Chapter 2 Shopping Spree Gone Wrong

• I suddenly woke up from the sunlight beaming through a window hurting my sleeping eyes. Wait, do I even have a window in my bedroom? I jolted up on the sudden realization. I'm not in my house! Where is this? I sat right up and the ache immediately swallowed my head like a boulder hitting and cracking it open.
• I looked around the luxurious room. The walls are painted in dark ocean blue almost Navy. The ceiling was high with its beaded small glass chandelier dangling high above. The large window was wide open with its beige curtains placed on the side letting in the morning light. There was a nightstand beside the bed made probably with the most expensive oak tree and a glass of water on top of it.
• A television was placed right infront of the queen-sized bed where i'm currently laying on my underwear. There was a massive sofa—wait what? I checked under the covers again and saw that I was indeed almost naked. I looked around the room and saw my clothes neatly folded on the black chair situated on the other side of the room. I was beyond shocked. I tried remembering what happened but was confronted by another wave of headache.
• I stood from the strange bed and grabbed the white covers trying to hide as much skin as possible even though no one is here to see anything at all. I walked from the bed to the table but my feet got caught up in the sheets. I was too dizzy to crouch down so I jumped my way to the coffee table.
• Sweat dripped down my forehead as I tried my best jumping as far as possible. Just then, the bed slipped causing me to fall down the floor. Hard.
• When was simply getting your own clothes been this difficult?
• "Ugh, my face..." I continuosly grunted while caressing my probably going-to-bruise left cheek. As I was standing back up, I then heard steps running on the hall just outside the door. The noise got louder and closer so I assumed they were going this way. I gripped the sheets and covered my body as much as possible. I considered going to my clothes before someone comes in but within a second, the door flew open and a guy came in. A handsome guy.
• I was about to drool over the strange guy when I remembered that he's the mean man from the cake shop. That experience of shamelessly eyeing him from head to toe was simply embarassing that I contained myself from doing it again, though it is really hard to resist since a divine creature was in front of me, looking worried and still hot as hell. He's wearing some white buttoned long sleeve polo that fitted his his size way too perfectly I can see his muscles and broad shoulders. His hair is messed up but dang, that made him look ten times more hotter that when I met him at the shop.
• I, then snapped out of my thoughts and realized the situation. I tried reminiscing what happened last night and came up some broken pieces. From catching John and Emily fucking themselves and sucking each other's faces. Accelarating through the bar. Meeting a guy. And drank tons of alcohol. I got no more memories than that, as a wave of headache flew over me and I gripped my forehead, almost stumbling down when a hand steadied me.
• I looked up and saw that Velvet-man was standing extremely close to me. Me who's currently naked. I immediately jumped out off his intoxicating grasp, as if I got electrocuted, and due to my feet still being caught up in the sheets, I fell on my butt.
• Ugh, now I have a bruised face AND a bruised butt.
• His hands were warm under my skin though, i'm not gonna lie. I looked up and saw him sigh. He looked stressed and worried at the same time as he held the bridge of his nose between his eyes with his two fingers.
• "What happened to you, Velvet girl? I heard a loud thump coming from this room." He casually asked while I panicked. I stood up from my feet and pointed angrily at him. "You! What did you do, huh? Did you touch me? Did something happened to us? Why am I in your house? No, is this even a house? This massive, expensive-looking building. Why am I here?! Why am I naked!" I shouted frustrated with unanswered questions.
• He looked at me and chuckled. My brows rose at his response. How the hell can he laugh in this situation! Although I doubt that something had happened between us last night. He looks hot as hell, and something down there would've rocked my vagina downright fucked. Besides, I don't even know if i'm his type of girl. He probably had some supermodels begging at his feet, so that crosses out the thought of sex ever happening between us.
• "I was attending to your drunk self when you suddenly took off your clothes trying saying the room was hot despite the air conditioner being maxed up, so I had no choice but to leave you for the night." He reasoned out, shrugging.
• But still, I have to gather some assurance. I stared at him and he responded my stare with his lustful gaze. I don't even know if he's doing that on purpose. It seems like he's unconscious about his effect on me. "Who are you? Did something really happened between us? Please tell me. You didn't kidnap me...right?" I added, fairly afraid of my thoughts getting confirmed.
• "Oh yeah, said someone who kissed and bit me, plus, forced to see my house." He enumerated, smirking. "W-what? I don't believe you. W-why am I naked then?" I asked, stuttering at what he said. "Okay, I'll explain everything. But, wouldn't you want to listen to your story while you're dressed up. Plus, we don't want those delicate cheek of yours to bruise, don't we shortcake?" He added.
• I contemplated his idea and nodded. He then went outside to give me some time to wear my clothes and I was careful not to trip again. I noticed that it was already cleaned which I'm extremely grateful for since it would've smelled like sweat, and Tequila. After finishing, a knock jolted on the door. "Ya done?" He uttered. I let him in and he brought some ice packs. "I'll tell you everything if you let me do the work." He said when I started insisting that I'll do it.
• He made me sit at the side of the bed while he sat closer to me with the icepack in hand. He gently brought it to my bruised cheek as he focused on it delicately. I took advantage of the moment look at his face. His eyes really looked more beautiful up close. His face was divinely sculpted. Describing him with all the adjectives in the world wouldn't possibly be enough.
• "So, um...what happened last night?" I said, looking down at my hands as he gave me his attention. I racked my brain to dig the broken pieces I reckon. "I remembered going to the bar, after...after—I..I saw them..." I felt my throat constricting me as lump blocked my voice from continuing and sad liquid formed at my eyes again that made me close my it. Damn tears.
• I was about to cry again when he caressed my other unbruised cheek and made me look at him. "I said I'll do the work, okay? You don't need to tell me anything, Shortcake." He then gave me a smile which I know if I saw for the first time, would sweep me off my feet.
• "I know you already remember how you went to the bar in a mess. I've been observing you from the top on the second-floor and you look drunk. I don't think you had any other people with you to help you go home." He started, taking a break from putting the ice pack on my face as if worried that I might get too cold because of it.
• "You were too drunk and said that you want to see my house since, you can't go back to your own due to personal reasons." He added after a few moment of silence. The comfortable quietness echoed through the massive room. I really did that? I'm never going to drink again!
• "And then. For some unidentifiable principle you have, you decided that if I won't bring you to your house, you'll pay me something to let you stay here—in my own home." He said, his brows furrowed as if really confused by the move I made.
• "However, you're currently penniless, and you decided to simply kiss and bite me seductively as a payment. And puked throughout my whole car." He said lastly, rather nonchalant.
• The shock made me stand up from the bed. My mouth agape. I did all that?  I was at a loss for words. I felt guilty so I looked at him and made used my puppy eyes that everyone fall into. Maybe if I really pay him with money, and clean his car, he'll let me off the hook this time.
• "I-I'll just pay you and have your car washed. I apologize for what happened." I said, genuinely sorry for what I did. But I doubt he'll ever need my money. Besides the fact that I'm not that rich, he looks like he's got more than what I can give in his hands. For all I know, maybe he doesn't need anymore cents from a broke person like me.
• "Well, I do have something a lot better of an option than that." He said as he also stood up and walked over to the single sofa and sat over as he leaned over and cross his legs, clasping his hands together whilst nonchalantly smirking. I have a bad feeling about this offer, but I have to be aware of what it is first. I waited for him to continue.
• "Well, you can stay here until this bitemark heals." He added and with his index finger, he pulled his collar aside to let me see the bitemark.
• It is still extremely visible. The two red lines indicating my upper and lower teeth are turning purple and it looks like it will take some time to heal! What the hell?! Did I somehow turn into some lustful vampire after being too intoxicated with his kissable lips? My head throbbed and the memory of that certain moment flashed into my mind.
• I can't believe it! I really did kissed him. I unconsciously touched my lips and looked at his eyes with a questioning gaze and he seemed to guess what I was trying to ask. He then raised his brows at me. "What? I didn't stop you since you seem to be enjoying the kiss." I doubt he'll stop me because of that, I'd rather think that he simply enjoyed the kiss. Or we both did.
• "What do you think about my offer? I mean, you COULD pay the damages you've done. That includes paying for the shirt I just bought for a hundred and fifty thousand dollars which you just puked on." He shrugged as my mind was jammed with what he just said.
• What!? That price for a mere long sleeve shirt?! That could've paid my rent for a whole freaking year!
• "I-I..." I stuttered for a response and a maid in uniform came from the door as she picked up the icepack and the basin on the nightstand where he left it.
• "Oh, and also, you need to compensate for my car cleaning. I can't trust it to anyone at all. It's rather expensive as you call it last night. The car wash would probably cost a bit much. Would you like to know the price, Shortcake?" He added, entertained how what he's saying affects me that much.
• It's all too much. Even if I work for 5 years. It's impossible to attain the amount he's trying to say. When did car wash been that expensive anyway? Who is he to begin with.
• "Who are you anyway?" I asked, suspicious at his dollars. We're not sure if he's working under a drug lord or whatever. I don't want to put myself in danger. He stood up in relief and looked at me, smirking.
• He walked towards me and said the name I've never expected I'll meet this way.
• "Mason Lander Gallahan." He uttered, lending his hand for a shake. He's still smirking and smoking hot as my mind was blown, I stumbled backwards due to the shock. He frowned and grabbed my waist, pulling me towards his chest as we looked at each other.
• My assignment. My human task is infront of me, gripping my waist. I can feel his large and warm hand as he stared at me. Those chocolate orbs piercing through me, rather seductively as I take it. "I-I..." I stuttered again for Pete's sake! I cleared my throat and gathered some mental strength to push him away despite my resisting body, I, then put some distance between us.
• "Veronica. Veronica Meline Salvande. I have a name so you can stop calling me Shortcake or Velvet girl." I sternly said, avoiding his eyes. He lowered his body down to my level to meet my eyes as he teasingly said, "So, what do you think about the offer. You're only going to stay here, until this," with his index finger, he pulled his collar to let me see the red bitemark.
• "the sexy damage you've done in my body would be gone. I'd rather keep it though, it would be nice to have you marking me." He added, smirking. My eyes widened at what he said. Blood started creeping up my face and ears like a kettle that's going to burst. He's too close, i'm too pressured up with a lot of thoughts, and him, being this close is surely not helping at all.
• "Okay, okay! I'll stay here. I'll do it!" I loudly said, sexually frustrated by how close we were and he's smoking hot. Plus, he's Mason Lander Gallahan, my assignment. I'm sure I can benefit from this.
• He backed down and took a step back, looking cunning as ever. "Perfect. Prepare." He said walking away. But then stopped and tilted his head, "We're going to the mall, Shortcake." He added, emphasizing the nickname, just as I oppositely said. Hot Jerk. I mean, Jerk!
• He pulled out his phone and dialed someone. Putting his hand in his pocket while talking. A maid in uniform then entered the room, bringing something that looks like a dress. She then placed it on the bed and I examined it.
• It was about my size, but I think it's made for tall girls for short girls to wear. I looked at Mason. I didn't mean to eavesdrop but he's in the same room as me, so I can't help but to hear him. And boy was he vulgar. His face contorted as the receiving end said something quite irritating.
• "—Yes, you fucker. Prepare the mall—yes ofcourse I'll bring her. I ain't going to that place alone—fuck you." He then placed his phone back on his pocket and turned to me like a puppy. He smiled and walked towards me.
• "Don't you like the dress? I can bring you something else if you want." He suggested. I shook my head, and said, "Why are we even going shopping?" I asked, placing my hands on either side of my hips, raising my brow at him.
• "To buy you some new clothes, ofcourse. I'm not hostile to my guest without treating them right." He said in a ‘duh’ tone, shrugging as if it's a fact that I should've known.
• "I have my own clothes in my own house." I replied. I don't even know why i'm resisting. I can't possibly go back there, a place I've spent my entire 4 years with a person who was simply going to be a liar, and be like "hi, asshole, i taking the clothes you gave." He looked at me in the eyes after I said those, his gaze again, piercing through me.
• "Well, I figured you're not going to wear something your dear Jonathan has bought for you. So i'm taking you out." He nonchalantly added.
• "What? How do you even know his name?" I asked, stunned that he knows my ex's name. I looked at him, already knowing what he did. With the wealth I witnessed, he's capable of doing this.
• "Did you do a fucking background check on me?" I asked. Quite infuriated about him invading my privacy. He looked apologetic and replied, "A little? Just the basic ones. I'm sorry." He said, looking like a puppy at me.
• Wait. Does he know? Does he know i'm here as a journalist? What about the secret task I was supposed to do? Does he know it?
• I stared at him frantic. "How much do you know?"
• He shrugged. "Just that you're a journalist, had a bestfriend and a boyfriend cheating on you, and your parents are living in UK, England. That's it. It's not like there's a huge secret you have which invloves me in any matter." He replied.
• I was mentally relieved but still composed my expression to avoid any suspicions from him. "O-ofcourse." I said, and looked at the dress to divert the subject.
• "Who's dress is this?" He probably wouldn't buy something and not measure my size, so it probably belongs to someone else.
• "It's from my friend. Just stick with that for now since she leaves her things in this house. We'll buy you something when we get to the mall." He said. So, he has a ‘friend’, huh. Is it someone he usually have sexual endeavours with? Someone hot? Those tall, blonde, queen-bees in highschool?
• Something tugged inside my chest at the thought. Of course he has ‘those’ kinds of women. I turned towards the dress and made him leave. After dressing up and examining myself in the mirror. I mustered some courage and headed towards the door. As I was walking out, a maid was idling by, probably waiting for my presence.
• "Please head this way, Miss." She said, lowering her head. She's too well-trained and polite for the likes of me. As I was following the maid, I took my time looking around the house. I noticed that she's even slowing her steps to give me some moment, but I took few observation and carried on to avoid being discourteous.
• After some time of heading towards other hallways, making a turn every now and then, we made it in a huge staircase, situated in what seems like the center of some empty first floor with a massive chandelier above. The maid bowed at me and moved on. I turned my gaze towards the man waiting in the sofa while talking to someone in the phone. He immediately said something to the other line and dropped it as he turned to me.
• I descended down the staircase and my heels clicked on it. I made my way to him as he stared at me all this time. He was still gawking at me even though i'm already infront of him. I smiled and said, "What?" confused by his actions.
• "Do I look funny to you?" I added, teasing him more when I saw blush creeping on his ears. He avoided my eyes and turned his head to the side as he cleared his throat, "You look...okay." He said.
• "Let's go." As he made his way towards the grand door. The maids greeted him on his way out, bowing their heads. He opened the passenger door and nudged his head, telling me to enter as he made his way on the other side.
• A man in uniform was outside, I think he's a driver but then Mason probably wanted to be alone. After an hour of complete silence on the way, we made it to a huge mall. Looking like only the likes of him could afford. As we entered, women carrying their shopping bags looked at our way, trying to gawk at the handsome man infront of me. I mean, I can't blame them, even I was star-strucked at his beauty.
• "That man is gorgeous! I wonder if he's single...who's that girl behind him? Is she his maid?" A girl walking past us said. I was infuriated but didn't say anything further. Just then, Mason stopped and I bumped on his back. He came to my side and placed his hand at the small of back urging me to walk again. Although I'm about to burst by how close we are, I composed myself and walked by his side.
• I looked up and saw his expression. He doesn't seem to mind that he's treating me more than how an expensive man should treat his mere guest.
• After a few moments of walking, we entered a grand fashion branch filled with all tons of hundred dollar dresses and apparels. The sales lady bowed at him. "I'll leave you here for a few moments. Choose everything you like and give to her," as he pointed at the other lady in uniform carrying a gold-colored basket. Even baskets are expensive now.
• "Really? I get to choose anything?!" I asked, excitedly. I love dresses and fashion. "I thought you'd be more humble about that." He said, confused. "Well duh, i'm not one of those ‘you don't have to’ kind of girls. Besides, even if I ask you to buy the whole store for me, I doubt you'll be spending that'll worth more than just a penny to you." I said as a matter of factly.
• "Makes sense." He added smirking at the logic I gave him, and turned back talking to the formal sales lady. The woman was professional enough not to let the handsomeness take away her business, plus she's a graceful elderly, just as I like it to be.
• Wow, I sound like a jealous girlfriend.
• I walked towards various ailes to see the dresses when someone storming in the store caught my attention. It's a man. A rather familiar man.
• "Jonathan." I said as I gritted my teeth. He looked angry. I don't know why he is though. He's the one who cheated on me first, he should be begging at my feet.
• "Huh. So you're into another man now. A richer one." He said chuckling sarcastically. I crossed my arms at him. The sales lady carrying the basket behind me was probably confused. I looked at Mason's direction and he's still talking with the sales lady, they're probably discussing some serious matter. He had his back on us.
• "I knew it from the start. You've been hooting on my money since I had a much better work than you before, and now that we're over. You're sucking into another man's money again. I knew Emily would've been better than you. What a gold digging bitch!" He said and slapped me. My head turned to the side.
• What did he just say?