Chapter 27
Estrella’s mouth was slightly open, exhaling, and her hands were caught and struggling slightly, as Jason’s kiss came overwhelming.
“Mmm…”
Jason’s kiss was intense and rough, like a long-caged beast released. Estrella couldn’t help but moan under the fervor.
Her sultry voice edged with defiance. Then, Jason whispered against her earlobe, “Flirting with other guys, Estrella? Forget about it, not in this lifetime.”
Estrella thought to herself,” Just wait until I have his baby, then we’ll see who’s in control.”
Still, her arms wrapped around Jason’s neck, with a teasing spark in her eyes, “Then you better make sure you can keep me satisfied.”
Her words had barely left her lips when Jason’s mouth was on hers again, and the sound of fabric tearing followed…
Jason’s familiar scent, laced with the faint aroma of alcohol, snapped her back to reality. Jason had been drinking tonight, and not just a little.
Tonight was not the night. She couldn’t risk getting pregnant now.
Estrella pushed at Jason with sudden urgency, “Jason, not tonight.”
Jason’s grip tightened on her waist, “What’s the problem? Got your period again?”
“You’re drunk, and it’s not good for the pregnancy,” she insisted..
Jason’s temper flared, “You think I’m some kind of baby-making machine?”
Estrella grabbed a blanket and wrapped herself within it, “Maybe some other time. I’m tired. tonight.”
She knew who she was, and Jason did too – she wouldn’t involve herself in something without a clear benefit.
Estrella played coy, eliciting a laugh tinged with exasperation from Jason, “Estrella, the porn’s already started, clothes are off, and now you’re tired? No matter how exhausted you claim to be, we’re settling this tonight.”
As he reached for the blanket, Estrella clung to it desperately, “Come home early tomorrow, and I’ll let you do this until dawn.” She even tucked the blanket tighter beneath her to secure it.
Jason watched, frustration boiling over as he aimed a playful kick her way, but as Estrella nearly tumbled off the bed, his reflexes kicked in, and he caught her.
15.23 Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
Damn it, she was infuriating like no other woman he’d ever met. Her stubbornness was indelibly etched in his heart, irreplaceable.
The following morning, as Estrella awoke, Jason was already gone. Unbeknownst to her, Jason had tossed and turned all night, tempted to wake her. But he thought about her spending hours standing in court for a big case during the day, he couldn’t bring himself to disturb her sleep.
After a quick bite to eat at home, Estrella drove to the law firm.
“Estrella,” the familiar voice greeted her as she stepped through the company doors.
She turned to see Serene, “What brings you here?”
Serene approached with a smile, “You were signed as the company’s legal representative, right? I’m here to deliver the documents to you!
“Alright, hand them over,” Estrella said, taking the documents with thanks and preparing to get back to work when Serene called out again.
“Estrella?”
She turned, “What is it now?”
Serene hesitated, “Can we talk for a moment?”
Sensing ulterior motives, Estrella led Serene to the lounge and made her a cup of coffee, “You’re quite leisurely this morning.”
Serene cradled her coffee, “I rarely get a chance to see you or spe th you.”
Estrella sat down, “Well, what’s on your mind?”
Serene stared at Estrella, gripping her cup tightly, “Estrella think, not what the rumors say. Jason is out of my leag at the hotel was just a misunderstanding.”
Estrella took a sip of her coffee, a wry smile form
She had seen Serene on Jason’s arm, a pub! misunderstanding, Estrella found it amus
Serene continued, “not afraid of y so. I’m not del
and I, we’re not what you
w my place. That incident
hink I’m out to ge
ow, with Serene
don’t see me as
and rightly
out my chi
on, not even a
in your game
playing along
after me at
e her that
tl saved him once passion,” Serene
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summoned her courage, “Jason’s actions are beyond my influence. He hasn’t forgotten. his one true love; he still holds on to her memory.”
After Serene’s confession, Estrella remained composed, though inwardly she scoffed at
the notion.
Knowing there was nothing between Serene and Jason only made it sting more. So she was just a sideshow for the past two years?
Looking straight at Serene, Estrella’s smile was tinged with irony, “Serene, you’ve got quite the strategic mind.”
Serene rushed to clarify, “I’m telling you the truth because I don’t want to be your enemy, even though I don’t deserve to be.”
Estrella sat up straighter, setting down her coffee, “Your explanations don’t really matter. I’m not about to stoop to fighting you.”
Serene was clever, never confronting her directly, always genuine in her sincerity and efficient in her work. It was no wonder Jason kept her close.
Still, when it came to a woman’s feelings for a man, Estrella was no fool. She could see right through them.
Serene had said all she needed to and got to her feet. “Estrella, I’ll let you get back to work, I’m heading out.”
-He hadn’t forgotten her.
-She was always on his mind.
As Serene left the guest room, the smile slowly faded from Estrella’s face.
Serene was smart, always knew the perfect timing for doing things and saying words, and was adept at diverting attention.
In the evening, Estrella, rare for her to have an early shift, made plans to have dinner with Jesse.
They met up at the diner, and when she saw Jesse’s bruised and swollen face and scratched cheek, Estrella’s expression darkened instantly. “Jesse, what the hell happened to you?”
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