Chapter 3

[JANE]

I grumbled as I moved my position on the cold yet comfortable bed. My time in dreamland had been cut short due to constant throbbing pain in my head. The agony spread from the bottom of my brows to my temples and forehead. Ugh! I'm never going to get drunk again. My eyes fluttered open, and they began to adjust to the light flowing in through the side window. When did I get such a small window?

I ignored my initial bewilderment and went back to sleep, only to be startled awake by the alarm clock's loud ringing. Before I finally allowed my eyes open wide, I snarled and ruffled my hair. The ceiling is white and blue, the covers are blue, the walls are foreign, and the door is different! Oh my fucking God! I sat up right away, but that only made my headache worse.

My headache is killing me. "God! It hurts!" I sighed and cast my gaze about the room.

"Where the hell am I?" I wondered aloud, disregarding the pounding of my heart caused by anxiousness and confusion. I got out of bed slowly and cautiously, taking my belongings from the top of the bedside table, which had been gratefully placed there. Reese's 28 missed calls were visible on my phone when I checked it. I’m so fucking dead. I grew increasingly aware that I was sleeping in someone else's bed, and I had no idea if that person is a he or a she.

I dialed Reese's number while discreetly planning to leave the room. I attempted to pay attention to every single portion of my body, from head to toe. I don't have any strange sensations. I also don't feel like I've had sex or anything like that. My memory is failing me as I try to recall everything that happened last night. After a few seconds of ringing, I finally heard Reese's voice on the other end of the line, which brought me some relief. I sighed and came to a standstill outside the room. I'm scared someone might overhear what I'm saying.

"Oh, thank God! You finally answered! Where are you?! I've been calling you all night! The last time I remember, I left you playing at the slot machine, and then you're gone! I was so worried about you!" she said, sniffling. She must be quite concerned about my safety. I was consumed by guilt and disappointment. I wanted to tell her what had occurred, but I can't because I have no idea how I got here.

"I'm sorry, Reese Posie, but I have no idea what happened, and now I'm in this strange place, and I have no idea where I am," I said, my voice shaking with panic. I'm not sure what's on the other side of this door.

“Why are you whispering?" Reese questioned, clearing my throat and trying to retain my low quivering voice. Can't she see how perplexing my circumstance is right now?

“Because someone might hear me," I said. Then, I heard her gasp.

"Did you get kidnapped? Oh, my God! I'm calling the cops! What is your exact location? It's entirely my fault! I’m sorry Jane!" She was already crying and scared, and all I could do was face-palm.

"No, no, no. Reese, I'm fine. All my belongings are here. I assume someone just brought me here, but I'm good. I just need to get out of here, then I'll go to your apartment as soon as I can. I'll let you know. Wait for me, okay?" I turned the knob while still talking to Reese. I peered inside the door and noticed two leather couches in the living room and a large flat-screen television mounted on the wall. On the side, there's also a PS5 set. I'd say the person that lives here isn't a girl, and he enjoys playing video games.

The interior design is reminiscent of one of those opulent bachelor pads. Grey and white were the predominant hues on the walls. Next to the average-sized wall clock, a Jack of Spade's painting was framed and hung on the wall. The entire establishment is stylish and aesthetically pleasant. However, the prospect of being with a man gave me goosebumps and a nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach. He must be a wealthy, successful, and attractive man, but I dislike males. Because I am gay, I must say NO TO MEN!

"OK, I already got out of the room; all I need to do now is- HOLY SHIT!" I screamed as I noticed someone approaching me from behind.

"Hey, what happened?!?" panicked Reese, but I was left staring at the girl who has a blank expression on her face but is so damn attractive. She is not a man, but a masterpiece by God. Her wolf-cut hair falls just above her shoulders, making her even more attractive with how they were sexily disheveled, and I desperately wanted to reach for the few strands of her hair and tuck them behind her ear, but I didn't do that.

I had to glance up because she's much taller than me, and I nervously peek into her eyes. She has doe-like eyes and I could stare at her all day. Her lips are rosy and plump, and her nose is sharp. I'm sure they feel nice against my skin. Oh my goodness! I must be crazy. I was startled out of my stupor when I heard my best friend's voice on the phone that I was still holding to my ear.

"Hello~"

"I'll call you later," I said as I quickly hung up the phone.

"H-hi," I said uneasily, "were you the one who brought me here?" I couldn't help but notice how her abs would clench, and I couldn't help but stare at them. Her only outfit consists of gray sweatpants and a black Nike sports bra. Oh, my lord! What did I do in my life to deserve this?

I realized I wasn't wearing heels and that I was walking backward since she was approaching me. I never want to complain; who the hell would?

She smirked at me and said, "Yes because you were wasted last night." I gulped as I observed her lips extending into a faint but dangerous smile. I'd never felt intimidated before, but she had such an effect on me that my pulses were fluttering, and I got cold feet.

"W-wait. Did something... h-happened?" I gasped as my back contacted the wall behind me, and I came to a halt. My gaze was locked on her as if I were being dragged by a powerful magnetic force.

"Do you want to?" she asked, her eyes narrowing, "since you were so eager to get me last night."

Eager to get her? I'm at a loss for words. Confusion and disillusionment replaced the intense sexual attraction I had for her.

"Excuse me? What?" I exclaimed. I scowled in rage as I realized what I had thought of her. She got me in the first half. She comes out as haughty, and I have no idea what she's talking about.

Her smirk never left her lovely face as she said, "It's our deal. You won the game, and I'm yours." Her hands were pressed against the wall, trapping me in the space between her arms. I would have been ecstatic at the time, but I couldn't romanticize her arrogance toward me. Sorry, lover girl, I'm not as easy to seduce as you would think.

"You know what, Miss? I don't know what you're talking about, and I have no idea what happened last night. Thank you for letting me stay here, but I don't have time for this game of yours. Now, if you'll excuse me," I tried to push her away, but she's so strong. She didn't even move back; instead, she leaned in closer, making me nervous.

"Great! After you humiliated me last night? You're just going to forget everything?" she said sarcastically before shaking my entire existence with her piercing look, which is, by the way, really appealing. However, that's not the point. I quietly blamed myself for forgetting what had transpired.

"I -I really can't remember anything," when I felt her breath tickle my face, I gulped. How does one get minty breath first thing in the morning? Weren't they supposed to have bad breath? I've been trying to find something that could turn me off of her. However, it isn't working! I could smell her classic, refreshing scent that's exhilarating and distinctly masculine. I was being comforted by her scent, yet our proximity was making me nervous.

"You won't get away with humiliating me; you've tarnished my reputation," she spoke.

What? Tarnished? Reputation? God! This is killing me! I couldn’t remember anything! HELP!

"What do you mean? I didn't do anything!" I screamed frantically, but she silenced me with her index finger on my lips. I drew some air in through my nose, feeling stifled, yet somehow, I liked our proximity.

What the heck, Jane! I wanted to roll my eyes at myself. She snorted and bit the inside of her lower lip. God! Is it possible for me to bite those lips instead? What the hell? I was silently scolding myself for thinking such perverted things about her.

"I knew you wouldn't remember what happened last night. You looked so intoxicated. Were you drugged last night?" she asked. I blinked a few times and managed to shove her away, which she allowed.

"What are you talking about?! Drugged? Seriously?" she asked, just raising her brows, which infuriated me even more. What right did she have to pass such a harsh judgment on me?

“You know what? Thank you for letting me stay here, even though I don't know if you did something to me or what—“

"Wow! Really? I'm not going to do anything to you. Please," she said, shaking her head and making a disgusted look. She's straining my patience, I scoffed. I approached her and placed my finger on her chest.

"Look, Miss—perfect-face-yet-so-arrogant,” Oh shut the hell up! Did I just compliment her like that? She raised her brows at me, but I just rolled my eyes.

I mentally slapped myself yet continued with my rant, “Let's just end this. I'll pay you whatever liability I have. Let's just forget about this," I took my check and a pen from my purse.

"How much damage did I cause you?" I asked without looking at her but halted since I didn't know her name. I'm aware that I'm coming across as arrogant right now, but that doesn't bother me. With the way she treats me, she doesn't deserve any respect or kindness from me.

"Just put your name on here," I said, "I won't even ask for your name." She wore a stoic expression at first, but then she burst out laughing.

"You truly think you can pay for everything with your money; it reminded me of last night when you were offering me a million dollars if I won," she said triumphantly while yet appearing irritated. This person may have some anger management issues. I'd better keep my distance from her. She began heading towards me just as I was ready to take a step to the side. I grew agitated once more.

"I don't need your money, Jane Terranova; I lost in the game last night, so I'm yours," she said, "but because you couldn't recall what happened, and you've already humiliated me in front of those people, I'll be asking for some insurance." Her unpleasant grin flickered across her lips once more.

"Insurance? What?" I got further perplexed. God! I need to get out of here, or I'll be flinging myself at her like a slut because, even if she's arrogant, she's undeniably hot, and I mean it. Let's pretend this hottie is mine. But I wouldn't have to imagine anything because she's already mine. But I'm not interested in a one-night stand, so I'll end our agreement, and we can go our ways. I was mentally patting myself on the back for finally doing the right thing.

"If you're mine, that means I have the authority to tell you whatever I want you to do," I said, clearing my throat and inhaling deeply.

"Let's just forget about it and go our separate ways as if this never happened," I said, gesturing with my hand to emphasize the word "never happened."

"Alright, if that's what you want," she responded, crossing her arms above her chest, "but as I said, I need insurance." Is there any angle where she doesn't seem hot? Jesus Christ! I need to quit being so raunchy.

"What kind of insurance?" I furrowed my brows, not really getting what she said.

"You humiliated me big time! So I'm going to make you my slave for a week," she grinned, and my eyes widened. NO WAY!

"What the hell! Are you insane! That's a no!" I pushed her to the side as I walked by her. I don't have to listen to her because I won the bet in the first place, so technically, I'm free to do anything I want.

"Then I might tell your father where you went last night," she said, prompting me to turn back. What the fuck did she know about my father? Tell me she's not a stalker. Holy cow!

"Your old man was calling you nonstop last night, and I saved your ass," she said, a smug look on her face. 

"Oh, he's genuinely furious that you stood up some guy last night, but I told him I am one of your potential investors, and you inadvertently left your phone where we met," she said. How does she get the upper hand in such a short amount of time? Great. Just great.

"Can I have my insurance?" she asked, grinning broadly. 

"Oh, by the way, I'm Khali Luciano," she added.

Is it possible for my life to get any more complicated than it is now?