Chapter 163
Albert couldn’t help but be curious about Latham’s fiancée.
Their wedding was just a month away, but the bride-to-be was still nowhere to be seen. That was just… odd. As for all the rumors about Latham liking men and suddenly deciding to get married, Albert honestly didn’t care. In their world, it was ridiculously easy for rich guys like them to find a picture-perfect wife for appearances. It wasn’t his problem anyway.
Still, he couldn’t stop thinking about the last time he saw Carmen stepping out of Latham’s car. She’d started rambling nonsense afterward, which made Albert’s mind spin with possibilities. As long as he was sure it had nothing to do with Carmen or Dorothea, Latham’s love life could go up in flames for all he cared.
Someone in the group interrupted his thoughts. “Who cares what Latham does? He’s got nothing to do with us p>
“Come on, Albert, don’t kill the mood. Let’s keep playing p>
Albert sat back, legs crossed, absently spinning his wedding band around his finger. “It won’t hurt to go say hi p>
Everyone tensed. The room went quiet in an instant. No one had forgotten the last time Albert and Latham almost came to blows. Was tonight going to be a repeat? Sitting across from them was a police chief, too. If things got out of hand, there’d be no way to explain it away.
“Albert, there’s nothing to say. Just let it go,” someone said.
Albert’s gaze turned icy. “Wow, you all look terrified. You think I’m scared of Latham p>
He stood up, straightening his jacket. “Relax, I’m just saying hello. That’s all p>
“Nothing to do with Latham,” he added, heading out first. The others exchanged uneasy looks and scrambled after him.
When Albert pushed open the door to the private room across the hall, Latham was nowhere to be found. The room fell silent, like someone had pressed pause on everything.
Albert gave a polite, easy smile. “Sorry, wrong room. Have fun, Pearson p>
Pearson was the only one he knew in there, and even that was a stretch.
The guys behind Albert let out a collective sigh of relief.
He waved them off. “I’m going out for a smoke p>
Albert made his way down the corridor to the terrace. Through the glass door, he could just make out a blurry figure. It looked a lot like Latham.
Latham was leaning on the railing, the night breeze tossing Dorothea’s hair as she stood beside him. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. “Next time, make sure everyone gives up their cigarettes before coming in p>
Dorothea laughed softly. “No need. I’m not that fragile. The air inside was just too much with the AC. I just needed some fresh air. I’m fine now p>
She knew it wasn’t right to make a bunch of spoiled rich kids hold back from smoking just for her.
“We’ve been out here a while. Let’s head back,” Latham suggested.
This was Dorothea’s first time meeting Latham’s friends in any official way. Of course she wanted to make him look good, even if he’d just teased her a moment ago. She let it slide.
Latham turned, and at the same time, spotted Albert heading their way.
A smirk tugged at his lips. “Don’t look back. Albert’s behind you, about fifty meters out p>
“What?” Dorothea stiffened, panic flickering in her eyes as she looked at Latham. “What do we do p>
Latham’s smile grew mischievous. “I can help you p>
Dorothea’s eyes widened. “How p>
“I’ll just use myself as a shield p>
Dorothea’s heart skipped. She got what he meant in a heartbeat.
“So? Want my help?” Latham asked, sounding almost bored.
Dorothea’s lips parted, glistening in the light. She finally bit down, then nodded. “Help me p>
She could hear footsteps getting closer behind them.
Click. Click. Click.
Latham grinned wickedly. “You won’t call me a creep afterward, right p>
Dorothea’s eyes were hazy, her cheeks burning. She grabbed the collar of his him.
cheeks hirtane tuggedhet
toward her. “Latham, you talkway too much. I won’t say a word, okay p>
She closed her eyes, her long lashes trembling, and pressed her lips to his.
Latham moved instinctively, turning to wrap her up in his arms, using his body to hide her completely.
He took control, cupping her face gently in both hands, closing his eyes. He kissed her deeply, his lips sealed tight to hers.
Worried she’d get cold, he freed one hand to slide around her waist, pulling her in close.
His fingertips traced over her silky skin, cool from the night air, but it soon turned hot under his touch.
Albert watched as Latham, who’d been facing him, suddenly leaned down and stepped aside, vanishing from view. Albert’s heart skipped. Someone had been standing. Latham. Was that the mysterious fiancée?
He was only a glass door away from the terrace. He should have walked away, but curiosity got the better of him. Albert pushed open the glass door without thinking.
The couple on the terrace, caught up in their kiss, both heard the door open behind them.
Latham, without missing a beat, stroked her flushed ear to soothe her and kept their breaths mingled.
A minute passed before he finally let her go, both of them breathless. He spun around and shielded her behind him.
Latham’s chest rose and fell, eyes glinting with a dangerous edge. “Albert, do you have a thing for watching other people kiss p>
Albert couldn’t see her face clearly in the shadows, but the style didn’t match. Not her. Looks like Carmen really was making things up.
“Sorry. But Latham, maybe find a more private spot next time, so stuff like this doesn’t happen p>
Latham let out a low laugh. “You think I need your advice about where I kiss my wife p>
“I’ll do whatever I want p>
Albert’s brow twitched as he tried to hold back his anger. He clenched his fist, took a deep breath, and forced himself to calm down. “You’re right. It’s not my business content
With that, Albert turned and walked off the terrace.
Latham turned back, pressing his forehead gently to Dorothea’s, his dark eyes fixed
on her red, kiss-swollen lips. His voice was low and rough. “Want to keep going p>