by tani shane
His self-restraint curiously depressed Jessica. She had hoped they could develop mutual trust and understanding but she knew it was not to be. To keep her part of the deal, she had already drawn out legal papers to stake her inheritance against the partnership deal with his company. But she was deeply hurt when Steven drew out a pre-nuptial agreement denying her rights to alimony in case of a divorce. She had signed it of course, but her heart felt as though weighed down with a ton of bricks. She knew it was childish on her part to expect Steven to trust her and she finally managed to shrug off the unhappy feeling. You could only trust the person you love and Steven Hart did not love her.
***
“How do I look?” Mallory asked, her eyes dancing with excitement.
Jessica frowned as though contemplating deeply. Mallory looked angelic in her baby pink satin dress but she wanted to prolong the child’s anticipation. She turned her around once and then laughed, dropping a kiss on her cheek. “Perfect. Just the flower girl I was looking for.”
Mallory gloated with pride and went to admire herself before the full-length mirror in the changing room in Jessica’s boutique. Cheryl smiled lovingly before turning to Jessica with an anxious look. She had taken upon herself to pay Jessica an announced visit on the pretext of checking out Mallory’s dress.
“How are you, Jessi?” she asked softly.
“Fine Cheryl. What’s wrong?”
Her sister-in-law regarded her doubtfully. “I hope nothing’s wrong. Jeff and I were just worried about you.”
Jessica’s eyes dilated in surprise. “Why? I’m fine.”
“Jessi, you look so nervous these days and look at you! You must have lost at least five pounds within the past few weeks!”
Jessica averted her eyes. “It’s nothing to worry about. I’m just exhausted. All this partying around is really tiring.”
“Are you sure?”
Jessica lied openly. “Yes.” She leaned back in her chair smiling brightly. “Look, once the wedding takes place I’ll have a few more months of hard work and then I’m through. I’ll take a long vacation to some exotic island and send you two postcards. How does that sound?”
The look on Cheryl’s face told her it sounded pretty bad. “Aren’t you guys going on a honeymoon?”
A light flush stole up Jessica’s cheeks. “Nope. We both have loads to do.”
“But…”
“Stop fussing, Cheryl. I’m fine, really.” She said the last words with conviction and saw the other woman accept defeat. She felt rotten lying so blithely but she had no choice. She couldn’t tell her the truth behind her arrangement with Steven. Cheryl would tell Jeff and he would hit the roof. Neither could she reveal that Steven had discussed no honeymoon plans with her. It was apparent he was not in favor of amorous trips to anyplace.
The intercom buzzed and she thanked the Lord for the distraction. “Yes, Ruth?”
“There’s someone here who says he’s a good friend and wants to meet you. His name’s Jake”
Jessica immediately felt the blood leave her face. “Give me a minute, Ruth.” She turned with a smile to Cheryl who seemed to have missed her sudden bout of nerves.
Cheryl rose to her feet. “I must leave now. It’s past the children’s lunch time.” Her stomach was beginning to protrude gently and she smiled lovingly, running a hand over it. “Jeff and I want you to be our third child’s godmother. Will you?”
A warm feeling arose in Jessica’s heart. “Of course! And Cheryl?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you for your concern.”
Cheryl simply nodded telling her without words that she was not totally convinced. She let it remain at that and left the room.
Jessica’s hands immediately grabbed her phone and she speed dialed Mark. As soon as he answered, she whispered in desperation. “He’s here! He’s in my boutique!”
“I’ll be right there! Jess, don’t let him leave.” He warned and she could make out he was running. “Be brave, baby girl. He can’t hurt you with people around.”
“Ok,” she agreed, her hands shaking as she disconnected the call. She buzzed Ruth. “Send him in, Ruth,” she asked, holding her breath instinctively.
The door to her office opened and Jake stepped in. Jessica’s face immediately lost all color taking in his sight for the first time in years. He was still handsome but drugs had done their part on him. Fine lines crinkled at the edge of his eyes, his skin held an unhealthy pallor and his fine blond hair seemed thinner.
His smile was hideously evil as he regarded her with his cold, blue eyes. “Hello Jessica. You’re looking luscious.” His eyes roved down her body making her cringe.
She stared at him with mustered courage not wanting him to realize she was on the verge of a panic attack. “What do you want?” she hissed through clenched teeth.
Jake raised a cynical brow before plopping down on the visitor’s chair. “Straight to the point. I like that in my woman.”
She immediately snapped; her eyes raging with fury. “I’m not your woman! Now tell me what you want or I’ll call security!”
He pouted, feigning annoyance. “Aww, Jessi, Jessi, Jessi! Is this any way to treat an old lover?”
“You.Are.Not.My.Lover!”she almost yelled, slamming her palms on her desk and standing up. “You never were! You raped me, Jake! Do you get that? Does your sick mind process that word? You are a rapist!”
“Tsk, tsk. Your temper’s such a turn on, babes.” He stood up and came around her desk slowly, trailing a finger on it, stalking her into a corner.
“Keep away from me!” she warned all but backing into the work desk behind her.
He didn’t heed her warning and came to stand arrogantly before her. “Jessica, my sweet, I can fuck you right here on your table and no one can stop me.” He reached out to trace her quivering lips making her flinch with revulsion. “Even you.”
Her hand came up to strike him but he caught it deftly and twisted it behind her. He entangled his fingers in her hair and jerked her head back so that she was staring wildly at him.
Jessica’s heart thudded so loud that she was sure the whole world could hear it. This could not be happening to her! Not again! She could not allow this evil man to manipulate her in this manner. Mark’s words rose in her mind. “Don’t let him see your fear.”
Sucking in a deep breath, she bent her knee and connected it with his groin with a perfect whack. Jake’s breath left him with a whoosh as he bent over to hold his tender parts with a loud groan. She shoved him away from her and grabbed her phone. “You come near me one more time you freak and I swear I will make you hurt worse!”
Jake slid into the visitor’s chair, still bent over. When he regained some part of his composure, he scowled at her. “You will pay for this you whore!”
Jessica slammed her palms on her desk and glared at him, her eyes dark and defiant. “I dare you to try, you dirty son of a bitch!”
For a while they just glowered at each other. Then Jake suddenly started chuckling. “Whoo, hoo! That was fucking hot, Jessi! I mean it! I like to screw wild girls.” His laugh was dangerous and deliberately condescending but Jessica refused to let it rattle her. His eyes narrowed into shrewd slits. “What’s behind the bravado, Jessica? Your billionaire brother, your billionaire fiancé or your shithead dog? Which one is offering to protect you?”
His words disturbed her but she refused to show him her fear. It was evident he wanted her to know he was keeping tabs on her. “Get out while you still can!” she hissed.
Jake didn’t move a muscle. He appeared back in control and reached for his cell phone. “Seeing you’re being so damn inconsiderate, I guess I’ll just forward our sexy pics to your fiancé, what say?”
“No!” Her response was immediate and just the one he was looking for. He chuckled looking smug. Jessica glanced at her watch. It was almost thirty minutes since she had spoken to Mark, why wasn’t he here yet?
A thousand thoughts passed through her mind
. Jake was a dangerous predator. He was here for a reason. Money. If she gave him what he wanted, would he just go away? A look at his greedy face sent a shudder down her spine. No, he wouldn’t. If she gave in, he would haunt her for the rest of her life. She drew in a shaky breath. Her life. What a messed up life it was! It felt as if she had spent it entirely searching for peace and happiness. Neither of which would be within her reach till Jake chose to torment her.
Steven. She almost whispered his name, hugging her arms close. There was no one she would rather be with than him. But if he saw those shocking pictures, would he still want her? Would he believe her? Perhaps not. He didn’t love her so why would he?
The thought was miserable enough to make her want to cry but seeing Jake’s horrid challenging eyes she was determined to challenge him back. Before she could get the next word out, her intercom buzzed and Ruth’s voice came through. “Jessi, I’m sorry but Ms.Ida Devon is here to see you.”
“I’ll be right…”
“No, she wants to see you in your office. Should I send her in?”
Jessica hesitated. What did Ida want? “No, Ruth...” her voice trailed away as her office door was pushed open and Ida Devon entered.
“Ida, what a pleasant surprise,” Jessica managed, shooting a warning look at Jake who smirked at her. “What can I do for you? I hope your costume went well with your Halloween party.”
Cold, hard, green eyes regarded her with pure hatred before Ida spoke in an even tone. “I’ve not come here on business, Jessi. The visit is purely personal.”
The statement took her aback and Jessica’s well-shaped brow rose curiously. Ida glared at Jake who opened his arms graciously to indicate she could take the second visitor’s chair.
Jessica glared at Jake willing him to leave but he ignored her. Ida sat on the visitor’s chair and lit the cigarette she held between her delicate fingers. She blew out a whirl of gray smoke all the while watching Jessica with careful eyes. Her manner was so blatantly hostile that an unknown sense of fear rose in Jessica’s heart. She steadied herself and returned to her chair behind her desk.
“Can I get you something to drink?” she asked politely.
“I read about your engagement in the papers,” Ida stated, completely ignoring her question. Jessica’s eyes widened in surprise. The last thing she had expected Ida to discuss was her engagement. Ida blew out another puff of smoke. “It was rather unexpected.”
Even Jake’s brows rose at that making Jessica give him one more glare, silently asking him to leave. He ignored her as expected so she returned her attention to Ida. “Well, it did happen rather suddenly.”
“How long have you known Steve?”
A frown creased Jessica’s attractive face. What did her engagement have to do with this woman, she wondered but replied honestly. “A couple of months.”
“Is that all? And you decided to marry him?”
“Ida, what are you getting at?”
Ida’s upturned lips formed in a cynical smile. “I know it’s a charade, Jessica. You can’t fool me. You trapped Steve for this silly little company of yours. I’ve read all the nasty details of the merger in the papers.” Critical jade eyes scrutinized her. “You’re not his type. Too short. Too ordinary.”
Jessica all but gaped at her in disbelief. “I don’t think my engagement is any of your concern, Ida. And the fact that Steven is marrying me should tell you I’m very much his type.”
The other woman’s face dropped its cynical look to slowly turn vehement. She leaned forward, her green eyes glinting dangerously. “He belongs to me!” she hissed with a passion that shocked Jessica. “Do you get that? You’re never going to get him, Jessica. He’s mine!”
The color drained from Jessica’s face. “I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”
Ida’s lips were thin and firm as she spoke. “I have known Steve since he was in college. He fell so madly in love with me that he begged me to move in with him. We lived together for four long years before I left him for David.”
The world suddenly reeled before Jessica. Steven was the man she left for Senator Devon! But how was it that nobody knew about it?
Ida answered the silent question. “I will be very frank with you, darling. I left Steve because he couldn’t give me what I was looking for. I needed fame and money of course and the poor dear was a nobody. He had no family business to fall back on and I couldn’t simply marry him and watch him work nine to five just to make ends meet!” Her arrogant statement appalled Jessica but she declined to speak. “And you know what? He would have remained as he was if I hadn’t walked out on him. He was so hurt by me that he staked all that he had on the stock market. That’s where luck favored him and he struck rich.”
A dull throb was beginning to form in Jessica’s temples as she tried to speak calmly. “What happened was a long time ago, Ida. Why are you here now?”
People often said madness is reflected in the eyes and that’s what Jessica saw in the green ones that burnt into her. “Do you know how boring it is to be married to one man for seven long years? Do you know how it feels to sleep with your husband and dream of your lover each time he invades your body? Well, I know and I’m sick of it! I’m sick of David and his prissy diplomatic views!” Ida unfurled her tall length from the chair, appearing thoroughly self-composed despite the agitation in her eyes. “I was about to leave my husband and go back to Steve when I read about you. Nice try, I must say but I know he doesn’t love you. Steve is incapable of loving any woman. I made sure of that when I left him. So you see, you might as well give it up right now. He’ll never be yours!”
Jessica breathed slowly trying to calm her rapidly beating heart. Ida’s antagonism had astonished her initially but she finally understood the reason behind it. She was one of those people who could not accept loss. What was even more amazing was the self-assured notion that she could just walk in and out of someone’s life on her own whim and fancy. Had she bothered to check with Steven if he wanted her back? It was possible that she had rendered him invincible when it came to falling in love but that was where it ended. Steven had given ample evidence of his attraction for Jessica and she was sure he had no ulterior motive behind his decision to marry her. She faced Ida bravely. “Ida, I don’t have anything to say to you so if you have finished, you can leave.”
Ida glared at her for a while then her face abruptly dropped the vile look and she smiled nonchalantly. “You’re a tough one, aren’t you? That’s fine by me, Jessi darling.” She lit another cigarette and blew out the smoke leisurely. The haze floated between them temporarily before it disappeared completely. “I love challenges. Steve is mine and I’ll do whatever it takes to get you out of his life. Is that clear?”
“As crystal.” Jessica watched the other woman leave with troubled eyes. Lord knew she didn’t want to fight anyone over Steven. He was a mature individual and could take his own decisions. That’s why he had chosen her. The explanation sounded good enough but a doubt distressed her mind. It was obvious that Ida had not approached Steven yet. What if she did and he realized that he really wanted her in his life?
Jake suddenly jumped to his feet startling Jessica out of her reverie. “Well, that went well, didn’t it? Now if you will excuse me.” With that he was gone, leaving her standing speechless. She had almost forgotten about him and was glad he left without torturing her further.
A headache began throbbing behind her temples. The day’s happenings were too much for her to handle. She felt confused, troubled, restless, disturbed all at once and she wanted Steven. She needed to be with him, in his arms, kissing him, losing her senses to him.
A bitter laugh rose in her throat. You’re one messed up girl, Jessica Cantrell, she told herself. What was is it about stress that sent her hormones raging?
Her phone beeped and she saw it was message from Mark.
You did well, baby girl. I’m proud of you.
The simple words made her smile. Yeah. Someone thou
ght she rocked. It calmed her to think Mark was around. He had come for her but kept his presence hidden. He would deal with Jake while she took on Ida’s warning.
Then his next message caused a nervous ball to grow in the pit of her stomach.
Why was Ida Devon there? What did she say to upset u?
How did Mark know who Ida was? Sensing his presence, she went up to her office window and saw him standing across the street, his handsome face staring up at her. She smiled and blew him a kiss. She then sent him a message.
Don’t worry. It’s just business.
She saw him nod his acceptance of her lie and then he was gone.
Her tresses bounced lightly as she shook her head timidly. No, she wouldn’t let anyone come between her and Steven. Although she was apprehensive about her decision to marry a man she did not love, the fact was that she was getting married to Steven. She wanted him, she desired him and he was hers for the asking.
And they would live happily ever after. Hopefully.
***
Mark had seen all of Jake’s moves in Jessica’s office. He had stood opposite her boutique and got a clear view from the lamp post he leaned on. Part of him had wanted to rush in and bash the hell out of the guy but the sensible part told him to rein in his ‘Hulk’. He couldn’t afford to make a scene in front of her staff and knowing Jake, that’s what he thrived upon.
He almost lost his resolution when he saw Jake twist Jessica’s arm but her sudden bravado had come as a relief. Yea, baby! That’s what I want from you! Don’t let him scare you. He could almost hear Wallace’s balls crunching when her knee crashed into them and he actually did chuckle at the sight. Mark felt he almost had Jake by the balls when he saw Ida Devon all but barge into the boutique.
At her presence, Mark stiffened uncertainly. What was she doing here? Was she Jessica’s client? He couldn’t afford to be seen by her. Especially since he was one of the security cover assigned to her husband, Senator David Devon.