Loving the Devil

13. DANCE WITH THE DEVIL

Hannah's POV

Had the world suddenly turned upside down? The rude, arrogant, grumpy son of a biscuit just asked me to dance. Had he been smoking weed lately?

I was suddenly jerked out of thoughts when his hand glided over my waste, heat started warming my face. Turning my head down so he couldn't notice my face that was probably reddened like a tomato, I tried ignoring the fact that he was standing too close to me. Placing my one hand on his shoulder,he gripped the other hand in his strong, large one and we started swaying with the slow, romantic music.

His fingers were tracing circles over the sensitive skin of my waist, making my breath hitch.

"Don't burden your tiny brain. I just don't want to give people wrong idea about our marriage so we have to keep up this pretense of loving husband and wife. That explains this dance.", he muttered slowly. The tiny hope arising in my heart was crushed in no time. How silly of me to think that he wanted to dance with me. Of course it's just a drama. A small frown settled on my forehead.

He leaned a little and his minty breath started tinkling my neck. Leaning a bit more,he glided his lips along the curve of my neck, earning a sharp intake of air from me. Small butterflies started erupting in my stomach.

Breathlessly, I whispered, "What are you doing?"

"I already told you. This is all a pretense. And if we want to be convincing, the only way is a little public display of affection.", he said, his voice suddenly sounding husky.

To control the small moan that threatened to escape my lips as he continued his slow torture, I bit the insides of my cheeks. Placing a small kiss on my cheeks, he ended the dance and led me towards his mother.

"I have some work to attend,", saying this, he left, leaving me alone with his mother.

"So, seems like he really loves you. It's been so long since I saw him like this. Believe me Hannah, no matter how much he hates me, I am so happy for him.", she stated, moisture appeared in her eyes. She looked genuinely sad.

"He doesn't hate you. He maybe a little upset but hate is a very strong word.", I insured her which she returned with a small smile.

"Well I can't blame him. I was never there for him when he needed me the most. But that was my only option Hannah. I tried, God knows how hard I tried, but there was always a voice in my head telling me to make my own identity. I wanted to persue a career in fashion designing and Jackson's dad never liked me. He had a mistress. Between a failed marriage and my dream, I chose my dream. But I never thought I would lose Jackson's custody.", She said, her voice quivering.

"I know I was never the best mom, but at the end, I still love him more than anything. And I'm genuinely happy that he has finally got someone like you. I never supported her with Emily, for which I'm still ashamed. I made some big mistakes darling. She-" she stopped, noticing the confusion drawn on my face.

"Emily?", I inquired.

"Oh he hasn't told you about Emily. Sorry Hannah, that's really not my place to tell. But you should know one thing, Jackson was not always like this. He was a good kid. Something happened that made him like this today. He needs love that only you can give him.", she said, placing her hand on my cheek.

I had been searching for him for half an hour. Some people were busy talking while others were dancing or drinking. I went to bar to look for him when suddenly, a woman spilled her drink on me.

"Oh my God,I'm really sorry. Its-"

"It's okay. Don't worry. I'll wash the stain."

With that, I rushed towards the bathroom. I had to climb many stairs to reach there. The interior designing of the mansion was worth taking a second look. There was an open room on the other end of the hallway. I entered it but regretted it the next minute because what I saw made my insides churn with anger and indignation.

Caroline was straddling Jackson on the bed while their faces were almost smashed together. Caroline's dress was lying on the floor and she was just in a black lingerie. Noticing my presence, they broke apart from each other and Jackson pushed her aside.

"This is not what it looks like.", he murmured but the liptick stains on his face were evidence of what had happened. I bolted towards the door and rushed out. The distance from the room to main gate felt excessively long. I heard Evelyn calling me from behind but I didn't stop.

Leaving the mansion, I started walking on the road. The pain was too much to handle. I knew that he was sleeping with her but witnessing it personally clenched my heart. I thought staying away from him and ignoring him would would stop this pain but it didn't. I still expected that he might feel something for me.

A voice soon entered my ear. I turned around, expecting to see Evelyn but there stood a huge man with a bottle of alcohol in his hand. He was looking at me like I was a piece of meat. I started running away from him but the footsteps started getting closer. I was about to reach the end of the street when I lost my balance and my ankle twisted in a painful way. Suddenly, a hand clasped my wrist and yanked me towards him. It was the same man. His yellow teeth turned into a horrible smile.

"Come on ya sweetie. Lemme give ya a night of pleasure. Don't worry, I won't disappoint ya." his breath was making me nauseous. I tried to wiggle out of his hold but he placed a sloppy kiss on my cheek, making me want to vomit. I let out a scream but he placed a hand on my mouth, stopping me.

'Is this my fate? Losing my virginity to an alcoholic r****t. Maybe yes. I've lost everyone and now, I was going to lose my innocence. No.. please God..Save me..'

He was about to kiss me again when a fist jabbed his jaw. Jackson was there to save me. I thanked God mentally. Jackson was stronger than him. He easily overcame him and soon, the man was lying unconscious on the floor.

"Come on. Let's go", Jackson said, avoiding any eye contact with me. I didn't know whether I should be angry with him or thankful to him.

Quietly following him to the car, I settled in. My foot was hurting a lot but I didn't want to talk to him. The car drive was silent, I caught him stealing glances at me few times. It was like he wanted to say something but couldn't. As he stopped outside the palace, I stepped out hurriedly but winced when pain shot in my whole leg.

"What has happened to your leg?",he asked, looking concerned. His voice was strained.

I didn't reply and continue walking despite the pain but lost my balance. I would have fallen badly if he hadn't secured his arms around me. Before I could resist, he lifted me in his arms in bridal style and started walking inside.

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