Chapter 66
The rays of sunlight seeped through the curtains, painting soft golden streaks on the walls and casting a warm glow over Natasha's face. Her lashes fluttered, her eyes slowly opening. For a moment, her mind was blank, hazy with sleep.
Then, she became aware of something—someone. Strong arms wrapped securely around her, her head resting against a firm, steady chest.
Her heart skipped a beat. That scent. Familiar and comforting. Her eyes widened as the fog in her mind cleared. Drogen.
Her pulse quickened. How did he get here? she thought, biting her lip as she tilted her head slightly to peek at his face. His eyes were closed, his breathing slow and deep. He was asleep, and deeply so.
Careful not to disturb him, she shifted slightly, gently prying herself free from his hold. Once she was upright, she turned to look at him. Her cheeks warmed at the sight.
Drogen looked so calm. His features were softer in sleep, free of his usual sternness, and he looked so damn hot. She leaned closer, admiring his perfect facial features, Her eyes lingered on his lips for a second longer than they should have, and she quickly shook her head.
The corners of her mouth curled into a mischievous smile. When else will I get a chance to mess with him? she thought.
Her gaze darted around the room, searching for something to use to tickle him with. When she couldn't find anything suitable, an idea struck her. Pulling a few strands of her hair together, she brushed the tips lightly across his face.
Drogen's brows furrowed, his nose twitching, but his eyes remained closed. Natasha clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter.
She tried again, this time brushing her hair over his ear. His hand lazily reached up to scratch the spot, but still, he didn't wake.
"Still not waking up?" she whispered playfully, clearly enjoying herself.
Just as she prepared for another attempt, her wrist was suddenly caught in a firm but gentle grip. Her eyes widened as Drogen's deep voice broke the silence.
"You done?" he asked, his tone amused, his eyes now open and fixed on her.
Natasha froze, caught red-handed. Her mouth opened and closed as she scrambled for an explanation.
"I... I…" she stammered, her cheeks flushing as she tried to think of an excuse. Suddenly, she had the idea to turn this around and blame him instead.
"How did you get here?" she demanded, faking a frown, her lips twitching slightly as she tried to hold in a smile "You agreed to sleep on the couch!"
Drogen smirked, pushing himself up to a seated position. "So you don't remember?"
"Remember what?" Natasha asked, her brow furrowing. Her heart raced with anticipation of what he was going to say next. Had she done something embarrassing in her sleep?
"You held onto my arm last night, begging me not to leave," he said, his voice teasing. "You even drooled all over my hand."
Natasha gasped, mortified. "Oh my goodness, I—I don't drool!" she quickly defended, rubbing her hand over her mouth.
Drogen chuckled, leaning closer. "You're right. You don't."
Natasha blinked, her mind racing. "Wait... so you're lying?"
"About the drooling, yes." He grinned, clearly enjoying her flustered state. "But you really did cling to my arm all night. It's sore, you know."
"You....!" she snapped, grabbing a pillow and swinging it at him.
He caught it effortlessly, laughing. "Careful, You don't want to start something you can't finish."
"Oh, I'll finish it!" she retorted, hitting him again.
"I actually believed you!" She said, still laughing as she swung the pillow at him again.
Their laughter echoed through the room, but it was suddenly interrupted by a peculiar sound. Natasha froze mid-swing, her expression turning curious.
The sound came again, loud and clear, that growl that sounded like a dying tiger was actually from her stomach.
Her eyes widened as she glanced down, terrified. Drogen stared at her for a beat before bursting into laughter.
Natasha groaned, clutching the pillow to her face to hide her embarrassment "Oh, come on!"
Drogen leaned back, laughing even harder.
"You got a monster in there?"
Natasha threw the pillow at him, but she couldn't stop herself from laughing along with him.
She hurriedly leapt to her feet, her face red from embarrassment. "I'm going to shower!" she blurted, fleeing to the bathroom before he could say another word.
Drogen leaned back against the headboard, his laughter soft and warm as his eyes followed behind her.
"Wash up quickly," he called after her. "That little monster in your stomach might not wait much longer!"
Natasha groaned from behind the door, turning on the water and splashing her face to cool her embarrassment. Why does this kind of stuff always happen around him?
A few minutes later, she stepped out of the bathroom, her skin warm and fresh from the shower. She had changed into a crisp blue shirt tucked neatly into a white skirt that fell just below her knees, its soft fabric swaying slightly as she moved. Her slightly damp hair which she had dried with a towel framed her face as she glanced around the room, searching for drogen.
"Drogen?"
"Right here," his voice came from behind her.
She turned to find him standing by the window, dressed in a fresh T-shirt and black pants, his hair neatly combed.
"Did you go home?" she asked, surprised.
He nodded, slipping on his watch. "Needed to freshen up. Now grab your things—we're leaving."
Natasha hurried to gather her belongings, her movements quick and efficient. As they exited the hotel room, her mood seemed carefree and light-hearted.
But that instantly changed as her eyes landed on someone she hadn't seen in a while.
Chris.
She stiffened, telling herself to stay calm. Ignoring him seemed like the best option, but the devil had other plans. Chris noticed her almost immediately, his face lighting up with a familiar smirk.
"Natasha!" he called out, waving as he walked toward her.
Her grip on Drogen's hand tightened instinctively. Without thinking, she intertwined their fingers, seeking comfort and protection in his presence.
Drogen's expression shifted, his calm expression was instantly replaced with something cold and sharp. His eyes darkened as he watched Chris approach.
"Hey, it's been a while," Chris Waved, his tone casual and confident, almost mocking.
Drogen stepped slightly in front of her, his posture protective. His voice was low, almost a growl.
"Who are you?"
Chris froze midway, his body instinctively reacting to Drogens deadly glare and intimidating aura