Raymond walked up to Melinda. "Come on, let's get in the car."
Melinda sighed deeply. She had already spent more time with Raymond today than she was comfortable with.
Watching his retreating figure, Melinda felt a mix of emotions. She trusted William completely with the kids, as he often helped with Sam when they were abroad. But now, with Sam not around, being alone with Raymond felt strange.
Raymond, grateful for the opportunity William had given him, took Melinda's hand and led her to his car.
Once inside, Raymond asked, "Wanna go for a drive?"
"Just take me home. I have work to do," Melinda said, finding an excuse. It wasn't that she was afraid of him; she was afraid of losing control of her feelings.
"What's more important, work or spending time with me?" Raymond's sharp eyes bore into her.
"Work, of course," Melinda replied firmly. Work gave her a sense of security, while Raymond only made her heart race.
"Don't worry, I'll have a surprise for you by the end of the year," Raymond said with a smirk. As her boss, he could be quite capricious.
Melinda was taken aback. "So, where are we going?"
Raymond drove along a coastal road in the northern part of the city, a famous spot for night views. Melinda hadn't felt this relaxed since returning home.
The sea sparkled under the moonlight, looking like a layer of diamonds. Suddenly, Raymond turned onto a small side road. Melinda turned to him, "Where are we going?"
"You'll see," Raymond's calm voice came from beside her.
She watched as Raymond drove into a dense area of reeds. Her face fell. Raymond, you sly devil.
A moment later, Raymond got out of the car, walked around to her side, and opened the door. "Come on out."
Blushing, Melinda stepped out of the car. As she followed Raymond into the reeds, her face grew even redder. This man was infuriating.
Raymond soon returned, looking as composed and elegant as ever, despite having just taken care of a personal matter. He had a certain roguish charm.
Standing by the passenger seat, Raymond leaned down and asked, "Need to go?"
"No way..." Melinda turned her head shyly.
"I'll keep watch," Raymond said with a smile.
Melinda wanted to bury herself on the spot. To make matters worse, she realized she really did need to go, having drunk a lot of tea at the restaurant. She had been holding it in for over half an hour.
"Isn't there a rest area around here?" Melinda asked, looking up at him.
"Not for another half hour, as far as I know."
"What? Where are we?"
"Tonight, we're heading to Oceancrest City."
Melinda was shocked. Raymond hadn't even asked her; he just decided to take her to another city.
She opened the car door and warned him, "Don't look."
Raymond nodded. "Of course."
Melinda walked into the reeds, feeling utterly embarrassed. Why did this have to happen with Raymond?
A few minutes later, she returned to the car, her face still flushed. She reminded herself that everyone has to deal with these things, and holding it in would only harm her health.
Raymond resumed driving, and after three hours, they arrived at a five-star hotel owned by the Barnett family in Oceancrest City.
It was already early morning, and Melinda was exhausted. Raymond took her hand. "Do you like it?"
Melinda answered sincerely, "Yes."
"I'm glad you do."
Raymond didn't cross any lines.
Melinda breathed a sigh of relief.
In this unfamiliar city, she felt more relaxed, less constrained, and even her breathing felt freer.
Raymond's large hand naturally held hers, and she didn't pull away. She let him lead her into the elevator.
"One suite," she insisted, her last bit of defiance for the night.
Raymond stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, taking in the city's view.
As soon as Melinda entered the room, she was drawn to the window. She couldn't help but walk over.
A moment later, Raymond wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Beautiful, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Melinda replied softly.
"As long as you like it, we can go anywhere. I'll be with you," Raymond said with a low laugh.
"Thanks," Melinda felt a sense of peace.
Before she knew it, her heart started to race for him.
"You're the only one worth it," Raymond said, his features highlighted by the soft light, making the already intimate distance between them even more charged.
Melinda's heart was stirred by the man before she could react. Raymond's lips, warm and inviting, pressed against hers.
Raymond's enticing scent filled her senses.
Melinda's breathing quickened as she responded to Raymond, her eyes closed.
His breath was both domineering and tender, making Melinda's nose sweat slightly.
She hadn't expected a kiss to make her feel like she was melting.
Just as she was losing her senses, Raymond's hands tightened around her waist, and his lips left hers.
"Sleep," Raymond whispered.
That night, Raymond didn't cross the line.
But Melinda was too excited to sleep, her mind replaying the recent events.
It wasn't until three in the morning that she finally drifted off, vaguely aware of someone slipping into her bed.
She knew who it was.
Too tired to care, she didn't even notice Raymond's breath on her collarbone.
She didn't resist or speak.
She let Raymond hold her.
Raymond's warmth against her cold body felt incredibly comforting.
She rested her head on his strong arm and continued to sleep.
Raymond watched Melinda sleep, a satisfied smile on his lips.
Melinda turned and hugged Raymond, breathing in his faint cologne. If it had been any other man, she would have slapped him.
But Raymond's scent made her inexplicably comfortable.
Meanwhile, the media in Shadow City had gone wild.
Headlines spread like wildfire, making the entertainment news:
"Thomas Group CEO's Mysterious Girlfriend Revealed"
"Thomas Family Heir Spotted Kissing Mystery Woman!"
"Thomas Group Heir to Marry Soon? Who's the Bride?"
"Shocking! Who Is This Woman? A True Winner in Life!"
The accompanying photos showed a close-up of Melinda's face, with Raymond kissing her neck.
Raymond and Melinda, still asleep, had no idea about the storm brewing outside.
At ten in the morning, Melinda woke up, turning to find herself nose-to-nose with Raymond.
Their breaths mingled, the atmosphere thick with intimacy.
She wasn't surprised, having guessed that Raymond would climb into her bed early in the morning.
She pulled back slightly, the winter sunlight streaming in, lazy and gentle. Raymond's steady breathing indicated he was still asleep.
Enjoying the rare peace, she studied him.
He was so handsome! Even asleep, Raymond was captivating.
She boldly traced his features with her eyes.
His high nose, his cool lips...
He was exactly her type.
She suddenly remembered the first time she saw him, he was also asleep.
Her gaze lingered on his Adam's apple, then moved down to his sexy collarbone and muscular chest.
She felt an urge to kiss him, to claim him completely.
She had to admit, she was greedy and selfish when it came to love.
She looked away, calming herself. She couldn't keep staring, or she'd be tempted to do something she shouldn't.