Chapter 8.

“Tell me about your family? I think it’s important that I know something about them before meeting them, don’t you think?” Lydia asked glancing up at Drake.

Drake hesitated and for a moment Lydia didn’t think he was going to open up to her, but to her shock he did.

“I have a little brother Sampson, he’s five years younger than me. I remember the day my mother and father brought him home. I was so excited. Mother and father were really busy while I was growing up. Father with the family business and mother with her shopping and luncheons so it was just me and maid Amelia growing up. Amelia tried her best to keep me entertained but she could only do so much. The moment mother and father brought Sampson home I knew I would have a best friend for life.”

Drake sat quietly lost in his memories of his younger care free days before he continued.

“Even though there was a five year age gap, Sampson and I were as thick as thieves. He followed me everywhere and I loved every moment of it. I remember one time I had been invited over to Gregory George’s house for his birthday party and Sampson threw a fit begging me to take him. I finally gave in and decided to take him with me, well when we arrived Gregory and his friends made fun of me for bringing my kid brother, so I punched Gregory in the face. His friends tried to tackle me and little Sampson stood up by my side with his fist in the air ready to fight. Gregory’s Mother ended up calling Amelia and by the time she picked us up, Sampson and I both had black eyes and huge grins on our faces.”

Drake was smiling recalling the memory and then his face turned it a glare as he recalled the darker part of that memory.

“It was also one of the rare nights my Father came home early. Mr. Gregory was my father’s business partner and he told my father if he couldn’t control his own children that he’d pull his business from my father’s company. My father had Amelia tie me to a chair so I could learn a lesson in discipline and then he took his belt out and whipped Sampson until he was covered in welts up and down his legs. Sampson was only 8 at the time. I was just barely 13.”

Lydia let out a shocked gasp and Drake gritted his teeth before continuing.

“I felt so helpless sitting there, listen to my baby brothers cry for help as my father beat him. I swore from that day going forward I’d be nothing like my father.”

“Oh Drake,” Lydia grabbed his hand and held it tightly. “Is that why you left home as soon as you turned eighteen and didn’t turn back.”

“If only that was the reason.” Drake muttered quietly. “But that is a tale for another night. For now let’s talk about something more cheerful.”

“Okay,” Lydia said smiling up at him. She wasn’t expecting Drake to share such an intimate part of his past, but she was glad he’d opened up and shared it with him. Instead of work it almost felt normal being here with Drake, like they were a real couple.

“So Sampson met his fiancé Madilyn when he was in grad school. They met their freshmen year and it was love at first, at least that’s the way Madilyn tells it. I don’t know much about Madilyn, but from the few times I have met her, she’s a sweet and kind soul. Sampson is a lucky man. And I can tell he loves her.”  Drake said sprawling out on the couch throwing his arm over Lydia’s shoulder.

“Do you know anything about Madilyn, anything that’ll help me win her over?” Lydia asked relaxing into Drake’s side feeling the relaxing effects of the wine.

“Just be yourself.” Drake said glancing over at Lydia a smile on his face.

“Be myself?” Lydia asked looking up at Drake. “So you want me to tell her all about the life of an Escort.”

Drake leaned over and grabbed Lydia’s chin, forcing her to look into his eyes.

“Lydia.”

“Liddy.” Lydia interrupted him. “My friends call me Liddy.”

“Liddy,” Drake continued starring into her eyes. “You’re more than just an escort. Don’t talk down on yourself.”

Lydia bit her lip under his intense stare. She felt a stirring of arousal in her belly. She wanted him to kiss her breathless, but instead Drake pulled away.

“We should get some sleep. We have a long drive in the morning.”

“Oh yes. Umm sleep. Where will I be sleeping?” Lydia asked him, feeling shy again and embarrassed about wanting him to kiss her.

Drake smiled devilishly, “With me, of course.”

“Oh.” Lydia said quietly.

“Don’t worry I won’t bite.” Drake chuckled standing up from the couch and pulling Lydia up with him.

He started walking towards his bedroom door, and Lydia walked beside him quietly. As soon as they reached the bedroom Drake slammed the door shut behind them and grabbed Lydia into his arms and pressed her up against the closed door.

“ I know you wanted me to kiss you on the couch.” Drake growled, before slamming his mouth down on Lydia’s.

Lydia let out a low moan against his mouth, parting her lips allowing his tongue entrance into her mouth. Their tongues battled for dominance as Lydia ran her hands across Drake’s muscular arms. Drake’s hand skimmed her waist wandering up towards her chest, where he squeezed it through the shirt.

“Mmmm” Lydia moaned.

Drake broke the kiss, leaving Lydia breathless.

“Do you want this.” He asked his voice a low and throaty. Lydia could tell from his voice and feel from his body how turned on he was.

Lydia nodded shyly.

“Words Lydia.” Drake said leaning down sucking, licking, and kissing her neck. “I need to hear you say you want me as much as I want you.” He nipped her neck.

Lydia let out a hiss. “Yes, Drake, yes. I want this. I want you.”