12. Jessica #2
I took a deep breath and threw my shoulders back. “I don’t know what you had in your coffee this morning, but you need to get your nervous system checked. It doesn’t look like enough air is getting to your brain.”
“So you wanna fight. Let’s have it. How long are you going to hold a grudge? Before you answer, understand that it’s not going to make a difference in what happens between us.”
“Do you know kidnapping is illegal?”
“That’s why I got your father’s permission to keep you. I wouldn’t put it past you to call the cops.” How did he know?
“I don’t need cops, I can deal with you on my own.”
“Give it your best shot. You still haven’t told me why you lost so much weight in such a short space of time.”
“It’s none of your busi…Well, as you know, I just went through a breakup. He was the love of my life. How can I go on without him? I have to do everything I can to win him back, so I’ve been busy trying.” I batted my lashes at him and kept a straight face.
“You what?” What’s with him and choking me? “Say that again!”
“You heard me.” Why did he look like I’d shot him? “Hey!” This bastard lifted me off my feet by that hand around my throat. “You…”
He swallowed whatever I was going to say, and that hand tightened as I found myself pressed against the wall. This kiss was a lot rougher than the last one. I guess he’s big mad. Two can play this game. I bit him. He cursed, grabbed my hair in his fist, and deepened the kiss.
Is he trying to inhale me or something? Is this what a kiss is really supposed to feel like?
He never eased up on his grip on my hair as if holding me in place lest I try to escape.
I could feel the muscles in his chest as he pressed me against the wall and the strength in his thighs that rubbed against mine.
My heart was trying to fly out of my chest, and I could feel myself weakening, almost like giving in. That thought scared the hell out of me. There’s no way I’m giving him the chance to scar me again. It took forever to get over him the last time, and the pain still lingers all these years later.
But it felt so good, I wanted to just let go and enjoy just for a little bit. I knew it would be like this, knew that he’d be the only one to take me out of my place of comfort. He’s like a damn stormtrooper, just breaking down walls. My heart has never felt this full and happy.
Stop, stop, stop, pull back, Jess. I thought he would persist when I struggled against his hold, but instead, he stopped and rested his forehead against mine. For some reason, when our eyes met, our bodies still pressed together, I felt tears gather in mine.
He drew in his breath when the first tear fell and wiped it with his thumb. “Don’t cry!”
“I’m not crying. Who’s crying?” He wiped the next tear and the next, and before I knew it, I was pounding my fists in his chest. Maybe there’s something in this house because I’m almost certain I was losing my mind.
It took me a while to realize that he didn’t even try to stop me, just stood there and let me wail away at him.
I bit my lip hard so as not to spill what was on my mind.
I was beating the hell out of him because when you think about it, this was all his fault.
If he hadn’t rejected me, how would I have ended up with that jackass?
“This is all your fault.”
“I’m sure it is.” Is he patronizing me?
“Are you sure you want me to sleep here? Have you mastered the art of sleeping with one eye open? If not…” I made a slashing motion across my throat and batted my lashes at him again.
“You can give it your best shot. I’m not scared. Now, go take a shower and get into bed. You look exhausted.” You exhaust me, you pain in the ass.
“Are you cursing me in your mind? Just remember, you're cursing your future husband and the father of your children.”
I opened and closed my mouth a few times, but couldn’t find the words. Instead, I stomped off to the bathroom to take a shower and escape this lunatic. Husband? Father of my children? Are all men just sadists?
I took my time in the shower, but what I was really doing was formulating my next form of attack. Crap, I didn’t bring anything to wear to bed, and putting back on the clothes I just took off sounded gross.
I walked out in the towel, pretending a confidence I didn’t really feel. This is the only man to reject me after all. And even though I was long over it and knew my worth, there was still a little bit of doubt and caution in me.
I walked by him to the suitcase that he had placed next to the bed and found a pair of pajamas, some shirts and shorts, my laptop, and toiletries. I think my family is trying to pawn me off. What the hell did they pack so much stuff? I was only staying here one night and not even that.
With my insomnia, he was sure to fall asleep long before me, and I’d use the opportunity to sneak out and go back home.
I should hotwire his car just for the hell of it to take me home.
The thought of my future escape filled me with relief, and I was creamed, moisturized, and sitting up in his bed with my laptop when he came out of the shower.
“I’ll take the bed, you can take the floor or that couch in your sitting room.” Or you can sleep on the roof for all I care.
“I’ll do neither. Don’t worry, I won’t touch you. But I’m sleeping next to you to make sure you get some sleep. I didn’t notice it before because you’re so pretty, but you have circles under your eyes.” How can he threaten and compliment me in the same breath? Bastardo!