someone drug you?" Maxwell asked.
Maxwell spun around and gripped my shoulders. When he saw how flushed my cheeks were, understanding flashed in his eyes.
"Was this Tyler's doing?" he demanded.
I couldn't even tell what he was saying anymore.
"I'm so hot... can you hold me?" I mumbled.
With that, I threw myself at Maxwell again.
"Aurelyn, are you even aware of what you're doing?" Maxwell asked.
Maxwell held me back with a hand on my forehead, keeping me from diving into his arms.
"I know," I replied, taking his hand—so cool, so comforting. I guided it to my cheek, savoring the chill.
Maxwell's expression suddenly turned dark and unreadable.
"I told you, I'm not drunk," I insisted stubbornly.
"You are!" His voice rose sharply, frustration clear in his tone. "I'm going to get a doctor. Stay put."
Maxwell was already heading for the door.
Somehow, I managed to pull Maxwell toward me with surprising strength. He lost his balance and fell onto the couch, and without thinking, I climbed onto his lap and pressed my lips to his without a second thought.
His lips were soft and cool against mine.
"Aurey!" Maxwell shouted.
Maxwell was pissed now.
"Yeah, it's me," I replied. "I'm Aurey."
"Please help me. I feel so awful," I pleaded.
As I leaned in for another kiss, Maxwell quickly covered my mouth with his hand, stopping me in my tracks.
Maxwell's gaze was clouded, unreadable. His once crisp shirt was now rumpled from our struggle, the top button undone, exposing his flawless collarbone.
My mind was slipping further and further away, leaving only raw instinct behind.
Maxwell asked, "Who am I?"
He firmly tilted my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze.
Wow, his eyes were gorgeous.
"You're... Maxwell," I murmured. "No one else has eyes as beautiful as yours."
Maxwell's gaze turned completely dark. He grabbed the back of my head and pulled me in for a deep kiss.
"Aurey, you were the one who made the first move," Maxwell murmured.
*****
Morning sunlight always felt blinding.
But nothing was more blinding than seeing Maxwell lying right next to me.
Even if I had never done it myself, I had seen it happen. The faint red marks on my neck were proof enough. Memories of last night came rushing in, the way I clung to Maxwell, the things I said—it was all replaying in my mind like a movie.
I was screwed. What did it even feel like to wake up after sleeping with my mortal enemy?
Was Maxwell going to kill me for this?
Better make a run for it before he woke up.
I carefully gathered all my stuff from the room, grabbed my purse and heels, and tiptoed out as quietly as I could.
Sorry, Maxwell.
No way I was showing up at work today. I just snuck straight back home.
My neck was covered in hickeys, and even after two layers of foundation, I could still see them peeking through.
Damn you, Maxwell.
And just like that, memories of last night's passion came rushing back.
Ugh, what the hell was I thinking last night?
I slapped my burning cheeks. Even if I was drugged, I shouldn't have gone to Maxwell...
But Maxwell really was ridiculously handsome. And his body? Damn, he got it all.
Just thinking about it made me swallow hard.
"Ugh, seriously? You hooked up with your arch-nemesis. How pathetic can you get?" I snapped at myself.
"Whoa, Maxwell, what are you doing here?" A voice sounded.