Playing with Fire

Chapter 21 - Worry

Charlotte's POV

I was pacing back and forth in my living room while waiting for Nathan. He sent me a message, informing me he was on the way.

I breathed deeply as the elevator door opened and Nathan walked in, talking on the phone heatedly.

As soon as he hung up, he gave me his charming smile and approached me.

"Hey, princess." He said, hugging me, and placed a soft kiss on my hair.

I placed my hands on his chest and pushed him back. He sighed and ran his and through his hair as I folded my arms over my chest, looking at him coldly.

"You arrived early." I commented dryly.

"Yes, I took a chopper." He informed and sat down on the couch, loosening his tie. He looked exhausted.

"Why?" I asked, confused, furrowing my eyebrows. Nathan never took a chopper when he visited me in my penthouse.

"I didn't want anyone to follow me and see me walking into your penthouse." He replied, leaning against the couch.

"Why? Did anyone forbid you to see me? Or you are afraid my father insists that we get married if you get caught visiting me in my penthouse." I said sarcastically and rolled my eyes as I approached him.

He breathed deeply, bored and grabbed my wrist, pulling me towards him. I wanted to pull my hand away, but he tightened his grip and pulled me into his lap. He tightened his arms around me and kissed my temple.

"I like you when you are angry. You look so sexy." He said in my ear huskily and flashed a naughty smirk.

"Nathan!" I exclaimed angrily and wanted to get up, but he didn't let me.

"Calm down, Lottie. I will explain." He said and buried his head into my neck, breathing in my scent.

I breathed deeply and stopped struggling, letting him say what he wanted.

"This morning, I received an anonymous envelope; there were your photos inside it. They were following you." He informed and gritted his teeth angrily, still holding me against him firmly.

"What?!" I exclaimed, shocked.

"Because of it, I sent Thomas to provide your security." He resumed, cupping my cheek, full of worry in his eyes, and stroked my cheek tenderly. "I won't let anything happen to you because of me."

"But why are they following me? I don't even know who they are. You are still hiding their identity." I ruffled my hair, confused.

"Because you are my girlfriend. Thanks to the paparazzi the whole country knows we are dating." He added, irritated, emphasizing the words the paparazzi.

I nibbled my lower lip without knowing what to say while thinking. He breathed deeply and turned my head towards him by grabbing my chin, making me face him.

"So please don't object. And let Thomas protect you. Otherwise, I couldn't stop worrying about your safety." He added softly, giving me a begging look.

"Fine." I sighed, ruffling my hair as I knew refusing wouldn't change anything; when Nathan decided to do something, no one could change his mind. Even if I refused, he would make Thomas follow me secretly.

He gave me a bright smile and placed a chaste kiss on my lips. "Thank you." He breathed deeply in relief.

"But why didn't you let me visit you in the hotel?" I asked, puzzled, furrowing my eyebrows

"It will be better if we stop seeing each other till I solve my problem with them. I want them to think we broke up." He replied firmly.

"What?!" I exclaimed in shock.