Ayla had her arms around Draven's neck. When her lips brushed his, his body stiffened for a split second.
The next moment, Draven locked an arm tight around her waist. Just like that, Ayla went from leading to being held.
Her kiss had only been light, like a quick touch. But when Draven pulled her closer and leaned into her, that simple, childish kiss turned into something deep and full of heat.
Her lips hurt a little as he kissed her harder, impatient and urgent. She lost control and opened up without meaning to, and he took over completely. Ayla felt how strong and commanding he was. It was like he had waited for this kiss for a very, very long time—and now he was almost out of control.
With no way to fight back, a small spark of fear rose in her chest. The kiss was too forceful, too overwhelming. She couldn't breathe. Her mind went blank. Yet at the same time, it washed away the fear and panic left behind from being taken and threatened by Troy. All she could feel was her heart pounding like thunder.
Draven was kissing her.
He kissed her hard.
Ayla closed her eyes.
The helicopter quickly changed direction. Troy was no longer in sight.
Shawn cleared his throat.
Ayla's arms tightened around Draven's neck, her fingers gripping the hair at the back of his head.
Finally, Draven snapped out of it and ended the kiss he had wanted for so long.
He liked it.
But it wasn't enough.
Draven looked at Ayla. His sharp, hungry gaze fell on her flushed lips, then slowly moved up to her eyes.
His eyes were still dark and heavy. After holding her gaze for a moment, he pulled her into his arms again. Since they were sitting, there was no height difference. Their chests pressed together in a full, tight hug.
His lips brushed near her ear, his voice low and quiet. "Don't panic. This was just for show. For Troy."
If he could, he would kiss her ear and her neck right now. Make her skin prickle. Make her tremble because of him.
But he forced himself to hold back. Again and again.
The sound of his voice and the warm breath by her ear made it go numb.
Ayla thought, Was it really just an act?
After a flicker passed through her eyes, her gaze slowly calmed.
Draven.
Shawn was panicking. Normally, he could joke around in front of Draven all he wanted. But now he knew better. "Draven, and ... Ms. Keaton, you should get to the hospital right away."
Draven was injured. Ayla was hurt too.
Shawn liked pretty women and couldn't stand seeing them hurt. He got angry on the spot. "Is Troy even a man? Picking on a woman like that?" Neither of them seemed eager to respond. Shawn quickly switched gears and asked Ayla with concern, "Are you okay?" He pointed at his chest, meaning her emotions.
In Shawn's mind, if Winnie had been the one kidnapped, she'd be crying in his arms by now, scared out of her mind.
Ayla might be different, but she was still a woman. And when men like Troy or Draven lost control, even grown men would feel fear. There was no way Ayla was completely fine.
He urged again, "Draven, calm her down. Why do you look so stiff? You're gonna scare her..."
"I'm fine, Mr. Shawn," Ayla said calmly. She didn't look shaken at all. Her emotions were steady. Comforting her almost felt unnecessary. Shawn raised a brow in surprise.
Ayla is really cool.
"Is Noah okay?" Ayla asked.
Shawn's eyelid twitched. "... He's fine. He was sent to the hospital."
"Let's go see him."

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Divorce me I'm done serving you (Ayla)
Why is half of each of these chapters missing? The story sort of trails off in the middle of the chapter. That’s unfortunate....