Her Forbidden Love

CHAPTER 4

Los Angeles, California
Denman's Road
12:04a.m.

NIKOLAI'S POV:

I slowly pulled up to the car, stopping a few meters in front of it to avoid the potholes that could give me a possible flat tire but I figured, that must've been the reason for the person's broken down car.

As soon as I stopped, someone dashed toward me. That's when I realized it was a woman.

"Oh my god, thank you so much for stopping! I've been stranded on this road for like half an hour, and my phone is dead," she said, her voice a mix of frustration and relief.

"Hey, it's no problem at all. Just tell me what's wrong, and I'll see what I can do," I replied, trying to reassure her.

"Thank you so much!" she said, her mood visibly brightening. "I have a flat tire, and there's a spare in the back. Do you think you can fix it for me?" she asked with a hopeful smile.

I nodded, and she gave me a grateful grin.

As we walked back to her car, I decided to strike up a conversation. Fixing the tire would take some time, and I didn't want it to be filled with awkward silence.

"So, what brings you out this way?" I asked, trying to keep things light and engaging.

"Just heading home from a party," she replied, glancing up at me with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "My night was going so well, and then this shit happens," she said, her annoyance palpable.

"Nothing like a flat to spoil the fun," I said with a chuckle. "But let's not let this tire ruin your night, alright? It might take a while, but I'm here to keep you company until it's fixed." I added, hoping to lift her spirits.

"Thank you again," she said, opening the trunk with a determined look.

"It's no trouble at all," I replied, leaning against her car with a relaxed smile. "Now, let's get this tire changed so you can get home and dream about all the fun you had."

As I started working on the tire, she leaned against the car beside me, her posture casual yet attentive. "So, do you always stop to rescue damsels in distress?" she asked, her tone playful and laced with intrigue.

I chuckled at her comment and replied, "I like helping people. It's part of the fun."

"You must have a story behind that," she said, her gaze fixed on me, a challenge in her eyes.

"There's no grand story, really. I just enjoy giving a helping hand," I said as I popped open the trunk and pulled out the spare tire and the jack. She continued to watch me, nodding slightly as if she didn't quite believe my nonchalant answer. Her curiosity was palpable, but I chose to let it slide.

As I positioned the jack under the car, she stepped closer, her presence radiating warmth and interest.

"Have you ever changed a tire before?" I asked, glancing sideways at her.

"A few times, but it's been a while," she admitted, her eyes twinkling with both amusement and the dim streetlight. "I could use a refresher."

"Well, consider this a hands-on tutorial," I said, starting to lift the car with the jack. "Why don't you hand me the lug wrench?"

She reached into the trunk, retrieving the tool. As she handed it to me, our fingers brushed lightly, sending a spark of electricity between us. I could feel the warmth of her touch lingering as I took the wrench.

"Thanks," I said, meeting her gaze. "So, what kind of party was it? Must have been pretty spectacular to keep you out this late."

"It was a masquerade party. Lots of dancing, champagne, and laughter," she said, her voice glowing with the memory. Her smile was infectious, and I found myself drawn to her vibrant energy.

"Sounds like you had a blast. I'll make sure this tire gets you home safely so you can keep those good vibes going," I replied, loosening the lug nuts with a grunt of effort.

"I appreciate that. You're quite the hero tonight," she said, leaning in a bit closer, her proximity making the air between us crackle with unspoken tension.

"Just doing my part," I said, giving her a wink as I removed the flat tire. "So, what's a guy got to do to get an invite to one of these amazing parties?"

"Maybe save a damsel in distress and change her tire," she teased, her smile turning playful and provocative.

"Well, lucky for me, I'm already halfway there," I replied, positioning the spare tire with a grin.

She laughed, a soft, melodic sound that seemed to warm the night air. "You're definitely on the right track."

"Good to know," I said, tightening the lug nuts with smooth, practiced motions. "So, what do you do when you're not dazzling people at parties?"

"I'm a social media marketer. I help out small businesses," she said, her eyes lingering on me with curiosity.

"That sounds interesting," I said, lowering the car back to the ground. "And you? What's your day job when you're not rescuing stranded motorists?"

"I run a luxury resort, LuxEco Resorts. Maybe you've heard of it?" I said, giving the tire one final check.

"Shut up!" she exclaimed. "No fucking way! I know that place. I've always wanted to go there."

"Maybe I can give you a tour sometime. It's even better than the pictures you see online," I replied, locking eyes with her, a smile playing on my lips.

She stepped even closer, her eyes locked on mine. "I might just take you up on that offer."

"I'll be looking forward to it," I said, my voice low and inviting as the chemistry between us grew more palpable.

With the tire fixed, I stood up, brushing the dirt from my hands. "All set. You're good to go."

"Thank you again, I really appreciate your help," she said, looking up at me, her expression a mix of gratitude and something more intense.

"It's no problem," I replied, holding her gaze with a hint of lingering desire. "I didn't catch your name?"

"It's Nikolai, Nikolai Ivanov."

She stepped closer, her eyes holding mine with an almost magnetic pull. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Ivanov. I'm Athena, Athena Rose," she said in a tone that was both playful and sultry.

"Well, it's nice to meet you too, Ms. Rose. I hope to see you again."

"If you give me your number, maybe you can?" she said, not breaking the intense eye contact. Her gaze seemed to read my every thought, her presence both magnetic and intoxicating.

I hesitated for a moment, my mind flashing back to Vivianne, but the magnetic pull of the moment made me push those thoughts aside. I took her phone and entered my number with a deliberate slowness.

"I hope to see you again, Mr. Ivanov," she said, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper as she took back her phone. Her fingers lingered on mine for a moment longer than necessary.

"Count on it," I replied, my voice a low murmur as I held her gaze.

She smiled, her lips curving into a slow, seductive grin before she got into her car. As she started the engine, she gave me one last look, her eyes smoldering with unspoken promises.

I watched as she drove away, feeling the lingering heat of our encounter. The night air felt electrifying, and I couldn't help but anticipate our next meeting, the undeniable chemistry between us leaving me eager for what was to come.

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My apologies for the short chapter and for taking so long. As you know my laptop isn't working at the moment but I'm trying to make it work with my phone.

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