Chapter 03: Pookie

~Lora~

I made my way to the VVIP lounge, trying to clear my thoughts of everything, especially the feeling that someone was watching me.

I took another shot of the whiskey, its warmth against my throat distracted me.

Now I regret handing my phone to James, because he was nowhere on sight. And I wanted to get out of here.

"You should slow down. Don't you think so? That's your fifth shot," Nicholas said as he took the drink from me.

"How'd you know it's not my first? I see someone's keeping a close eye on me. You know what? I think you're my biggest fan," I staggered, smirking.

"You wish, princess. I'd rather not sew a single dress for a day than stare at you," he said, smiling mischievously.

"Oh please, like I didn't catch you drooling just now," I chuckled.

Nicholas Wayne.

We were rivals in the fashion world, but things were different outside of it.

He always brought out my competitive side and teased me for being too serious.

"What are you doing here? Thought you said you couldn't make it since your husband wouldn't come?"

"For fuck's sake, why is everyone so obsessed with Michael? It's as if my whole life revolves around him," I muttered under my breath.

He chuckled softly, ignoring my frustration.

"Well, I changed my mind, sweetheart. I'm here now…or does it bother you that I'm stealing the spotlight?" I teased. "Second place."

"Ouch, burn! You're glad I let you off easily. You couldn't even hold yourself together; you passed out right on stage. That's enough for stealing the spotlight, huh?" He shot back, laughter spilling out of him.

Even when I struggled, Nicholas had a way of breaking through to me.

I called him my Friendly Nemesis.

"At least it's better than being in second place," I replied, poking him on the forehead.

I always did that and escaped, but this time he caught my wrist.

His expression changed, it was different from a few minutes ago. More intense.

For a second, everything else just… muted. Not gone, just background noise.

His eyes locked on mine, and it hit harder than it should’ve.

It had the same look he had given me during our picnic date with other fashion designers last year.

Which I had brushed off as overthinking.

And damn, he looked good.

But right now, I hated how aware I suddenly became of him… his messy curls, the way his shirt clung to him just enough.

One look and my thoughts went places they had no business going.

God, what the hell is wrong with me?

I shook my head, trying to break our gaze.

He cleared his throat. "So, what are you doing here, Lora?"

"I should be asking you the same," I replied.

This area was filled with people tangled up in each other’s embrace, smooches everywhere, and distant moans.

Chaotic and perfect VVIP display.

"Well, I'm hoping to catch a thing or two... you know, as a bachelor," he smirked. "But you? A married woman?.. Shouldn't be here, princess.

“Why? Think I can’t handle myself? Or are you worried I might be pushing buttons?” I asked, tilting my head with a grin.

“Not in the least,” he shot back.

“Are you sure?” I asked, moving closer.

“Absolutely. Though you should be the one scared. Who knows, I might just steal you away tonight.”

I pouted, inched closer, legs slightly apart, daring him. “You better call it quits before I charm my way through you,” I said, smirking.

“What if I don't want to.” He teased, his fingers traced along my thigh, the slit in my dress giving him easy access.

“Are you sure you won’t beg me to stop?” he added, seeing I didn't bulge.

“You’re scared?” I whispered, my voice trembling.

He smirked softly, and then his hand caressed my thigh while the other teased my lips.

My gaze dropped to his, wet and dangerously tempting.

“Why are you different tonight?”

I rolled my eyes, this same question again.

“I've always been like this.. you just didn't notice,” I teased.

He stared at me like he couldn't believe it..

I doubted myself as well, but reached for his collar anyways, his face inches from mine.

I caught hold of his scent…Chocolate Musk.

It wrapped around me, warm and familiar, making my body react faster than my mind could catch up.

Did I have too much to drink?

I lingered in his gaze, closer than I should’ve been.

His breath brushed my cheek, grazed his fingers down the edges of my lips, tilted his head, waiting as though he needed to be sure I wanted it.

My breath hitched, because we weren’t joking anymore.

Part of me screamed I shouldn’t, but another part… laughed. “I'll do whatever I want tonight.”

It's over between us Michael, and you'll regret killing me.

I landed my lips on Nicholas, just a short peck. He took that as his cue and deepened the kiss, slamming his tongue into my mouth.

Mine trying to figure out how he tasted.

He got comfortable, planting kisses around my cheeks, my jawline and every close area to my neck, working his other arm on my thigh.

I felt his fingers sliding upward, but I caught his wrist halfway.

He stopped as he understood the signal.

Even though I wanted to get rid of my pain, I wasn't completely wasted.

He continued kissing my side, roaming his tongue behind my ear.

I struggled to contain my moans amid his embrace.

"Do you want to call it quits, princess? He growled low, behind my ears.

“No”. I whispered.

But then, I felt something else.

A strong pull.

I tried to steady myself, turning my gaze to look at who the hell it was, but his voice cut through.

I froze mid-air.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Pookie?" he asked.

Pookie.

Only one person calls me that.

Him.

Bu..but why's he here?

"Hey man, what's your problem?" Nicholas snapped.

"I wasn't talking to you," he fired back.

"Let's go," he said, grabbing my wrist.

I tried to break free.

"Let go of me! How dare you try to touch me.."

But he wouldn’t listen.

Instead, he did the unthinkable.