Jennifer.
After confessing to Tomas that I love him, I felt my cheeks flush. But just then, Maya interrupted us with her usual dramatics. “Oh, I see! Cute lovers! Sweet birds! Then you’ll accept this offer from me!” she said with a smirk.
Tomas shot her a confused glance, and I turned to face her. “What does Maya mean? What offer?” I asked, raising my eyebrows in curiosity.
“I was a bit hesitant to say it before, but now I think you’ll agree. It’s really not a big deal! It’s work-related too,” Maya explained.
“Get to the point, Maya! You know I prefer straightforwardness, especially in business,” Tomas replied, his tone serious as he continued to hold me close.
Maya grinned, her teeth clenched as she glanced at the way he had his arms around my waist. “Well, Mr. Tomas, it’s about a new company-a parent company on a beautiful island in Tahiti. This could be perfect! We love the place, and we could establish our new factories there,” she elaborated.
“What?! An island, Maya? I must admit, that’s an intriguing idea,” Tomas said, raising an eyebrow as he considered it.
“Then I suppose we should travel there in the morning! Everything is arranged, even the private jet. And according to you and Miss Jennifer, it’ll be a lovers’ vacation too-a sort of pre-honeymoon, I guess,” Maya added, giving me a faux smile.
I felt a surge of anxiety. I had promised in my private message that I would come soon! What should I do now? This could make Tomas distrust me. I tried to push those thoughts away as I looked down.
“Okay, Maya, I agree. We’ll head home now and meet you at 6 o’clock at the airport. We need to prepare our luggage,” Tomas informed her, helping me to my feet as he stood up.
Maya shook hands with Tomas. “Alright, Mr. Tomas! We’ll be waiting for both of you!”
I rolled my eyes and remained silent. But Maya stopped me, “Miss Jennifer, see you soon!” she called out.
“Oh, sorry,” I replied, shaking her hand before turning back to Tomas. “Can we leave now? I’m feeling a bit dazed. I need to rest,” I said.
“Are you okay, sweetheart?” Tomas asked, concern flickering in his eyes.
His use of the word “sweetheart” struck a chord in my heart. I looked at him, trying to muster a smile. “Oh, I’m fine, honey. I guess I’m just a bit tired,” I reassured him.
He gently hugged me, pressing soft kisses to my lips while gazing deeply into my eyes. “No, sweetie, you’re drunk,” he teased, winking at me.
Taking my hand, he led me to the car, but we caught sight of Jack staring at us. Maya walked over to him, glancing back at us as she chatted with him.
“Do you want me to carry you, sweetie?” Tomas asked with a smile as he opened my car door.
“No, silly! I’m fine,” I giggled.
As he drove slowly, I asked, “Why don’t you speed up, Tomas?”
“Because you’re feeling dazed, Jennifer. I care about you,” he replied earnestly.
“Um, Tomas! I’m uncomfortable with the idea of traveling with Maya. I saw her talking to Jack just as we were leaving!” I confessed.
He suddenly stopped the car, turning to stare at me intently. “Jennifer, what’s going on between you and Jack?” he asked, his voice serious.
“Um, nothing. I just feel like she’ll do something bad! Something awful! I don’t trust her,” I stammered, trembling under his gaze.
He looked at me as if he didn’t believe me. “Jennifer, tell me your story!” he insisted.
I gulped nervously. “What story, Tomas?” I replied, confusion etched on my face as I tried to avoid his eyes.
“Your story with Jack! Don’t try to fool me, Jennifer, please,” he urged.
“Nothing happened, Tomas! It’s my private life, but if you must know, I met him a year ago while I was starting my career as a journalist. I was doing a report on him, that’s all,” I explained.
“Then what happened after that, Jennifer? Complete the story!” he demanded.
“Nothing much. We met a few times, then lost touch until we bumped into each other again,” I said, crossing my arms defiantly.
“That’s it? You mean you didn’t date him?” Tomas asked, curiosity evident in his tone.
I shook my head. “No, we didn’t date! We just hung out a few times, that’s it!” I insisted, staring back at him.
“Jennifer, I hate liars!” he declared.
I gasped, looking deeply into his eyes. “I swear I’m not lying! Why would I fake the truth? You’re not my fiance, Mr. Tomas! Remember? It’s just a business deal…” I retorted, my voice rising.
He laughed, a knowing smile creeping onto his face. “Right, and that’s why you just told me you love me!”
“You’re rude, Tomas! I hate you!” I pouted.
He leaned closer, invading my space as he pressed the button to recline my seat. With a playful leap, he pinned me beneath him, kissing me with fervor. When he pulled back, he looked into my eyes and said, “I love you too, Jennifer.”
His words took me by surprise, and he quickly returned to his seat, driving us home. A smile spread across his face, and I felt my heart soar.
As we arrived home, I reached for the door, but he stopped me. “Wait, Jennifer…” he said, widening my eyes in curiosity.
He came closer and opened my door, lifting me into his arms. I wrapped my arms around his neck, feeling shy and exhilarated.
When we reached upstairs, he paused, glancing between his room and mine. “What’s going on, Tomas? What are your intentions?” I asked, a hint of worry in my voice.
“I’m just a little concerned. If I put you in your bed, you might fall asleep too late,” he replied.
“So?” I challenged, looking straight into his eyes.
“I’m afraid to put you in my bed because, well, you look gorgeous, and my… desire is quite strong right now. So I’m not sure what to do!” he confessed, a playful grin on his face.
I pushed him away, letting my feet touch the floor. “No way,” I said defiantly.
“Don’t worry, Jennifer,” he laughed. “I’m just kidding.” He leaned in and kissed my cheek sweetly. “Just please don’t lock your door, either with the key or the chain.”
I nodded, blushing. “Okay, Tomas.”
I opened the door to my room, smiling back at him. “Goodnight, Tomas.”
But just as I was about to close the door, he pushed it open again, and I blinked in surprise. “What is it, Tomas?” I asked.
He leaned closer, his voice low and teasing, “I guess you’ll need my help taking off that sexy dress.” His gaze traveled over my body, a mischievous smile on his lips.
I pushed him away playfully. “No silly, get out! I’ll be ready by 5 a. m.,” I said, rolling my eyes.
“Okay, sweetheart,” he sighed, stepping back and leaving.
**Tomas**
After I left Jennifer’s room, I couldn’t sleep. It was already 4 a. m., and we would be leaving in an hour. I changed my clothes and decided to watch a movie in the theater room to kill some time. As I passed by Jennifer’s room, I heard her scream.
“Oh my god! Please stay away from me! Leave my neck, I can’t breathe! I-please!”
Panic surged through me. I rushed to her door, but it was locked! I had warned her not to lock it. I shouted for Carl. “Carl! Guards! Servants! Come to her now!”
They rushed upstairs as I started to kick the door. I finally managed to break it open and found Jennifer in bed, sweating and struggling to breathe. Her eyes were closed.
“Jennifer? Wake up!” I called, my voice filled with concern.
“What happened, Jennifer?” Carl asked her urgently.
“Open your eyes, Jennifer,” I urged.
“I think it was just a nightmare, Mr. Tomas,” Carl suggested, shaking his head.
I helped Jennifer sit up, brushing my hand over her forehead to cool her down. She slowly opened her eyes.
“Get me a towel-now!” I yelled at the maids.
I took a towel and wiped her face and neck, only to discover a finger mark on her skin. This wasn’t just a nightmare. I whispered to myself in disbelief.
I needed to convince her it was just a bad dream. I didn’t want her to be scared. Glancing at the window, I noticed the glass was shattered. Someone had been here!
“Um, Tomas, I’m scared,” she said, trembling.
I kissed her forehead softly. “It’s okay, Jennifer. I’m here now. It was just a nightmare, probably caused by the wind smashing the window,” I reassured her, hoping to calm her.
She smiled faintly, but I could see the fear in her eyes. I looked at Carl; he understood the gravity of the situation from my expression. He’d raised me and knew me well. He shook his head, signaling that everything would be fine.
“Now, sweetie, you’re staying with me. I won’t let any nightmares come near you, or let anyone harm you in your sleep,” I promised, lifting her into my arms and carrying her to my room.
“Guards, follow me now!” I commanded, my voice firm.
They obeyed, and Carl followed closely behind. “Maids, stay with Miss Jennifer until I return. Give her a shower,” I ordered.
Jennifer looked at me. “It’s okay, Tomas. It was just a silly nightmare. You don’t have to,” she insisted.
I turned to her, walking back to her room. “Jennifer, I know it was just a nightmare, but you need a relaxing shower, cold water, and fresh clothes. We’re leaving soon,” I said as gently as I could, trying to mask my anger.
I returned to her room, approaching the shattered window. “Carl, did you see the broken glass?” I asked, examining the scene.
“Yes, Mr. Tomas. I understand what you’re thinking,” he replied.
“Thinking? It’s a fact, Carl! How could someone get into my house? To harm her? They bypassed all the cameras, guards, and security! This place isn’t safe! Do we have any loyal guards?” I shouted, frustration boiling over.
“Sir, all of our guards have been with us for years. They are loyal and trustworthy. No one could have done this!” Carl reassured me.
“Then explain what happened! I saw her neck-fingerprints! Someone was trying to kill her!” I demanded.
“Sir, you need to take her now. Fortunately, you have a flight in an hour. I promise I will increase security and the cameras everywhere. I’ll find out what happened. If anyone in our ranks betrayed us, they’ll be dealt with,” Carl assured me.
“Okay, Carl. I’m counting on you,” I said, patting his shoulder as I walked to Jennifer’s closet to grab some clothes for her.
A maid entered the room. “What do you need?” I asked tersely.
“Um, sir, we need some underwear and clothes for Miss Jennifer to change into,” she replied.
“Okay, take what you need. Just get her some underwear and a robe. I’ll get the rest,” I commanded.
She nodded and quickly gathered the items before leaving. I chose some clothes for Jennifer along with her underwear and prepared her bag, wanting to ensure she felt safe and comfortable.
Knocking on the door, I found her in a shirt of mine, surrounded by maids trying to make her laugh with jokes.
I drew a long breath, putting on a fake smile. “Hey, sweetie! Nice shower, and nice shirt too,” I said cheerfully.
She looked at me and smiled like an angel. “Yes, Tomas! I’m sorry for wearing your shirt, but the maid gave me a long robe. When I tried to walk, I tripped and hit my head. I felt so silly!” she laughed.
“Oh my god! You hit your head?! Are you okay?” I asked, rushing to check on her.
She looked at me, her eyes sparkling. “I’m fine, Tomas! It was funny!” she assured me.
“It’s not a joke, Jennifer! You need to take care of yourself!” I said firmly.
She shrugged, crossing her arms like a child. “I’m sorry, Tomas,” she replied, looking down.
I pulled her into a hug, kissing her forehead. “I’m sorry, Jennifer. I didn’t mean to raise my voice. From now on, you won’t have to take care of yourself. I’ll take care of you,” I promised.
She looked up at me. “Your fault? It was just a nightmare, Tomas! I’m fine!” she insisted.
I pressed my lips to hers for a brief moment. “Now, maids, everyone get out. I’ll help Jennifer change. Take her luggage to the car and come back in ten minutes for mine. Tell the driver to get ready,” I ordered.
The maids left, and I closed the door behind them. Jennifer stood there, staring at me.
“What, Jennifer?” I asked, smiling.
“Nothing! I just want to thank you for being so kind,” she said sincerely.
I chuckled. “Now, Jennifer, I can’t let you travel in that shirt. It’s too short, and your legs will attract too much attention!” I teased.
“What?” she exclaimed, eyes wide in surprise.
“I’m kidding, silly!” I laughed.
She jumped on my bed like a playful child, bouncing with excitement. I watched her, a smile spreading across my face.
“What are you doing, Jennifer?” I asked, amusement in my voice.
“I’m having fun! It’s my first time traveling abroad, and I’m so happy! I can’t wait to see the islands of Tahiti,” she said, her laughter infectious.
“Your first time abroad?!” I asked, genuinely surprised.
“Yes, Tomas! What should I wear? I don’t have a bikini!” she replied, her enthusiasm evident.
I laughed. “Sweetie, we’ll buy you whatever you need when we get there. Just choose what you like!”
“Okay, what about wearing this shirt? I have a cute pair of shorts that would match,” she suggested, her smile bright.
“No! Absolutely not!” I exclaimed.
“What?! Why?!” she protested, narrowing her eyes at me.
I pulled her close and whispered, “You belong to me, Jennifer. You have to wear what I choose for you. I don’t want anyone else looking at your body-ever!” I said, my voice low and assertive.
She stepped closer. “Do you think I’m a fool, Mr. Tomas?” she teased, her eyes sparkling.
“Maybe I am blind! Love makes you blind!” I joked back.
I pushed her against the wall, and she widened her eyes in surprise. “That doesn’t mean I’m weak, Jennifer!” I declared.
“It means you’re mine!” I asserted in a low, powerful voice.
Her breath quickened as she stared at me, and I could hear her heart racing. I stepped even closer, blocking her path with my hands on either side of her. Pulling her face to mine, I bit her lip gently before kissing her passionately, like a thirsty vampire savoring its meal.