"Ah-" She squealed, grabbing him by the shoulders after being suddenly lifted up. Balls and balls of water rolled off his body underneath her palms. Being suddenly up close, he could hear her ragged and fast breathing near his ears. Probably because he just got out of water, his skin tingled when her hot breath landed on his body.

"...hot..." She murmured softly. "I feel hot..."

"Why did you come here?" Tristan probed, not attempting to pull her body, which was still clinging to him away.

His voice had a deep, velvety richness and sounded raspy in her ears, attracting her. She lifted her gaze to his face, curiosity taking over her expression. Her hand moved to his face, and he instantly reached out to grab her wrist, halting that movement.

But she seemed upset by that and grunted at him, slapping his hand away. He could only let her be and silently watched as she lifted her index to his jaw. Her touch tickled him, especially since a few strands of beard were beginning to grow there due to the stress from tonight.

Her hands were small and slender, just like how petite she looked being held by him. Her index grazed his jaw, and she stared intently at his face as though she could mould her face into his. When her finger lingered up to his lips, he was about to stop her when she suddenly moved her hand and looked at him.

"Heh... who are you?" She questioned with keen interest.

That question made him pause as he regarded her face. He didn't know if it was the drug or if she was just drunk.

"Who do you think I am?"

She held her chin, looking him over and remarked, "Gorgeous."

Tristan's mouth twitched at that, and he carried her princess style, intending to take her out. But out of nowhere, she slung her dainty arms around him.

She squealed, "Come, let me read your fortune."

"Fortune?" Tristan's gaze flicked to her face, which was red and flushed.

Raven nodded quickly, grabbed his palm, and seriously began to trail her fingers over it. It looked like she was just scribbling nonsense with her finger, and a small throaty laugh escaped his lips at the sight.

"Stop laughing." She looked up and admonished him, the look on her face serious. Tristan chuckled and nodded - he actually liked this version of her more.

She suddenly stopped playing with his palm and exclaimed excitedly, clapping her palms together. "I know, I know now. I know what you need."

Tristan gazed at her. "What is that?"

"Me." She patted her chest, a candid look on her face. "You need me."

Tristan's lips twitched imperceptibly. Was this a side effect of the drug?

***

When Raven was rejected by her fated mate, leaving her in despair, she had a one night stand with a stranger. Little did she know that he was the country's most influential alpha. What will she do when the supposed powerful man keeps clinging to her and insists she takes responsibility after a one-night stand?

C9 Nine