But Irene quickly forced herself to calm down.
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She drew in a deep breath and averted her gaze. “Mr. Drake, we’re talking business here. Can you keep it professional?”
As soon as Irene said that, Ethan let out a soft laugh.
“Alright, I’ll keep it professional,” he replied, eyes warm and fond. “It’s not that I doubt your professionalism or think you’ll blow the deal. I’m just concerned about you.”
“This client has a record of domestic violence and a few other charges. I just can’t let you go there alone, so I’m tagging along.”
“When we get there, just focus on your work and handle things your way. Pretend I’m just your bodyguard, nothing more,” Ethan said.
He sounded completely serious, not joking in the slightest.
Irene’s heart, which had just calmed down, started fluttering again at his words.
She knew Ethan had purposely given her this case. If he really wanted to avoid any hassle, he could’ve easily sent a male attorney instead.
He understood she was waiting for a big payout to buy a house in Ockgend, settle down, and finally have a place to call her own. That was why he handed her a case that wasn’t too difficult but still paid well.
Irene had known for a long time that Ethan had his own selfish motives, but since the whole firm was his, he could say whatever he wanted to anyone without a care.
But for her, accepting his kindness always felt like walking on eggshells, constantly worried someone would notice.
Yet right now, seeing him pay attention to her little quirks, Irene just couldn’t help but sink deeper into her feelings for him.
Honestly, with a guy like Ethan, falling for him was almost effortless.
All the rationality she’d fought to maintain would crumble whenever he showed her those tiny moments of special
treatment.
But Irene knew deep down that for Ethan, these things probably barely registered on his radar, and he might not even give them a second thought.
He likely did them simply because he felt like it at the time.
Yet for someone like Irene, who’d clawed her way up from nothing, it was nearly impossible not to be swept away by such small acts.
Even understanding the whole dynamic, even knowing it meant little to him, she still found herself drawn in again and again.
‘Knowing you’re falling and still not being able to stop, that’s the scariest part, she thought.
Stepping out of the elevator, Irene saw Ethan waiting by the car, holding the door open with that familiar, gentle look. She took a deep breath, hurried over, and slid inside.
She’d always prided herself on being clear–headed and rational, but around Ethan, she sometimes lost all control.
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11:53 am PPPD
Chapter 172
But tonight, she didn’t feel like forcing herself to stay so guarded.
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After so many years of keeping her emotions in check, it was exhausting. Maybe she deserved to let herself fall for a moment, just a small reward for all those years of playing it safe.
Thinking that, Irene slid into the car next to Ethan.
On the way, Ethan was on calls nonstop, barely pausing for a breath.
Irene quietly reviewed her files, keeping to herself.
When she finished, she leaned against the door and watched the scenery drift past.
Eventually, drowsiness crept in, and she dozed off right there, resting against the door.
When she woke, she realized she’d fallen asleep, now nestled against Ethan’s chest, sleeping peacefully.
Her face flamed with embarrassment. She quickly straightened up and said, “Sorry, Mr. Drake, I fell asleep.”
Ethan caught sight of her rosy cheeks and let out a soft smile. “You can keep sleeping. Nothing’s going on right now anyway.”
He leaned in, lowering his voice to a whisper by her ear. “No need to act so distant. It’s not the first time you’ve dozed off in my arms.”
Hearing that, Irene shot a quick glance at the driver up front, then frowned seriously at Ethan, her eyes warning him to behave.
But instead of backing off, Ethan just got even bolder.
He suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his arms, holding her close.
“Ethan!” Irene blurted out, startled,
She gave him a sharp, warning look, silently mouthing a threat for him to behave.
The driver was also one of the firm’s staff, and if he saw them like this, their entire relationship could be exposed.
“He can’t see us,” Ethan whispered, keeping his voice low. “As long as you don’t overreact, he won’t suspect a thing.”
Hearing that, Irene was genuinely annoyed.
But at this moment, she had no choice but to let him hold her.
As the car rolled on, with nothing else to do, drowsiness crept over her again.
Ethan remained absorbed in his phone, but his arm stayed possessively wrapped around her waist, refusing to let go.
Irene tugged at his arm a couple of times, but he didn’t loosen his grip. Eventually, she gave in, letting him hold her. Sleepiness overtook her, and she drifted off again, nestled in his arms.
It wasn’t until the car finally stopped that Irene, still half–awake, stirred.
“Are we here?” she mumbled, blinking sleepily at Ethan.
“Yeah, time to get out,” Ethan said.
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Chapter 172
With that, Irene followed him out of the car.
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Trailing after Ethan into the hotel, she was still a little out of it, moving on autopilot as they headed straight for the elevator.
Once they stepped out, Ethan handed her a key card.
She swiped it, stepped inside, and Ethan followed her in.
It was only then that Irene finally came to her senses, turning around to look at him in surprise.
But it was already too late, as Ethan had already turned and closed the door behind them.
Ethan, are you really going to stay in the same room as me?” Irene finally realized what was happening as he walked in after
her.
Ethan’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he strolled over. “Why, is that not okay with you?”
I thought you wouldn’t mind sharing a room with me,” he said with a grin.
By the time he finished speaking, he was already standing right in front of her.
But if we do that, Vince will know,” Irene said, frowning in concern.
Vince was their driver, and he needed a room too. If he saw them checking in together, he’d realize they were sharing.
Does it matter? You really think he’s going to spread rumors?” Ethan shrugged, completely unfazed.
rene’s brows furrowed, disbelief in her voice as she said, “What if he finds out?”
Ethan, don’t you care at all?” she asked, sounding frustrated.
Ethan looked at her, then grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms. “Care about what? Your reputation, is that it?”
Irene, haven’t we always been like this?” he said quietly.
You’ve been acting all worried lately. What’s going on with you? Thinking about getting married or something, that you’re suddenly hung up on your reputation?”
As Ethan asked, he pulled her even closer by the waist, his eyes burning with emotion. There was no hiding how he felt
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
