My Stand-In Groom Is A Secret Tycoon (Audrey)

Alistair flipped the switch in the living room. There lay Audrey on the couch, sprawled out in a silk nightgown, clearly tipsy. The bright light must've stung her eyes because she winced, burying her face into the cushions. As he got closer, he caught snippets of her frustrated mumbling mixed with sobs. "Why did they all have to leave me behind?"noveldrama

His heart tightened with a wave of guilt and regret. The pain in Alistair's eyes was unmistakable as he leaned down, gently running his hand over her hair while speaking softly. "I'm really sorry. It's my fault for leaving you alone." If he'd known she'd struggle so much on her own, he would've stuck around, even if he knew she was shy.

Alistair gently ran his hand over her head to calm her down before leaning in to lift her. As he turned her over, he noticed Audrey's puffy, red eyelids and her tear-streaked cheeks. It made his heart sink.

'How long had she been crying?' he wondered. A wave of guilt washed over him, and he clenched his jaw as he carefully picked her up.

At that moment, Audrey was lost in a haze when she felt someone sitting next to her. Without really thinking, she waved her hand and grabbed Alistair's tie.

She was sort of curled up on the sofa, her head tilted just enough to show off her delicate neck. Her eyes were still shut, but she leaned in closer, her voice sweet and playful. "Dominic..." Audrey's gentle voice hit Alistair like a ton of bricks, catching him completely off guard.

'So deep down, she's still thinking about Dominic,' Alistair thought.

He felt his breath catch. It was like the air had thickened around him. The warmth in his gaze vanished, replaced by a cold, bitter edge. With one last glance at Audrey, he turned to walk away. Audrey, all tipsy, perked up again, wrapping her hands around Alistair's waist and resting her head against his chest. She softly said, "Wow, you're really well-built. Looks like you've got abs."

She gave a playful, silly smile, obciously satisfied with what she was feeling now, as her hand slipped into his shirt. She couldn't help but say, "No way, this can't be Dominic. He's obviously my new husband. Hey, hubby, can I get a hug?" She reached out her hands and tilted her head, making it clear she wanted a hug. Her lovely, rosy lips were slightly parted in a cute, unaware pout.

Alistair's muscles tensed up, especially the muscles in his abdomen that had just been stroked by her hands, hot and spicy.

He looked down at the petite woman in his arms, his breath a bit ragged. "Hey, Audrey, do you even realize what you're getting into?" He knew that if she pushed him now, there'd be no way out later.

Audrey was totally lost, her thoughts a jumbled mess. All she could really do was kick her legs in frustration as she grumbled, "Why don't you just come over and hug me? You don't really like me, do you?"

Alistair sighed in resignation and leaned down to pick her up. Audrey wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her warm spit spraying the nape of his neck.

Alistair lurched to his feet, a blush creeping up his earlobes. It was like his body was about to burst into flames.

Audrey, completely unaware, snuggled closer and mumbled softly, "Babe, will you stick around? I'm really not great with being on my own right now." Alistair almost lost his balance, nearly letting Audrey slip out of his arms. There was something about her. All that drinking made her way more real.

He brought her back to the master bedroom like he was supposed to, but when he got there, he noticed her luggage was nowhere to be found.

After gently laying Audrey on the big dark grey bed, Alistair leaned in and brushed the stray hairs away from her ears. His eyes travelled down her smooth, pale cheeks to her soft pink lips.

He could still feel the warmth from that surprising touch at City Hall lingering in his memory. With a thought in mind, Alistair leaned in a bit closer.

The gap between them was shrinking, but just before things could go further, Alistair hit the brakes. It wouldn't be cool to take advantage of her while she was drunk. Plus, it was clear she wasn't really feeling him at that moment. Gritting his teeth, Alistair was just about to back away when he suddenly felt a pair of gentle arms wrap around his neck. The arms tugged downward, and thrie lips pressed together without warning.

Alistair's heart raced as he watched Audrey's eyes flutter open in a mix of confusion, her wide, tearful gaze locked on him. At that moment, he felt a bit unsteady. Things had gotten this far, and there was no turning back now. Alistair's gaze dipped, and what started as a gentle kiss quickly turned intense. His hands tightened around her waist, leaving no room for her to pull away.

Slowly, Audrey began to lose her breath, her face turning bright red as her soft, flimsy hands pushed against Alistair's chest. It felt like she was trying to shake a tree.

She whimpered and groaned, kicking her legs a couple of times before Alistair finally let go.

"Urgh!" Audrey leaned against the bed and lost all the wine she had drunk tonight. Alistair just stood there, speechless.