❥ SARAH ❥

I was relieved when Christopher left the room without a word, prompting me to finally ask the question to myself.

What the hell just happened?

I'm still trying to piece it together, trying to decide whether it was real or if I ate something bad, but the gnawing in my stomach makes the latter seem more likely. Chris acted like a crazy person-completely broke down-and then I hugged him?

And that's not even the weird part.

The weird part is me not asking him what the hell happened, what pushed him to the edge, why he looked like he was having a full-blown breakdown. Even when he kissed me forcefully, even when I bit his lip to snap him out of it, I didn't ask.

My first instinct was to slap him hard across the face, to call him every name in the book that would cut deep, make him feel the sting of his actions, and then kick him out of the room.

That was the plan, and it was solid-until I saw a tear slip from his eye. It was like a single drop of water breaking a dam. He stumbled back, touching his lip where a barely noticeable trickle of blood smeared across it.

He looked so scared, like he'd just committed the gravest sin imaginable. Sure, what he did was wrong-indecent, even-but this fear was on a whole new level.

My eyes were drawn to his hands first. They were trembling, his breath quickening, his beautiful face streaked with tears, chest heaving as though the very act of breathing was a battle. His entire body was tense, shaking as if he might just collapse.

And then he did.

"I'm sorry," he kept repeating, over and over, until the anger I felt drained away, replaced by shock. I was confused, trying to understand the way his eyes bore into the floor, like he was hoping it would open up and swallow him whole.

I don't know how or when, but I suddenly found myself running toward him the moment his knees hit the ground. My arms wrapped around his neck, and I completely forgot that I was still wearing a towel, my body still damp.

My mind just screamed that I needed to calm him down.

I patted his back softly, the way mother used to calm me and James when we cried. The rhythm of it, gentle and steady, felt instinctive. He needed that-needed me-and I was relieved when I sensed that it was working.

The silence between us was thick, suffocating. His arms gripped my waist tightly, and normally, I would have pushed them away, told him to back off. But I didn't.

Christopher needed me, and I knew I had to hold it together until he found himself again. Until he was okay.

"Will you still go on that date with me? I'm starving, and I don't think biting my lips counts as a meal," I said, desperate to lighten the moment. My words earned me the most beautiful laugh I'd ever heard from the man right in front of me.

Thankfully, he stopped shaking. I thought he'd pull away, feeling better now, but instead, he rested his head on my neck, his breath tickling my skin. Even though he didn't do anything else, my whole body burned with his closeness.

He gently squeezed my waist, sighing in relief as he whispered, "Sure, whatever my lady wants."

Fuck. This was getting too intense, and even though everything felt right, I knew I couldn't let it happen. I couldn't let him happen.

Luck seemed to be on my side as a knock sounded at the door. One of the servants was bringing me food, and just like that, the moment snapped back to reality.

"Umm," I began, "I think it's time for me to eat," I whispered, unsure why I felt the need to lower my voice.

"Oh." That was all he said. I thought it would be enough to get him to pull away, but he didn't. He clung to me like a lost puppy.

"Christopher," I tried to gently push him away as the knocking continued. "You should go. The servants shouldn't see you like this."

"Why?" He nuzzled into my neck, and I nearly moaned out loud, barely catching myself. "You're my wife."

"Fake fiancée," I corrected him.

"Well, the ring isn't fake, so I beg to differ."

My eyes widened, and I summoned the last of my strength to push him away. "It's not fake!" My voice was louder than I intended, and I immediately regretted it. "Just leave. We'll talk about this later."

And just like that, I was alone again in my room, staring at the bowl of fruit in front of me.

My mind drifted so far that I didn't even notice I was sucking on an empty fork until my phone started ringing.

James.

"Oh my gosh," I quickly answered, guilt washing over me as I realized I hadn't even remembered to call the person who was the entire reason I'd signed up for this. "I'm so sorry, I-"

"Is this Sarah? James' sister?" A woman's voice, not my brother's, interrupted me.

"Y-yes, it is," I stammered, my head spinning. "Is he okay?"

The woman sighed before continuing. "This is Nurse Anna, and don't worry, he's fine, but-"

"But." I didn't know why I interrupted her, but the fear running through my veins was overwhelming. Why wasn't James the one calling?

"Please, calm down, dear. Nothing's wrong with him. He's just asleep after taking his medication," she explained, and I felt a wave of relief.

But then something hit me.

"Did you say he's taking his required medication? Like, you mean his drugs?" How could that be?

"Yes, a few days ago, a man came to the hospital with some other men, demanding to see James," she said, her tone tinged with anger.

I stood up, pacing around the room, confused. "I apologize, but what did they look like?" My fingers found my lips, and I started biting my nails in fear.

"That's why I called. I don't know how you got involved with them, but they looked dangerous. They all smelled of cigarettes and alcohol, and it's not healthy for the other patients, especially James."

I knew exactly who they were. Mr. Greg and his gang of gamblers. My father owed them a huge amount of money, and that's why I needed the cash. I wasn't surprised he knew where James was; it was a small neighborhood, and when my father ran off, I had to send James to the hospital. Of course, he knew where we were.

I had already told him to give me three months to pay, and he agreed, so why the hell did he show up at James's hospital?

"What did he want?"

"He paid for all the medication James would need for at least three months."

What?! He knew exactly what he was doing.

Tears welled up in my eyes. Why? Why would he do that? It was a clear message-he had tripled the bills. He was never the warm-hearted type, and if he was, I would be free, just focusing on taking care of James.

But now, there's no way for me to pay him back. He just wants to keep me chained to him since I refused to work at his club. I don't even want to remember the look of excitement on his wrinkled face when he suggested that.

"Oh really, that's nice of him," I said, my gut twisting with the lie. She couldn't know what was really going on. Even if she did, she'd only offer advice, and that's not what I needed right now.

There was a brief pause on her end before she spoke again. "Sarah, the man said something about you repaying him with interest before he left. What did he mean?"

"Umm, does James know about this? I mean, did he see James?" I changed the subject, not wanting to discuss this with her.

"No, he doesn't. The man said it was a matter that needed privacy and only you should know about it. That's why I told James to call you, but when you didn't pick up, I wanted to make sure you were safe."

I wiped the tears from my eyes, trying not to break down. She was a good woman, and I appreciated her concern. I really did.

"Thank you," I whispered, swallowing the lump in my throat, fighting back the urge to cry. "Thank you, Nurse and please don't tell James about this."

She sighed on the other end. "No problem, but try to be safe."

I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "Of course. Have a nice day," I cut the call, and my body sank to the floor. The weight of everything crashing down on me.

Who did I offend? Why is this happening to me? To us.

No matter what I try, whether it's a girlfriend for rent or stripper, there's no escape.

I was trapped in the endless solitude of debts, like a mouse caught in a trap with no way out.

My eyes drift to the clock, and I realize it's only a few minutes to five. The date. I can't go. How can I even think about smiling while James is struggling.

So I did what's best and text Christopher. 'Sorry. I don't think we should go on this date.'

It didn't take long for his reply to come through. 'Why not?'

I was about to answer when another message appeared. 'Is it about what happened today?'

My heart skipped a beat. I wanted to say no, but what should I even say to that? Thankfully, an idea popped into my head.

'No, it's nothing like that. I just remembered the contract saying I shouldn't have anything to do with you.'

That was a good reply, right?

Another message flashed on the screen. 'No it didn't.'

I typed back, 'Yes it did.'

His reply was almost immediate. 'I'm going to cut this short because we aren't children, but I remember the contract only saying you shouldn't have anything sexual but we broke that, didn't we?."

I knew he had a smirk right about now, enjoying my frustration but he was right. How am I supposed to push this guy away when he feels like he's got me by the throat, choking me with his stubbornness.

I typed back, 'Look, I told you to forget about what happened that night and just respect my wishes.'

I didn't know if it worked, but when he didn't reply, I felt like a wave of relief wash over me. It's better this way. I'll stay in tonight and come up with a better excuse for him tomorrow.

I realized I was still wrapped in a towel, my hair half- dry but still damp. I headed to the drawer and grabbed the hair dryer. Just as i was about to start drying my hair, there was a knock on the door.

Who could that be? I wasn't expecting anyone, but when the door opened on it's own, a familar figure stood there.

"Gosh," I said, dropping the dryer onto the bed. "Don't tell me you're here to give me another attack kiss, trust me I won't be so nice this time." I said, trying to ignore the fact that the wound on his lip had vanished. I was sure there had been blood, but now it was completely gone.

Did he cover it with makeup? That was the only possible way that such noticeable thing could vanish.

"So, biting my lips was nice?" He raised an eyebrow and i couldn't help but nod.

"Of course It was," I replied, pointing the door with a forced smile. "So, if you're done, please leave."

I turned away from him, picking up the dryer, sat on the stool in front of the full-length mirror. I could feel his eyes on me, filled with confusion, but I ignored him, focusing instead on drying my hair.

I was so focused on drying my hair, expecting him to be gone but I was wrong aa i felt his hand yanking the dryer from my hand.

I spun around, ready to ask what his problem was, but before i could, he gently turned me back to face the mirror. Now, I was staring at him through the reflection, my eyes narrowed in annoyance while he just grinned at me.

Great. He's back to being an asshole.

"What do you think you're doing?" I asked, my tone sharp.

He shrugged. "Getting you ready for our date, of course," he said nonchalantly, placing the dryer over my hair and started to help.

"I already said I don't want to go," I grumbled.

"But I thought you said it was the contract that didn't allow it," he teased, his grin widening, clearly enjoying this.

I let out a frustrated groan. "I don't know if you're dumb or just stubborn, but it means I don't want to go."

"But you haven't eaten yet. " He said, his voice softer as he continued drying the side of my hair, his hands gazing my scalp with surprising tenderness. I was a sucker for head messages, and he seemed to know it. His hands moved with such care, pushing my hair aside to dry the other part.

"You haven't eaten," he repeated, this time locking eyes with me through the mirror. His tone was almost tender, and fuck me if it didn't send a shiver down my body.

"I have," I lied, but his raised eyebrows and glance at the untouched fruit bowl gave me away. "It's a healthy food," I mumbled, trying to avoid his gaze, "I'm watching my weight." I coughed out, playing with my fingers, hoping that he believed it and shut up.

He didn't buy it and I didn't exactly act the Parr well.

The air between us suddenly grew thicker, and I felt my body reacting to his closeness in a way I hadn't anticipated. I should have pushed him away-I knew I should have-but something held me back.

Maybe It was the warmth of his hands or the way he leaned closer, his hot breath hot against my ear.

"You look like a fucking goddness, Sarah," he whispered, his voice low and commanding as he stared at me hard, through the mirror. "And if you ever talk about your body that way, I won't hesitate to spank that ass of yours, do I make myself clear, love."

I almost chocked on saliva.

....

Oh my. Things are getting hot 🔥

Hope you enjoyed this chapter ❤️