Chapter 42 Liam continued, Besides, a woman like you, whos been passed around so much, wont ever find a husband. You should be grateful Im even willing to take you. Why dont you just cooperate with me? I might consider marrying you later. Speak well of me in front of Nicolas and get me a transfer to headquarters. Sure, its a bit of a sacrifice for me, but Im generous like that. You should be thankful for the benefits I can offer you. Thea almost laughed from anger and then bit down hard on Liams hand. Then Liam yelped in pain, his face twisting in anger, and he slapped Thea hard across the face. Gasping for breath, he started fumbling with her clothes. Still playing hard to get? Ill make sure youre not so proud after tonight. As the cold air touched her bare skin. Thea shut her eyes in despair. Liams eyes gleamed with lust as he stared at her pale neck and collarbones. Just as his hand moved lower, Theas phone began to ring from inside her bag. Liam had no intention of answering it at first, but the phone rang again, then again. Annoyed at the interruption, he picked it up, answering in a rude tone, What do you want? Thea, where are you? Nicolas voice came through, sounding cold as ice. He was seemingly angry, the chill in his tone biting like shards of frost. Liam shuddered, sobering up immediately. Hendrix? he asked cautiously. Hearing Liams voice, Nicolas went silent instantly. There was a faint, rhythmic sound, like fingers tapping on a table, revealing how displeased Nicolas was. Thea wanted to scream for help, to make some noise to catch Nicolas attention. Liam seemed to guess what she was trying to do and clamped a hand over her mouth. Then she couldnt move, only her eyes locked on the phone desperately. Why is her phone in your hand? Nicolas asked indifferently. Liams eyes darted around as he searched for an excuse. Rowland had a bit too much fun with everyone tonight and drunk. She asked me to take her home. If you have anything to say, I can pass it along once shes feeling better. gor Nicolas! Thea screamed his name in her mind. Youve to sense something is wrong. You have to: Nicolas let out a soft, cold laugh. She asked you to take her home? Then I wont bother you two. No big deal. Tell her to call me when she wakes up. With that, there was a click, and the call ended. Theas last glimmer of hope vanished, and she shut her eyes in despair. Liam smiled even more smugly and patted her cheek. See? Its late. If you behave yourself, maybe Ill be a little gentler later. Feeling terrible, Thea bit down on the inside of her cheek, the pain keeping her barely conscious. All she could do was watch helplessly as Liam started the car, drove to the hotel, and carried her into a rooITE. As soon as the door closed, Liam pounced, Her mouth tasted of blood. The stared dazedly at the ceiling, tears streaming down her face. 1/3 11:50 Sat, Oct 26 Ei Chapter 42 Suddenly, Thea felt lighter. Liam had been yanked off her and thrown aside like a ragdoll. That familiar scent hit her, and Thea found herself cradled in wm arms. Dazed, she looked up and saw a familiar, handsome face. At that moment, Thea thought she must be dreaming. Meanwhile, Liam lay on the ground, his face bruised and swollen, groaning in pain. Π Nicolas raised his hand, signaling the bodyguard to stop. His cold eyes bore into Liam like he was nothing but a dead man. You have one minute to explain yourself, or Ill throw you into the ocean. Liam sobbed pathetically, crawling to Nicolas feet. Hendrix Thea and I have been getting along pretty well since she joined the Virtues Group. Were in a relationship, I dont know you two have something going on. And she came to me first. I swear I didnt force anything! Nicolas let out a chilling laugh. If youre so in love, whyd you need drugs? A flicker of panic crossed Liams face. Then he replied, Its Theas idea. She wants to try something more exciting tonight. Liam straightened up, putting on a show of confidence. He added, Mr. Hendrix, I might offend you by saying this, but Thea is my girlfriend now. Whatever happens between us is perfectly normal. Maybe youre interested in her, but Id appreciate it if youd give me my girlfriend back. Liam was calculating his next move. After tonight, hed definitely be scolded, but if he let Thea return to Nicolas and the truth came out, he was finished. Dragging her down with him seemed like his only option. Shes your girlfriend? Nicolas eyes darkened dangerously. Liam wasnt sure what had triggered his anger but answered shakily, Yes, if you dont believe me, you can ask anyone at the company. Im not feeling well. Take me home, Thea said softly, her flushed face nuzzled against Nicolas chest. Nicolas calmed her before turning back to Liam, looking down at him with cold disdain. Shes my wife. How could she possibly be your girlfriend? With one sentence, Liams face turned ashen. What? Theas married to Nicolas? How is that even possible? he thought. Before leaving, Nicolas glanced at Darwin, his words casual but decisive. Make sure its handled cleanly. I never want to see him again Yes, sir. Darwin nodded. Then Darwin turned to Liam and shook his head in mock pity. What are you thinking? That Mrs. Hendrix would leave. Nicolas for you? Next time you lie, maybe do a little research first Liam collapsed to the floor, mumbling to himself that it couldnt be true. Theas whole body felt unbearably hot. She had no control over her actions desperately clinging to Nicolas. Her hands wrapped around his neck, her soft lips brushing against his throat Nicolas body tensed. He pried her off him gently. Thea, calm down! Thea banked up at him, her eyes misty and glistening with tears. There was a vulnerable, dangerous desire in her gaze. Nicolas took a deep breath, reaching for his phone to call a doctor. Then he felt a small hand on his chest. 2/3 11:57 Sat, Oct 26 Chapter 42 68% Thea wasnt giving up, fumbling to unbutton his shirt. Her movements were clumsy and impatient, tugging harder when shel couldnt figure it out. As her fingers brushed against his skin, Nicolas gaze turned dark. He grabbed her hands firmly. Thea, if you keep this up, dont regret it later, Nicolas said, his voice low and full of warning. Thea shook her head. I wont regret it. Im really uncomfortable, I cant take it. Then she placed her cheek in his hand, rubbing against it like a kitten seeking comfort. Nicolas restraint snapped, and he leaned down to kiss her. Thea pressed closer to him eagerly, but her lack of experience showed quickly. And she was holding her breath, her face turning red. Nicolas pulled back, amused but a bit helpless. You dont know how? Thea nodded and replied honestly, Its my first time. A brief flicker of surprise passed through Nicolas eyes. He squeezed her hand a linle tighter, his dark eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that could swallow her whole. 8/3 SEND GIFT COMMENT