Flashback – How to escape?  

Raul didn't even let Starley catch her breath before asking for an answer. But oh my, Starley was genuinely speechless. The kiss from Raul felt unreal; she hadn't expected to experience a kiss like that. Starley thought all kisses were the same—just lips meeting lips.

But what she felt earlier was much more than just lips touching. A lot happened, but Starley couldn't remember everything Raul did to her. He was indeed skilled at it.

Starley tried to focus on Raul's question. Finally, she was able to focus her eyes on his face.

Raul was looking at her, seemingly waiting for her response. But Starley still couldn't speak. Raul chuckled softly, sounding sexy to Starley's ears.

"Was the sample not enough?" Raul asked. His question made Starley's eyes widen. She swallowed, overwhelmed by the temptation. She had to resist this. But for some reason, she was also curious and wanted to try.

"Yes, I want to," Starley answered before she realized it. She blinked momentarily as if she couldn't believe she had just said yes. She didn't feel too drunk, but it seemed that the kiss earlier had made her feel more intoxicated. Starley could see Raul's eyes darken as if he wanted to devour her again.

"Give me your phone," Raul suddenly said. Starley handed it over. Raul entered his number into Starley's phone and then called his number just to let it ring once. Afterward, he handed the phone back to Starley.

And suddenly, Raul kissed her lips again, briefly and gently, surprising Starley. Then he said, "Actually, I wanted to continue what we started earlier, but this damn party isn't over yet. Soon, our families will realize we're missing."

Starley then realized she had been sitting on Raul's lap, though she couldn't remember when. Her face turned red. Quickly, she got up from Raul's lap and cleared her throat.

"Yes, my family would panic if they couldn't find me," Starley exclaimed. Raul also stood up from the garden chair.

"Go inside first. I'll join you later," Raul said. Starley nodded without looking at him. She went inside first and immediately headed for her family's table. She saw her father, mother, and Nathan already there.

But Starley noticed another couple talking to her family. A middle-aged man and a middle-aged woman who still looked very beautiful appeared to be a couple since the man had his hand on the woman's back. As Starley got closer, her mother, Victoria, noticed her arrival.

"Honey, where have you been?" Victoria exclaimed, making everyone turn to look at Starley.

"Come here, meet Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell," her father, Harold, called out.

Starley glanced at the couple. Oh my, it turned out these were Raul's parents. Starley had been making out with their second son in the garden a few minutes ago.

"This is our daughter, Starley Bellamy," Victoria introduced her to Raul's parents.

"Hello, Starley. I'm Miranda Blackwell, and this is my husband, Dorian Blackwell," Miranda said warmly. Raul's mother was a very charming woman. On the other hand, Dorian Blackwell was quite handsome for his age but looked somewhat intimidating.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell," Starley said politely, nodding slightly.

"Starley takes after her mother's beauty," Miranda praised. Victoria just laughed at that. After that, Miranda and Dorian excused themselves to greet other guests, leaving just Starley's family at the table.

"Where were you earlier?" Nathan asked, curious.

"I was just walking around," Starley replied.

"So, you weren't looking for trouble, right?" Nathan asked.

Starley rolled her eyes and replied, "I don't always look for trouble, Nathan." She took a bottle of water before her and took a sip.

"The important thing is that you weren't alone with a guy in the garden," Harold randomly commented. But his words made Starley, who was still drinking, choke.

"Oh, come on, wherever Starley was earlier, it's none of your business, you men. She's grown up; let her breathe momentarily," Victoria defended. After that, Harold and Nathan don't discuss the matter further. The event finally started.

At that moment, Starley noticed Raul had just entered the room. When their eyes met, Starley quickly looked away, fearing someone would see that she and Raul exchanged glances.

From the corner of her eye, Starley saw Raul walking over. She glanced briefly from the corner of her eye. Raul sat at the table, joining Lucian and his parents.

Starley took a deep breath. Was she being foolish for accepting Raul's invitation? But she wanted to try. The most important thing was that no one could find out about this, especially Nathan. Raul could be in serious trouble if Nathan found out.

Suddenly, Starley felt her phone vibrate. She picked it up and saw a new message from Raul. Starley's eyes widened, and she glanced over at Raul's table. She saw that Raul was also looking at her. Starley then opened the message from Raul.

Raul: So, when do you want to start?

Oh my, this guy. Starley thought to herself. She finally replied with:

Starley: We need to discuss boundaries for this relationship first.

Raul: Alright, what boundaries do you want?

Starley: Don't tell anyone about this; this relationship is just for fun.

Raul: I agree with that. Anything else?

Starley thought for a moment before typing again.

Starley: If we want to end this relationship, the other must accept it.

Raul: We haven't even started, and you're already discussing ending the relationship.

Starley: It's better to talk about it before we start.

Raul: Anything else?

Starley: Nothing else.

Raul: From my side, never ask about my job.

Starley raised an eyebrow. Oh, right, this guy works for a private intelligence agency. She then replied:

Starley: Anyway, I'm not interested in that.

Raul: You're more interested in my kiss, huh?

Starley's face instantly flushed as she remembered what had happened in the garden with Raul. How could he tease her like that? She glanced at Raul, still sitting in his chair, and noticed he was looking at her, too. His eyes were gleaming with mischief.

Starley: So, there's nothing else you want to talk about?

Starley tried to steer the conversation in the message.

Raul: There is. Want to start tonight?

Starley: We're still at the party.

Raul: After the party ends, come home with me to my mansion.

Suddenly, Starley's mouth felt drier. Raul wanted to start tonight. And for some reason, she felt excited. But she didn't want to show her excitement, so she replied:

Starley: Okay.

Then, she closed her phone without glancing at Raul, who seemed to be staring at her. Starley had to figure out how to get to Raul's mansion without her family finding out.

…