«A poor and innocent CEO?»
Lara wished to disappear into a hole in the ground. Why had Nate heard that part? Could he come a few seconds later?
Oh, but she had said many naughty or weird things.
«Sorry?» she said, bowing her head. «I didn't mean it. I was just confused... And I wanted to talk back to my mother once in my life. I couldn't resist the temptation and acted like a vixen. I'm really sorry.»
«Sorry for what?»
«Now my mother thinks you're smitten with me. What if a word is heard about it? I didn't think about your reputation, Nate. I'm... I'm so sorry! I will do anything to pay you back!»
«Pay me back?» he considered.
How difficult would it be to play offended for a couple of days? A couple of hours would be enough! He could take advantage of that marvellous opportunity and...
Oh, but he could not lie to his mate. It was too much hard work.
«I'm not angry about that,» he said. «Rather, I'm concerned. Why did you answer your mother's call?»
He walked the short distance between them and dragged her in a hug. His hands found her back, and he caressed it with the clear intention of making her relax.
«Are you a masochist, by any chance?» he sighed.
«No, I am not. It was by mistake. I didn't recognise the number, so I answered. I was caught off-guard, and my mother started talking... She said many weird and questioningly acceptable things about you and me, and I didn't know you were listening. So, I replied with even weirder words.»
She placed her head on his chest, right where his heartbeat could be heard the clearest. Her sighs didn't pass unnoticed by the man, but he didn't inquire any further. She was in pain, visibly, and he wanted her to forget about that call. He didn't need to know so badly.
«My mother asked me to put a good word with you. As if I could influence your business decisions,» she chuckled. «She's unbelievable.»
«She is,» he confirmed. That woman had nothing to do with Lara.
«And she even threatened to tell you about my pregnancy,» she added, chuckling lightly. «I don't even know how she heard about it, but she knows we're dating. Or that we're together, at least... Has any gossip been published in newspapers?»
«Only a picture during the cocktail party.»
«Oh, I see... I thought it had been printed in the local press only.»
«Not just. Many fashion magazines and tabloids published it. That's exactly how your family got to know it. They recognised you.»
«I hope they don't come here to bother you, now. It would be quite embarrassing.»
«They won't bother,» Nate said, running his hand down her back. He stopped it on her waist and bent down to peck her hair.
Her family didn't have enough influence to bring him trouble. As such, they couldn't reach Lara either. They couldn't do anything to ruin her life, not even using gossip as a weapon. The most they could do was appear and make her suffer.
He was ready to defend her, but there was no need to say it out loud. Lara was too independent to accept his help too readily.
«How are you feeling, now?» he asked instead.
«It's better. I didn't know talking back could feel this awesome. It's as if I've just broken some chains keeping me still. As if I did something good.»
She chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. She was still leaning on him, so her movements wrinkled Nate's shirt.
«Do you want my help?» he offered, but he already knew the answer. She was going to refuse, just like always.
«I don't want to help them!» she exclaimed. «I have no obligation, and you also don't have anything to do with them. Anything at all.»
«I'm not referring to help,» he pointed out. «Rather, I can offer you the opportunity to take revenge.»
«Revenge?»
«I can destroy their company.»
«Oh,» she sighed.
She closed her eyes for a moment only, tempted by the offer. Still... They had been her family, once upon a time. They had spent years together, and she did owe her life to them.
If she had had everything she did, back then, it was thanks to her parents. She didn't hate them for sending her away. She just didn't feel like being loved by them was as necessary anymore.
«No, Nate. I don't want that. Whatever happened with my family is now over. I have the twins, and I have you. I'm not alone right now. Isn't that right?»
«Sure!» he exclaimed. «You're not alone!»
«I don't want to become a resentful woman. I have kids to bring up. I want to show them the best version of me. Taking revenge isn't what a respectful person would do.»
Then, she smiled graciously and stood on tiptoe. She left a light peck on Nate's cheek before talking again.
«And I won't inconvenience you for something so unimportant.»
Nate nodded, accepting her explanations. Yet, he wasn't an idiot. He knew the Claytons were preparing something.
They wouldn't give up such an opportunity just because. Oh, maybe Mr Clayton would have. But Nate had looked Mrs Clayton in the eye. He was sure she wouldn't change her mind anytime soon. Not before trying everything in her power to take advantage of the situation.
«Do you want to go home?» he said, turning towards the office with Lara still in his embrace.
He surrounded her waist with an arm and delicately pushed her forward. Since she followed, he started walking.
«It's fine, Nate. It's really nothing. You should finish your work first.»
«Then, at least don't answer any phone calls for a while. I don't want to see you like this again.»
«I'm not feeling that bad. I thought it would be worse. I'm actually relieved my mother is treating me like a wench. It makes everything easier.»
«Yeah?» he murmured.
So, things were like that... Was it the case to make a phone call on his own and tell them a word or two? Who dared talk to his mate in such ways?
«Still, I think it's time to change my number. No one will call me on this one, either way. If they haven't for years, they won't now.»
«I agree,» Nate said while thinking of how to protect her better.
No one was allowed to bully her.. Not even her birth parents.
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