"Did you know that RID Miller would be working with our company?" I asked, flip pancakes on pan.
Jordan was sitting on the stool pantry, in front of his laptop and drinking his favorite chocolate milk. The habit that he always did in the morning before breakfast. "What? Are you serious?"
I nodded, giving him a glance that showed a surprised face. "Yeah, I'm serious. I heard it from my friend who heard it from the Director."
"Strange. It's not unusual for Rhysand to use an IT team from another company."
"Why?" I asked as I put the pancakes on the plate. I then took some white bread to make sandwiches.
"Because he has his own programmers—by the way can I eat them?" Jordan asked, his index finger pointing at the two pancakes.
I nodded.
"Well, as far as I know Rhysand prefers to use his own programmers because he doesn't like to be hassle." He continued while putting honey on top of the two pancakes.
"Couldn't have he just cooperated, right?"
Jordan nodded. "Can be."
I frowned, arranged two ham sandwiches on a plate and thrust them in front of him. "So the rumors I heard were the truth?" I muttered.
"Which one?"
"The rumors that he's a Company Owner who doesn't want to be bothered and also likes to have fun instead of running his company." I answered, walking around the counter to sit next to Jordan who was now eating his breakfast. I drank the mineral water first until half and then ate my share.
"Those rumors are true. Well, I guess whatever rumors you hear are the truth." Reply.
"Rumors that he is the perfect man? Handsome and sexy?"
Jordan shrugged, "That's probably based on individual judgment. I think he's a fat, ugly, obnoxious guy and a jerk. But you can also think of him differently." Jordan grimaced, he continued, "Or the other women."
"Why do you think of him like that?" I wrinkled not understand. If that's true, then I've been wrong all along. Good grief.
"Because to me he's like that."
"Don't be subjective, Jord."
He chuckled, "Okay, okay. The rumors are true, he's handsome—well, actually I'm much prettier," I pursed my lips. "—just like the rest of the Millero family. But Rhysand is more annoying and an asshole. Trust me, neither his good looks nor his charms are just a mask. Inside him is a terrible and disgusting monster." Jordan continued.
"So why doesn't he ever want to show his face in front of the media?"
"As far as I know, he just wants to play with the media, make anyone curious, and make his own image mysterious."
"Looks like he's a narcissistic bastard."
"Exactly. After all, you won't be curious anymore because you'll meet him." Jordan said while laughing.
I blushed not at the thought of meeting the mysterious Rhysand del Millero, I blushed at the prospect of meeting the Jordan family.
I felt nervous at the thought of it. Who doesn't get nervous when your boyfriend introduces you to his family? And who doesn't fear the impression with your boyfriend's family will have on you?
I feel it all.
..........................................................................................................................................................................................
"Take care of yourself and wait for me, okay?" Jordan stroked my cheek as my car, which we used to drop him off, pulled up in the airport parking lot.
I nodded.
Jordan pulled my face in for a soft kiss and then let it go.
"I'm sorry for being a jerk last night."
I frowned, and then shook my head. "You don't need to apologize, Jordan. I understand." I really do understand. Like I said last night wasn't the first time, I'd always end up making up for Jordan and then forgetting about it.
Jordan sighed heavily, "I was afraid that you would walk away when I fuck it up again."
I licked my mouth wall, then sat on my side facing him. "You can tell what really happened to you, Jord."
I really wanted to know that, I wanted to really understand what was going on with him. Was he doing it because he really loves me in his own way by not wanting to touch me before we got married, or is there really something wrong that makes him not want to touch me any further.
Jordan looked at me with an angry and stern look. I don't know what he's thinking, but the gestures on his facial features tell me that the latter option is what's going on.
Am I just overconfident thinking Jordan will marry me?
Is he not going to do it, that's why he doesn't want to touch me?
Then why did he want to introduce me to his family?
I shook off the bad thoughts that threatened to come out that would make myself worse.
"I..."
"Are you gay?" I interrupted getting a burst of laughter from him.
"If I were gay I wouldn't make you a girfriend, and there's no way my thing would hard if it came into contact with you, honey."
"Then?"
"Nothing. Most importantly I promise that it won't happen again. I love you and don't think I don't want you. Okay?" His hand rose, stroking the top of my head gently.
"Okay."
Before he got out of the car, Jordan placed a soft kiss on my lips. I stared at his straight back as he walked towards the airport entrance. My hopes that Jordan would turn around and wave at me were dashed because he kept walking straight without looking back.
I grunted harshly, and then moved to sit behind the wheel, started the engine and then walked out of the airport area to my apartement. Today, I did take a day off just to spend a seemingly ordinary morning with Jordan and drive him to John F Kennedy airport for his trip to Chicago. I decided to head back to my apartement on Fifth Avenue, stop at the coffee shop for a good coffee and hope that my mood and day will improve with caffeine.
I went outside while tightening my jacket because of the cold Manhattan autumn weather that just had a heavy rain in the early morning. So I was cold and wore two layers of clothing: a t-shirt and a bigger hoodie. Even so, Jordan didn't hug me last night, all I know is that cuddling can keep us warm. As always done by my father and mother who sometimes often hug everywhere. Daddy said he was cold and only Mommy could keep him warm.
But Jordan was still sleeping, on his back and looking very sound.
I shook off the bad thoughts that came up again. I'm not going to complain about his sleeping attitude. Oh for Jesus' sake, I'm not a kid anymore, and I can warm myself without asking anyone for a hugs.My thoughts stopped wandering as I inhaled the smoky coffee aroma that warmed my nose. I walked over to the counter and stood at the end of the short queue.
I occasionally nodding and smiling in response for the greetings of some of the regular customers that I often meet and some of the waiters who pass by. Of course they know me. I always make time to come here, order coffee for myself and order for Gabriel. However, there were also some people I didn't know who also smiled at me—most of whom were men.
I pouted wryly.
I took my phone out of my jacket and opened I*******m because I was too lazy to converse with strangers. As usual, one or two men would approach and pretend to ask something unimportant. Like 'hey are you a regular customer here? What do you think of the coffee? Oh yeah what's your name? Do you live near here? Hey, do you really like coffee? Oh yeah why are you alone? Do you want a company? Can I ask your I*******m user or your phone number because I want to come here again and I want a menu recommendation from you."
Yes, I know that too well. Most of them say the same pattern, and it will end with me choosing to leave with work reasons.
I know their real reasons, and that makes me sick. I am a busy woman, and I have a boyfriend. Apart from Jordan there is no other man who can distract me. Therefore, I as much as possible stay away from men who want to approached with some intent or mode.
I reached the counter, and I ordered a large mocha latte.
"Have you been fired?" the question from the girl in front of me made me chuckle.
"The company will lose if I get fired."
"Then why are you still hanging around in three o'clock?" she asked. A girl named Angel was one of the waitress who was a bit close to me, and she's my neighbour. Of course we became close and she know about my working hours.
"I'm taking time off to take Jordan to the airport."
"Ah your boyfriend. I thought you two had broken up." Angel chuckled silly while typing orders on the screen, I shook my head.
"We didn't." I pulled out my wallet and put four dollars on the counter.
Angel pursed her lips and then said, "Just wait, madam."
As I moved to the other end of the counter to wait for my drink, something caught my eye.
Not something but someone who just walked in.
The man in a gray hoodie covering his side features, making me unable to see his face. He came and immediately went to the counter of the two women in the front row who had seen him and quickly faced forward with an expression like he had just seen an actor. Without looking at the face, I'm sure he's handsome, his athleticism like actor Armie Hammer makes me sure. There's no way the two women in front of the guy made an expression like 'my panties are wet because a guy from behind me' if that guy's face was like James Corden or Conan O'Brien.
I didn't mean to insult Mr. Corden or Mr. O'Brien. They were great and handsome, but not handsome like the way that he had.
I think.
From what I noticed there was a step counter sports watch on his athletic hand. It looked like he had just finished running. I found it strange because I only found out that someone was running at three o'clock in the evening and in this weather. If I'm not working and I'm not dropping Jordan off, maybe I'd rather be in front of my laptop, watching a movie while My bodies under a thick blanket.
My name was called, and it brought me back from my daydream. I stepped closer to the stool and took my order. As I stood here, I could feel the gaze from him. I chose to ignore it and thanked the waiter and then started walking out.
My hand that was about to open the car door stopped when a hand, a bigger one, grabbed me and made me turn around.
"The fuck?!" I cursed and glared, seeing that the one who pulled me carelessly was the man who was in the cafe just now.
The hoodie was no longer snug on his head, but of course I could still recognize that he was the man in the cafe before, because the clothes were the same.I was a little surprised looking at his face. What I thought he was handsome like Armie Hammer was different. He was handsome, but much more handsome with black hair, hazel eyes as beautiful as Matthew Daddario, a sharp nose, thick lips and also a body that was one foot taller than me. He is handsome and very beatiful.Sexy and beautiful—which seemed strangely familiar.But..."What are you doing, sir?" I said with a sarcastic call when I came back to my senses.He blinked as well as if he had just woken up, which was the same as me. "Are you Amanda?"I nodded stuttering when I heard his voice which also felt familiar. "Yes. What's wrong? You know me?"That strange man stared at me intently before moving his face forward which made me turn my face back.Disrespectful."If you mean to be rude, remember there are a lot of people here
Jordan hasn't heard from me in a week, and he hasn't replied to my messages at all. I didn't think about continuing to do it, and chose to continue with my life as it should be. I already understood that he was a busy person, and sometimes the cities he visited didn't have a signal. I try to understand that, I also have no right to interfere in his business. I can only pray that he's always protected while doing the noble thing to help the underprivileged. Something that sticks out in my heart is an envy when I see people with their partners, doing normal things and looking happy. I wanted to feel that too, but I realized it was an unreasonable thing to think about. I mean, everyone has their life and happiness. I don't have to envy them, because what God has given me is more than enough. So I stopped complaining and refocused on my work. Jordan would be back, and he had promised to introduce me to his family. He had serious intentions towards me, even though he never touched me.
I paused, staring at him with my heart beating fast. "Sorry, I'm not interested. Thank you." I replied while fighting off the tremors growing in my chest. I started to walk out of the balcony, but his words kept me from doing it. "You remember me, Amanda." It's not a question, it's a statement. Of course he knew that because I was so easy to read. Everyone says the same thing, I'm like an open book in front of anyone. Yes, I'm such a loser. His hazel eyes stared at me intently. A different look from the one Jordan always used when looking at me. He seemed to want to dominate and there was something behind his hazel eyes that made no one want to take their eyes off him. His head tilted like he wanted to strip my mind. I gulped, "Yeah, I remember you. You're an asshole who took my virginity when I was drunk, and so easily left a woman in the morning with a million dollar check, an expensive dress, a note, and treated me like a cheap bitch." I answered at length, unable to cover m
Jordan didn't take me to Madrid like he said before. Apparently. His grandparents had their wedding anniversary party at their home in New York.Thoughts about them not liking me or I am unattractive in their eyes are occupying my brain right now. I could only clench my sweaty hands to vent my anxiety. "Don't be nervous, Amanda. They're good people. I'm sure they'll like you." I gulped and nodded. Choose to gaze at the towering pine trees on both sides of the road.My attention was slightly distracted when I looked at how grand and luxurious this mansion was. This palace is in the upscale BlueStone district of Tarrytown. The number one luxury district in New York. This blue to gray mansion, which is styled like an Urban building in the 20's, caught my interest because it was so beautiful. The grounds were wide and green, dotted with short thick trees and neat lawns, beyond the grounds of this magnificent mansion was the Hudson River shining in the moonlight. I'm guessing that Jord
He can't be Rhysand del Millero. My heart was pounding in my chest, my stomach was churning and I wanted to run now before Bellva called them or Jordan pulled him here. What's in the hell? Why does the universe seem to be pulling him at me by these crazy coincidences? "Hey, are you really okay?" Bellva asked. I blinked consciously, and looked at Bellva. "Can you help me get out of here?" There was a question mark on Bellva's expression but she quickly nodded. We stood up, and then started to walk away from there. "Where do you want to go?" Jordan's question along with their approaching steps made me freeze. Bellva who noticed my movements immediately answered. "I'd like to take her to my room. She wants to see my James Taylor collection." I bit my lip firmly to hold back the turmoil that was in me, and then slowly turned around to face them—Jordan who was standing by his grandfather's side, briefly caught a glimpse of the man behind Jordan who seemed to be holding back his lau
My heart was beating fast in my chest, my stomach was churning. I closed my eyes for a moment trying to steady myself. I sucked in a sharp breath, and then twisted my body, the dress spinning around my legs. He towered high right in the balcony doorway. His hands were in his trouser pockets, the sleeves of his black shirt were rolled up to his elbows and two of his shirt pees were open, revealing the skin on his chest and tattoos peeking out a little. I swallowed heavily. Insist on putting on a flat face and not caring. Clearing my throat, I said, "And it still doesn't matter." "For a woman who just punched me yesterday and kicked my balls, you're pretty relaxed, señorita." There was a pause, he chuckled. "Do you know how important the part you punched was? You'll be disappointed if I don't get to use it." For a moment, I didn't expect him to actually say that, but he did. He really did. "And I'll cut it off now if you're not polite to me. Again." I emphasized that last word. He
The fact that the kiss affected me so much, made me want to submerge myself in the deep sea. I hate the mixed feelings that come from what that bastard did. I really hate him. And, that was two weeks ago, which means I'm totally screwed. After leaving Rhysand on the balcony, I went straight into the party. Not for fun, but to find Jordan. After I found him talking to one of his business colleagues, I immediately told him I wanted to go home. It's up to him to take me or not. But he drove me, and he still thought that the reason I wanted to hurry home was because I had a headache—a lie that Bellva told everyone. That night, I couldn't sleep because of the mixed feelings that plagued me. With just a kiss and a touch from him, he messed me up. I don't like this. I don't like how Rhysand made me feel. I don't like the cozy warmth in my chest when I think about it. This is really wrong. And until now, sometimes I can still feel something twist my stomach and make my heart beat fast.
Somehow I didn't pass out. The truth is I'm already here. The other Directors had left to get back to work, and now it was just me, my boss, Big Man, and Rhysand del Millero. There were several men in black clothes, which I assumed were his personal bodyguards, sitting far from us and watching the surroundings. This situation, is the thing I hate. And I don't know how many times I rubbed my hands on my knees which were covered by my work pants. I don't know how many times I moved my legs uncomfortably because of this situation. More precisely because of who was right in front of me. I also feel bad because Big Man has been constantly praising Gabriel and his three secretaries-which I, Annie and Sasha-with exaggerated words to the damn man in front of me. I'm also betting the Big Man's over-the-top and unreasonable compliments about the other Directors he's been throwing at Rhysand del Millero too. Since then too, ugh, my head hurts because I just looked sideways at Big Man and
Rhysand. I caressed her face, amazed at how soft her skin was, and how it would still be beautiful even when she fell asleep with her mouth open and her hair messy.I planted a kiss on his forehead, stroking the enlarged belly, containing our two children. Something lit up inside me. Happiness and many more thrilling feelings that make me always kneel in front of her.I kissed her again, kissing her face with light kisses, and biting her cheek which were more chubby than before.Cute.She writhes under me, grunting when her sleep is disturbed. Her hand pushed my face away, I chuckled."Stay away from me, Rhys. I still want to sleep." Her scolding comes back, and butterflies fly in my chest when I feel that this is real. That she was already in my arms and no one would be able to take her away from me. Even her my famlily, and my family.I put my face on her neck, sipping on the skin of her neck, inhaling the scent that will never bore me. "I love you." The words just came out.She sh
Rafaella isn't much different from our dad, I spent the afternoon listening to her talk about how I should divorce him, raise my two kids with them instead of Rhysand, saying that Rhysand was a bad influence on our kids.I never paid any attention to her. Never bothered about her, I never even filled it into my mind. All I did was hear her, and make a face that I didn't care about what she said. She left when she got tired of lecturing me.Rafaella can be a supportive sibling, and so can I, but she can be a bitch sometimes and always brings something up, whatever she does is keep me wrong, and makes me the coward of all. I know that it's in her nature, but now I can't take it anymore. I was just trying to put my real face on, and tell her that I never heard any of the lectures she gave.I never got any support from her, all she did was blame me and say that everything happened because of me. I did feel it was a mistake, that I should have stayed away from Rhysand. But I have never reg
Rhodes, Greece, Two Months Later.Silence.Quiet.Silent.Empty.Empty.I leaned myself on the small green sofa bed on the balcony. Staring at the beautiful scenery in front of me. Beautiful Lindos beach, and some small kayaks that reach almost the middle of the beach. I put my pregnancy book on top of my stomach which was protruding more than it should. I know that because I'm carrying two babies, and Rafaella often looks at my belly in horror. I don't feel bad about it. Pride and happiness seep into my chest. Realizing that I will be a mother soon.On the other hand the emptiness and silence still surrounds my heart. Shadows and hopes for someone to be by my side to be with me, and face this together. I knew that I was too naive, too hopeful that he would come to me, and take me home. That he would do everything for us. But I'm sure he will. I can't deny how crazy he is and how he could do anything for me. I've been in that position before, and I underestimate his love if I dare to
Seven years later.I leaned back in my chair after finishing chatting with business colleagues who happened to stop me and engage me in conversation with so much nonsense.I took a sip of wine, putting my hands in the pockets of my formal trousers, looking at a woman sitting with her family. There were two women with the same face, and I didn't have to bother to tell which was the other and which was the woman I had been obsessed with for the past seven years.Amanda Dimitriou.Yeah, I've fallen that deep for her. There wasn't a day I spent without watching her from afar until I could even recognize her from a hundred meters away. If she only knew what I've done—how many people's blood I've spilled just because of that about her .. would she have run away?Well, of course yes. Do i care? No. The thing Amanda should know is that she can't run away from me when I come to claim her later.I've already made a plan. Did something to her : got her wasted tonight, stole her, and then brought
It's all fun, and feels so fast.Feels hazy, and so satisfying until I wake up in the morning. Sitting myself on the bed of a two hundred thousand dollar hotel room, staring at the messy bed room. Someone messed up this room last night, and I know it was me. Well, I was drunk, which I never do anymore. I have a high tolerance for alcohol, and I never want to make myself vulnerable in a crowd. I would choose to get drunk in my own room, and then face a headache the next day.Exception for tonight. It's like I'm back in my early puberty : high on alcohol, and then finding a different woman every weekend sleeping in the same bed as me. Naked, of course. I've rarely done that, at least I've never done it in a high state and then forgot the safeguard I always use. I wouldn't take such a risk while I was having conscientious sex, and relief washed over me to see the ripped condom packaging on the floor.I believe my hangover came from exhaustion after having fun and exploring five countries
I realized that I was twenty-two years old, and I had graduated from a business school in New York.It's really an extraordinary thing, and on the other hand it's so annoying.I wanted to grow up, to be able to do something wild, to have more power for it, to be free and then to die with satisfaction. On the other hand I realized that I would never be free from anything. There is a great responsibility that is tightly tied around my neck, and there are many hopes that rest on my shoulders.My grandfather from my father side, and my grandfather from my mother side—they all expected me to become the successor to the business empire they had worked so hard to build themselves.I always thought that if I deserved it all, I had enough self-confidence to make it. More than that, I love them, cherish them. Well, even though I hate their children, I love the parents who gave birth to them. Those two middle-aged couples replaced the love that Bellva and I should have received from two selfish
I don't trust other people.They are fickle, prone to errors, and don't know what they are doing often.They are useless, tasteless, and should not pollute the air with their breath. The disdain I have for these people has been ingrained in me ever since I grew up from the small child phase and gradually discovered what the world is all about.I don't believe in the chance system either. People don't get two or three chances with me. One mistake and they're out.Forever.Anyone who crossed the line once would do it again if given the chance. It's the forbidden fruit, the gratification deferred, and the glorification sought. If they get one taste, they will be compelled to taste another.Then another. And one more.Until they are reduced to animals pursuing their basic needs.Giving them the chance to get close to the line, let alone cross it, is the personification of stupidity.My zero-tolerance policy might describe me as cold-blooded and heartless, but it was better than being labe
My blood rushed under my skin when I saw him.And those same green eyes as mine are adrift with me.His expression hardened, and he started walking towards me. I froze, not knowing what to do with his sudden presence."Are you all right, Amanda?"I shook my head.My heartbeat slowed down when my older brother had stopped right in front of me. That familiar musk scent came to my nose. His face hardened, and underneath it was the longing he had for me."Maven.""Amanda..." he said harshly. "You have no idea how much we flustered looking for you? How long we waited to meet you.""I'm fine." I said. I looked at Jade who was looking at us in confusion. "We'll talk for a bit. You don't need to worry, he's my brother."I know Jade already knows, but I just wanted to let her know that so there's no understanding at all. Jade nodded, and then left us.Maven catches the eye, and leads me to the other end of the room. Close to the exit."I'm fine. You don't need to worry, Maven." I gulped. "I'm
Husband and wife.I never thought that I would experience it so quickly. I didn't expect that my status had changed in two days. So short, and fast.A mother and a wife.My heart expands with happiness as I pull off this elaborate dress with Jade's help.He walked into the bedroom, and that was it.. it felt different and not different. He sat on the edge of the bed. He looked at me, with heat in his eyes, and a bright light in them. I drew closer to him. Stop, and stand between his legs. He hugged my waist, kissing my stomach that was under his shirt that I was wearing. I love wearing his t-shirt, I love his signature scent that never goes away, and it always makes me feel comfortable."I should take off your dress, Wife." he said.His other calls made me smile. Happiness exploded in my heart. "The dress is quite beautiful, and expensive. I will not let you mess it, husband."He looked up, his smile bright."Are you happy?" I stroked his face.He nodded. "Very happy."I sat astride hi