Blinded By His Love

Drake was sitting in the office of Spencer and Spencer, an agency that hired out bodyguards for those who needed protection.

He crossed his right leg over his left one, loosened his tie, and waited to be given his new assignment. His head was still pounding from last night.

Once again, he'd drunk way too much the night before and ended up taking some blonde he'd met in the bar back to his place and had sex with her.

He'd woken up butt naked. The blonde had been gone, the used condom on the floor the only evidence of what had happened.

"Here's your new assignment," his one boss said, sliding the folder across the desk in front of him.

He opened the folder and read the information inside. "Templeton-I've heard of him. Why would he want to hire us when I'm sure he's got his own men? I've also heard that some of his businesses aren't legal."

Keith looked at his brother Cain before answering. "Those are just rumors. As for your question, Mr. Templeton has been using this firm for some time now, and he requested someone that can be trusted. You're the best in the business, but you have to cut down on the drinking and control your temper."

"Well, maybe I don't want the job," Drake said, tossing the folder down without reading the rest.

Cain sat back. "Drake, because of your ways, you're having a hard time keeping jobs. This job pays triple the normal pay, and you also get to live in one of the most exclusive mansions in California."

Drake's eyebrows lifted, and he looked at the two men sitting across from him. "Triple? Why triple-what aren't you telling me?"

Cain cleared his throat, and Keith played with the pen in his hand-a sure sign that they were indeed keeping something from him.

"It's nothing, Drake, nothing at all. It's just that we promised the man the best guy we have. His business means a lot to our company. He can make us or break us."

Drake stared at the two men, twin brothers in their late fifties. Only one was bald, while the other had a full head of hair. Both were short and on the heavy side.

"All right, I'll take the job. So when do I start?"

Both brothers looked relieved. "Today. Go home and pack your bags," Cain said, smiling and standing up to shake Drake's hand.

"One more question. How long is this job going to last?"

"Four to six months," Cain answered.

To him, that seemed normal, so he didn't question it. Drake picked up the folder but only to take out the address, leaving the rest behind. He knew all he wanted to know. The rest he would figure out along the way.

"All right then, guess I'll see you when the job is over with."

Once he was gone, Keith turned to Cain. "Don't you think we should have warned him about the girl?"

Cain laughed. "He'll find out soon enough."

"What if he quits when he finds out?" Keith asked, starting to sweat.

"Drake's a stubborn son of a bitch. He'll stay on the job just to prove a point. Who knows, this might be just what he needs, someone to put him in his place, knock him down a peg or two. But I wouldn't mind being a fly on the wall when he meets her."

"I hope you're right about him staying. She's already chased away every other available bodyguard," Keith said, rubbing his temple.

As soon as Drake walked out of the air-conditioned office and outside, the California sun beat down on him. His muscles ached, and he started sweating, so he removed his jacket and tie, undoing a couple of his shirt buttons.

He walked over to his car-his pride and joy, a 1966 Ford Thunderbird-and took off to his small apartment. There, he packed his bags and made sure everything was turned off after packing his weapons and handcuffs.

He looked around and shook his head. The place really was a dump. He had on many occasions thought about using the money he'd inherited from his family estate to buy a better place, but he'd sworn never to touch that money.

He found his way to Templeton's mansion and let out a whistle when he saw it. It was like something out of a movie. The only way in was through an electric gate, which was guarded by two armed men.

He sat in his car and waited while they walked over to him, keeping his dark sunglasses on.

"State your business," snapped one man who looked like a giant with his huge muscles bulging through the sleeves of his shirt.

"I'm here to see Mr. Templeton. He's expecting me."

"Name," the giant snapped at him once again, placing his hand on his gun.

"Drake O'Rourke," he answered, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel while the man looked at his clipboard.

The man, seeing his name, asked him to step out of the car. "Open up your suitcase slowly, and don't try anything funny."

He then ordered the other guy to go through the luggage-and when the man did, he held up the gun and handcuffs.

Drake removed his glasses-it was hot, and he was starting to lose his temper. "Guys, I'm getting a little sick of this. Put my things back before I get really mad and kick your asses."

The men looked at each other and laughed, then the big one spoke. "Why do you have these, and what are you planning on doing with them?"

"Your boss has hired me as a bodyguard. I might need them."

The two men smiled at each other and the smaller one spoke. "This is the guy the boss was telling us about." He put Drake's things back inside the case, all the time chuckling. "Let him through."

Drake got back in his car and stared at the two men. "Mind telling me what's so funny?" he asked before driving in.

"Oh, you'll find out soon enough. Good luck, man-you're going to need it." The small man then motioned for Drake to drive through.

The bigger guy shook his head and grinned. "Poor bastard. I wonder how long this one will last?"

When Drake pulled up to the mansion, he was greeted by another giant of a man who was clearly packing heat.

"I'm here to see Mr. Templeton," Drake said.

"Follow me," the goon ordered.

Drake got out of his vehicle and walked behind the man up the stairs. The door was opened by a butler.

Drake was shown into a large room, which was obviously the man's office, and he was ordered to wait and not to touch anything.

He sat down to wait and looked around the room. It was expensively decorated. Several famous pictures hung on the wall.

Behind the desk there was a glass showcase that held different types of weapons: guns, knives, and other instruments of torture.

The butler walked in carrying a tray with coffee and tea. "Mr. Templeton will be right with you, sir. Is there anything you require?"

"No, I'm good," Drake replied. The truth was he would have preferred a cold beer or a shot of whiskey, but considering it was early, he thought better of asking for one.

Seconds later, the door opened and a man in his late fifties walked in. He was tall, his hair a silver-gray, and one could see he was not a man you would want to anger.

Drake stood up and shook the man's hand, then sat back down when he was instructed to.

"Mr. Templeton, you have a beautiful home. I just want to say that I'll do my best to keep you safe. But I have to ask: why me, when you have so many men surrounding you already?"

"Mr. O'Rourke, it's not me you'll be protecting. It's my daughter, Catherine."

Drake felt his head throbbing. Now he knew why his bosses had been acting so weird. They'd known he wouldn't have taken the job if he knew he was to be the bodyguard for some young, spoiled brat.

"All due respect, sir, but I don't do babysitting. I think it would be best if you got someone else to do the job."

"You won't be babysitting, Mr. O'Rourke. You'll be protecting my princess. You will go wherever she goes, do what she wants. You'll be with her twenty-four seven.

"I don't have time to find anyone else and it's only for a few months. In three weeks, I have to go out of the country and can't take her with me.

"I need someone I can trust to keep her safe, and I was told you were trustworthy. I will give you a huge bonus when your job ends."

"Is your wife going with you, or will I also be watching over her?"

"My wife died in a car accident eight years ago." Mr. Templeton blinked back the tears. After all these years, he still missed her.

"I'm sorry, sir, I didn't know." The last thing Drake wanted was to watch a kid, but with the bonus he would be getting later, he figured he'd stick it out. After all, how hard could it be taking care of a kid?

"Will you take the job?"

"Yes, I'll take it. Where is your daughter now? I should meet her before I get settled in."

"She's out by the pool. I'll have your bags taken to your room. I had one made up for you-it's right across from Catherine. I want you close to her in case she needs something.

"There is something I should tell you. She can be a handful, a little on the wild side, and she will test you, push your buttons. I suggest you stay firm and tough, but never disrespect or hurt her. Is that understood?"

"Understood," Drake answered, and he stood up. "Now, take me to her so we can get acquainted."

Just then, a man walked in, went over to the older man, and whispered into his ear. Mr. Templeton then turned to look at Drake.

"I have something that I need to deal with. Stanly here will direct you toward the pool area. You go ahead, and I will join you both shortly."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea, sir. I might spook her. She doesn't know me. I could always go check my room out, and when you're free we could go together."

"Believe me, Mr. O'Rourke, you won't spook her. She's aware that you're coming today. I will be out as soon as I can."

Drake followed Stanly out and through some rooms until they reached the back area of the house.

"The pool is out that way," Stanly said, pointing to a large glass sliding door. "I'm sure you'll find Miss Templeton either in the pool or in the garden, which is off to the side. Good luck, sir."

Drake narrowed his eyes at the man. "Why is everyone wishing me luck? Is the child that bad?" He saw the smirk on Stanly's face and felt like punching him.

"Child?" he chuckled. "It was nice meeting you, sir. Too bad you won't be here for long." Stanly walked away, leaving Drake confused.

When Drake walked outside, he felt the heat from the sun beating down on him and wished he wasn't wearing a damn suit.

He reached into his pocket and took out the sunglasses, put them on, and looked around at his surroundings.

He noticed the garden first. It was spectacular with its different flowers and statues. Now, he wasn't a decorating type of guy, but he did appreciate beauty.

It dawned on him that there were no guards outside in the back, though there were security cameras everywhere. But why would a child be out here all alone unless she had a nanny? But his new boss never mentioned one.

As he moved farther, he saw the pool, and there was a woman lying on a lounger, wearing dark sunglasses. She appeared to be sleeping, and there was no sign of a kid around.

As Drake moved closer, he couldn't help thinking this must be the nanny, and his eyes wandered over her body. She had dark hair and wore a skimpy bikini.

He got hard looking at her body. She was a hot little number. He would have to find out who she was before he made a move on her. She might very well be the boss's girlfriend, even though she looked way too young for him.

When he reached her, he smiled down at her, wanting her to see his dimples. Women seemed to go for them.

No matter where he was, if he saw a woman he wanted to get into bed, all he had to do was show her the dimples. It worked every time.

"Are you going to say something, or just stand there looking at my body?" she said in a very rude tone of voice.

He didn't care for her tone, so he dropped the smile. "I'm looking for Catherine. I was told I could find her out here. If you're the nanny, you're doing a lousy job-I don't see the kid anywhere around."

"I'm Catherine, you babbling baboon."

Chapter 2

It made his blood boil when she called him that name. If she were a guy, he would have used his fist, but since she was a female, he bit his tongue. "Wait, you're Catherine?"

Her head tilted up toward him. "I see my father scraped the bottom of the barrel when he hired you. To answer your question, yes, I am she. Were you not told that I was a grown-ass woman and not a child?"

Drake ran his fingers through his collar.

"I thought I was hired to protect your father. No one told me about you. A kid, I could handle, but I don't intend on watching over you twenty-four seven. This is not going to work for me. Good day, Miss Templeton."

"Are you sure you want to walk away from the money my father is offering you, not to mention the bonus? I think you should stick around for a while."

"Why should I?" The money was good, too good to walk away from, but he sensed that she was going to be a whole lot of trouble and hard work.

"You seem different from the others. They were weak and such pushovers. I have a feeling you'll be a challenge, and I do enjoy a challenge. Or are you afraid of me?" she asked, a wicked grin appearing on her face.

"I'm not afraid of anything," he snapped.

"Describe yourself to me."

He started telling her about himself, but only what he wanted her to know. Then she put her hand up to stop him.

"No, describe what you look like."

He rolled his eyes at her, already tired of her games. "You can see what I look like. Or are you blind?"

She cocked her head to the side and removed her sunglasses. "Yes, I am blind. Has no one told you? I like to know who someone is and what they look like if I'm to be spending any amount of time with them."

She stood up in front of him.

His mouth dropped open, and he looked into her eyes. It was one thing to be a woman's bodyguard, but one who was blind-he just wasn't equipped to deal with that.

"No one told me you were a woman, nor that you were blind. I'm sorry for making that remark." He couldn't stop his eyes from moving down to her chest when she got up and stood close to him.

"Drake O'Rourke, my father told me you were coming. Now I'm going to touch your face. It's how I see someone."

Her hands went to his shoulders first and moved up to his face.

"You have broad shoulders, a full head of silky-soft hair. Nice cheekbones and a strong jaw, and your lips are perfect," she said, running her fingertips over them. "I bet the women go nuts over you and these lips of yours."

His heart started beating fast when she touched him. He had to wonder if she really did this to everyone or if she was just trying to get under his skin.

Her soft touch and her sweet smell were making him horny. He let her continue as her hands moved down to his chest, and he heard the small hitching in her breathing when she moved over his muscles.

But when she moved down his stomach and it appeared she was going to go lower, he grabbed her wrists.

A smile lit up her face. "What's the matter, Drake? Don't you like for your cock to be touched by a woman?"

"I think you have enough to go on, and yes, I like to have it touched by a woman, but only if I want them to."

He let go of her and took a step back, needing some space. She was indeed sexy as hell, and if her father hadn't been Drake's boss, he might have enjoyed the pleasure of taking her to bed.

Just then, Nicolas Templeton came out from inside and over to the pool. Just imagine if he had shown up two minutes earlier, Drake thought.

"I see you two are getting acquainted," he said, putting Catherine's wrap over her and then giving her a hug. "Go inside, sweetheart, and put some clothes on. We'll wait for you in the family den, and we'll go through the rules."

"Okay, Dad," she said, kissing his cheek. She picked up her white cane. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. O'Rourke." She then walked away, feeling their eyes on her.

Once they were in the family den and he was offered something to drink, Drake asked for a cold beer. He needed one after meeting Catherine.

"I wasn't told that your daughter was blind. I'm not sure I'm the right man for the job. I have no knowledge or training in looking after someone with a handicap."

Nicolas poured himself a shot of bourbon. "I wouldn't say that to her face unless you want to find yourself flat on your ass.

"She may not have her sight, but her other senses are heightened. She can see a person better than a sighted one can, and she can do just about anything.

"I just need for you to be with her, take her wherever she wants or needs to be."

"May I ask if she's always been blind, like from birth?"

"No. Catherine was in the car that killed my wife, her mother. She lost her sight due to the accident."

"I'm sorry," Drake said, taking a swallow of his beer. He turned his head when he heard her footsteps.

She was wearing white pants and a pink top, her hair was up in a ponytail, and she wore sandals on her feet.

He watched her as she entered the room and went over to sit next to her father.

If it wasn't for the cane, one would not have known she was blind by the way she maneuvered herself around the coffee table and other obstacles in the way.

"Would you like a glass of wine, sweetheart?" Nicolas asked her.

"Actually, Dad, I smell beer, so I would like one of those instead of the wine." She turned her head in Drake's direction. "You really don't have to dress so formal, Mr. O'Rourke. It can get quite hot around here. Take off your jacket and tie. You're going to be here for a while, so relax."

"I'm fine, thanks," Drake answered, though he would have liked to do what she suggested.

"Dad, I hope you explained to him how he is not to treat me like a child. How he is to take me where I need to go, and he is to give me my space. I will not have someone hovering over me. Make sure to give him my schedule for the week-and when I'm on a date, he is to wait in the car."

"Yes, yes, dear, I will explain it all to him. I need to make some calls first, so would you show him around and to his room?"

"Of course, Dad, I'll take care of him," she answered, turning her head in Drake's direction.

When her father left, she got to her feet. "Are you coming?"

"Right beside you," he answered and followed her.

She showed him the kitchen and dining room first, then the living room, library, and games room.

After showing him the downstairs, she took him upstairs. There was a home gym, another den.

She then showed him the bedrooms-hers and the one he would be staying in were farther down the hall and around the corner from her father's bedroom.

At one of the doors, she stopped. "This will be your room, right across from mine. If you get lonely you can always come to my room."

"I won't get lonely," Drake said. He opened the door and walked in.

She followed over to his bed, sat down, and crossed her legs, leaning back on her hands. "So, is the room to your liking?"

He looked over at her. "Is this the way you behave with everyone your father hires?"

She smiled. "Why would you say that?"

"I've heard stories," he answered.

"They were all boring and way too easy. Some of them thought they could sleep with me. As if I'd sleep with some fat, bald-headed guy."

He leaned against the dresser, crossing his arms. "Everyone I've met so far has laughed when they heard I was going to be your bodyguard. Some have wished me luck and said I won't be here for long. Why is that?"

She crossed her right leg over her left one, swinging them. "In the last three months, I've had over twenty bodyguards. Some didn't do their job, so Father fired them. Others I just didn't like, so I had Daddy fire them," she said, smirking. "Play nice with me, and you just might last long enough to get that bonus in the end."

Drake sat on the bed next to Catherine, taking her chin in his hand and turning her to face him.

"You are one hell of a sexy woman. Any man would jump at the chance to be in your bed. But I'm not one of them. I never mix pleasure with business.

"If you want to fuck, you better find someone else. And if you want to get me fired, then do it now. I won't put up with any of your bullshit.

"You can't twist me around your finger. I'm hired to guard you, so you will do as I say when I say, not the other way around."

"I see you aren't going to be easy to break, but I will, Mr. O'Rourke. I always get what I want. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll take a nap before dinner," she said, jerking her chin from his grip.

When she left, he checked out his room and put his clothes away. He checked his gun to make sure he had bullets in it-you never knew when you needed it.

He then took a long shower, his thoughts going to the woman he was hired to look after. She was having an effect on him-he would be lying if he said he wasn't sexually attracted to her.

He liked that she wore no makeup. She didn't need to-she was beautiful without it.

He stepped out of the shower and dried off, then hung the towel up before he entered the bedroom. He didn't bother to cover up, and why would he? He was the only one occupying the room.

He turned when he heard a knock. The door opened, and Catherine walked in. He quickly covered his manhood with his hands.

"Fuck," he swore. "Don't you wait until someone tells you to enter?"

"Relax, Drake. I hope you don't mind me calling you by your first name. It's not like I can see you standing there naked, so there's no need to cover it."

He tried looking into her eyes, his hands still covering his exposed cock. "Are you sure you can't see anything?"

"I'm sure," she answered and shut the door behind her.

"Then how do you know I'm naked?"

"I don't hear the rustling of clothes, and I also can tell you've just had a shower from your scent. And I heard the slight movement of your hands going down to your, you know. You can let go of yourself now, I won't peek," she said, laughing. "Get dressed and we'll walk down together."

His face turned red, and he went over to the dresser, taking out a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. He was still pissed at her for walking in and was going to make sure it never happened again, even if he had to lock the door.

"Next time, do not enter until I tell you to."

"Oh, someone is grumpy," she said, trying to hide her smile.

He pulled on his briefs and pants. Then he barked at her. "I'm glad you find this funny, but we're going to have to set down some ground rules."

"Like what?" she asked.

"First, I like my privacy, and you will respect that. Second, you go nowhere without telling me, and you will do what I tell you without question. Another thing, you will stop trying to seduce me. I'm here to protect you, not to fuck you."

"Oh my, you get me all wet when you talk dirty."

He grabbed her arms and pulled her off the bed.

"This isn't a game. It might be to you, but it's a job to me, which I will take seriously. Besides, if I were to do anything with you, your father would have me killed, and I rather like living. Shall we go down to dinner now?"

She smiled wickedly. "Don't worry, I wouldn't tell him."

"Christ," he swore under his breath and wiped his forehead. He knew she wasn't going to make things easy for him.

Chapter 3

"Sorry, princess, it's never going to happen. Now, do you need help going downstairs? I'm not sure what's expected of me, so do I take your arm and lead you?"

She grabbed her white cane and went over to the door. "I can manage on my own, and you are never to touch me unless I tell you to," she said as she opened the door and started walking away.

"Are you coming?" she asked when she didn't hear his footsteps following her.

"Right behind you, princess."

"Don't let my father hear you calling me that. It's reserved only for him."

They made their way down to the dining room, where her father was already seated, waiting for them. He stood up and pulled out her chair, kissing her cheek before sitting back down.

"I hope you find your room satisfactory," he said, turning his attention to Drake.

"It's very nice, sir. Thank you."

"If there's anything you need during your stay here, just ask one of the help, and they'll see you get it."

"Dad, I have a date tonight, and I don't need Mr. O'Rourke to come with us."

"Sorry, princess, but you know the rules-you go nowhere without your bodyguard. Whoever you're going out with, call him and tell him where to meet you. Mr. O'Rourke will drive you and he will go in with you. Now, don't pout, he'll sit far enough away not to interfere in your date unless the man gets out of hand."

"Don't worry, sir, I will make sure the guy doesn't lay a hand on her. And, please, call me Drake from now on."

Drake looked over at Catherine and smiled. He could tell she was angry by the way her breathing got faster and how the red crept up her neck to her face.

She may not be able to see him, but she could feel Drake's eyes on her, and she knew he was smiling.

After the meal was finished, Catherine excused herself to get ready for her date.

One of the maids had laid her clothes out and left them on the bed as instructed. She had chosen a black sequined dress with a low neckline that would show off her cleavage.

She wore a diamond necklace and earrings, and she put a dab of perfume behind each ear.

Drake waited for her in the den, and when he saw her, he swallowed the lump in his throat. She looked stunning. The dress fit her like a glove, showing off every sexy curve on her body.

He noticed she had on a light shade of pink lipstick. He rubbed his chin. The scent of her perfume hit his nose, and he found it alluring.

"If you're ready, I'll drive you to where you want to go. And where will that be?" he asked, his eyes moving down and up her body.

"To a club called Tango. I'm assuming we're taking Father's car."

"Yes, he insisted I drive you in it at all times. Shall we go?"

She walked ahead of him, using her cane. "I don't like to use my cane when I go to the club, so when we get there, you'll have to let me take your arm.

"Once we're inside and I'm seated with my date, you'll have to find another spot to sit down. I won't have you interfering in my date."

Drake opened the back door to the car and waited until she was seated before going around the front and getting in. He started the engine. "You look lovely in that dress, by the way."

"Do you really think so?" she asked, running her fingers along the neckline, knowing he was probably watching. "You don't think it's too revealing, do you? I mean, it's not showing off too much of my breasts, is it?"

He looked in the rearview mirror and followed her fingers. He shook his head and kept his eyes on the road. "It is a little, but I get the feeling you like it that way so that men will look."

"I bet you looked. Did you like what you saw?" she asked teasingly.

"I'm being paid to protect you, not to look at you."

"Tell me, Drake, do you have a girlfriend?"

"My personal life is none of your business."

"I'll take that as a no. Maybe if you were to loosen up a little and stop being so damn rigid, you might get laid more often."

"Don't you worry your pretty little head, princess. I get plenty of pussy when I want it."

"You really have a lot of nerve talking to me this way. But then again, you get me hot with that foul mouth of yours. I wonder what else your mouth could do to me to make me wet," she said, running her tongue over her lips, sensing he saw her doing it.

"This conversation is not appropriate," he said, knowing it had to stop when his cock started to get hard. He could not and would not have these thoughts about his boss's daughter.

"Oh, relax. I'm only playing with you." She sat back and remained quiet for the rest of the drive to the club.

When they arrived at the club, he parked the car and went over to her door. He opened it and helped her out. She laced her arm through his as they walked inside the already crowded club.

"So where is this date of yours?" he asked as he checked their surroundings.

"He'll come to us," she replied. "How do I look?" she asked, turning to face him.

"Perfect," he answered, looking at her lips. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a man approaching them. Drake turned his head to look at him. The guy was young, not bad looking, but he looked like a jerk.

"Hey, babe, you finally made it. I was starting to think you were going to stand me up. I have a table for us and ordered you your favorite wine."

"Fred, I would never do that to you. I just wanted to take my time getting ready. I wanted to look my best for you."

"You do-you look hot enough to eat," he said, his eyes going to her breasts.

Drake, knowing the meaning behind the man's words, cleared his throat.

Fred turned to look at him but spoke to Catherine instead. "Don't tell me your father has found you another bodyguard?"

"Yes, Fred, I'm afraid he has. Meet Drake O'Rourke. Drake, meet my date, Fred Moser."

"Hello, Mr. Rourke."

"It's O'Rourke," Drake growled before Fred could continue.

"Excuse me, Mr. O'Rourke. I'll take Catherine now. You can find somewhere to sit and entertain yourself while this beauty and I enjoy the evening."

Drake grabbed the man's arm and pulled him close to whisper in his ear. "Just remember, punk-I'll be close and keeping an eye on you, so be careful."

When he saw the tiny bit of fear in Fred's eyes, Drake released his hold and watched as Fred put his arm around Catherine's waist. Fred led her over to a table near the back.

Drake waited to see where they were seated before finding a place where he could keep his eyes on them.

He chose a spot at the end of the bar and ordered a club soda from the bartender. He couldn't drink while he was on duty, even though he really wanted something stronger.

"Are you Miss Templeton's new bodyguard?" the male bartender asked Drake when he set his drink down.

"You know her?" he asked without answering the man's question.

"Yeah, she's a regular here, and almost every time she has a different guard with her. I wonder if you'll last longer than the other ones."

"What makes you think I won't last?" he asked without taking his eyes off her.

"She's a handful and very sneaky. I can't tell you how many times she was able to sneak away from her guards. You won't be able to take your eyes off her for a second. The last one who did is still recovering from the beating her father's men did to him. If I were you, pal, I'd quit before she gets you into trouble."

"I can handle her. I've dealt with worse," Drake answered.

"Good luck, then. She is beautiful, though. Too bad she has Nicolas Templeton for a father."

Drake looked at him. "He seems to love his daughter and is very protective of her, so why would you say that?"

"Forget I said anything," the bartender said and walked away to take care of another customer.

Drake turned his attention back to Catherine and her date. Fred had his arm around her. He was kissing her neck and she seemed to be enjoying it. He continued to watch as they laughed and started kissing.

A blonde woman came over and sat down next to him. Drake couldn't help noticing how hot she was, and if he wasn't on the job, he would have gotten to know her and taken her back to his place to fuck.

"Hey, handsome, I noticed you're by yourself. Would you like to buy a lady a drink?" she asked, placing her hand high up on his thigh, close to his crotch.

"Find me a lady and I might," he said as he removed her hand from his leg.

"Asshole," she hissed and walked away.

When he looked back to where Catherine had been sitting, they were gone. Drake got to his feet in a hurry and looked around.

He started to sweat-until he saw them on the dance floor. He exhaled and sat back down to watch them.

Drake was shocked to see the way she was grinding and rubbing up against Fred and the way his hands were all over her body.

He wondered what she was trying to prove by acting this way. Was she doing it to get a rise out of Drake, knowing he'd be watching?

He looked over at the bartender and motioned for another club soda.

When he turned back, he found that in only a few seconds the dance floor had become more crowded than before, and he'd lost sight of Catherine and Fred.

Drake jumped to his feet, searching the sea of faces as they all were dancing to some fast song. The blood in his veins started pumping faster. His heart was pounding hard inside his chest.

Although he didn't see her, he made his way onto the dance floor, fighting off the females when they tried pulling him in for a dance.

He stood still, turning in every direction looking for her. It felt like the room was spinning. It was like in a movie, when the person is in one spot, and everything is swirling around them.

Drake finally spotted Fred, but Catherine wasn't with him. Fred was dancing provocatively with another woman, so Drake headed over to him.

"Where's Catherine?" Drake asked, having to shout since the music was so loud.

"What?" Fred shouted back, holding his hand to his ear, indicating that he couldn't hear Drake.

Drake was beginning to lose his temper. He grabbed Fred by the collar and pulled him close, their faces almost touching. "Where is she, you little fuck?"

"She went to use the lady's room," he choked out.

"You let her go by herself?"

"Yeah, she knows her way around here better than any of us." He pulled Drake's hands off him and stepped back. "I'll go get her."

Drake clamped his hand over Fred's. "Never mind, I'll get her. And the date is over," he said, letting go of Fred.

He then headed to the ladies' room. There, he banged on the door. He was so angry he wanted to break it down. He really didn't know why he was so furious.

"Catherine, if you're in there, come on out."

When she heard Drake yelling at her, she rolled her eyes. "Fuck off, I'm coming," she yelled back as she dried her hands.

As she exited, she knew he was still standing there and that he was angry-she could tell by his heavy breathing.

"What the hell is your problem?" she snapped back at him, attempting to walk past him. But he grabbed her arm, stopping her.

"You're my goddamn problem. I told you to never be out of my sight."

"I had to pee. Did you expect me to wet myself or go get you to take me? I'm not a baby, and I don't need you following me everywhere. I'm going back to my date, so take your fucking hand off me."

"The date's over. We're going home," Drake said as he started dragging her out.

"I'll be the one to say when it's over," she said, giving him a shove with her free hand.

She then screamed when he picked her up and flung her over his shoulder as though she were a sack of potatoes.

"Put me down, you beast," she yelled, hitting him in the back with her fist.

"If you won't come peacefully, then I'll carry you out by force," he said, hardly feeling her punches.