Playing with Fire

Chapter 28 - The safe place

Charlotte's POV

I looked at Nathan in surprise as he walked out of the elevator. I felt so happy to see him again.

"Hi. I am sorry to bother you. Hope I didn't wake you up." He said apologetically as he noticed my nightie and robe.

"No, don't worry." I gave him a warm smile. "Would you like something to drink?" I asked softly.

"Whiskey, please." He mumbled and walked towards the couch barely. He was tipsy.

"I think it will be better if you drink some coffee. You are drunk." I commented, approaching him, and stroked his hair gently while he was leaning his elbows on his thighs.

"No, I don't want coffee." He pouted, wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me towards him, and leaned his head against my stomach.

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion and worry, stroking his hair gently. "What happened, Nathan? You don't look like yourself. Did they threaten you again?"

"May I stay here tonight?" Nathan asked hopefully, still leaning his head against my stomach, hugging me tightly.

"Sure."

He lifted his head up and gave me his charming smile. "Thank you, Lottie."

"I will bring a cup of coffee for you." I informed as I pulled back.

When I wanted to go to the kitchen, he grabbed my wrist, stopping me, and pulled me towards him. I lost my balance and fell down into his lap.

"Stay with me." Nathan mumbled, wrapping his arms around me, burying his head into the hollow of my neck, and breathed in my scent.

"Nathan, what is bothering you?" I asked, concerned, caressing his hair tenderly.

"I don't want to talk about it, please." He murmured, still burying his head into the hollow of my neck.

I sighed without insisting. "If you don't want to drink coffee, then you should rest." I commented softly.

Nathan pulled back slightly and nodded. "But don't leave." He looked at me with puppy eyes.

I nodded, smiling tenderly without managing to stop myself from worrying. There must be something serious to make him get drunk this much. Moreover, he came to stay the night in my penthouse after breaking up with me. He wouldn't ask me to let him stay here if something bad happened.

"Come on." I said softly as I stood up and extended my hand towards him.

When Nathan wanted to stand up, he stumbled and fell down to the couch. He chuckled, lying on the couch.

I smiled, shaking my head, and suggested warmly. "Let me help you."

I wrapped his arm around my shoulder and helped him to stand up, wrapping my arm around his waist. He leaned against me while I led him towards my bedroom.

When I wanted to lie him down, he lost his balance and fell down onto the bed, dragging me with him. He wrapped his arms around my waist, pressing me against his body as our eyes met.

"Nathan..." I mumbled nervously under his lustful gaze.

Nathan moved his gaze from my eyes to my lips as he rested his hand on the back of my neck, pulling me towards him, and brushed his lips against mine. I responded to his kiss, placing my hands on his shoulders.

After a few minutes later, he pulled back, out of breath, and trailed his finger on my cheek tenderly. Then he closed his eyes.

"Nathan?" I caressed his cheek. I sighed as I understood he fell asleep.