Chapter 10

Mrs. Anita sighed and turned toward the dining table.

“Who's there? Mandy! Adeline!"

A slim girl in her uniform appeared quickly from the kitchen.

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Oh Mandy, you're the one here. Where's Adeline and the rest? Anyway, never mind. Fix me my herb tea and bring it here, be quick.” Mrs. Anita instructed.

“Yes, ma’am,” Mandy said calmly, hurrying off.

Adeline had sneaked out of the dining room into the store before the kitchen, so she wouldn't be seen by Mrs Anita.

By the time Mrs. Anita settled at the table, Mandy returned with a tray and placed the steaming cup gently before her. She bowed slightly before retreating.

Mrs. Anita took a slow sip, her mind drifting to Nathan and Andrea, but she forced herself to stay quiet for the night.

---

In the bedroom, Andrea stood before the mirror, brushing her long hair in slow, deliberate strokes while Nathan sat heavily on the bed.

“Nathan, I don’t see why you are always complaining about my shopping,” Andrea said, her reflection cool and calm. “I’m only trying to look my best for you, for us. What use is money if not to enjoy it?”

“You call wasting the company’s funds an enjoyment?” Nathan shot back, his jaw tightening. “Andrea, you can’t keep spending recklessly. This isn’t just about you. It’s about the family, the business. We’re trying to close a major deal.”

Andrea dropped the brush and stepped closer, sliding her arms around his shoulders. She leaned down, lips brushing his ear.

“Baby, you’re too tense. Always business, business. What about me? What about us?” Her voice lowered, sultry, teasing. “Sometimes I wonder if you still think about her.”

Nathan’s eyes flickered, betraying the thought she knew he was trying to bury.

“Alicia, right?” Andrea whispered, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “You compare me to her, don’t you? Even after everything, you still can’t get her out of your head.”

Nathan shoved her arms away and stood abruptly. “Don’t start this, Andrea. I married Alicia for reasons you already know, but she means nothing to me now.”

Andrea’s smirk lingered, though her eyes darkened. She let the robe slide lower on her shoulder.

“Then prove it. Stop bringing up my shopping. Stop acting like I’m not the woman you want. Or do you need me to remind you again tonight?”

Nathan stared at her, his chest became tight, torn between anger and the pull of her body.

Andrea masked the flicker of worry twisting in her gut. She tilted her head and smiled.

“Let me ease myself in the restroom, I’ll be back shortly.” She bit her lower lip, giving him a look he couldn’t resist.

“Alright…” Nathan muttered, heat already rising in his eyes.

Andrea swayed her hips as she walked away, throwing him a playful glance.

“I’ll be quick, baby, don’t miss me too much.” The bathroom door shut softly behind her.

Nathan sat back on the bed, arms crossed. His eyes fell on her phone near the pillow. It buzzed suddenly, screen glowing. Nathan leaned forward, frowning. A message flashed from a name saved as Velvet:

“Can we arrange to meet up tomorrow night. I can’t stop thinking about your body.”

His stomach twisted. His fist closed tight around the phone.

Andrea stood at the sink, washing her hands, fixing her face in the mirror. She didn’t hear the buzz but her thoughts flickered nervously anyway.

Keep it cool. Smile. Don’t give him reason to doubt. You’re in control.

When she stepped out, the scent of perfume around her, she found Nathan sitting stiffly, the phone in his hand.

“Done,” she said, moving close, forcing a light smile.

Nathan’s voice was low, tight. “You’re done… just like that?”

Andrea’s stomach clenched, but her smile stayed. “What’s the matter, baby? You look tense. Want me to help you relax?” She slid her hands across his shoulders, lips grazing his neck.

Nathan lifted the phone between them. “Who’s this?” His voice like steel.

Andrea’s breath hitched, but she forced a lazy smile, walking toward him with slow hips.

“Nathan, it’s nothing. Just a fool texting nonsense. People like to play.”

He shoved the phone into her chest. “That doesn’t sound like nonsense to me.”

Inside, Andrea’s heart thumped wildly. *Keep him hooked. Don’t let him dig too deep. Give him what he wants before he starts asking questions. She tossed the phone aside, straddling his lap. “Forget the stupid text. Feel me instead.” Her lips brushed his jaw, hot and urgent.

Nathan’s hands clamped her hips, his grip rougher than usual. His body reacted, but his eyes stayed cold, locked on hers.

Andrea moaned, tugging his shirt over his head, her robe falling loose around her. She pulled his shorts too exposing his length. If I keep him burning, he won’t think. She lowered herself against him, grinding slow until a grunt tore from his throat.

In a flash, Nathan flipped her onto the bed, his mouth crushing hers. He entered her with force, thrusts sharp, almost punishing. Andrea arched, gasping, nails dragging down his back, her moans mixing with soft cries.

“Don’t think I forgot,” Nathan muttered into her ear, his breath ragged as his pace grew harder.

Andrea clung tighter, biting her lip, whispering between moans, “Then punish me, Nathan… don’t stop.”

His body drove into hers, fueled by anger as much as desire, each movement making her cry out louder. Andrea tilted her head back, hair spilling over the pillow, mind screaming even as her body writhed. He doesn’t trust me. I need to be more careful.

When it was over, she lay sprawled beneath him, chest rising and falling, sweat glistening on her skin. Nathan rolled to his side, fists clenched, eyes fixed on the ceiling.

“If I ever find out who sent that message…” His words were low, dangerous.

Andrea forced a soft laugh and curled against him, hiding the tremor of unease behind a satisfied smile. “You won’t, Nathan. You only need me.”

But inside, she knew the fire she played with was no longer entirely under her control.