Page 79 of Love Beyond the Illusion
“She sold it to a pawnshop. Then after, she said that I could have kept the necklace, but our electricity would be shut off.”
Jack falls to his back on the soft mattress and raises his hands in frustration. “Fuck. I’m so sorry. She told you that you had to choose between electricity and your grandma’s necklace. How was that even something you should have dealt with as a child?”
“That’s Roxy.”
From the corner of my eye, I see Jack’s arm come out, hook around me, and aggressively bring me down into him. His hold is tight, almost cutting off my oxygen. My tense muscles loosen, and I melt into his skin like it’s my own. “That shouldn’t have been put on you. How horrible it must have felt.”
“It’s weird because somehow it feels like it’s my fault. Like I could have no—”
He quickly shakes his head. “What? No. None of that is your fault.”
Despite the alarm bells going off, I sit with these emotions, living in them fully. I drop my eyes to his lips, part mine, and lean forward, meeting him for what feels like a connection to end all connections. Jack’s soft lips move slowly around mine. I slip my tongue into his mouth and expect him to devour me, but he draws back. He let his forehead rest on mine before raising his head to kiss mine—another simple gesture that crumbles my remaining walls.
“Do you want to come with me today to the winery?”
“I haven’t checked in with the girls in a while. We’re supposed to Facetime later.” I nuzzle his nose. “But thank you. I’ll be waiting here for you to get back.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Jack
Themarketing,humanresources,and operations meetings went smoothly yesterday. The more time I spend on the property, the more optimistic I become about taking over full-time. My mother and I spoke extensively about my buyout plan, and she was excited about the idea. We spent time during lunch going over what it would look like and the amount we would feel comfortable offering.
I came back to the villa enthusiastic and liberated. As soon as I walked through the door, I blindfolded Piper, handcuffed her, and fucked her until I was too weak to do it anymore.
She hasn’t asked about the restraints. I’m still not sure if I’m ready to tell her yet. Feeling like I have no control over my life has made me find control in other areas. When women have mentioned it in the past, I’ve usually scoffed it off as a typical kink that people have. But the truth is, it’s all about keeping my own control. I haven’t dated anyone long enough for them to get tired of it or for me to feel secure enough to stop, so it’s become a habit.
After a brief afternoon run, I walk into the villa to find Piper pacing back and forth on the patio. She has one arm across her body and tucked into her armpit while her cell phone is raised in the air in front of her. Even through the thick glass of the sliding door, I notice something off with her body language.
I take a few steps in that direction, hiding my shadow behind the curtains. I’m curious to know why she looks upset, but I fear that if I ask, she won’t tell me. We’ve grown closer recently, but she still keeps so much hidden.
I lean into the open crack in the sliding door that was left ajar. Piper’s voice is muffled, but I can still make out some phrases since she has a low-volume call on speakerphone.
“I can’t give you any more money, Roxy,” Piper says, her voice straining.
The female voice on the other end of the call is Piper’s mother, Roxy.
“Why do you always fight me on this, Piper Moon? I am your mom. What kind of daughter are you that you wouldn’t even help your mother when she needs you?”
“But you always need my help, and right now, I have a lot going on, and I need to focus on me. Why can’t you be supportive of me for once?” I hear Piper attempt to defend herself, but there’s no absolute conviction behind her words. She sounds intimidated and unsure of herself. It’s an obvious contrast from the Piper I know.
“So many people in this world don’t even have a mother. Why can’t you be grateful that yours is still around!”
“That has nothing to do with it. I am grateful I have you, but I also need the freedom to live my own life.” Piper’s back is tense.
“Why wouldn’t you want me in it?” Roxy snaps.
I’m no psychologist, but this conversation sounds like some hardcore manipulation. Suddenly, I feel uncomfortable intruding on a personal family matter. I quietly head into the bedroom, grab my laptop, and start working, pushing aside everything I’ve heard. Maybe if I distract myself from what I was eavesdropping on, I can also ward off the strong territorial urges to come to her defense.
I’m not alone long when I hear her enter the villa, followed by quick footsteps and a hard close of the bathroom door. I immediately jump off the bed and sprint to the bathroom to make sure she’s okay. Standing in front of the closed door, I hear the sounds of the bathtub filling up. Tapping my fingers on the handle, I slowly twist, and to my surprise, the door is unlocked.
Before adding force to open it, I second-guess my actions. Am I crossing a line? Fuck it, I don’t care. There’s nothing private between us anymore. I slowly open the door as she turns off the faucet. “Are you alright?” I take a few cautious steps toward her.
Her glistening skin peeks out from beneath a mountain range of translucent bubbles. She rests her chin on her knees, and her legs are pulled up to her chest. Piper’s hair is tied into a loose bun on her head.
“I’m fine. I don’t want to talk about it.” She doesn’t look my way when she speaks and instead keeps her face concealed.
I’ve become a perpetual invader of her privacy. “I heard the conversation you were having with your mother outside. I’m sorry for eavesdropping, but I couldn’t help it. You looked upset.”
