Chapter Nine

"Tell me about your family?" Lydia asked, patting the seat beside her, wanting Drake to sit back down. She didn't want the night to end just yet, and she needed to know more about the people she would be meeting tomorrow.

Lydia noticed Drake's hesitation in answering her question, and couldn't help but wonder what it was about his family that he disliked. She couldn't understand why he had felt the need to bring a fake girlfriend to his brother's wedding. What secrets or issues were lurking beneath the surface? He finally let out a heavy sigh, before taking a seat beside her, his hand settling on her upper thigh.

"I have a little brother, Kevin. He's five years younger than me. I can remember the day my mother and father brought him home. I was so excited to finally meet my little brother. Mom and Dad were always busy while I was growing up. Father had the family business to deal with and Mother had society luncheons and teas to attend, so it had always just been my nurse maid Amelia and I while I was growing up. Amelia tried her best to keep me entertained, but she could only do so much. The moment mother and father brought Kevin home, I knew that I'd have a best friend for life."

Drake sat quietly for a minute, his hand gripping Lydia's thigh tightly. He seemed lost in his memories, as he recalled his younger, more carefree days.

"Even though there was a five year age gap, Kevin and I were as thick as thieves. He followed me everywhere and I loved every moment of it. I remember one time I was invited over to a friend's house for a birthday party, and Kevin there a fit begging me to take him with. I finally gave in and decided to take him with me. Well when we arrived at the friend's house, his name was Greg by the way, he and his cronies made fun of me for bringing my kid brother along. I was so angry that I punched Greg in the face. Greg's friends tried to tackle me, and little Kevin, he stood by my side with his tiny little fists in the air ready to fight. Gregory's mother came downstairs to the basement shortly after, and saw all of us brawling. She needed up calling Amelia to come and pick us up. By the time Amelia had gotten there, Kevin and I were both sporting black eyes and huge grins."

A fond smile lit up Drake's face as he reminisced about the event. But then, his expression darkened and his jaw tightened when he remembered how his father had reacted upon returning home. "It happened to be one of those rare nights that my father came home early. Mr. George, Gregory's dad and my father's business partner, had heard about the incident at Gregory's party and had given my dad an ultimatum about us misbehaving. He threatened to pull their joint business ventures if my dad couldn't control his own kids. The implication was clear: if he couldn't handle his family, how could he handle a successful business?"

Drake took a deep swallow, his voice shaky as he forced himself to continue, "My father had Amelia tie me to a chair so I could a learn a lesson in discipline. He called Kevin downstairs, and then proceeded to beat my brother with a belt, while I was forced to watch. He hit Kevin until his legs were covered in welts. Kevin was only eight at the time. I was just barely thirteen."

Lydia had tears trailing down her cheeks and she squeezed Drake's hand. Her heart hurt for him and his little brother. Two adults that should've protected them had failed them. Amelia by abiding by Mr. Alston's demands, and Mr. Alston by physically and emotionally abusing the boys. "Oh, Drake." She gasped.

"I felt so helpless sitting there, listening to my baby brother's cries for help as my father beat him. I swore that day, that I would never be anything like my father."

"Is this why you left home as soon as you turned eighteen?" Lydia asked, lifting his hand from her thigh and interlocking her fingers with his.

Drake stared down at their intertwined fingers. "If only that was the reason," He murmured quietly , before clearing his throat, "But that's a tale for another night. Let's talk about something else."

"Okay," Lydia replied, forcing a smile to her face. She hadn't been expecting Drake to share such an intimate part of his past, but she was glad that he had. It helped her feel closer to him. It made it feel like she wasn't just here for work.

"So Kevin and Madilyn met when he was in grad school. They met their freshmen year, and it was love at first sight. At least that's the way Madilyn tells it. I don't know much about Madilyn, but from the few times I've met her, she seems like a sweet girl. Someone with a kind soul. Kevin's a lucky guy, and I can tell that he loves her just as much." Drake stated as he relaxed back onto the couch, leaving his hand intertwined with Lydia's.

"I know you don't know much about her, but is there anything that might help me win her over to my side?" Lydia asked quizzically, as she relaxed into Drake's side.

"Just be yourself."

"Be myself?" Lydia questioned, turning her body so she was looking up at Drake, "So you want me to tell her about the life on an Escort?"

Drake let go of Lydia's hand and grabbed her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes, "Lydia," he growled.

"Liddy, my friends call me, Liddy."

"I'm not your friend, Lydia." He snarled, staring in her eyes, "And you're more than just an escort. Don't talk down on yourself. Anyone who knows you will instantly like you. So just be yourself."

Lydia bit her lip under his intense stare. She felt a stirring of arousal deep within her belly. She wanted him to kiss her again, but instead he pulled away. "We should get some sleep. We have a long drive in the morning."

"Oh yes, ummm....sleep." She stated lamely, looking down in embarrassment, "So where should I sleep?"

"Why with me, of course." Drake smiled wickedly, standing up from the couch.

"Oh." Lydia murmured quietly, as she forced herself up from the couch, her legs a little shaky, an effect from the wine and from sitting for so long.

"Don't worry, I won't bite." Drake chuckled, reaching out and grabbing Lydia's hand to help settle her.

Drake's hand curled around Lydia's wrist, leading her down the hallway with quick strides. She followed silently, her heart pounding in anticipation. As they entered the bedroom, Drake heavy-handedly shut the door and spun her around, his hands gripping her waist as he pressed her against the wooden barrier. "I know you wanted me to kiss you on the couch and I wouldn't want to leave you disappointed, " He growled, before slamming his lips down on hers.

Lydia let out a low moan, parting her lips, and allowing his tongue entrance into her mouth. Their tongues battled for dominance as Lydia ran her hands across Drake's muscular arms. His hands skimmed her waist, wandering up toward her chest, squeezing her breasts through her shirt. Lydia let out another soft moan, her body aching with disappointment as he broke the kiss.

"Do you want this?" He whispered seductively, his voice low and husky as he pressed his body against hers. She could feel the hard outline of his desire pressing against her through her tight jean shorts, igniting a fire within her that made her want to part her legs for him.

Lydia nodded shyly.

"Words, Lydia" Drake snarled, leaning down sucking, licking, kissing, and nipping her neck, "I need to hear you say you want me as much as I want you."

"Yes, Drake. Yes. Please." She begged,"I want this. I need you."