K. Dillon
The winter wind danced around me, making me regret my choice of a thin coat. I had chosen it for its professional look, but now I wished I had opted for something warmer.
Steven was deep in conversation with another company's CEO. He noticed me watching and, judging by my expression, decided to come over.
“I need to discuss something with you—”
“Aaron? Yes, I know. We received the security footage this morning. He's been let go. Are you okay, Haley?”
I shivered, but managed to nod.
Steven scratched his graying beard, then gave me an awkward pat on the shoulder. “Alcohol. It can turn even the most mild-mannered men into monsters.”
“Damn, it’s starting to rain. Whoever thought an outdoor conference in this freezing weather was a good idea needs a reality check.” Steven grumbled to himself as he headed towards the large canopies.
I didn’t bring up the penthouse issue. Steven would likely panic, thinking he’d have to foot the bill.
As for the penthouse situation, after he confessed that he’d arranged for me to be moved up there with him, I had locked myself in my room and somehow managed to fall asleep. By morning, he was gone again, leaving me with a whirlwind of thoughts.
I opened the umbrella provided by the conference organizers and continued to wander, enjoying the crisp air. I must have been out there for hours. When my fingers began to feel numb and my face felt like a block of ice, I hurried into the foyer, shivering uncontrollably.
Damn.
Maybe I had stayed out a bit too long. My teeth chattered as I approached the receptionist. She smiled at me, but her eyes widened when she saw my condition.
“Are you okay, ma’am?”
“Y-yes. C-could you p-please check if there’s another r-room available for me?”
Great. I sound like a lunatic.
“No need, she’s with me.” A smooth voice reached my frostbitten ears.
“Of course, Mr. Stone.” The receptionist blushed and gave me a once-over. She was probably wondering what he was doing with me. Hell, I was wondering what he was doing with me. Revenge, I reminded myself, but I was too cold to even roll my eyes.
Jax took my arm and led me towards a private elevator.
“L-leave me alone.”
“You’re freezing!”
“I don’t n-need your help!”
“Alright, Arnie Grape.” He ushered me into the elevator.
“You’re awful,” I managed to say.
Jax removed my jacket and I stepped back. “You need to take this off, it’s soaked.” He tossed it to the floor.
“Hey!”
“I’ll get you a new one,” he said, taking my hand and leading me towards the penthouse doors. When they opened, I was greeted by the comforting crackle of a fire in the large fireplace.
With a sigh of relief, I collapsed onto the plush rug beside it. “Heaven,” I whispered.
“You need to change out of those wet clothes,” Jax instructed. He disappeared for a moment and returned with my pajamas. I snatched them from him and retreated to my room.
After the most soothing, hot shower, I slipped into my pajamas and let my wet hair hang loose. I felt a million times better than I had ten minutes ago.
When I returned to the lounge, Jax was examining the umbrella.
“This is what you used to shield yourself from the rain?” His smirk stirred something in me.
I ignored him and headed to the kitchen. He followed, of course. He leaned against the doorframe, watching me raid the fridge.
“Thirsty?” He chuckled as I downed some orange juice.
“I can’t stay here, Jax!” I slammed the juice carton on the marble counter. “You shouldn’t have moved me here. What do you want from me?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” He moved closer. His shirt was partially unbuttoned, sleeves rolled up to reveal muscular forearms.
I tried not to let his scent affect me.
Tried.
He stopped just inches from me, towering over me like a perfectly sculpted statue.
Stone. Fitting.
“You’re cute when you blush, Haley.”
“I’m not blushing.”
“Okay.” He smiled, causing a flutter in my stomach.
“Too close.” I tried to push him back, but he was stronger and didn’t budge.
“Come work for me, Haley.”
“No.”
“That jerk doesn’t care about you. You deserve better.”
“That’s my boss you’re talking about. And for your information, he fired Aaron today. So lay off him!”
Jax moved even closer, backing me against the fridge door. My heart pounded with anticipation. “When I want something, Haley, I get it.”
“Good for you.” I tried to push him away, but his arms closed around me, trapping me.
“Why are you so loyal to someone who couldn’t care less?”
“He’s given me no reason not to be. You, on the other hand… I don’t even know you. I… I appreciate that you saved me yesterday, and I thank you for that, but Leon warned me about you.”
“Oh yeah? What did your dear brother have to say?”
“You’re trouble. He said you two hate each other and something about your… sister.”
Jax’s eyes darkened for a moment, but then he laughed it off. “Haley, your brother can tell you whatever he wants. I’ve told you I want you to work for me.
“I’ve got a contract ready. I’ll pay you whatever the hell you want. Get your own lawyer to check it out, I don’t care. All I know is that I want… you.” He bit his lip, and I felt a rush of heat under his intense gaze.
“Leon wouldn’t approve,” I found myself saying in a whisper. Part of me wanted to grab this opportunity. Part of me wanted this so much.
But I couldn’t do that to Leon. I just couldn’t. Could I trust Jax? Of course not. I couldn’t. Why did he have to be so damn irresistible? Why couldn’t I despise him as much as Leon did?
Because he’s a dead ringer for Adonis.
“Leon doesn’t need to know,” Jax murmured.
I shook my head. “Stop, just stop,” I whispered back. My chest was heaving.
This cocky man knew the effect he had on me, and just when I thought I had my reactions to him under control, he raised the stakes.
“Damn.” He chuckled quietly. “You’re so good, Haley.” His dark eyes met mine and I was entranced. “So sweet.” His gaze dropped to my lips and I swallowed hard. “I wonder if your pussy tastes just as sweet.”
I froze.
He watched my reaction and I realized he was serious! I felt like a deer caught in blinding headlights. Something was happening to me, my body was hot and flushed, my mind was a jumble, and my stomach was fluttering wildly.
My thoughts drifted to him down there and realizing how cold I was, how dry and unattractive I was, I snapped out of it. “Stop it, Jax!” I shoved him hard this time and he stepped back.
“Maybe another time.” He winked and let me hurry past him.
“No, not another time. Never!” I jabbed my finger at his chest and this time he backed into the refrigerator door, that cocky grin still on his face.
“You need to stop this Jax, I mean it.” I tucked my damp hair behind my ear and slumped onto the nearest stool. “What the hell is going on? I shouldn’t be anywhere near you. I’m in your damn penthouse!”
“Actually, this is the hotel’s. Mine is even better. I’ll show you sometime.”
“Ugh! No!” I stormed into the living room where the fireplace was still burning and resisted the urge to curl up next to it. Instead, I rushed into my room and started packing my things.
“Haley,” Jax called out and moments later, he was in my room. “Where are you going?”
“Home,” I snapped.
“I’ll take you home in the morning. You hungry?”
“No, Jax, I’m not hungry. I’m confused, I’m tired. I shouldn’t be here and I just. Want. To. Go. Home! Okay?”
“Haley, listen to me.”
“No. Now, out!” I pointed to the door.
“Not until you tell me you’ll consider working for me.”
“My answer is no! How many times do I have to say it?”
Jax stared at me, his dark eyes scanning my body like a wolf in the night about to pounce on its unsuspecting prey.
“Alright. Fine,” he finally said. “At least stay the night. You’re leaving in the morning anyway.”
“You need to leave me alone from now on, I mean it.” I looked up at him, pleading with him.
“I’ll try.” He smiled and I nearly melted.
Why did I feel this way around him? Why?
“Fine. I’ll stay.” I huffed. “I want a pizza with everything on it.” I crossed my arms over my chest.
“Anything you want,” he murmured.
I had to finish packing my clothes before I did something foolish. It was clear he had a stronger effect on me than I’d realized.
***
The next afternoon when I got to my apartment, I sat down on the kitchen stool. I shook my head, grinning like a fool. Jax had upgraded me to first class, and I’d had the most peaceful flight ever. He’d promised he would leave me alone. Well, he hadn’t exactly promised, but he’d said he’d try.
When I opened my suitcase, the first thing I saw was a card with Jax’s name, address, and phone number on it. I played with the card for a while and hovered near the trash can, but in the end, I tossed it in my purse.
I shivered at the thought of Leon finding out I’d spent the weekend in the hotel’s penthouse suite with Jax. He didn’t need to know.
I thought about telling El everything, but I didn’t even know where to start.
After getting into bed that night, I tossed and turned. Jax’s stupid, handsome face kept popping into my mind. He invaded my thoughts like a thief in the night.
“I wonder if your pussy tastes just as sweet.”
My body heated up at the memory of those words, those dirty, beautiful words. I stretched out under the covers, my hand slid along my body and reached my panties. I closed my eyes and imagined Jax touching me. I slipped my hand into my panties and braced myself, because when I touched my soft spot, I was drenched. I heard the wetness against my finger and I gasped. I wasn’t dry, I was open and ready.
Moaning, I squeezed my eyes shut and whispered, “Jax.” Damn, this felt incredible.
Suddenly, my phone rang loudly and I sat up in shock. “Damn!” I yelled as I grabbed my phone, my hand now over my heart. I tried to calm myself down.
What the hell am I doing!?
It was my mom. Was she okay?
“Mom?”
“Haley bear, I’ve been trying to reach you all weekend!”
“Oh, sorry, Mom. The signal out there was terrible.”
“Well, you had me worried sick.”
“I’m okay, Mom. Really. I’m home now.”
“You sound out of breath. Were you working out?”
“Yeah, uh, I was.”
“Alright, well, I wanted to ask you to dinner tomorrow night. Leon is bringing Fiona. Isn’t that lovely?”
“Yeah, that’s great, Mom. I’ll be there.”
“Good. See you then, sweetheart.”
“Bye, Mom.”
I tossed my phone aside and buried my face in the pillow. “You’re such an idiot, Haley,” I muttered, half-laughing, half-angry.
This had to stop.
***
On Wednesday afternoon, while I was making coffee in the office kitchen, I heard the chair behind me scrape against the floor. I ignored it. I grabbed a cookie from the jar, took a bite, and then turned around.
I froze when I saw Aaron sitting at the table, watching me. “What the hell are you doing here?” I blurted out.
“Are you really that surprised?” he smirked. “Steven took me back.”
“He wouldn’t,” I said flatly, my eyes welling up with tears.
“I didn’t do anything wrong, Haley. You came onto me.”
“There’s security footage.”
“Not anymore. Steven paid to have it erased.”
“You’re lying!” If Steven had done this, I would be floored.
“You didn’t press charges, sweetheart, so now there’s nothing you can really do. It’s my word against yours. And that jerk who decided to intervene, whoever the hell that was, better hope he doesn’t cross paths with me again.”
I couldn’t breathe but I forced myself to walk out of the kitchen. When I reached Steven’s office, I barged in without knocking.
“Haley, what’s wrong?”
“How could you?”
“Why don’t we talk about this later?”
“No. Why did you take him back? Why are you covering for him!? You know what he did.”
“Oh, it wasn’t that bad, Haley. He was drunk, it was a mistake. He said he would apologize to you. Let’s not blow this out of proportion.”
“Fire him.” I stood my ground.
“No. Just because you’re sleeping with Xavier Stone’s son, doesn’t mean you get to call the shots.”
“What?” My jaw dropped. “What did you just say?”
“Like I said, Haley. Let’s not blow this out of proportion.” He gestured toward the door and I walked out in a daze, blinking hard.
What a complete asshole! How dare he!
I ran straight home, crawled into bed and tried to shake off this awful, terrible day. I had a few hours before dinner at my mom’s and I needed to muster up some enthusiasm to go.
I thought about telling my mom I was sick but she would worry. Plus, I wanted to be there for Leon. He seemed really happy with Fiona, especially if he was bringing her to dinner.
My mom would probably have their wedding planned by the end of the night.
I pulled the blanket over myself and wiped my tears. I felt cold and alone. Again. My body craved something I couldn’t put into words, my mind missed someone I didn’t even know.
I just felt… sad.
***
“Haley, sweetheart!” My mom gasped when her butler opened the door to her mansion. “You look like you’ve lost weight!” she said, eyeing me up and down.
“Hi, Mom.” I let her hug me and fought back the urge to cry.
“Come on. Leon’s here. He and Fiona are just the cutest couple!” She led me into the massive living room where Leon was sitting on the couch with Fiona.
When I walked in, his face lit up and he rushed over to hug me. I hugged him back tightly and closed my eyes. Nothing beat a hug from my big brother. He was everything to me. He was like a father to me.
I didn’t regret the decision I made yesterday. Turning Jax down was the right thing to do.
“How are you, Haley bear?” He playfully messed up my already disheveled hair.
“Good.” I smiled, moving toward Fiona to give her a hug or shake her hand.
She stayed seated, smiling, so I awkwardly bent down to hug her sideways.
“Hello again,” I greeted her.
“Hey.” She smiled back at me, a sugary sweet smile that I was sure made my brother weak in the knees.
“How was work?” Leon asked.
“Fine.” I nodded, sitting across from them.
They did make a beautiful couple, even I couldn’t deny it. Fiona was flawless, and her glossy pink lipstick sparkled when she smiled.
The evening went smoothly. My mom had chefs and butlers buzzing around us like bees. Fiona seemed happy and my mom showered her with compliments all night. Leon and I reminisced about our childhood and the games we used to play. Fiona listened contentedly.
I almost made it through dinner without any drama. Almost.
Leon excused himself to take a call and while I was admiring my old dollhouse, Fiona came over. “That’s so pretty,” she cooed.
“Yeah.” I smiled. “I used to love this thing,” I admitted, straightening out the bedspread in one of the rooms. “I see things are going well between you and my brother.”
Fiona’s lips tightened into a thin line which made me stand up straight. “Yeah, it’s going really well actually,” she said without a smile.
“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah. Look, Haley. I don’t want to come off as jealous or bossy or anything but I think your relationship with Lee is a little... odd.”
“Huh?”
“It’s great that you guys get along, but don’t you think you’re a little too close?” She searched my face but I was trying to keep my cool.
“Leon’s always fretting over you. You’re an adult, for heaven’s sake.” She glanced around to ensure no one was listening. “He doesn’t need to be so stressed about you. He’s even stopped traveling because he doesn’t want to leave you alone.”
“I’m not sure what you want me to say,” I responded, my voice flat. What was she trying to imply? “Leon and I have always been close, it’s never been a problem.”
“Well, I can’t progress with him if he’s always worried about what you’re up to.”
“He’s just looking out for me.”
“He should be looking out for me, not you.”
Jealous bitch. Jealous bitch. Jealous bitch.
“I’m sorry you feel that way, Fiona, but I don’t think I’m the reason you two can’t move forward. Leon seems head over heels for you.”
“Maybe you could give him some space.”
“He’s just returned after being away for years, Fiona. I’ve barely seen him. I’ve missed him and—”
“That’s sweet, but you must understand what I’m saying.”
“No. I don’t,” I said, raising my voice a bit too much.
“Everything okay, girls?” Leon stood at the door, slipping his phone back into his pocket. His face showed a hint of worry.
“No, baby. Haley was just telling me that you might not be that into me. But it’s okay, I know the truth.”
“What?!” I exclaimed. “I didn’t say that!”
“She’s probably just messing with you, Fee.” He laughed, rolling his eyes. “My sister loves to mess with people.”
“I didn’t say that, Leon,” I said, my voice firm.
“She seemed pretty serious when she said it.” Fiona’s eyes welled up and I stood there, stunned. She then hurried out of the room.
“Fiona?” Leon called after her but then turned to me, his eyes narrowed.
“What the fuck, Haley?”
“I didn’t do anything, Leon! She’s making it up!”
“Shit.” He looked conflicted as he stepped away from me. “I didn’t expect this from you,” he said.
Now my eyes were stinging with unshed tears.
“Leon, come on. You know me.” I pleaded with him. He looked upset and disappointed.
“I thought I did,” he whispered before leaving me standing alone. After a few minutes, I blinked away the tears, gave my mom a lame excuse, and got the hell out of there.
How dare Leon not believe me over her. She lied to him so easily and he completely fell for it. Where the fuck was his loyalty? He’s supposed to be my brother!
I furiously wiped at my tears as I drove home, but I kept glancing at my purse sitting on the passenger seat. “No, Haley. No.” I sobbed. “Don’t do it.”
When I stopped at a red light, I took out the card with Jax’s details on it. I took a deep breath and entered the address into my GPS.
I felt so shattered, so confused. Did I really deserve to feel this way? Jax was probably going to shit all over me like everyone else did, and the sad thing was that I knew he would. I knew exactly what I was getting myself into but I was still doing it. That’s how desperate and pathetic I was.
What the heck is wrong with you, Haley?
I parked outside the massive castle-like mansion and hurried toward the front doors. I was one hundred and one percent sure I looked terrible but I didn’t care. I needed to see him.
The doors opened and a maid in black and white asked, “May I help you, dear? Are you in trouble?” She looked behind me as if I was being chased by someone.
I wiped away a tear and shook my head. “No, I’m okay. Is uh Jax in?”
“Mr. Stone is busy,” she replied.
“Tell him it’s urgent.”
“I’m so sorry, dear, but I can’t disturb him.”
“Okay,” I whispered and began to turn away.
“Let her in.” I heard his voice just as I reached my car.
I turned around and saw him heading my way in a black suit.
He rushed down his driveway to me. “Haley?”
“I’m sorry,” I croaked. “You’re busy, or you have company. I didn’t mean to—”
“Don’t be silly. Come here.” He tugged at my arm and pulled me toward him.
I flung my arms around him and sobbed into his chest. “I should go. I don’t know why I came here.”
Jax looked down at me and wiped the tears from my cheeks. I stared at him and wished this could be real, I wished someone could care about me like this for real and not just for their own personal gain. Not for revenge.
But life was too cruel to let me have something like that.
Especially me. Never me.
“I hate it when you cry, Haley.”
“Jax, baby. Let’s go!” A shrill voice called after him.
I stepped back and opened the door to my car. “Go. I’m sorry, I should have just messaged you.”
“Give me a minute.” He snatched my car keys from my hand and went up to the blonde bombshell standing at his door.
I couldn’t hear what he was saying but after a few minutes she stomped off shouting, “Fuck you, Jax!” She flipped him off, jumped into a pink sports car and sped off.
“Messaged me what?” he asked as he returned.
“I… I accept your job offer.”
“Does your brother know?”
“No,” I whispered.
“Who upset you, Haley?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
Jax let out a sigh, lighting a cigarette and taking a few drags before blowing out a cloud of smoke. “Come by the office tomorrow. My team will have your contract ready for you to sign.” He used his free hand to tuck a loose strand of my hair behind my ear. “You’re making the right choice.”
Without a second thought, I reached out and took his cigarette, placing it between my lips. I could see him trying to hide a smirk as he watched me. I inhaled the smoke and exhaled, but I must have taken too deep a breath because I started coughing.
“You’re adorable when you’re trying to be alluring.”
“I’m not trying to be alluring.” I scowled at him. “Take back your dumb death stick.” I thrust the cigarette back into his large hand.
He chuckled, dangling my car keys in front of me. I jumped up, trying to grab them, but he was too tall and I couldn’t reach.
“Give them back.”
“Come and get them. They’re right here.” He held them out in front of me, but I knew he’d pull them away if I tried to grab them.
“Jax,” I warned him.
“They’re right here, Haley.” He smirked, tossing his cigarette to the ground. I don’t know what came over me, but I charged at him, attempting to climb him like a tree. I didn’t think I was this desperate to reclaim a set of keys on a Mickey Mouse keyring.
“Give them back.” I pushed him, nearly collapsing from exhaustion.
“Already out of fight?” Jax moved closer, backing me against the car door. His thumb roughly brushed against my lower lip. “This fucking mouth of yours drives me crazy.” He bit his lip, his gaze fixed on mine.
He handed me my keys and stepped back. “Get the fuck out of here before I do something I’ll regret.” He ran his fingers through his hair, watching me as I climbed into my car.
My heart was racing as I started the engine, my body aflame. I risked one last look at him. This man was a mystery. How did he have the power to make me feel this way? Did I affect him in the same way?
No.
When I looked at him, he was staring right back at me. We locked eyes through the glass.
He was the big bad wolf and I was the innocent lamb lost in the woods. The only difference was that this little lamb had willingly walked into the wolf’s den.
This little lamb wanted the wolf to consume her, but she knew she was nothing more than a toy for the big bad wolf.
She was nothing more than a pawn in his game.