Charles had just arrived in Barion to inspect a project. Dressed in jeans and a leather jacket instead of a suit, he exuded an untamed vibe.
Meredith mistook him for a p********e and pulled out a wad of cash, stuffing it into his collar.
"Don't worry, I'll treat you well."
Her hand slipped into his collar to feel his chest, but once she touched it, she couldn't bring herself to pull away.
How had this man trained? Two firm, perfectly curved slabs of muscle, rock hard beneath her fingers.
Charles, clearly not as pleased as Meredith, scowled. "Enough?"
Thinking he wanted more money, Meredith slung an arm over his shoulder.
"Just name it."
Charles pushed her hand away and coldly raised his glass.
"Stay away from me."
Shocked that a p********e had been turned down, Meredith stood up, thinking she could find another.
She took a step forward but realized she was too drunk; her steps were unsteady.
Two men closed in on her. "Hey, sweetheart. This stiff is no fun. Why don't you give us a try? We'll make sure you're satisfied."
Meredith tried to refuse, but her body wouldn't cooperate. Her attempts to push them away were weak, almost suggestive.
Charles frowned, inexplicably irritated.
Just as the men were about to touch her, he stood and pulled Meredith into his arms by the waist, scaring them off.
Meredith wrapped her arms around his neck.
"What, changed your mind?"
Charles scooped her up without hesitation. "I'm expensive. You'd better not regret it."
They went to a hotel.
Charles headed to the shower first, but Meredith quietly followed, her gaze raking over his body.
"How about we wash together?"
Charles's lips twitched into a smirk before he suddenly pinned her against the wall. "That bold?"
Meredith's fingers traced playful circles on his chest. "Aren't you supposed to be full of tricks? Or are you scared?"
Charles smirked, not bothering to explain. He gripped her waist, staring at her soft lips before kissing her.
A cool, wet pressure met Meredith's lips. She tried to resist, but his skill was overwhelming. Moments later, her face flushed, and she melted against him.
Caught up in the moment, he slowly slid her skirt up…
But it was Meredith's first time. Charles tried, but couldn't quite… and as he grew puzzled, Meredith pinched his chin and challenged him.
"What's wrong? Running out of steam?"
Charles's blood boiled. "You're asking for it!"
He pushed forward abruptly, drawing a sharp gasp from Meredith.
Though it hurt, she endured silently.
She played it off, using the shower spray as cover, washing away the faint traces of blood before he could see. That was exactly why she had chosen the bathroom.
Charles kissed her ear, his voice rough with arousal. "What was that?"
Meredith kept her tone casual, dismissive. "Nothing."
As she spoke, she leaned in and kissed his lips.
The night stretched on before Meredith finally drifted into deep sleep.
Charles rose and poured himself a drink. Outside, the night faded, the distant sky washed in pale dawn light. He looked at Meredith sleeping soundly, and for a moment, something lingered.
'This woman has mistaken me for a p********e. Interesting.'
Little did he know, a month from now, she would be the one to walk away without a second thought.
Aksara