Husband With Benefits-Chapter 859: Compromised

Once they stepped outside, she wasted no time steering him toward her car— parked conveniently close to the back entrance. If this girl had not been introduced to him by Cai, he would have thought that this was some kind of a kidnapping attempt. However, he let her take him away for some reason that he could not name.

Her hand lingered lightly on his arm as they walked, her pace steady but purposeful. Just as they neared the car, she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper that sent a jolt down his spine.

"Push me against the car like you can’t keep your hands to yourself," she murmured, her breath brushing his ear. "Then get into the car."

The request was as unexpected as it was provocative. A girl he was undeniably attracted to had just given him permission—no, commanded him—to press her against the car and kiss her like they were the leads in some intense, romantic drama. Despite the absurdity of the situation, there was no way he was about to say no.

When they reached the car, he didn’t hesitate. His hands found her waist with ease, pulling her firmly against him before spinning her and pushing her against the car.

The world around them seemed to blur as his lips captured hers with a mixture of fervor and restraint that belied his growing attraction. The kiss was electric, a collision of heat and urgency, and he could feel her smile against his lips, as if she’d expected nothing less. for a moment she kissed him back but then the car was unlocked with a sharp click as she pressed a button on her key fob without breaking the kiss.

When she finally pulled away, she stepped to the side and opened the passenger door, gesturing for him to get in.

"Arabelle—"

"Rafe, get in the damn car," she interrupted, her eyes locked onto his with an intensity that silenced him. "Now."

For once in his life, Rafael decided not to argue and follow his impulse. He slid into the passenger seat, though his expression remained one of incredulity. Arabelle shut the door behind him with more force than necessary before rounding the car and climbing into the driver’s seat.

As she started the engine, she cast a glance at him, her tone softer but no less urgent. "Put your seatbelt on. You’ve been compromised, Your Highness, and I’m not sticking around to see what happens next."

He did as she said, watching her warily. "Are you going to tell me what the hell is going on?"

She sighed, her hands gripping the steering wheel tightly as she pulled out onto the road. "Someone tampered with the drinks. Yours and mine."

His jaw tightened. "You’re certain?"

"Positive," she said grimly. "And if you don’t believe me, you’re welcome to ask the potted plant back there how it’s feeling right now."

"I didn’t realize you were this... dramatic."

She shot him a glare. "This isn’t a joke, Rafe. If you didn’t know about the tampering, then someone’s targeting you. And if they’re targeting you, they’re not going to stop at one failed attempt."

Her words hit him like a bucket of ice water. He leaned back in his seat, his mind racing. "Who would—It could be you they are targetting..."

Arabelle shook her head. "Impossible. The bottle was there when I entered the room. Which meant either it had been ordered by Cai or been sent here. We’ll know that once we talk to Cai. But anyone who knows Cai will be well aware that he won’t touch alcohol unless it wa sa momentous occassion since it would compromise with his reflexes."

"So, if he is not the target then it is you or me. No one other than Cai knew that I would be joining you guys so the obvious target was you. You also seem to like this blend which meant that the person was probably aware of your preferences. Are you feeling alright? Any tingling sensations or numbing? You did take a couple of sips..."

Rafe ran a hand through his hair, wariness flickering across his face. "I feel fine," he said, his voice even, though his eyes betrayed a hint of doubt. "No tingling, no numbness, no dizziness. Whatever it was, it didn’t have enough time to do anything—or it wasn’t a strong dose."

Arabelle cast him a quick glance, her lips pressing into a firm line as she navigated the quiet streets. "That’s a relief, but we can’t take any chances. You’re coming with me, and we’re figuring this out."

He raised an eyebrow, leaning slightly toward her. "I’m coming with you? To where, exactly?"

Her hands tightened on the wheel, and she shot him a brief, pointed look. "I don’t need your sass right now, Rafe. You can stay at my place tonight. It’s safer than wherever you were planning to go."

The faintest smirk tugged at his lips, but he quickly smothered it. "So, you’re inviting me over? Didn’t peg you for the type to bring princes home on the first date."

"Call it what you want," she retorted dryly, not taking the bait. "But this isn’t about you. It’s about figuring out who spiked that drink and making sure you stay alive long enough to do something about it. You will need to make sure that your security team is not compromised. If they drugged you then they might have someone on the inside."

Rafe chuckled softly, though there was no humor in his voice. "You have a unique way of making a guy feel special. But you are right."

Arabelle nodded and questioned him, "Do you have someone you trust? Someone who can take the bottle and test it for whatever was added?"

His expression grew serious, and he nodded. "I do have a few people but this time, the only person I am gojng to trust is Kael."

"Good. Call him," she instructed. "We need that bottle analyzed as soon as possible. Whoever did this isn’t going to stop with one attempt. And the sooner we know what they used, the better prepared we’ll be."

Rafe retrieved his phone from his pocket, " I’ll have Kael meet us somewhere to pick up the bottle."