waking

Chapter 163

Naomi struggled to keep up, but as soon as they hit the outdoors, she didn’t wait for Shawn to say a word. She rose on her tiptoes, grabbed him, and planted a fierce kiss on him. She’d played this moment over in her head a million times, but the reality was nerve–wracking, causing her to shiver and accidentally nabble on Shawn’s lip.

Shawn tensed for a beat, then took over. His large hand clamped onto the small of her back, the warmth of his touch scorching. The towering man and the petite woman locked in a passionate kiss outside the bar, drawing stares and a flurry of snapshots and videos.

Naomi clung to Shawn, her heart racing. Shawn mirrored the feeling. The kiss ended, and with his arm still around her, Shawn guided her back to the car.

“Mr. Fischer, Naomi called out, her checks flushed. “Shawn.”

“Naomi, not now. Shawn’s breath hitched, and as soon as the words left his lips, he pressed her into the car seat again.

“Ugh..” Naomi’s protests were muffled. After another heated kiss, Shawn grabbed a small blanket from the car and draped it around her “Stay put” he warned, not promising what might happen if she didn’t.

Naomi was spent, 100 weak to move, even if she wanted to. Her misty gaze caught Shawn’s face, and she nodded in compliance

Shawn took a deep breath, exited the car, circled to the driver’s side, texted Chandler, and then they were off with Naomi in tow.

Naomi reclined in the back seat, with Jessie handling the fallout at the bar. The scenes of her dancing, being whisked away by Shawn, and Shawn’s drinking had all been captured. Now, as they headed to the hotel, the paparazzi were still snapping away, Irena’s paycheck was coming in easily! But to secure the final payout, they had to sell the struggle

Lost in thought, Naomi didn’t notice when the car pulled up at the hotel. She was out, opened her door, pulled her out, and carried her straight into the hotel.

Her heart pounded, but she knew the drill get the photos, and they were golden.

Through the lobby and into the elevator, they ascended to the top floor. With a swipe of the card, they entered the suite, and Shawn laid her on the bed, loosening his tie

Naomi’s face was flushed, her hair splayed across the pillow, hereyes darting as she reached for Shawn who was leaning over her. “Shawn, didn’t you say I’m only nineteen, and it’s not right?” Her voice was barely a whisper, her shyness palpable, her eyes avoiding his but drawn to him.

Shawn, with his chiseled features and captivating warmth in his usually sharp eyes, had Naomi melted under his gaze.

“Shawn,” she called softly, “Shawn”

“Hmm“” His deep, magnetic voice was laced with desire. He could have her whenever he wanted, but the woman beneath him seemed apprehensive. No matter how she lid it, her slight tremble betrayed her

“Shawn,” Naomi tried again, but words failed her. Anything she said now would sound out of place. She closed her eyes, her lips parted her voice barely audible, “Shawny, I’m willing”

Shawn kissed her, then with a flick of his wrist, plunged the room into darkness. But after a while. Näuri felt a shift as Shawn left the bed, moved to the window, and lit a cigarette. Still wrapped in the heat of the moment, she was puzzled.

“Be patient you’re still young” Shawn’s voice echoed from the window, “It’s not time yer”

Naomi relaxed. The photos should be enough for now. Next up, she needed to stage the sheets with blood and capture that for Jessie. How to make it look natural without Shawn noticing?

She bit her lip, pinched her palm under the covers, and smeared it just right. Afterward, she pulled the covers up, slid down, muted her phone, and snapped a few shots of the sheets and her marked body. She’d hit the bathroom later for the perfect angles to send to Jessie.

Shawn, lost in the view outside, didn’t catch her subtle movements. Ever since Barbara got wind that he had feelings for Naomi, she’d been pushing for marriage and kids, or at least the kids part. She claimed it was for his benelit. Shown scoffed, keeping the peace for the sake of the woman who raised him after his parents‘ passing.

“Shawn.” Naomi’s soft voice broke the silence. “Can I use the bathroom!”

“Go ahead,” he said.

Naomi breathed a sigh of relief, tiptoed to the bathroom, and snapped photos of her neck and collarbone. Shawn’s handiwork was on full display. After sending the photos to Jessie, she planned to sleep it off until morning.

Shawn lingered by the window before turning back. The sound of running water suggested Naomi was showering. When she emerged, wrapped in a towel, her hair half–dried and falling back to the bed, she looked at him with a yawn. Mr. Fischer, I’m so sleepy. I want to sleep.”

11:19 AM c

Chapter 163

“Sleep then,” he said.

Naomi hesitated, “What about your Aren’t you sleeping!”

“Cot work to do.” Shawn left, closing the dear behind him.

A smile spread across Naomi’s face; this was even better. She slept soundly that night. The next morning, a phone call at eight woke her. “Hello, Jessie

“Got the final payment, and I’m outside the hotel. Shawn’s already back in Aropan, and he asked me to take you home.” Jessie, parked at the hotel entrance, was multitasking on her laptop and phone.

“After we get back, head to Naomi Design first, then to Sky Animation; your comic animation is ready for launch,” Jessie said.

Naomi sprang up. “On my way. She quickly got ready and called Coco and Bridget. When Coco heard she was heading back to Atopan, she wanted to join.

“Coco, ask your mom. I’m in a rush,” Naomi said, no longer wanting to me her friends as a shield against Nicolas, She remembered their kindness.

“Naomi, my mom’s going back too, Coco said.

Bridget added, “Ever since Coco’s face healed. I’ve been ready to return. Naomi, don’t worry; it’s not just because of you.”

Since Bridget said that, Naomi didn’t know what to say After a few more words, she hung up the phone and left the hotel. As soon as she arrived at the hotel entrance, she saw Elaine, who had been waiting there for a while. “Naomi. I have something to tell you.”

Over there, Jessie pushed open the car door and got out, quickly walking over,

“Go ahead,” Naomi said.

“Naomi, after all that time with Shawn, he didn’t really make a move with you, did he?” Elaine asked with a sly smile, glancing at Jessie.

Naomi frowned. “What’s it to you?”

Just curious. But I guessed right” Elaine smirked, “See you in Asopan soon. Shawn won’t fall for you” She laughed and walked away.

Naomi’s frown deepened. Elaine knew something and was playing with her.

“Don’t mind her, Jesse said as they left. “Let’s go.”

“Right,” Naomi agreed

Atopan, International Airport. Jessie and Naomi stepped out one after the other, with Enzo pulling up in greet them. Back at Naomi Design, things had changed dramatically in a month. Naomi was greeted warmly as she returned

“Hello, everyone, thanks for your hard work,” she said “Enzo, prepare for & meeting”

“Yes, Ms. Edwards” Enzo said.

In her office, Naomi had a wealth of information to share. Naomi Design needed to expand its reach. Relying on Edwards Group alone wasn’t enough. She aimed to grow, to build her own brand, factory, and production line. The insights she’d gained were meant to be shared.

Alone, she couldn’t make Naomi Design the top in Atopan, so she wanted a united front

Enzo gathered everyone for the meeting, Naomi, in a sharp black suit and heels, entered with a stack of papers. I’m Naomi Edwards”

“We know you, Ms. Edwards, Daisy said, a former Sanders Group designer now back under Naomi,

Naomi smiled, “We’re all okl colleagues, so let’s skip the formalities I’ve brought back valuable insights. Take a look.” She had Enzo distribute the materichs. “I want Naomi Design to be the biggest in Atopan. Are you with me?”

Murmurs of discussion filled the room. Being the biggest meant outshining Fischer Group’s major design firms.

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