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1. 10. Rivals
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2024-10-29 19:42:56To say we were late would be an understatement.
More like...
"Fashionably late", I narrow my eyes at Jason as he mutters to himself, looking around the room for no one in particular.
"Yeah right", I scoff.
I look around too, nervous about the attention this dress was grabbing slowly as we entered the room; for some reason Clinton's thought still at the back of my head.
The possibility of seeing him here with his date still has me on my toes. I don't know what is this game we're playing. I'm not sure if I'm ready to know yet or if I ever even want to know about it. Heck, I'm not even sure how he'll react when he sees Jason as my date.
Or maybe in this dress?
My subconscious adds and I know I've lost it. My nerves started to kick in, fortunately Jason's arm linked with mine brought just a bit of comfort, enough for me to atleast walk in.
"Oh would you quit it? I was engaged in a meeting, no thanks to Ethan", he sighs, referring t
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Than There Was Us 1. 11. Dancing To Our Heartbeats
"Nice meeting you guys. Anyhow, care for a dance Clinton?", Liza breaks the silence amidst the frowns, glares and taut jaws set in place.Apparently, I'm too paralyzed to react."Sure", Clinton very preppily replies.He gives us a look, eyes hard yet a mocking smile on his face as he takes Liza's hand and takes her onto the dance floor.As soon as they leave our sight, I heave out a breath I had no idea I was holding.Jason detecting it, gives me a questioning look. Me on the other hand getting back in control of myself give him an appalled look."What was that?", I turn to face him, a little angry at him.His hands still on my waist."What? Did you see how he was being an ass? Especially to you. What is even his deal, huh? Girlfriend bailed on him because he was behaving like a child?", Jason says in a mocking tone.What in the actual...I hold in my chuckle at his comment and try to act as angry as I was feeling but unfor
Than There Was Us 1. 12. The Number
My eyes instantly close up at the contact and before I know it, I'm kissing him back.It's fire, desperation, anger, need and want; all in one at the same time. His lips move desperately against mine as I feel his hands cupping my cheeks to pull me even closer if possible.I try to catch up with him while tugging at the lapels of his tux jacket as one of my other hands tug at his hair to pull him closer.It's like I'm a deserter who has been in need of water for days before finally reaching its destination, water.A thirst which just keeps on increasing as we ravish each other's lips.His teeth pulls at my lower lip and I release something between a moan and a whimper which is probably result of all the sensations that are going through my body.God, why have I been avoiding him, again?That's when I knew all logic has left me. But who gave a damn when it felt so good.Until a voice whispered in my head..."No, not her.
Than There Was Us 1. 13. The Mystery Girl
Back at the office, I engage myself so much into work that I have not even a single second to spare on other things going on in my life.Liza thankfully doesn't question my sudden unbounded zeal for work and helps me around the whole time, trying her best to keep up.A whole week goes by in work, arrangements, reports and analysis that I really don't have time for anything or anyone.It does help me avoid Jason as much as possible and Clinton's incessant calls, messages and voice-mails too.My only contact of relaxing conversation none but Liza who did admit she remembers who was the mystery girl the night of the gala I caught her red-handed with.Promised she would call her back and let me know if I will have to arrange a date for them soon too.To which I just winked her all the best.Though she's been giving a sort of 'I-know-you're-hiding-something-from-me-and-I-know-you-will-eventually-spit-it-out-and-I-just-can't-wait-to-actuall
Than There Was Us 1. 14. Talk
I don't remember how long we were there kissing in the parking lot. It was like the world had faded in the background and it was only him. His scent, his touch, everything just made me forget where I was or anything else.My work least of my worries. Nothing. Just me and him. I drowned myself in him, like he was a drug.Though his kisses had turned even more softer and tender after a while as he peppered them down my throat, nipping at the pleasure point between the juncture of my neck and shoulder, eliciting a gasp from me.Making me tighten my fingers around his hair and tug at it gently, wanting him even closer.Breathing harder, pressing closer and nothing but ourselves to tether us to the ground...Then I blink back to myself as my train of thoughts are interrupted by none other than the source of them.Clinton.We had long departured from the McDonald's driveway and to be very honest, my head was still in that parking lot.
Than There Was Us 1. 15. Woke Up
When I say, woke up? It was kind of in a distraught and oh-my-God-where-am-I state.I had no recollection of how I got in the strange bedroom but before I could think anymore, Clinton entered the room. Thick-clad in... casuals?And man, did he look even more sexier in those."Oh, you're awake. Well, good morning", he leans forward to kiss my forehead, lingering the kiss a second longer before drawing back and beaming at me.A little thrown off by everything, I try to speak something but just end up opening and closing my mouth several times.Clinton on the other hand, the true gentleman he is, goes ahead and draws me some water from the night stand beside me.He watches me with amusement sparkling in his eyes as I drink it up.Finally setting it down, I try to gather my thoughts before speaking up."We did not-", I start."No", he says even before I finish.I look at him in question."Believe me, if we woul
Than There Was Us 1. 16. Dance With Me
Next week arrives with a blur of work and I have a hard time getting a breath.The fact that I had to create a balance in between my secret boyfriend and best friend wasn't helping enough either. Secret boyfriend because paparazzi can't know about us and we would like to avoid any until we actually get caught and Jason can't know that way either. Considering I almost slipped it out to him a bazillion times in a week is no surprise either.By the time weekend arrives, I'm beat. This doesn't stop Liza to drag my ass for clubbing though."God, Liza! Last thing I want to do is party after the week I had. Even a spa at this point would suffice or much better, leave me alone", I exclaim on the phone."That's exactly why I need your ass out in about an hour. I talked to Clinton too and he's ready to kick it, so I don't need any excuses, okay?", she orders."But what-", I start but she hangs up instantly."-about, Jason", I trail off and stare at my
Than There Was Us 1. 17 Wild Dreams
I feel the sheets underneath my naked and sensitive skin as I lay down on them gently. Easing my way into the covers, arching my back as I feel it grazing my tender nipples.My hands start working on my body as I slide them from my thighs to my neck only stopping enough to gently squeeze the globes on my chest and arching my back again, getting more wet with every minute in that place between my legs.I moan softly before sliding one of my hands from my neck to that wet-ness while the other hand works on my breast, squeezing them enough to elicit a moan as anticipation builds in my core.Just when I'm about to reach my clit, a hand stops me and instantly my eyes blink open to a pair of familiar ones."Jason?""Yup that's me, now where were we, love?" he wonders about himself.My heart rate increases as I realize he's hovering over me.Oh My God."Ah
Than There Was Us 1. 18. Stubborn
After Clinton had gone, it was hard to not feel mad at Jason. Every time he joked around me, tried to tease me or even try to touch me, I would just get another notch irritated with his presence.Even the ice cream tasted bland. And don't even get me started on the stuff Clinton bought. I had a hard time swallowing it down my throat and not bursting into tears. My face had nearly started to ache from passing out fake smiles all day.All I wanted to do was lash out.I don't know how but we made it till dinner, having watched movies all day. Jason had ordered some pizza because none of us were in the mood to cook despite having sat on our asses all day.We were sprawled in front of my couch, on the carpet. Me on one end and Jason on the other with huge packets of this and that lying around us.We had just finished another movie and I was about to suggest another before Jason switched off t
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Than There Was Us Acknowledgements
Dear readers,This section is dedicated to you. Without you this book wouldn't have been possible. It's the love of five years received by you and your love for this book that made me write it. I love you all from the bottom of my heart. Your comments, your votes, they motivated me in times of stress, sadness and brought me so much joy and motivation to keep going and not second-guessing stuff. Thank you so so so much, really.And at last, thanks to Anoushka and Manav for always staying by my side, supporting my writing, hyping the book like crazy and just being the best friends that you're. I love you guys the most! Also to my parents and my brother for yet again, not being aware of this book other than that it exists and I hope it stays the same in the future because God, I never wish to traumatize you with the smut scenes and be disowned in the process lol.All my love,Celine
Than There Was Us E P I L O G U E
Justine's POV:A loud cry jolts me awake from my slumber suddenly. My eyes immediately fall upon the cradle in the corner.It's the early hours of the morning. Sunlight falls softly on the cradle through the small gap between the curtains, creating a halo around it.I try to get up and out of my bed but a huge arm around my waist holds me down. "Jay", I nudge him from beside me.His arm only tightens around me."Jay", I clear the sleep out of my throat and nudge him a little more hard this time.He groans as he buries his head into my neck from behind."I got her.", he whispers into my ear in that husky morning voice of his which still sends shivers down my spine.Placing a chaste kiss on my collarbone, he immediately gets up from the bed in the next heartbeat. The sight of his bare back greets me and those low hanging sweatpants, making me turn over to his side of the bed and pull his pillow to me, squeezing it. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes and running his hand through his ha
Than There Was Us 2. 25. 3. Safer In Your Arms
Walking across the road, I make it to the coffee shop. I place an order to be delivered to our apartment and while it's being prepared, take a seat on one of the vacant booths. As soon as I'm in the seat, a message pops up with the address. I take a deep breath and look around once, checking to see if someone's keeping an eye on me or if it's just a fluke. Not wanting to risk it and thinking twice, I give into to what I'm about to do. I just hope David is as shortsighted as Ben said. I stand back up and approach the counter in the guise of paying up for the coffee. While I'm making the payment, as sly as I can be, I motion the employee behind the counter as subtly as possible to meet up with me in the washroom with just a tilt of my head. I make haste to the washroom as soon as I'm done with payment. Hoping the employee follows me. Once I'm inside the washroom, I check all the booths finding them empty. A few seconds later, the same employee enters through the door of the was
Than There Was Us 2. 25. 2. Baiting The Pawn
"I came as soon as I got your call"Ben comes through the double doors, rushing up the foyer and engulfs me into a assuring hug. "I got in touch with your lawyers and the security team. They're on it. We've also alerted the police. Even though they were reluctant to investigate at first and engage into searching, after that phone call confirmation and considering it's a high profile individual involved, they've started all kinds of search. Hopefully, we should have an update soon", he rambles on the specifics. Meanwhile, Liza rushes through inside with Camille on her tail. Not a few seconds after Olivia is also rushing through the doors, she gives me a look of pity maybe before rushing past us further into the house. "Thanks, I really appreciate that", I say earnestly, feeling my shoulders sinking down. Ben grasps my shoulder before squeezing it. "How is she?", he asks, a bit unsure. I know he's referring to Justine. I can't be thankful enough to him for bringing the girls with
Than There Was Us 2. 25. 1. Anxiety And Angst
Morning had come at last. I had woken upto someone caressing my arm softly, placing kisses on the back of my hand so delicately. It almost made me groan in pleasure.My eyes opened to Justine in my arms as I cocooned her from behind. My face buried in her neck.I couldn't help but take a deep whiff of her scent within me. It was the sweetest scent ever. Of our lovemaking and her entirely wrapped in it.I had made sure to do a pretty good job of it.Just for good measure, I kissed her bare shoulder softly, a little lazily as if it was not a Monday morning and still, Sunday.Sensing my wakeful state, Justine arched her back into my chest just slightly before turning her head just a bit as if asking for one.Knowing the answer to her silent request, I pressed my lips to hers. The feeling of fullness, a certain completely washed over me in that moment. I wanted to pull her in deep with the sweep of my tongue and a lot more.But we knew better, that one thing would lead to another and befo
Than There Was Us 2. 24. Rely On Me
It was a weekend yet again and the pictures of the picnic, of Justine and me literally kissing under the tree went viral. Thankfully, they mostly got my back but I'm glad they didn't get Justine's crying face.It was a private moment and as much as I want to go back in time and smash that paps camera, I can't. They had no right to intrude on us. And I'm really furious.Justine on the other hand, not so much. Even after a week I find her looking at the pictures after her morning tea.She's sitting at the breakfast bar while I stand over her shoulder with the support of my hand on the bar.She's been frowning at it for such a long time, it's almost driven me crazy with the possibilities.Like right now, she's wearing her black rimmed square shaped glasses which I didn't know she had or even needed, frowning at the picture and twisting her mouth right and left probably unconsciously."What? you don't like the picture?", I ask the one thing that has been bugging me all past week.She sigh
Than There Was Us 2. 23. Bring Me Back
Picking you up at 10. Don't be late xoThat is what I woke upto this morning and that is why I'm waiting for Justine's call at 10 in the morning, all freshened up. I don't have an idea of where she is taking me but I think it's part of the surprise. Thankfully I had no plans today however that did not prepare me for the long awaited moment.It took her extra thirty minutes to reach my building. I thought it was going to be just us two but when I got in the car, I was surprised by a grinning Cole with her."Good Morning!", he shrieked almost making my ears bleed.Although his happiness was so infectious, it made me smile."Good morning, Cole. Could you help me with where we're going today?", I raised a brow at him teasingly, hoping he tells me.He mimics the action of zipping up his lips, locking the key and throwing it away. "No can do", Justine says in a sing-a-long tone. I sigh. "It's a surprise!", Cole shrieks again, almost deafening me. I flinch but narrow my eyes at him too.
Than There Was Us 2. 22. Aftermath
And so it ensues...From that night onwards, it seemed like that bandage had been ripped off.We were together all the time. Earlier it felt like there was a dark cloud roaming over our heads but ever since that night it was gone. As if forgotten that it ever existed. The night had brought on sucha a bright morning that we just wanted to stay in that little bubble of ours.Always texting each other, talking to each other and sometimes even sneaking around places to engage in some hot and heavy sex.It was like we had have enough of foreplay and we would just run to that chase.To makeup for all those days we were not together, reaching for that release. Be it against a wall, in her office and practically any surface visible to the eye. Obviously while being discrete of not being discovered.But in our haste, not even that subtle to not kiss each other goodbye in public. People would stare at us, some even more evidently then they would like to show.But it seemed neither of us cared
Than There Was Us 2. 21. Dilemma
I didn't sleep the whole night.She was in my arms and that was all that I needed. It was like a dream come true. A dream so dear, I didn't want to loose it. So I stayed awake.Not knowing how long it will last. But until then, I can take my fill of her to long me my whole lifetime.My eyes ached but I wouldn't leave even for a single wink of nap.She was in my arms, her head on my chest, her soft breaths brushing against my chest. One of her arms thrown carelessly around me and my hand in her hair. I breathed in her head every few seconds, committing the scent of her to memory. All night I couldn't stop, even if every last time drop of me had been drained, I couldn't. I didn't want to. And it seemed neither did she. We were spent in the early hours of the morning and now it's almost afternoon. I can feel the sun on my skin from where it's streaking through the curtains from the window. So many years of pent up anticipation and here we're now. Even when she's asleep, I see her ha
