Chapter 4: A Naughty Side.

Xavier.

Audrey's question put me in a tight spot. We are going to be in the same car for 14 hours, so there's no way I'll be able to evade the questions like I did last night.

Sighing deeply, I try my best to answer.

“You know my name already. We're on our way to Manhattan at the moment—that's where I live.”

Glancing at her, I see that she's assimilating every word with a skeptical look on her face.

“As for what I want to do with you, I don't know yet. But seeing you last night, I just knew I couldn't leave you with him.”

She scoffs, “So you're just helping me from the goodness of your heart then?”

I shrug, not knowing how to respond to that. I sure as hell am not a nice person, but for now, I didn't have any ulterior motive.

When she sees that I don't plan on answering, she mutters, “I thought so.”

I don't bother clearing anything up. Reaching forward, I press play as rap music comes on.

***

Getting to Manhattan in the middle of the night was definitely not my plan. I'm fact, I wasn't supposed to be back just yet.

After showing Audrey around the house, I left her to familiarize herself with the guest room where she'll be staying before going to my room.

There, I dialed Ethan.

“Hey, where are you?” I asked, although I could hear the familiar beats of club music in the background.

“I'm at Ecstasy. What's up? You're already bored in the farm? Would you like a video call so you can live precariously through me instead?”

I scoff and hang up, entering the bathroom for a shower before stepping out.

As soon as I enter the club, I'm escorted to the VIP section. Ethan jumps up immediately he sees me.

“OMG! I said it. You're back already,” he shouts into my ear and I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

He laughs and pulls me into the seat with him. “You don't know how happy I am that you're here.”

“I need a drink,” I say before flagging a waiter.

After ordering for a bottle of whiskey, I relax into the seat and look around.

The club is just how I remembered it to be: the flashing lights, the music, the strippers, the heavy scent of smoke in the air.

It's surprising how I miss the atmosphere after just a day. One of the strippers walks seductively towards me and on any other night, I'd allow myself a bit of release but tonight is different.

I'm stressed out from driving without proper rest and I just need a drink. Waving her off, I grab a tumbler from the tray the waiter brings back and pour myself a generous amount of whiskey before adding ice to the glass.

I take a swig and relax against the plush cushion, my eyes snapping to Ethan who's looking at me like I just grew a horn on my forehead.

I raise a brow at him in question and he just shakes his head before signaling to one of the bouncers to close the door.

The door is shut and silence descends on the small cube where we're sitting.

“What happened to you in Texas?” He asks, pushing the blond that's rocking him away as he turns to face me.

“Nothing. Why do you ask?”

“Dude, you just turned down a sexy vixen. That's unlike you,” he states in confusion.

Pushing my hair away from my eyes, I swirl the drink in my hand before downing it.

“I think I have made a very grave mistake,” I admit to him.

“Oh shit!” He exclaims, “This isn't good.”

“Hmmm hmm,” I agree as I pour myself another glass of whiskey.

“Are you planning on get shit faced tonight?” Ethan gestures at my drink.

“Probably.” I shrug and down it again.

“Woah woah! Relax, dude.”

I suck in a deep breath as he wrenches the tumbler away from my hand.

“Do you want to talk about whatever's got you worked up like this? Because this drinking thing,” he gestures towards me with the glass, “is really unlike you.”

I blow a raspberry through my mouth as I lean back and close my eyes. My head is aching me with a vengeance and my body feels useless.

I want to get completely wasted tonight that I'll pass out from it. My body was not fully rested last night and if I have a nightmare again tonight, I'll just lose it.

I zone out until Ethan's touch jerks me back to reality.

“Come on Xav, let's get you home.”

He pulls me upright and I stagger a little.

“Steady now,” he prods as he throws my arm over his shoulder and supports me to my car.

I sleep off as he drives, and thankfully by the time we get to my house, I'm conscious enough to stand on my own.

“Sleep well, man. Tomorrow, there's no escaping me or my questions,” Ethan warns as I climb out.

“Just make sure you bring my car when coming,” I grumble as he drives away.

Stumbling into my penthouse—still feeling the effects of the whiskey, I see Audrey sitting on the couch, watching TV. She's still wearing my clothes but she has obviously cleaned up.

I settle on the couch beside her as she watches me warily.

“Can't sleep?” I ask.

She shrugs and turns back to the TV, while I study her side profile. It's as if I'm seeing her in a new light.

Her long red hair is pulled into a high bun, showing off her slim neck and I feel the sudden urge to lick it.

I move forward slowly, my eyes trained on the pulse beating below her ear. I'm so focused on her neck that I don't even see her hand coming until it connects with my face, sending my head snapping to the side.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” She snaps.

My ears ring as I rear back, smirking mildly.

“Fuck, that was wild I knew you had a naughty side to you, Audrey Watson.”