As the car came to a halt, someone hurriedly got out of the vehicle. A tall figure stepped onto the pavement, their features still obscured by the dimly lit street. Nia squinted, trying to see the person's face amidst the shining headlights that directed their glare into her eyes. As her eyes adjusted to the brightness, the man's appearance captivated her. He walked toward her, his tall figure cutting a striking silhouette against the night sky.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't see you coming," the person said, their voice filled with genuine remorse. "I didn't mean to startle you. Are you okay?"
Nia squinted, still trying to check the face. As her eyes adjusted, recognition dawned upon her. It was Ryan Lucas, the same person who had handed her his business card earlier at the party. A mix of relief and surprise washed over her.
"Nia, is that you?" Ryan asked, a mix of surprise and delight evident in his voice. "Are you leaving the party? It's not over yet," he added, glancing towards the entrance where the sounds of revelry echoed.
"Yes," Nia replied, her voice slightly shaky as she struggled to get up from the ground. Her dress had suffered a small tear, and she felt a but embarrassed. Ryan, ever attentive, seemed to notice her discomfort and stepped forward to offer his suit jacket.
"Here, you can use my jacket if that tear is bothering you," Ryan said, his smile radiating warmth that seemed to melt Nia's belly. She couldn't help but be captivated by his kindness.
Feeling a bit flustered, Nia yanked the suit jacket from him, her fingers grazing his hand in the process. Hastily, she wrapped it around her waist, noticing the lingering warmth left by his touch. Standing up, her gaze instinctively traveled up his form, unable to resist the magnetic pull of his presence. It was as if he had been carved by a master sculptor, his physique a testament to countless hours of dedication. The fabric of his white shirt clung to his well-defined muscles, the contours and hollows visible beneath, hinting at the strength that lay within. A rush of heat spread through her body, an undeniable physical response to the sheer magnetism he exuded.
"Thank you," Nia managed to say, her voice slightly breathless as she continued to gaze into his eyes. Each time he smiled, subtle creases formed around his eyes, adding an air of allure and mystery to his already striking features.
"Ahem," Ryan coughed, breaking the charged silence that surrounded them. His voice, deeper and huskier than before, sent shivers down Nia's spine. "Would you like me to drop you off, if you don't mind?"
“Erm, I’m not sure... I mean, I don’t know you that well, and…” Nia started to say, her voice faltering as her eyes involuntarily traced the contours of his lips. The suit jacket cinched tightly around her waist, but it seemed insignificant compared to the electric current that seemed to pass between them.
“Or you mean your boyfriend would be pissed?” He asked not giving her a chance to finish her statement.
“Boyfriend?” Nia asked in utter confusion. “What do you mean?”
"The guy who was beating someone inside, isn't he your boyfriend?"
"No," she laughed. She could understand his confusion, but she found it amusing that anyone would think she was dating Evan. Evan was like a brother to her, and she had no romantic feelings for him.
"Okay," Ryan smiled sheepishly, unable to contain the joy welling up in his heart because she wasn't dating that asshole. He simply didn't like the guy he had encountered earlier; his presence had an unsettling aura. Ryan's smile faded as another thought crossed his mind: What if she's with another man, or even worse, what if she was seeing multiple people? He bit his cheek, trying to regain composure as thoughts of his mate being involved with another man plagued his mind. He needed to calm down.
"So, can I drive you home?" Ryan asked again, his smile returning along with the light in his eyes. The wrinkles around them accentuated in a way that Nia found endearing, but she just couldn’t hop into a strangers car just like that.
“I can’t just let you drive me home, you could be a stalker or kidnapper for all I know.”
Ryan sighed. “Is this about the last time, I’m truly sorry for acting like that. I’m not like that, and besides I see how you’ve been checking me out. You have to stop lying, I think you’re attracted to me.”
“You see what I’m talking about,” she eyed him. “You’re too cocky, you’re arrogant.”
“And you don’t like men like that?” Ryan asked
“No, I detest men like that” she said shaking her head and walked towards his car. “But tonight, it’s either this or I walk home”
Ryan quickened his pace and opened the door for her, displaying manliness that made her heart skip a beat. Control yourself, Nia thought. She knew he was handsome and attractive, but she had to calm down. He looked at least 10 years older than her, and she doubted that his interest in her could be genuine. He probably had women lined up to be with him each night. What could her 23-year-old body possibly offer him that he couldn't find elsewhere?
Ryan entered the car and his driver started the engine to take her home.
"So, which way should we go?" Ryan asked in his husky voice, bringing her back to the present moment.
"West Crestmont, Avila Street," Nia replied.
"Do you know that place John?” Ryan asked his driver.
“I haven’t been there sir” his driver replied him.
Ryan turned to Nia, they were both seated at the back seat. "Do you mind guiding him?" He smiled, melting Nia's heart.
"Sure," she turned towards the window, weary of the effect he had on her. "You'll need to turn left at the next intersection."
"Okay," The driver said softly.
The car filled with a charged silence as they continued their journey. Ryan connected his Bluetooth to the car and selected a soulful melody, its captivating rhythm filling the space. Nia's eyes lit up with recognition, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Without hesitation, she began to sing along, her melodic voice intertwining with the music.
As the lyrics washed over her, Nia's body swayed with infectious energy. Her head bobbed, and her shoulders moved in perfect syncopation. Unbeknownst to her, Ryan couldn't tear his gaze away. Every graceful movement, every subtle sway of her hips stirred a joy within him. He found himself captivated by her uninhibited expression of joy, longing to witness more of her vibrant spirit.
Finally, they reached Nia's house, and Ryan eagerly exited the car, hastening to open the door for her. But in that moment, as Nia stepped out, Ryan's jacket, slipped down, revealing her bare skin. Time slowed down as Ryan's eyes widened, taking in the sight of her exposed hips and slender legs. The dim light cast a seductive glow on her honey-toned skin, leaving him breathless with desire. He was completely mesmerized by her luscious curves. He had known she had curves, but seeing her in a black, tiny garter intensified his desire for her. He felt his wolf groan deeply as desire longed within him, his primal instincts wanted to take her right there but he had to be patient. He tried to control his breath but the sight before him tempted him, it was devilishly sweet and calling unto him, Ryan’s breath hitched.
Aware of his intense looks, Nia covered herself with her hand, attempting to regain modesty. However, her efforts only heightened the magnetic pull between them. Ryan stepped back, his heart pounding, reluctantly allowing her to pass and head towards her apartment. The unspoken tension hung heavily in the air, a reminder of the connection they shared.
"Goodnight," Nia whispered, her voice carrying a blend of longing and uncertainty.
The air crackled with unspoken desires as Ryan's eyes locked onto hers. "Goodnight, Nia," he murmured, his voice husky with unbridled yearning.
Their gazes lingered, conveying a depth of emotions neither dared to voice. In that moment, the world outside ceased to exist.
"Goodnight," Nia said once more, breaking the strange silence that had settled between them.
"Goodnight, Nia. Thanks for letting me drive you home," he replied with a smile.
"I should be the one thanking you. Thank you so much."
With that Nia turned to leave, but Ryan grabbed her waist and turned her towards himself. His strong grip on her waist prevented her from escaping. With a confident yet gentle move, he pulled her closer, causing their bodies to brush against each other. As their eyes locked, a jolt of electricity passed between them, igniting an undeniable spark.
In that moment, time seemed to stand still as Ryan's plump, inviting lips descended upon Nia's forehead, leaving a lingering sensation that sent shivers down her spine. His touch was tender, yet it carried an undercurrent of longing and desire.
Whispering in his deep, husky voice, Ryan confessed, "I want to see you again, Nia." His hands, still firmly clasping her waist, exuded warmth and possessiveness, creating an intoxicating connection that made it hard for her to resist.
Nia's heart raced, overwhelmed by the unexpected closeness and the magnetism coming from Ryan. She couldn't help but wonder how many ladies hearts he had broken with his irresistible charm. She had encountered her fair share of heartbreak and couldn't afford to be swept away so easily.
"I'm not sure that would be happening," Nia responded, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and self-preservation. She attempted to loosen herself from his grip, her fingers grazing his arms as she struggled to regain control.
Ryan, undeterred by her resistance, leaned even closer, his eyes filled with genuine curiosity. "And why is that?" he inquired, his voice holding vulnerability. "Do you have a man in your life?"
A playful glimmer danced in Nia's eyes as she retorted, her voice filled with a mixture of amusement and defiance, "Do you ask every woman you drive home out on a date?"
Ryan's lips curved into a mischievous smile, his gaze locked on Nia's. "Well, Nia, I don’t make habit of driving women home. It was only you," he confessed, his voice dripping with sincerity.
Nia's mind raced, caught between the undeniable chemistry and caution. With a mixture of uncertainty and longing, she finally replied, "Let me think about it." As she slipped out of his grasp, a part of her yearned for the comforting touch she had grown used to in mere moments. "Goodnight, Mr. Lucas."
Ryan's gaze softened with genuine warmth as he watched her leave. "For you, it's just Ryan," he winked, a glimmer of hope shimmering in his eyes. "Goodnight, princess." Reluctantly, he turned toward his car, his heart yearning for more time with his mate.