Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 113:

After the alarm blared its obnoxious tune, Norah, nursing her hangover, reached out for her phone, only to bump

into an arm instead.

She felt the firm sinew of the arm and realized that it belonged to a man, a realization that jolted her awake and

caused her to open her eyes to meet the gaze of Sean, who was in the process of silencing her phone's alarm.

Sean, who had hickeys like trophies, looked at her with a hint of awkwardness.

“Off to work, huh? Why not take the day to recover?” Sean suggested nonchalantly, taking it upon himself to

dictate Norah's schedule for the day.

Norah hesitated, taking a moment to register her undress before hastily grabbing the blanket to cover herself.

Meanwhile, Sean, also unclothed, sported a sunkissed complexion, taut muscles, and an impressive eight-pack, a

testament to his dedication to physical fitness.

Avoiding their direct gaze, Norah croaked, “Mr. Scott, what brings you here? And what in heaven's name

happened between us last night?”

Sean, far more composed than Norah, leisurely lit a cigarette and blew smoke rings as he remarked. “Norah, you

really do have a lamentable memory, shall | jog it for you?”

Glancing at Norah's exposed shoulder, Sean recalled the events of the previous night and realized that she was

even more captivating than he had first suspected.

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Norah massaged her temples, gradually piecing together fragments of the night before. However, with each

recollection, her complexion paled. She recalled being the instigator, and Sean, far from resisting, had eagerly

acquiesced, leading them to the throes of passion.

Norah lay there, stunned into silence. Her overindulgence in drinks was now a source of profound regret. How

could she have allowed herself to becso inebriated?

“Sean...” Norah began tentatively, struggling to find the right words. Meeting Sean's gaze, she averted her eyes,

unable to bear the intensity of the moment. “I got drunk last night. | hope you don’t take it personally.”

By now, Norah was truly mortified. She didn’t want to discuss what had happened the night before while they

were still naked.

“I must attend to my duties. Sean, | implore you to depart after dressing,” Norah said, eager for Sean to leave.

“We're both adults here. Don’t mind indulging in a bit of casual fun,” Sean remarked, his tone remarkably blasé.

“What if | do?” Norah looked up and shot back, incredulous.

Norah was looking quite stunning right now. In the early light, her face appeared to shine like a rose covered in

dew.

Sean took a drag of his cigarette and said slowly, “And why? Last night was perhaps your first time, wasn’t it?

You never did it with Derek before?”

Norah's annoyance simmered. “That's none of your concern, Sean!”

Chuckling, Sean remarked, “Oh, but it is. Your first twas with...” His deep, husky laugh carried a captivating

charm.

With a resigned sigh, Norah covered herself protectively, her anger mixed with embarrassment. “Just leave!”

“You didn’t sleep well last night,” Sean continued, his tone unbothered. “Trust me, take the day off.” He called

Phillip instantly. “The hospital isn’t a concern. Get plenty of rest. I'll get you sbreakfast.”

Sean put out his cigarette with his palm and tossed it into the garbage bin, since he couldn't find an ashtray. “If

you need to say something, you can do it after you rest.” He got out of bed, donned his clothes, and made his

exit, leaving Norah alone with her thoughts. “Callif you need anything.”

As Norah watched the door close behind him, she crumpled onto the bed, feeling like a wilted flower drained of

its last drop of dew. In her heart, she chastised herself for getting tangled up with Sean.

Yesterday, she had meant to keep her distance, but today’s revelation of their intimacy complicated matters

further. Norah couldn’t fathom how they had ended up in this mess.

Gripping her phone from the bedside table, she saw several unread messages from the previous night.

Sean had texted: “I like you, and | meant it! I'll be there soon.”

The words left her stunned as she held the phone. She had expected silence, but instead, there was an

inundation of messages. At that moment, she couldn't tell whether his sentiments were genuine or merely part

of the situation.

Overwhelmed, Norah squeezed the phone tightly, admitting to herself that she harbored feelings for Sean, but

she had never intended to pursue him.

Fresh from a failed marriage, Norah had no desire for another relationship. She knew she didn’t want to be with

Sean, although she couldn't decipher his intentions. She resolved not to subject herself to love's wounds again.

“Joanna, you've been doing great in training lately. You've got real talent.”

Joanna was drenched in perspiration from her exercise session. She wiped her forehead with the towel the coach

had given her.

“Mission or no mission, talent’s always useful. I'm just honing my self-defense skills,” Joanna replied, realizing

her vulnerability. She didn’t want to be a liability to Norah. Joanna aspired to strengthen her abilities for the

global adventures she planned with Norah.

The coach, Duncan Garcia, a towering figure with a rugged countenance, exuded an air of authority.

“Duncan, when can | catch a break?” Joanna unscrewed her water bottle, taking a few replenishing sips. Nearly

half a month of rigorous training had left her yearning for srest. She missed Norah dearly and was anxious

to hear about her exploits at the auction. She couldn't wait to catch up with Norah.

Duncan, a former mercenary hired by Gryson to reach Joanna, watched her closely.

“You're slipping,” Duncan remarked, noticing how often she had been sneaking away. “Your training’s been off

track lately.”

“Can’t have that anymore,” Duncan softened. “Focus on solidifying what I've taught you. Next month, we'll

venture out together.”

“Duncan, please! | swear, just one outing!” Joanna pleaded, though deep down, she knew she’d find a way out

this month.

After sback-and-forth, Duncan relented. “No promises, though. They're wary of taking on female trainees.

You all are experts at being persuasive. Alright, I'll grant you half a day. Make it snappy, though. We need to keep

tomorrow's training on track, okay?”

Joanna's eyes sparkled. “Got it! Thanks, Duncan. | won't let you down. I'll be back before the clock strikes

midnight!”

Grinning from ear to ear, Joanna couldn't contain her excitement. She could meet Norah and ask about the

specifics of her participation in the auction and everything. She was, in a nutshell, over the moon.

Watching Joanna's jubilant demeanor, Duncan shook his head with a fond smile. He couldn't help but be drawn

to her innocence and charm.

Duncan tried to quell the flutter in his chest, wondering if it was simply his prolonged isolation or something

more, but found himself inexplicably drawn to her.