I try to move but a weight on my waist presses me down. Instant panic quickens my pulse and my eyes fly open. Frantically I search and realize it's an arm resting around me. My tense body relaxes and last night's memories flood back into my head and I hold back my groan as the pounding in my head intensifies.

Maybe I shouldn't have drunk that much.

Slowly, I worm out of Nathan's grasp and wobble to the bathroom. The soreness between my legs is a sure giveaway of last night's activities.

A horrified gasp leaves my lips as I spot my reflection. My hair is a tangled mess, my makeup is smudged and I look like a witch who's gone crazy and has probably spent over a decade lost in the Amazon forest.

I take a quick shower and try to make my appearance acceptable and not scare away anyone who is in my ten feet radius.

As I stand in front of the mirror, running my hand through my curls dread fills me up. I bite my lip and vacantly stare into my hazel eyes' reflection, wondering what the hell I've gotten myself into.

And why the hell was I thinking about Wright while doing it with Nathan!

I groan and drop my head, clutching the marble sink. My wet hair falls over my shoulder and I squeeze my eyes shut.

I shake my head and pull myself together. Screw up Alex, Everly, and Olivia and then return to my own miserable, broke, life.

At least, I asked my boss to take today off, and I don't have to worry about getting to the bookstore on time.

I nod once and straighten up, tightening the soft robe around my frame, and I walk out.

Nathan is already propped up, his lean torso on full display, the cover dangerously low and failing to hide his member, clearly seeking more attention. He gives me an impish smile and I offer him a small smile as I bend down and pick up my clothes.

"I thought we might go for another round." He winks at me, a suggestive glint in his electric blue eyes.

I force a laugh and shake my head. "Morning is not my thing," I lie and wave my clothes. "I'm gonna get dressed," I announce and spin, ready to walk back into the bathroom.

"You're leaving already?" Nathan asks with surprise as he straightens himself.

I turn back to him and nod. "Yeah, I've got work to do."

"Sunday morning?" he questions with disbelief.

I lift a shoulder. "Well not everyone is a spoiled rich kid, having ten people running around and doing their stuff for them." With a tight-lipped smile, I arch an eyebrow.

He chuckles. "Touché." And gets to his feet, displaying his entire nakedness until he puts on his boxers and approaches me. "I was thinking of maybe we could grab breakfast and even lunch." He stops a pace away from me and I look up to meet his gaze.

Oh shit. "Sounds great, but I really have a lot to do, with school and everything going on, I hardly have any time left." I fidget with the clothes in my hand.

He furrows his brows, squinting he leans down. "You're not trying to run away from me, are you?"

Under his intense scrutiny, I gulp and force a smile. "Of course I'm not." To make my act more convincing, I go on my toes and plant a kiss on his cheek. "We had a wonderful night and we've been friends since forever, why would I run away?" I softly whisper next to his ear.

His arm snakes around my waist. I move away slightly to look into his eyes. His tongue darts out and wets his bottom lip. His shoulders are still tense as I lay one of my palms atop it and this time offer a more confident smile, holding his gaze through my eyelashes.

He sighs and nods once. Relief floods through me. He's no longer skeptical and when he moves in for a kiss, I kiss him back.

My stomach churns with guilt and I break away from him, holding up the clothes before hurrying to the bathroom.

Maybe my plan was a bad idea after all.

I groan, slipping out of the bathrobe, and quickly put on my clothes. By the time I walk out, Nathan is fully clothed too.

"Well at least I can drop you off," he says when he sees my questing stare as he fixes the hem of his shirt.

My mouth goes dry. A car ride. Sitting in the passenger seat. Again. My breakdown in Wright's car flashes before my eyes. I gulp as I struggle to hide my discomfort. I really don't want to push my luck with cars. Yesterday's journey with the cab was okay... but I don't want Nathan, or anyone else, see me in a state that Wright did.

I shuffle my feet and shake my head. "There's no need for that." He frowns, tilting his head slightly and opens his mouth but I add quickly, "I'll manage, really, there's no need for-"

"C'mon, I want to. I know where you live, and it's not like I'll be driving, my driver will. It's better than a cab." He approaches me as I contemplate his offer.

With a sharp inhale, I nod. We'll be sitting in the backseat. Hopefully, I'll be able to not think about the ride, especially with all the drama I'm about to kickstart, so I hopefully won't freak out.

"Okay, thanks," I give in and offer him a small smile.

"Good, because our ride is ready and waiting for us." He drapes his arm around me as he throws his jacket over his shoulder, holding it with one finger.

We get out of the suite and soon leave the hotel.

The man I've known for the past seven years as Nathan's driver, dressed in black from head to toe, is holding open the black Mercedes's door for us. I climb in first and Nathan follows.

Soon we're on the road, I avoid looking out of the window and fix my focus on my clasped hands lying on my thighs.

"I had a great night," Nathan's words snap me out of the mindless scrutiny of my fingernails.

I gaze into his electric blue eyes. He knew Everly and Alex were fucking behind my back and still didn't say anything. Even if he gets hurt in the process, he deserves it.

I fake a bright smile. "Me too."

"We'll see each other again... right?" he hesitates before softly adding, "hopefully sooner rather than later."

"Of course." My smile falters. Even though he might deserve whatever pain I'm going to inflict on him, I still can't stop feeling like a bitch.

Unfortunately, he notices my face has fallen slightly. "Uh... I mean, I don't want to force you into anything, we can take things slow... or go at whatever pace you're comfortable with. I understand you've been through an awful lot in these few months... but from now on, I want to be here for you." He leans over and grasps my hand in his palm and looks at me with hopeful eyes.

I furrow my brows and eye him suspiciously. "And you're not worried what your buddy might think?"

He shrugs. "He's getting married. I really don't care what he thinks anymore."

That is indeed suspicious. How can he not care? Alex is richer than him. Nathan needs his alliance... and being with me would most definitely throw that out the window.

I arch an eyebrow. "And others' opinion, they'll talk... judge."

"So let them." He holds both my hands and squeezes them gently. "I'm not letting you go this time. At least not without a fight."

I force a smile, but it's evident, something major has happened that has changed everything drastically. And I have no idea about it. Oh shit. Does it mean my plan is all gone to waste? I hope not.

Soon we reach my apartment and Nathan gets out of the car with me, trailing behind me as I go up the steps. I turn to him, my back presses to the door. He scans my face, his gaze darkening as he leans in.

"I'll text you later," he murmurs next to my ear and I kiss his cheek as a goodbye but he clearly has other plans. When I pull away, he plants his hands on my cheeks and locks my lips with his in a heated kiss.

I return it, keeping my hands on his chest and after what seems like an eternity I break free and bid him farewell before rushing into the building and making my way to my flat.

Just as I step inside, I'm greeted with Melody's voice, reading some piece of literature out loud. Her frizzy hair is tied up in a messy bun and she's in her baby blue pajamas.

"Wow, you're home," I say as I drop my keys on the cabinet, startling her.

She whirls around, her eyes wide with surprise before a playful glint light's up her dark brown eyes and a smirk settles on her face.

"Breaking news, I live here... but you just got back from?" she lays the thick book in her hand on the dinner table and plants her hands on her hips. "Details!" she squeals, throwing her arms up and I laugh.

"Later, I need to do one more thing," I tell her and ignore her pouty face as I hurry to my bedroom and fish out my phone, throwing my purse on the bed.

I scroll through my contact list before finally spotting Olivia.

I pace my room, phone in hand as I nibble my bottom lip.

A mischievous giggle bubbles out of me as I type down, 'I had a great night Nathan, hoping to see you soon.' Barely holding back my excitement, I press the send button and hold back a squeal.

"Okay, okay," I mumble as I try to calm my racing heart and begin counting backward from fifteen.

Just as I reach one, I start typing again. 'Oops sorry Liv, didn't mean to send this to you. My bad.' I giggle and hit send then quickly copy the text that was meant to be sent to Nathan and actually send it to him.

Shit has to look real.

Not three seconds later, a text notification appears on top of my screen along with a slight vibration of my phone. From the preview I check it.

As expected, it is from Olivia.

'What?'

I laugh and press the power button. The screen goes black. But less than a minute later another notification flashes on the screen. From Olivia again.

'WHAT!!!'

I jump and bounce around as another one follows.

'WHAT THE HELL!!!'

I snort and laugh, holding my phone up in front of myself.

'You slept with Nathan?!'

'RAE!!'

'Answer me!!'

'GRACIE!!!!'

I smirk. The bomb has been dropped.

Now tell me, who isn't good enough for your status, Olivia?

∞ ∞ ∞

Hmm, do you think Gracie is being unfair to Nathan? Or does he deserve it? =)

Any thoughts on the second part of her plan =)) told you drama is coming ^^

Anyway, thanks for reading this chapter (and if you're waiting for a chapter filled with Wright, you might need to wait a bit longer, sorry not sorry xD). The next chapter will be up tomorrow.

If you enjoyed this chapter, don't forget to vote and comment your thoughts.

Lots of love, happy reading <33