CHAPTER 15: PILLOWS

IZZY'S POV,

“Izzy!” Jasper moaned my name as he reached the climax. “Fuck, you are amazing!”

He was out of breath by the time I was done and sat down on a wooden folding chair. I wiped my mouth, taking deep breaths myself. Thankfully, the air was cool and filled with fragrance. The sweet smell of the fruits from the orchards overcame our noses.

“Come with me to the terrace,” he said after a while. He stood up and zipped his khakis before extending his hand towards me. “I have one more thing planned for the night.”

“What else?!” I asked, even though I knew there was a strong possibility he wouldn't tell me anything. “You're not going to tell me, are you?”

“Just come with me upstairs. It would be a thousand times better if you see it yourself instead of hearing it from me.” I trusted his smile for the time and took his hand. He pulled me to my feet, and together, we made our way back inside the castle.

He didn't let go of my hands even when we were inside, and I didn't pull away either.

Once inside, I finally looked around to appreciate the art that covered every inch of the room. The room looked straight out of an art exhibition with its numerous marble statues, antique art installments, and paintings—ranging from beautiful landscapes to portraits. So, I pulled my phone out to take some pictures.

“We can do this later,” Jasper pulled me away from the marble statue I was admiring. It was of two men fighting, and the way it was sculptured—the smooth curves, muscles, and the fabric—made it look way too realistic. “Trust me, we have to hurry up, or the surprise will be ruined.”

“Tonight has been the best night of my life. So, believe me, I am not going to complain about anything. You've already done too much for me,” I said, but instead of slowing down he still pulled me with him on the stairs.

“I want tonight to be perfect, exactly how I planned it for us. If something goes wrong, I won't be able to forget it. So do it for me, Elizabeth. Please!” The way he said that, it made my legs heavy.

“Okay, let's go.” I quickened my steps and followed his speed to the very top portion of the castle.

There was a wooden door that he pushed open and guided me outside, with his hand around my back. There were no railings at the edge of the terrace, which gave us an open view of everything around. The air was still crisp and scented, and the stars were visible in the night sky.

The distant city lights were still causing light pollution, so the sky wasn't entirely clear but much better than the city sky. There was a sitting area near the edge, with several pillows thrown on a carpet. I assumed the surprise had something to do with that, but I wasn't sure.

Jasper’s hand brushed the small of my back as he guided me towards the sitting arrangement.

“We can sit here,” he said, and we sat down, with me leaning against his chest. The silk dress I was wearing whispered against my thighs, and the warmth from his body gave me comfort.

‘This is part of the act,’ I reminded myself. ‘He’s just a means to get my revenge. Nothing more.’

But then a firework exploded, surprising me. I looked at the sky in awe. I have loved fireworks since my childhood because my dad took me to a 4th of July carnival. It was one of the good memories I had of him. I remembered mentioning it to Jasper a few years ago on his birthday when we were talking about our likes and dislikes.

He remembered.

‘You don't know that; you don't know his motives. Don't be blinded by love, Izzy.’

Gold streaked across the sky as the show started, shattering into embers that reflected in Jasper’s eyes. I was at a loss for words. “You planned this fireworks show for me?”

He didn’t smile at me. Just nodded, watching me like I was the spectacle, not the fireworks. “You deserve pretty things, Elizabeth. And I will shower you with love, till the day I die, if you let me. ”

The words penetrated my chest and directly hit me in the heart.

‘He doesn’t mean it.’

I told myself that this was a game—one we were both playing. Him with his practiced charm and charisma, and me with my razor-edged revenge. His left hand found its way to my thighs, and I couldn't help but lean more into his chest. I felt like crying, but controlled my tears.

Another firework—crimson this time—bloomed overhead, but my eyes were on his hand, and I knew his were on my face. Neither of us said anything. Jasper’s knee pressed against mine, warm even through his khakis. I should’ve pulled away, but I didn't.

‘It’s just for show, it means nothing to either of us.’ I lied to myself.

His thumb traced my jaw affectionately.

“Tell me you feel nothing from this,” he challenged in a low voice. “I know you are doubtful about me after the texts, but I promise you that my feelings for you are real.”

The sky erupted in violet and silver. I opened my mouth to lie, but I couldn't. I felt a lump in my throat. I once again reminded myself of Tyler and the things he said to me, but just as the memories came back, Jasper started kissing me.

And God help me because I kissed him back.

His lips were soft and insistent, tasting of the expensive whiskey he was drinking and something darker, sweeter, like an aftertaste. My fingers fisted in his shirt, pulling him closer when I should’ve shoved him away. The fireworks were nothing compared to the eruption in my chest.

‘This is wrong.’

‘No, this is perfect.’

‘I don't want this.’

‘I WANT EVERY SECOND OF IT!’

When we broke apart, his breath ragged against my cheek. I almost said it—almost admitted the truth about using him for my revenge on Tyler. But stopped myself, smiling at him instead. Another firework went off, pulling me from the war between my head and my heart.

“Are you okay, Izzy?” he asked, grabbing my face to check me. “You look pale.”

“Just a little tired. It's nothing serious.” I lied but didn't look at him and hoped he wouldn't read through my act. I was staring at the fireworks with a child-like amusement. “I have never been on a Jet, so I have been feeling a little weird the whole night. It's nothing to worry about, though.”

“Okay, I understand.” He tightened his arms around me and kissed me on my cheeks.

Just then, my phone buzzed, and a familiar name flashed on the screen. Tyler.

Reality crashed back, and I stiffened. Jasper’s grip around me tightened like he knew talking to his son wouldn't be good for me. He kissed me on the head while I was staring at my phone, contemplating whether I should answer or not.

“Ignore it,” Jasper growled. “We are having a romantic night, we don't need him to spoil our date.”

I agreed with Jasper and blocked his number.

“So, when are we leaving for the hike?” I asked, changing the topic.