Beautiful Mistake (Mistake #1) Read online

  Beautiful Mistake

  Laiza Millan

  Many thanks to the readers of Wattpad.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1 – page 1

  Chapter 2 – page 10

  Chapter 3 – page 21

  Chapter 4 – page 29

  Chapter 5 – page 38

  Chapter 6 – page 50

  Chapter 7 – page 63

  Chapter 8 – page 77

  Chapter 9 – page 88

  Chapter 10 – page 103

  Chapter 11 – page 115

  Chapter 12 – page 132

  Chapter 13 – page 146

  Chapter 14 – page 162

  Chapter 15 – page 182

  Chapter 16 – page 202

  Chapter 17 – page 218

  Chapter 18 – page 234

  Chapter 19 – page 257

  Chapter 20 – page 272

  Chapter 21 – page 286

  Chapter 22 – page 305

  Chapter 23 – page 318

  Chapter 24 – page 334

  Chapter 25 – page 346

  Chapter 26 – page 361

  Chapter 27 – page 378

  Chapter 28 – page 392

  Chapter 29 – page 409

  Chapter 30 – page 421

  Chapter 31 – page 437

  Chapter 1

  Emma Collins stared at her two best friends with amusement. "What on earth are you two doing?"

  Jason's head shot up to look at her as he grinned sheepishly, "Nothing."

  Tom, who was in the middle of looking at a folder, had the grace to look guilty as he tried to stuff the confidential folders back to their rightful place. "Hey, Emma. You're here early!"

  She raised an eyebrow as she strode towards them, grabbing the folders away from Tom's hands. "Alright, what are you both up to?"

  Jason sighed in defeat, "Tom decided to be nosy and dig through the section of your filing-"

  "Hey, you were curious too!" Tom interrupted with a snap.

  Jason ignored him and continued, "We were about to put everything back when we caught Rogers's name-"

  "In the Release section," Tom added. "Which I'm quite sure was a mistake, right Emma? I mean-"

  "Why would you put Drake Rogers's file in the release section," Jason interrupted. "I thought that is only for those who are granted an early release from jail?" Before Tom could interrupt again, Emma rolled her eyes and held her hand up. Finally Jason and Tom stayed quiet, waiting for her explanation.

  "Yes, Jason, you are correct," she sighed, walking over to her desk to sit down in her chair.

  "I had the staff monitor Rogers's behavior while he was held there. According to their reports, he was surprisingly behaving in a well-mannered fashion. Only once had he gotten into a physical fight - but the guards said he wasn't the one who started it." Jason and Tom exchanged doubtful looks.

  "But it's Drake Rogers," Tom said slowly.

  "Thank you for informing me of that, Thomas," Emma muttered, feeling annoyed.

  "He's a criminal," Jason said, confused.

  "Correction," Emma said, shooting them a look. "He was an unwilling gang member. C'mon, Jason, even you said he wouldn't dare hold a gun a few years ago. A real proud gang member would do it in a heartbeat."

  Jason looked like there was an internal battle raging inside his head, before letting out a deep sigh, "So he's allowed to roam everywhere on Earth anytime he wants now?"

  "Not exactly," Emma said. "He has to be wearing this ankle bracelet all the time, it monitors him."

  "Ever since you worked at this office for that lawyer, you've become weird." Tom shook his head, "I still think Rogers deserves to stay in prison with his so called friends!"

  Jason and Emma secretly agreed, but neither had any choice but to follow the judge's orders.

  .

  .

  Well, well, well...

  Why wasn't he at all surprised to see that uptight little loser inside Barnes and Nobles with her nose stuck inside a book?

  Drake Rogers chuckled quietly and shook his head. Sometimes Emma Collins could be so predictable. He randomly grabbed a book from the shelf, pretending to flip through the pages, as his gaze remained on her.

  Hmm... She changed. Her once ugly excuse of a hair was now blonde with slight curls. It looks like she lost some weight as well, remembering how she would always complain about being fat and him laughing about it. Huh, guess he can't anymore.

  "What's that you got there?" He asked in an interested tone.

  Emma gasped and whipped around to face him. When she saw who interrupted her reading, her eyes widened in surprise and she gasped. "Rogers?"

  What the hell is he doing here? The last time she saw him was during trial when she was still an intern! But whoa... He looks different.

  He looks more intimidating up close with his height and size. Looks like he found time to work out, she thought inwardly to herself. Her eyes drifted to his hair, noticing his black hair was freshly cut and styled all messily. His eyes remained the same, though - blue and cold.

  "What are you staring at?"

  Emma looked away blushing, not realizing she was staring. "Pardon?"

  Drake smirked, "Hello, Collins."

  Emma blinked before slowly saying, "Hello."

  What was Drake Rogers doing here, anyway? She couldn't help but feel suspicious.

  Drake nodded towards the book in her hand. "What's that you're reading? You seem like you're very into it."

  Still feeling awkward, she replied, "Obviously, or else I wouldn't even be reading it."

  He raised an eyebrow. Emma rolled her eyes and sighed, looking down at the book.

  "It's this really interesting fiction book Jenna recommended for me. She told me I should start reading books that could help my imagination." She frowned and muttered, "Though I really don't see how romance books help."

  "Interesting." Drake said, picking out a random book and pretending to flip through the pages with interest. "Instead of reading it here between the shelves, why not just purchase the book?"

  Emma bit her lip, "It's too pricey for my taste. Now will you please leave me alone?" She gently placed the book back to its rightful place before continuing to walk around the bookshop. She turned her head in time to see Drake grabbing the book she was reading and scoffed.

  At least he wasn't following her.

  Emma turned back around and paused when another product caught her eye. Hmm, it wouldn't be bad to buy a new pen, would it? She bit her bottom lip and shrugged, grabbing the new set of pens to purchase.

  A few minutes later, she heard a drawling voice.

  "If you can't afford the book, then how did your friend, Jenna, get her hands on it?''

  Emma turned around and saw a smug-looking Drake by her side.

  Bloody hell, did he actually follow her?

  "I didn't say I can't afford it, I'm just saving my money." She flashed him a dirty look before snapping, "As for Jenna, someone leant it to her, Rogers. Now, if you excuse me, I really would appreciate it if you would leave me alone."

  "Just trying to make a conversation here," Drake said in a defensive tone, as he shoved his hands into his robe pockets, while he continued to follow her. "No need to throw a fit."

  Emma turned around and gawked at him. "I did not throw a fit!"

  He smirked and looked at her knowingly. "You are now."

  She continued to glare at him and groaned. "Could you just leave? I know I was one of the few people who helped set you free from that horrible place and all, but please. Just because no one wants to hang around with a bloody former gang member like yourself, doesn't mean I want to, Rogers. Just go away and leave me alone for
once."

  Something flashed on Drake's face, but quickly disappeared before Emma could decipher what it was.

  He looked down on the floor, a tiny frown on his face. He pulled one of his hands from his pocket, which appeared to be holding a plastic bag. He finally looked up; his eyes back to their cold glare.

  "Great to see you too, Collins," Drake said, handing the plastic bag to her.

  Emma stared at the bag in front of her before slowly accepting it.

  Drake shook his head in disgust and abruptly left, leaving her alone in the shop. Once she was sure he was gone, she took a peek inside the bag and gasped.

  Drake had brought her the book she wanted.

  Emma stared at the book and felt a heavy sensation in the pit of her stomach.

  Guilt?

  She tsked and groaned inwardly. Why? Why did he buy it for her?

  She couldn't help snapping at him, it was like a reflex. It was just strange for her that he would be trying to act all civilized just because he was released. Emma closed her eyes and sighed.

  Of course.

  Maybe spending time in prison did change him. She was just too rude to realize he was trying to become a better man.

  With determination, she opened her eyes and felt her feet rushing out the door to follow him.

  .

  .

  "Rogers! Hey, Rogers!"

  Drake was about to drive back to his home when he heard a breathless voice behind him. Turning around, he saw Emma running towards him.

  "Wait, will you?" She called out, slowing down as she neared him.

  Drake raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything.

  After she slowed down her heartbeat, Emma looked up at him and said, "Thanks... For the book, I mean."

  Drake gave her a curt nod and turned back around to leave again.

  Emma gawked at him and grabbed his arm before he disappeared, "Rogers!"

  Drake whipped around, pulled his arm out of her grasp and glared down at her. "What do you want, Collins?"

  As much as it pained her, she had to swallow her pride and say, "I'm really sorry about what happened back there. You just sort of caught me off guard."

  Drake continued to glare at her, his lips in a thin, angry line.

  Emma stared down their feet and muttered, "Why?"

  "What?" Drake snapped. "Can't hear you."

  "Why did you buy that book for me?" She could hear Drake's deep sigh and looked up. He was giving her an annoyed look.

  "You wanted it," Drake said, shrugging. "I thought I should be doing something nice for you since you did, after all, sort of save me from future years in jail."

  Emma smiled kindly, "You didn't have to do that."

  He shrugged, shoving his hands back in his pockets again. They both just stood there feeling the awkwardness creeping around them. Emma cleared her throat to break the silence and said, "Where were you, uh, heading?"

  Drake stared at her, making her increasingly uncomfortable.

  "I mean," Emma continued, "If you want to go back to the bookstore again and start all over-"

  Drake suddenly laughed. "Really, are you trying to ask me out on a date?"

  Emma stared at him in disbelief.

  Was he serious?

  She felt her face growing hot from anger and shot back, "No! I was trying to be civil to you, you arrogant idiot!"

  Drake rolled his eyes in amusement. "I don't feel like going back to a place that smells like old pages. Though I am a bit hungry."

  Once she cooled down, Emma scowled, "So?"

  Drake laughed again. "Want to join me?"

  At the look on Emma's face, Drake smirked.

  "It's not a date, you stupid idiot," He assured her. "You can buy your own meal and I can buy my own."

  It took her a few minutes of thinking before sighing, "Fine."

  What harm could a dinner between two people do?

  .

  .

  "Here?" Emma asked, giving the barman a strained smile.

  Drake smirked, "Being in prison, you don't get the same luxurious meals as this fine restaurant, Collins. I could use a shot of whiskey, right now."

  Emma hesitantly took a seat facing him, "Right."

  Finally, after a few minutes of waiting, their drinks arrived. Emma watched with disgust as Drake mixed his beer and whiskey together. He gulped some of it down noisily and messily, not caring that the liquid was pouring down his chin.

  Rolling her eyes, she took small sips of her lemonade flavored poison and sighed when the delicious elixir ran through her taste buds. Mmm, it had been months since she'd had a comfort drink like this.

  "So tell me, Collins," Drake said, slamming the almost empty cup on the table. "How are you and that pretty boy doing?"

  Emma took a napkin and dabbed the liquid from her upper lip. "His name is Tom, and he's fine."

  Drake raised an eyebrow and said incredulously, "You mean you two are still at it?"

  Her face had scrunched up in confusion. "What? No! Tom and I did try having a relationship, but it didn't work out. Being best friends was more comfortable for the both of us."

  Drake shrugged and continued to greedily sip on the drink, relishing the burning sensation going down his throat. "Interesting."

  It took them nearly two hours to settle comfortably around each other. To Emma's surprise, Drake was funny, yet quite a gentleman. She couldn't help but think that maybe he did change.

  When they finally settled down from their laughter, without thinking, Emma reached forward and took one of Drake's hands in hers.

  She didn't realize Drake had stilled at her touch.

  "You've changed," she simply said, smiling at him.

  The alcohol the barman added in her repeated drinks must have clogged her brain cells, because she couldn’t help the smile plastering on her face.

  Drake stared at their linked hands and back at her face. "Have I?"

  "Yes. You're still that same guy from school," Emma giggled, "But a bit more mature now - I think."

  Yeah, the alcohol clouding up her judgement.

  Drake smirked, putting his cup down. "It's probably because I'm with the greatest lawyer to help me."

  Emma rolled her eyes, but didn't bother correcting him.

  With their hands still held together, he stood up, bringing Emma with him.

  "What are you doing?" she asked.

  "Come with me?" Drake asked, staring at her.

  Emma bit her lip.

  "Please," Drake pleaded, his eyes boring into hers.

  Her mind was far too clouded with the alcohol Drake had shared with her.

  She felt light.

  Free.

  Not a care in the world.

  With a wide smile, she nodded. "Okay."

  But it all happened so fast... After a few minutes’ drive to his house, the next thing she knew, she found herself in Drake's room, his lips glued to hers.

  His lips tasted like a mixture of whiskey and some other alcoholic beverage Emma's mind couldn't place. She didn't care at the moment. She just loved the way his lips were working with hers. It was bringing foreign sensations to her body.

  One part of her mind told her to stop what they were doing, but the other part wanted more.

  When he finally pulled away, she realized she was laid on top of his bed with his weight on top of hers.

  Oh man, it felt heavenly.

  "Do you want this?" Drake asked, breathlessly.

  Again, the warning bells in her mind sounded muffled.

  But fuck this, the sensation in her body was feeling too good to deny.

  She leaned forward to kiss his lips, "Yes."

  Both of their minds were far too buzzed to realize how quickly this was escalating. With Drake's help, she was introduced to a whole new level of pleasure.

  .

  .

  Emma felt as if a massive rock had been pounding around her head.

  Fuck...

  What happened last night?
Why couldn't she remember a thing except for bits and pieces? Things she remembered included her and Drake laughing out loud, them talking civilly, and his lips on-

  Emma's eyes flew open.

  No.

  Ignoring the pains, she lifted her head up to see Drake's naked body inches away from hers. She let out a gasp and groaned.

  How could she have been so stupid last night?

  She glanced back down at Drake's body and sighed. Though it was hard for her to admit it, Drake did seem like a changed man. He acted as if he was so into her.

  Maybe he was.

  Sighing and smiling, she placed her hand on his cheek and caressed his soft skin with her thumb.

  Drake's eyes fluttered open and landed on hers. His sleepy frown turned into a satisfied smirk. "Good morning, Collins."

  Emma smiled. "Good morning."

  Drake stretched his arms before turning his body to face the ceiling. "You can leave now."

  The smile on Emma's face dropped. "What?"

  Drake turned his face to look at her, his smirk still plastered there. "You were a great shag, Collins, I admit. But I don't need you at the moment. You're dismissed."

  Emma stared at him, her mouth open in disbelief. She could feel her heart beating harder and faster. "What are you talking about?"

  Drake chuckled, looking back at the ceiling. "Come now, Collins. You said you wanted it. Don't deny it now."

  She could feel the humiliation burning through her skin. "Drake-"

  He rolled his eyes, "Fuck, you're acting like a clingy bitch. I hate repeating myself. You're dismissed."

  The sound of her hand slapping his cheek ricocheted off the walls. The pain was stinging, leaving her with no doubt that it was going to leave some sort of mark later on.

  Glaring at her, Drake spat, "Get the hell away from me, bitch. I don't need Alona seeing another one of my one-night-"

  Before he could finish his sentence, Emma pulled her arm and balled her hand into a fist where she swung it with much force, until she felt her knuckles smack into Drake's shocked face. Before he could do anything back, she threw her clothes back on along with the humiliation and shame covering her body.

  After minutes of hung over driving, she rushed back to her flat, where she dropped to the floor without caring that a concerned Jenna was immediately rushing to her side.