Chapter 11 Eleven

• “Take care, okay? Make sure to go home straight away,” I said before we parted ways. They would be taking public transportation, while I headed to the parking lot to get my car. My head was throbbing a bit. I didn’t agree to us having a late lunch, so they ended up being lazy to eat, and I felt a bit guilty. So, when they invited me to grab a snack after work, I didn’t hesitate to join. Most of the people with me were from my department. They ordered some shots, but I just had juice. Drinking alcohol wasn’t my thing.
• The path to the parking lot was somewhat dim, but there were streetlights scattered around. I wasn’t scared, just reminded of a past experience from college.
• I immediately searched for my car keys in my bag as soon as I spotted my car, but before I could fully grab them, two pairs of hands suddenly grabbed me, pulling me violently.
• “What the fuck!” I couldn’t help but scream from the pain.
• “Just come with us, okay?” one of them said.
• I could feel my body trembling, and this didn’t feel right. I reluctantly followed them, barely able to move my arms, which was frustrating.
• “Get off me, you jerks!” I bravely said, feeling a cold palm on my left cheek.
• “Quiet for now, miss, so you won’t get hurt. We won’t harm you, but if you want, just say it, and we’ll grant your wish.”
• Perverts! Damn!
• I was trembling with fear, not wanting a repeat of what happened before. Shit happens.
• “You’ll let her go, or I’ll blow all your heads. Choose,” a voice interrupted them, causing them to stop walking, which made me stop too, as their grip was the only thing keeping me standing.
• I saw a familiar face, and when it became clearer, I saw him staring coldly at the men holding me, with a gun pointed at them. He wasn’t alone; four guys were with him, one of whom was also holding a gun.
• Feeling the coldness of the man’s hand holding me, he suddenly let go without a word, causing me to fall to the ground. When did this wall appear here?
• A warm and broad pair of arms wrapped around me, making me feel secure. I felt his breath on my neck.
• “I sleep for now, my beautiful soon-to-be-wife.”
• I woke up with a headache, so I immediately rubbed my temples, feeling as if my head was splitting. I couldn’t say it was a hangover since I don’t drink alcohol.
• But I stopped what I was doing when I saw the room I woke up in, and I’m damn sure it wasn’t mine.
• This is not my room, although I like it. Using white, black, and shades of gray to create a masculine vibe inside this room was fairly easy. This mesmerizing luxury bedroom volumetric design everywhere, huge windows flood the space with natural light, while the details construct a dreamy scenario for unforgettable nights.
• What the fuck? Unforgettable night? Is my mind messing with me?
• “Glad you’re awake.” My eyes immediately searched for the source of the voice, and I saw him by the door, holding a tray.
• I was about to yell at him, but I closed my mouth when I remembered what happened last night.
• “Thank you for last night,” I managed to say.
• I saw him nod, and he approached, placing the tray he was holding on the side table. It had food on it, and suddenly, I felt hungry.
• “Is that for me? If not, I’ll take it. I’m hungry,” I said without shame, rather than saying I was full, which wasn’t true.
• “It’s for you, I’m done eating,” he replied with a smile.
• I didn’t say anything and just grabbed the food on the tray. He was quiet as he watched me, which made me stop. I felt awkward.
• “Can you please stop staring at me?” I said, wanting to continue eating, but finding it hard with his eyes following my every move.
• “Am I distracting you?” He asked, sitting on the chair across from me.
• I nodded in response. “Yeah.”
• “I’m glad. I still have an effect on you.”
• ------------
• “My heart suddenly raced abnormally. It’s hard to be straightforward sometimes, it can be dangerous. I was about to respond when my phone suddenly rang. It was right beside me, so I quickly answered to see who it was.
• “Hello?” It was noisy on the other line, people were shouting.
• [Wiiiiitccch! Where are you?! Why didn’t you come to work? Oh my gosh! Did you run away? I thought you didn’t have a boyfriend?”]
• I chuckled at what he said, it was Jaycee being Jaycee, such a flirt. It made me forget the nervousness I felt earlier.
• “I’m okay, I’ll tell you when we see each other. Why is it so noisy?”
• [“The girls are excited. There’s a new guy in the other department, they say he’s handsome.”]
• I don’t remember hearing about a new guy. I’ll probably ask about it when I get to the office.
• “Okay, see you later. I might take a half day off.” I replied, just to get away from the situation and prepare to go to work.
• [“Okay, take care, okay? Love you! Mwa!”]
• I smiled at what he said, he’s so cute when he’s worried about me, like a sister.
• “Yeah, yeah, love you too. See you later, sweetheart.” I said, hearing his playful tone on the other line. When I want to tease him, I use endearments.
• I put my phone back in my bag and finished the last bite of the sandwich I was eating.
• “Who was that?” I paused in chewing as he spoke, almost forgetting he was there.
• “Who?” I replied nonchalantly, standing up to get my things from beside the bed. “I’m leaving, going to work, thanks again for saving me last night, I owe you one.”
• But he grabbed my arm, sending a thousand volts through my body. I looked at him, his face in shadow.
• “Who’s that bastard you were talking to earlier? And why can he make you smile and laugh like that?” He asked firmly.
• “Oh! Earlier? That was Jaycee, why? I enjoy talking to him, can you let go of me?” I wasn’t comfortable with our position. It wasn’t intentional that I found myself looking at his lips. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from kissing him. Damn, he’s tempting me. I need to get away from him, it’s not safe.
• “Why did you say that to him?” I furrowed my brows at what he said. What was he talking about? He’s confusing to talk to. “That bastard, you said you love him, you mean it?”
• I nodded. “Yes, I really do love him. What’s wrong with that? He’s my friend.” I replied, raising an eyebrow.
• “A friend? Huh, you must tell me who that fvcker is. I should get rid of him, but I will let him give me a punch.” He said, but it seemed like he was only talking to himself.
• “You won’t do that.” I told him, so he frowned.
• “You really love him, huh? I’d rather kill him right now.” I burst out laughing at his antics, he really is crazy. My nervousness disappeared, and I became comfortable with our conversation.
• “You shouldn’t do that, he’s not used to punching! If you want to defend me, let him slap you instead.” I said while still laughing.
• “What? How will he defend you if he’s not used to punching? That’s ridiculous!” He said annoyed, clenching his fist. I couldn’t help but hit him on the arm. “What the fvck, why did you do that?!”
• “Why, do you have a problem?” I said.
• “Did I say something? I was just asking.” He said like a child.
• “Why are you getting angry? Jaycee isn’t used to punching because he’s gay, that’s natural, but if you want to fight, go ahead.” I saw him stop, but he quickly composed himself and looked at me, a smile playing on his lips, revealing his white and even teeth, handsome.
• “Really? He’s gay?” He asked, nudging my shoulder lightly.
• “Yes, he is. Anyway, I’m leaving. I might be late, and you, aren’t you going to work? You’re new, you’re late.” I turned away and slapped his arm. But he ignored it, just laughing. “I’ll call you later, okay? I’ll tell you about the new employee in the other department. They’re too shy to share!”
• I couldn’t talk to him anymore after what happened at his house. We both went to work, but I got off at the nearby sweet shop. I didn’t want others to see us together. I felt a mix of joy and fear. I was afraid I might start digging a place for him in my heart again, but in the end, he would just cover it with soil. I promised myself that it wouldn’t happen again. But what’s happening to me now? This can’t be, I’ll be the one defeated again.
• “Hello!” I looked up at the figure standing in front of me, and I saw him there, flashing his sweet smile, even though he was wearing glasses, an employee ID, and a simple outfit. He looked more suited to be a model or a CEO than an employee. “Have you taken your lunch? I bought your favorite.” He said, raising the paper bag with the restaurant’s name on it.
• I avoided his gaze and adjusted my glasses, busying myself with work. “I’m not hungry yet, offer it to someone else, maybe they’re hungry.” I tried to keep my voice cool, to show him that I didn’t care, even though deep down, I wanted to take it, I wanted to eat with him.
• “Is that so? Alright, call me when you’re hungry, I’ll heat it up in the pantry.” He said, walking away from me.
• Don’t call him, you don’t care, right? He hurt you, aren’t you mad? What? Stupid! Idiot! “Jaxon!” Damn.
• He stopped and turned to face me, I could see the sadness in his eyes as he looked at me. “Yes?”
• “Heat it up, let’s meet in the lobby, let’s have lunch together.”
• “Really?!” Was it just me, or did I see a twinkle in his eyes? Nah, maybe it was just me. I forced a smile. “You’re right, you still have an effect on me, and it never changed since the first time I felt it.”