CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

Lara and Nate crossed the door of the restaurant, holding arms. They were blinded by the flashes from the reporters, and Lara turned to Nate with many questions written on her face.

«I wasn't expecting this,» he sighed.

It was too early to let Lara meet with the press, even if it was something they couldn't avoid in the long run.

He forgot all about the life of a CEO in those few days they spent like a family. He felt like any other man, enjoying the time with his kids and - future - wife.

But then, he had to return to reality before things escaped his control.

«I am sorry, Lara. I should have predicted this...»

«It's all right,» she sighed. «I was just surprised.»

«It won't be a problem. We are not doing anything illicit; we are dating and doing things the right way. It will be okay.»

«I know,» she sighed. «And I don't mind seeing my name associated with yours.»

«I'm relieved...»

As they walked towards the entrance to the garden, the journalists disappeared from their sight and mind. The party was being held next to a pool. Most of the attendees were already there, drinking and chatting relaxedly.

«CEO Woods!» the host said, walking to them. It was a man in his mid-forties, elegant and well-groomed. His eyes smiled at Lara, secretly assessing her.

It was the first time Nathaniel Woods brought a woman to a party, and it happened at his event! That would have boosted his reputation in the industry, and it would help his business reach even higher.

«I'm glad you decided to attend,» the man continued. «And with a beautiful company, at that.»

Lara bowed her head, shy. Being next to Nate was enough to win some nice words, it seemed.

«I am also glad my girlfriend accepted to come with me,» Nate replied.

He had done his task: now Lara was his in front of the world. He could stop worrying anyone would try stealing her away. It was time to focus on the red cheeks his statement caused and her fingers gripping his arms like a lifeboat.

She was stunning, kind, and rightfully his.

The host observed the two with a surprised face. He could notice the woman's shy nature, or maybe her insecurity. She wasn't used to the limelight, but she needed to learn if she wanted to stay next to someone like Nathaniel Woods. As for the CEO... There was something dangerous in the way he stood there, glancing at his partner and smiling content. There was no threat for the woman but, as an observer, the host felt in danger.

«Please, have fun!» he commented.

In the end, it was enough that everyone would talk about his party for days. He didn't need to chat in person with the CEO any longer. It would have been more relevant if everyone could have a good time, especially his most esteemed guests.

He showed them the open bar and walked past to greet the next couple of guests.

«What would you like to drink?» Nate asked.

«Nothing, for now,» Lara sighed.

«You need to have a glass in your hand even if you don't drink.»

«Something without alcohol.»

When he came back with two glasses of similar colour - a dark, hypnotising blue, Lara was already analysing the snacks on the platters the waiters carried around. People weren't supposed to walk to help themselves, for it was a high-end party.

She dared to reach out for one of those snacks right when Nate stood behind her, and he could witness how she sighed while trying that mysterious delicacy. He hadn't made it in time to see what it was, unfortunately.

He would have made sure to have those stacked in his fridge from that moment on. He would fill his penthouse with all the things Lara could like.

So that she would be more inclined to stay there...

«This place is nice,» she commented, turning to him.

Somehow, she could sense his presence. He didn't have time to be surprised, and he didn't think too much of it because he was used to the wolves' senses.

He offered her glass to Lara, and the woman sipped with a smirk.

«Now?» she asked.

They had a glass. Was it time to socialise?

«The people behind me are from the real estate industry. Some have companies in the field, while others just buy and sell properties. LY Corp has nothing to do with that, but I did buy a couple of properties in my life. I know them well, and they will accept to talk with us. Is that all right?» he inquired. «Or we can go listen to that computer genius at three o'clock who's lecturing that couple there. He usually says interesting things, but his work is so niche that it is not a profitable investment.»

«Won't he think you're interested if we go talk with him?» Lara inquired.

«No, he knows I don't do risky jobs.»

«You don't?»

«I do, but only when the risk is no more than to lose some money. I have a pack to provide for, Lara.»

«I guess real estate it is,» she sighed. «My parents would talk about that sometimes, so I might understand a thing or two.»

«Yes?»

«My father wanted to invest in properties before the crisis of ten years ago, but he changed his mind after my mother insisted they didn't need it. He regretted it later, for the prices were six times higher than usual. He could sell it all for a lot of money.»

«I see,» Nate sighed. «What do your parents do for a living?»

«They have a small company. Last time I heard of it, it was doing good.»

«Ah, sorry. I shouldn't have asked.»

«It's okay, Nate. I was the first to bring it up. So, shall we go?»

«Yes, let's go. Also, we can change groups when it becomes boring. At a cocktail party, people are supposed to socialise... well, a lot.»

«Okay,» she chuckled.. «It seems fun.»