Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 17662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 88(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 88(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
Jacques just stares at me this time, but oh, what I see in his eyes---
It's true, I think dazedly. It's actually also true!
And the moment I realize I have all of those things right---
"There's one thing I haven't figured out..."
The air between us suddenly feels it's about to explode with sexual tension.
"What you're doing now..."
And I can't wait, oh I can't wait for it to happen.
"What do you really want to do when you have your hands deep in---oh!"
My words end in a gasp because Jacques suddenly has me backed up against the wall.
"This."
And now he's gripping my hair in his fist.
"I want to do this."
He's already ripped the towel off my body before he's even done speaking, and all I can do is gasp and tremble when I realize I'm suddenly naked in front of him.
"And this is just the start."
The way he stares at me as he growls the words out makes me tremble even harder.
It's so, so obvious that he wants to scare me.
And he does.
This is all new to me, and he's the first and only man I've ever felt attracted to.
So yes, this scares me.
But that's not the only thing he makes me feel, and that's why--
"Afterwards, I'd like to fuck you in every way there is."
When I hear him say such words, I can only think of one thing to say back.
"Then why don't you?"
Because as much as he terrifies me right now, I also believe with all my heart and soul that he can't ever hurt me.
And he proves this to be true when I hear him swear just before abruptly moving back like I'm suddenly poison to him.
"Damn you."
He bends down, and I have a hard time stifling my smile again as he wraps the towel around my body.
"I thought you wanted to f---"
"Shut up."
Oh my, how adorable.
I think he doesn't want to hear me drop the F-bomb.
"Cover yourself before you make yourself sick."
I give him an obedient smile. "Yes, Jacques."
He glares at me. "It's Mr. Carpentier, dammit."
"I'll only call you that when I'm Mrs.---"
"This is not a fucking game, damn you."
My smile fades. "I know it isn't---"
"Then stop acting like something can happen between us," he growls.
His words catch me off guard, and a flash of pain grips my chest.
"The only reason I came here is because Joyce wanted me around while she tells you all the good news."
There are so many things I want to say, but I've completely lost the courage to speak.
"Good day, Ms. Padilla."
Just as it's my first time to lose my heart to a man, it's also my first time to have a man break it, and so all I can do is watch him walk away.
And when the door closes behind Jacques, that's when the tears start to fall.
Jacques
The next time I come back to watch rehearsals, I have Eva by my side as protection.
It's my first time to bring her with me, but I know her face isn't new to anyone.
Eva's a heiress in her own right, and we've known each other from childhood. We have the same set of friends, attended the same boarding school, and after university, we've also occasionally partnered together for charity functions.
When it comes to Eva and me, the media has made much ado about nothing over the years, but the two of us know the real score between us. Like Joyce, Eva is someone I don't have to be on my guard with, and that's why I have no trouble asking her to keep me company.
I know she thinks it's because I've missed spending time with her. And while this makes me guilty, I've let the lie stand rather than have Eva know the truth, which is how I'm using her to convince someone that I'm off the market.
Weeks go by, but having Eva by my side every time I attend rehearsals doesn't seem to be doing any good.
The moment she goes up the stage, and the lights go out---
Damn her.
It's the same thing all over again.
She looks at me like she only has an audience of one.
And every word she sings---
Every gesture---
Every gentle sway of her hips---
It's all for me still.
Damn her. Damn her. Damn her.
I can see in her eyes that she's hurting.
Damn her. Damn her. Damn her.
That every time she sees me glance at Eva---
Every instance that I smile at Eva---
Every moment that I spend talking to Eva---
I can see, dammit.
I can see how all of these things are breaking her heart.
So why, dammit?
Why is she singing for me still?
Over a month has gone by when Eva starts to catch on with what's happening.
"I think she has a crush on you."
And it just so happens that my friend has said the words at the exact time Riri's song comes to an end.
Fuck.
The awkward silence that follows is telling. I want to apologize, but I also know I'll make things worse if I do.