Page 41 of Love Beyond the Illusion
Jack’s jaw flexes. He quickly glances at me, then looks away before meeting my eyes once again. “Technically, you’re my wife.”
My lungs constrict hearing him call me that. “I guess that’s true.”
“I’d love to hear your take on what wives are supposed to do.”
I start to sweat, unsure of what to say. “I’m not sure. I’ve never been married before.”
“I guess I’m lucky to be your first then. Can’t wait for the day when we start acting like it.”
I suck in a sharp breath. “Acting like what?”
“Do you need me to explain to you all the things that married couples get to do with each other?”
“Are you tempting me?” I back away, creating space between us to breathe effectively.
“Maybe.”
“I thought you didn’t want any distractions?” My eyes scour the room for a quick escape from the tension.
“A distraction—or two might not hurt.” Jack arches an eyebrow.
I can slip into the bathroom—which has been my only relief since I’ve arrived here. “I’m going to get ready for bed. It’s getting late.”
Hearing wife at first sounded strange, almost an empty random word without connection to me. But this time, the word fell from his mouth with intention and purpose. Like a reminder of who I belong to. I wipe my sweaty palms on my pants while Jack smiles, giving me a quick nod.
I slide between him and the counter in the shoebox-sized kitchen, sprinting right for the bathroom. Closing the door behind me, I let my back mold into it. One hand grips my stomach while I bring the other to my chest to soothe the frantic and erratic beats of my heart.
Things would be much easier if he weren’t a tall, blond heartthrob who jumped out of a teenage poster. I run a damp hand along my face.Gross.I need a shower.
I cautiously open the door, peeking around the corner to make sure Jack isn’t in the bedroom. When I don’t see him, I tiptoe to the dresser to grab my pajamas, then slink back into the bathroom.
I take a long, hot shower. It’s been almost thirty minutes by the time I’m ready to face him again. I change, brush my teeth, throw my hair up, and head out. It’s quiet. I wonder where that tall blonde could be. I creep into the living room, scanning my eyes from the back door all the way around to the kitchen. “Jack?” I call out.
No answer.
Maybe he went out for a run. I grab a glass of water, then head back into the bedroom to check my phone. Lifting it, I immediately see a message from him.
Jack: Went on a run, be back shortly.
I turn around to sit on the edge of the bed and message him back, but then I catch a glimpse of a figure coming toward me. Jerking my head up, I see Jack strutting through the doorway.
“Hey, I’m glad you’re out. I was hoping to hop in once I got back.” He briskly heads toward the bathroom.
Speechless, my eyes drink in the mouth-watering sight of him from head to toe. He’s got on gray joggers that hang low on his waist and a black hoodie. I watch on bated breath as Jack walks toward the bathroom, pulling off his hoodie to expose a thin white T-shirt that’s now completely transparent from sweat.He’s taunting me.His baseball hat is on backward, and he’s out of breath. I’m completely fucking frozen, so I simply nod in acknowledgment.
Once the door closes behind him, the air forces itself from my lungs.What the actual fuck?I need my own villa, or hotel, or even a different goddamn town. I don’t know how I’m supposed to live with him in such a confined space when all he does is suck the energy out of every room.
I shake my head back and forth, clearing my thoughts. I just have to get through the rest of the week, and then I’ll be home and away from his …heat.
Until he beckons me out here once again.
Falling into the mound of a fluffy comforter, I clamp my eyes shut, hoping that when I open them, he’ll be fully dressed and out of my sight. But soon, they fly back open, realizing it’s highly unlikely.
I turn off the dim light from the small lamp on the nightstand, then cover myself up. Pulling the blankets to my chin, I sink into the soft mattress of the large king-sized bed. I curl into a fetal position and wish for the solitude of sleep.
Only a few minutes later, I hear Jack’s slow footsteps on the carpet next to the bed. A clean, refreshing scent, hits my nose. My mouth waters, imagining tasting his slick skin. Without opening my eyes, I know that he’s standing right next to my face.
“Piper,” he whispers.
