Chapter 14
Laurel silenced her phone, left her bedroom, and made her way downstairs. It was just two flights of stairs, but she took her sweet time and took about five mmates to get there.
She was too embarrassed to face Roderick
In the open dining room, she spotted Roderick sitting at a t
table directly across
across from the stairs.
d on thin gold–rimmed glasses and was absorbed in something on his iPad.
He had on
The sunlight poured in through the large floor–to–ceiling window behind him, casting a cool morning glow that made him look even more breathtaking
He was so stunning that he seemed almost otherworldly, and Laurel couldn’t help but admire him.
Just then, she heard him speak softly, “Come down, huve breakfast, and you can stare as long as you want.
“How did you know I was watching? Do you have eyes on the top of your head?” she muttered, finally making her way down the stairs to sit across from him.
Breakfast at this fancy mansion wasn’t as over–the–top as one might see on TV. There wasn’t a whole spread laid out. Instead, the table had a simple yet elegantly plated breakfast.
As she took a seat, Roderick put down his iPad and picked up a spoon to dig into his cereal. “Go ahead and stare. I don’t mind,” he said, swallowing a spoonful
Laurel sipping warm water to clear her throat, was caught off guard by his comment and suddenly choked.
“Ms. Lambert, drink slowly,” Luna, who was nearby, hurried over to help Laurel catch her breath.
Meanwhile, Roderick kept calmly eating, observing her coughing and the blush creeping onto her cheeks. With a playful tone, he said. “Feeling awkward?”
Laurel coughed even harder, unable to respond.
Luna quickly handed her a tissue. “Mr. Lynch, you really should stop teasing Ms. Lambert. Eat your food, and you can chat afterwards.”
Fine Roderick replied, and he actually focused on his breakfast without saying another word.
Laurel was taken aback that Roderick took a servant’s words so seriously. Luna was definitely different.
While Luna went to the kitchen, Laurel asked softly, “Is she part of the Lynch family?”
Roderick looked up, his tone easygoing. “Luna used to be my mom’s maid. She stuck around to take care of me and my sister after our parents passed away
Laurel nodded, choosing not to ask further. She knew Roderick had a sister, three years older than him. At ten. Roderick and thirteen–year–old Sienna found themselves without their parents.
Most rich families were a bit c chaotic, and the Lynch family, being one of the wealthiest, was even worse. Leaving two young kids alone could’ve been a recipe for disaster.
After saying that, Roderick fell silent, and the mood shifted to something more distant compared to his earlier banter.
Laurel felt a pang of guilt. Maybe her words had dug up painful memories for him. She really shouldn’t have brought it up.
Trying to lighten the atmosphere, Laurel quickly changed the subject. “So, why did you bring me back last night?”
Before heading downstairs, she had figured he could’ve easily gone to a hotel and left her on her own if he’d preferred to avoid the Lambert family. But instead, he brought her here and let her sleep in his bed.
By this time, Roderick had finished his breakfast and was casually wiping his mouth. He looked at her and smirked. “It’s not like I had a choice. Someone clung to me and wouldn’t let go.”
Laurel couldn’t help but choke a little. Okay, that was her doing.
Chapter 14
Once she wrapped up her meal. Roderick glanced at his watch. “It’s about time. Let’s get going”
Laurel froze. “Where are we headed?”
Roderick raised an eyebrow slightly. “You’re asking me?”
ཅ་ཏྲ མཻ ཀཽ ཚོ
Laurel instinctively replied, “Is there anyone else?”
Roderick narrowed his eyes a bit as he slowly stood up and stepped around the table toward her.
Laurel watched as he got closer, and the memories from the night before came rushing back. Her heart started to race, and she felt a strong urge to
escape.
Before she could make a move, he cornered her, resting his hands on the table and the back of her chair.
to pull her in.
Unsure of his intentions, she looked up and locked eyes with him. His eyes seemed incredibly deep, almost like they were trying to
“What’s with the close quarters?” Laurel asked, trying to keep her cool
Roderick found it amusing to see her on edge, and he couldn’t resist the temptation to tease her. Leaning closer, he whispered in her ear, “If you’ve really forgotten. I could help jog your memory
The warmth of his breath sent a shiver down Laurel’s spine. It was almost too intense to handle, being this close and in such a charged moment. She had to keep it together.
Catching the playful smirk on Roderick’s face, she realized he was just messing with her. Determined to take control, she decided to flip the script.
With a sudden shift in attitude, she stretched her arms around his neck, a mischievous glint in her eye. “So, how exactly would you help me remember?” she asked cheekily.
Roderick was caught off guard by her boldness and froze for a second, completely unsure of how to respond. She could feel his muscles tense under her hands, and with a sly smile, she pressed herself against him.
By the time they were both standing straight, Roderick had a good head height advantage on her. But Laurel wasn’t fazed at all. She kept the playful banter going, teasing him back and turning the tables.
She stood on her tiptoes, her warm lips brushing against his chin. Is that it?”
Her voice was light and feminine, with an enchanting quality that sent a tingle through Roderick’s heart. He let his gaze wander from her delicate features down her graceful neck, over her collarbone, and further…
Suddenly, the memory of her wrapping her arms around his neck from the night before came rushing ba
back, captivating and seductive.
The desire that had simmered all night long was starting to spark again. Just as he was about to reach out and embrace her slender waist, he caught sight of the teasing smirk in her eyes.
‘Damn it! Almost got outplayed, he thought
His expression changed, and he quickly pushed her away, grabbed his suit jacket from the seat, and made his way to the door. “We’re gonna be late.” he said.
Laurel held back a laugh as she watched him go, his back pretending to be nonchalant.
‘Didn’t he just flirt with me? Is this too much for him to handle!‘ she thought. A smirk crept onto her face as the embarrassment from last night faded away.
Hadley yawned and stood outside the city hall, still groggy from being jolted awake by Roderick’s call the night before. When he heard his boss tell him to get to the city hall early, he shot up in bed in disbelief.
“Mr. Lynch, are you getting married” he asked.
“Why he would I go there?” Roderick shot back.
“Then who-” Hadley started, but before he could finish, Roderick hung up the phone without a second thought.
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Chapter 14
After that, he found himself tossing and turning, unable to sleep. People on the outside might think Roderick was a tough guy, but as his assistant, Hadley knew better.
Since he’d started working with Roderick, there had never been a woman by his side–except for work events.
Putting it all together, Hadley realized only one person could step in as Roderick’s bride: Laurel.
It seemed like Roderick had finally decided to team up with Laurel. Just as that thought settled in, a sleek black Koenigsegg pulled up in front of the city hall
