Chapter 5: Jason

Grace got up early, she was used to working on lack of sleep. She made herself a cup of coffee from the room’s refreshment tray. She was just about to pop in the shower when she heard a knock on the door.

“Who could that be?” she wondered as she opened the door. A Maid and the bald man with a white beard stood in front of her. 

“ Excuse us for disturbing you Doctor, but we been instructed to upgrade you to the Penthouse Suite!” The man said

“I think there has been some mistake. I am perfectly fine. Besides I am unable to afford such luxury!” Grace said. She could see the two members of staff were nervous for some reason.

“I assure you there has been no mistake, the Boss was very adamant!” The man said. 

“The Boss?“ Grace asked confused

“Yes Miss, Kurt Blackwood” The man explained.

“How is he your Boss?” Grace asked still confused. She thought Kurt was into business technology, not hotels!

“Er, he owns the Hotel and said we had to move you. Please Miss we don’t want to get into trouble!” The Maid said.

“Hush Lilly!” Scolded the man.

“Ok, I was just about to take a shower. How about this? I want to take a walk and find some breakfast, after that I move into this big room” Grace said and both the staff looked relieved.

 “ Yes, Miss that would be fantastic! If you need anything, please call for Sebastian and I will deal with it personally!” Sebastian said with a bow.

“I would love some more instant coffee if that is ok? I am afraid I run on caffeine and have used it all in the room” Grace said with a smile. Sebastian smiled back and nodded.

Grace closed the door and had a shower. It gave her time to think; Who was this Kurt Blackwood really and what did he want with her? Grace dried her hair and got dressed in her favourite Jeans and place a blue Cotton tunic on. She put on some makeup and went on the hunt for some breakfast.

Grace found herself in her favourite cafe in the Winter Gardens - a large tropical Garden In the centre of Sheffield. Grace frequently walked through the Garden in her University years, she always felt at peace. Grace was just about to tuck into a cooked breakfast when she heard a voice behind her

“Grace is that you? I can’t believe it!” A male voice said.

“Jason? Is that you? Oh my God! “ Grace said. Jason was a classmate from University and was the class’s heartthrob. At 6 foot 5 with blond hair, blue eyes and a cheeky smile that most girls heart melt, Grace was one of the few women he had not slept with. That did not mean Grace did not admire the bulging muscles that were straining against Jason’s white t-shirt.

“I thought you were in Senegal?” Jason said as Grace hugged him.

“I came back for Anne 30th“ Grace explained.

“When did we get so old?” Jason moaned.

“Oh stop it! You know you look fabulous! Do you have time for a coffee?” Grace asked

“For you sweetheart of course!” Jason said, flashing one of his famous smiles. 

Grace rolled her eyes and said, “ So what’s been happening?”

Jason and Grace caught up over breakfast. It was not until she heard the local church bells strike half 9 did she realise the time.

“Oh crap, I have to go!” Grace said getting up.

“Where do you have to go in such a hurry?” Jason asked interested.

“I meeting a friend back at The Forge Hotel!” Grace said as she got up.

“Why don’t I walk you back?“ Jason suggested

“I will be fine! “ Grace said reassuringly.

“Come I haven't seen you in four years!” Jason said.

“Ok, but hurry up!” Grace said 

Jason and Grace walked quickly back to the hotel. When they reach the entrance, Grace turned to say her goodbyes 

Grace said, “Well it was great to see you again Jason, it sounds like your cardiovascular practice is taking off!”

“Maybe we could meet tomorrow for drinks if you are free?“ Jason said flashing her another dashing smile.

“She will be otherwise engaged!” Kurt said as he came up behind Grace and snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her body into his. Kurt glared at Jason whilst saying “ Angel, why don’t you introduce me to your friend?” Kurt emphasised the word friend

“Er sure this is Jason Smithson, he was at University with me!”Grace explained, still confused at why the men were glaring at each other.

“Dr Jason Smithson, I am a Cardio Surgeon!” Jason said holding out his hand. Kurt took his hand and shook it. 

“Kurt Blackwood of Blackwood Industries and owner of this Hotel!” Kurt said with a fake smile. 

“I see! So, are you busy the day after tomorrow, short stuff?” Jason said casually whilst looking directly at Grace. 

Grace finally figured it out - it was a dominance contest, they might as well be pissing on her to mark her as theirs.

“Yes, she will be accompanying me to the City’s Charity Ball. Now if you excuse us, Grace and I have plans!“ Kurt said. He then grabbed Grace’s arm and dragged he towards an iconic red Ferrari. 

“You are hurting me Kurt!” snapped Grace

“Get in!” Kurt ordered in an aggressive tone. 

Grace glared at him and said, “Actually I need to get something from my room!” 

Grace released herself from his grip and started to walk to the Hotel entrance. 

Jason was about to say something and she snapped “Don’t even think about it Jason, you are in my bad books as well!” 

As the door slammed Jason looked at Kurt

 “Don’t expect her to come down anytime soon, when she is upset she likes to be alone. She is probably speaking to Anne right about now!”Jason said triumphantly. He did what he wanted which is to make this man lose his temper in front of Grace. The poor man had no idea that Grace was scared of angry men, after been abused in care homes for years. She never talked about it, but there were scars all over her body. 

Jason had not believed his luck when he had seen her when he was walking to work. His heart had stopped beating when he saw her tuck into her breakfast. He had loved Grace for years, even though he could easily get with other women, he never had managed with her. Not for a lack of trying either, but she never seems to notice his advances. It had broken his heart when she left and he had thrown himself into his work. He had slept with countless women, but every time he came it was Grace’s face he saw. There was no way he was going to lose her to this prick! 

“What did you do?” Kurt said looking murderous.

“I did nothing, you, however, did plenty!” Jason said with a smirk.

Just then a black taxi parked up and Grace walked out with her two bags. She blanked both of them as she opened the boot and flung her bags in.

“Angel, where are you going?“ Kurt said.

“Contrary to popular belief, I am an independent woman who does not need any man! I don’t need fancy hotel rooms, drinks paid for or fancy trips out. What I do need is a man who will not lay his hands on me without My permission. It was nice seeing you again, and I’m happy that you’ve made a go of things. However, you owe me nothing for saving your life. I think it's best if we moved our separate ways before one of us gets hurt!“ Grace said trying to hold back the tears and she banged the boot down.

“Don’t walk away from me!” Kurt growled. 

Grace did not answer and stepped into the back of the car. Kurt watched as the car drove off with his Angel.

“Game on you prick!” Jason said as he walked off. 

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