Chapter Two - Let's Pretend it Never Happened.

Jayden pulled back instantly, his hands trembling as he grabbed the man's shoulders.

But then, he staggered back, head spinning as the taste of bile clung to his mouth.

He tried to step away, but his body betrayed him, with a shuddering groan, he collapsed, heat and dizziness spinning him into darkness.

The man's arms wrapped around him effortlessly, strong and firm steadying him against his fall.

Without a word, he carried Jayden silently towards the large bed, a smirk flashing in his eyes.

—

Morning came in a blur, Jayden's eyelids fluttered open to the soft hum of the city below.

His head throbbed heavily, throat dry and scorching, stomach twisting in protest.

He blinked against the dim light filtering through thick black curtains, slowly scanning the room around him.

Everything was dark, curtains, furniture and even the beddings he lay on, making him dizzy.

He grabbed his head as memories flooded in.

The sharp taste of alcohol, the kiss, the sudden vomit and then the odd intoxicating warmth he felt in his arms.

His stomach lurched again, his eyes flickering to his body.

His breath stiffened, the moment he noticed his shirt was gone.

Without thinking, he flung the thick blanket on his body aside, air filling his lungs when he found his trouser was still on.

Just then, a shirt was flown towards him from a corner.

“What were you thinking?” a voice teased, lowly.

A sharp flush of embarrassment ran through him, mixed with lingering confusion as his gaze met the man sitting on the couch. “I…..”

“Were you expecting to sleep on my bed with puke all over your shirt?” the man asked, voice calm.

Jayden swallowed. “Thanks.”

He grabbed the shirt, his fingers shaking as he slid it on.

“There is a spare toothbrush in the bathroom,” the man added. “Join me for breakfast.”

“I will pass,” Jayden said instantly.

The corner of the man's lips twitched upward. “I won't eat you up. Hangover soup works best immediately after sleep.”

Jayden reluctantly forced a smile. “I will be in the bathroom then.”

By the time he was out, the table was already set.

The man sat at the head of the long table, his hair covering his face.

But he was shirtless, his strong and firm build on display.

Jayden's eyes dropped, his throat swallowing nothing as he turned away, taking a seat across from him.

The soup smelled earthly and strong, almost medicinal.

With trembling fingers, he stirred the soup, mind spinning.

“About last night,” he muttered, trying to keep his voice casual. “Let’s pretend it never happened. And keep our distance.”

The man lifted his gaze, staring at him for a second before returning to his bowl.

“Mmmmm,” he finally hummed, a faint unreadable smile tugged at his lips.

Jayden's chest tightened, the room suddenly feeling small.

He drank the soup in one go and stood up hastily but then a phone vibrated sharply beside the man.

The man peeked at the screen before pushing it towards Jayden. “Someone must be waiting somewhere.”

Jayden felt his heart jump as he glanced at it and saw countless missed calls and messages from Drake.

Without hesitation, he snatched up the phone, eyes wide and bolted from the room.

But just as he was leaving, he collided with a man clad in black coming in and his pendant around his neck slipped, falling to the floor.

The man coming in picked it up instantly and called back at him but he was long gone.

“Bring it here,” the man seated at the table ordered.

The pendant was handed to him alongside two documents. “Boss, this is what you requested.”

The man waved his hand and the man clad in black left without a word.

The man’s eyes sparkled with dark amusement as he turned the pendant between his fingers.

Slowly, he picked up the first document, eyes paused on a picture. “Jayden Hawley seems like we will see each other soon again.”

The corners of the man's mouth curved, dark amusement sparking in his eyes as he skimmed the second document. “Drake Dortmund, looks like a new plaything has arrived.”

—

The day dragged on for Jayden, each second felt too stuffy.

He called Drake countless times, heart hammering each time the phone went straight to voicemail.

The weight of worry and guilt coiled inside him like a live wire.

Without thinking, he left the office, driving speedily towards Drake’s company.

But when he got there, the receptionist and assistant blocked him at every turn.

“Sir, he's not available.” They said each time.

“His car is in the garage,” Jayden's voice cracked. “Just tell him, it's me.”

But they turned him away, no matter how much he pleaded.

Defeated and breathless, he returned to his office, frustration and panic burning like fire in his chest.

Pushing the door open, he froze.

A figure sat in his chair, back turned to him, broad, imposing and calm.

Jayden’s chest tightened instinctively, a mixture of fear and irritation knotting inside him.

“Who are you?” he demanded, voice trembling.

The chair groaned as the figure turned slowly, a faint smirk dancing on his lips. “Ronan.”

Jayden's jaw clenched, heart hammering. “ You! We agreed to keep our distance.”

Ronan rose, lifting something small, delicate and glimmering, Jayden’s pendant. “You left this.”

Jayden reached instinctively, but Ronan’s hand withdrew just out of reach.

“And what…what do you want?” Jayden demanded, voice sharp.

Ronan’s smirk widened, dark and playful. “A kiss.”

Jayden stilled. “I…have a boyfriend.”

Ronan chuckled softly, the sound low and dangerous. “Then why did you kiss me so hungrily, last night?”

Jayden opened his mouth, but words failed him.

Ronan approached closer, gaze sharp and commanding. “Anything first of yours. After all, you stole my first kiss.”

Jayden’s stomach twisted, pulse spiking as he stared from the pendant glinting to the face holding it.