Shawn, concerned that Katherineâs keen mind might pick up on something, quickly poured her another drink. âLetâs drink our troubles away!â Suddenly, Katherine grabbed his shoulder and stared into his eyes. Her moist gaze made Shawn feel a pang of guilt. âShawn, why do I always fall for jerks?â âAlways? Not really, right?â âItâs always!â Katherine responded with a bitter smile. âDo you know Frankie? We were in an online relationship for a while, and then he broke up with me, claiming he was married.â
Shawn realized too late that his excuse had deeply affected her. He scratched his head. âActually, from what I understand, Frankie isnât married. He probably just said that to piss you off.â After all, Katherine and Bobby had teamed up back then to put on a show, making Shawn truly believe he was nothing more than a backup plan. âShh!â Katherine didnât seem to take his words seriously. She grabbed his wrist, narrowed her eyes, and scanned the entire bar.
Shawn looked at her hand, which was very thin, and it made him slightly uncomfortable. âWhat are you looking at?â he asked. âDo you know why I came to this bar?â âWhy?â Katherine raised her gaze to meet his, moving her head closer to his neck. âBecause I heard Frankie is staying at this hotel! I came to see him! I want to see what he really looks like!â
The bar wasnât warm, yet Shawn suddenly felt himself sweating and took a deep breath. Unsure if Katherine was testing him, he held off on responding. But Katherine simply tilted her head and then fell asleep against his chest. Before he arrived, Katherine had consumed an entire bottle of vodka by herself. No matter her usual tolerance, she was undoubtedly intoxicated now.
Shawn sighed, picked up her bag, and lifted her into his arms. As he stepped out of the elevator upstairs, he unexpectedly encountered his assistant. âMr. Watson, are you taking advantage of this situation?â Shawn could swear to the heavens that before his assistant spoke, he had harbored no inappropriate thoughts about Katherine. âDonât be ridiculous.â
Following his assistantâs words, Shawn also recognized that he shouldnât entertain any dirty thoughts. Katherine was his sisterâs best friend. Ever since Joelle had introduced them, Shawn had regarded her as a sister. He acknowledged that Katherine was charming, beautiful, highly skilled, and incredibly loyal. He also recognized her attractiveness, sexiness, boldness, and fullness of life. He even acknowledged that no one had ever clicked with him as well as she had during that online relationship. But, as a decent man, he was determined to keep things platonic, preventing any complications.
Katherine was gently laid on the bed, her arms still clasped around his neck. As her back touched the bed, she half-awoke and glimpsed a familiar face up close. In her blurred state, she couldnât discern who it was. âDaniel?â Shawnâs expression dropped. âHow about you open your eyes and see clearly who I am?â Katherine obediently widened her eyes, locking gazes with Shawn.
Their faces were so close that their breaths naturally intertwined. Their averted gazes werenât just avoiding eye contact; they signaled a deeper desire. Katherine had always been free-spirited and uninhibited. She gave Shawn a tentative kiss, then gazed at him with a bewildered look. Seeing Shawn remain still, Katherine grew bolder, deepening the kiss and teasing his lips open with her tongue, fully immersing herself in the moment.
Shawnâs mind went blank for a full minute, his body rigid with tension. No matter how clear-headed he was, he was still a man who couldnât resist his desires. He gained a new perspective on Katherine and, more critically, on himself. His thoughts spiraled as Katherine intertwined with him. Eventually, Shawn could no longer hold back. What harm would there be in giving in just this once? He pushed her down by the shoulders, his eyes burning and his breathing heavy. âKathy.â
âHuh?â Katherineâs voice, softened by drunkenness, sounded as sweet as a kittenâs. Shawn remained silent, fighting to steady his breath. His hair fell across his forehead as he intently observed Katherineâs flushed cheeks. Katherine wrapped one arm around his neck, placing a finger on his lips. âShh. In the adult world, actions speak louder than words.â
Her words struck Shawn like a thunderbolt. He quickly got up and distanced himself from her. Drunk, Katherine wasnât thinking clearly. But he had to be clear-minded. In the end, it required immense determination for Shawn to leave the room.
The next morning, Katherine woke up with a headache. Her clothes were undisturbed, a sign that she had returned safely after her drunken night. Shawn came in with breakfast, and Katherineâs eyes followed him. âShawn, I drank too much last night. I didnât embarrass myself, did I?â Shawn remembered that exceptionally passionate kiss. Katherine was like a seductive siren! âNo,â he answered coldly. âEat your breakfast.â âOkay.â
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