Chapter 7 The Rendezvous
879 Words
Jason seemed to detect the quiver in Scarlett's voice. Instead of answering her question, he asked, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Scarlett, rarely being on the receiving end of genuine concern, felt her eyes well up.
They had only met twice, yet he could instantly tell something was wrong.
Scarlett took a deep breath to regain her composure.
He was going to be her uncle-in-law. No matter how touched she felt, she had to control her emotions.
If anyone found out what they had, it would be disastrous for both families.
She would never be able to face her fiancé.
She tried to keep her voice steady. "No, Mr. Bilbo. I'm fine. Is there something you need?"
"Who's been bothering you?" Jason's voice grew impatient.
Scarlett quickly explained, "No one's bothering me."
Running out of patience, Jason pressed, "Are you coming out, or should I come in?"
Hearing the car door, Scarlett jumped up. Jason was fearless and impulsive, but Scarlett was not.
If he came inside, how would she explain it to her parents?
She finally said resolutely, "I'll go out, but please wait outside. Don't come in."
To ensure he wouldn't do anything rash, she reiterated her point before hanging up.
Scarlett seized Iversen's distraction and sneaked out of the house, climbing out the window.
A black SUV was parked on the street outside the villa.
Around the car were several burly men in black suits, looking intimidating as if they were ready to kill someone.
Jason rolled down the window. Unlike his usual reserved demeanor, today he wore casual jeans and a leather jacket, topped off with a brown Mexican-style wide-brimmed hat. He looked incredibly relaxed and carefree, with a hint of wild sexiness, his shirt open to reveal a bit of chest hair and muscle.
Scarlett's heart momentarily skipped a beat.
Scarlett looked around to make sure no one else was around before quickly opening the car door and getting in. "Mr. Bilbo, what brought you here?"
Jason extended his hand, revealing a silk ribbon.
The delicate ribbon looked out of place in his rough, calloused hand.
Scarlett was momentarily stunned. After Jason had left last night, she went straight to bed.
With no interruptions, she had slept through the night.
When Annie called in the morning, urging her to come home, she had forgotten about the ribbon from her dress.
She hadn't expected him to bring it to her personally.
"Thank you, Jason." Scarlett reached for the ribbon.
Jason suddenly pulled his hand back, looking directly at her. "Who's been bothering you?"
Scarlett's gaze was locked onto Jason's intense blue eyes.
Damn, his eyes were captivating.
She averted her gaze, trying to look away. Jason was not a patient man.
He reached into her hair, firmly turning her head to face him. "Talk to me."
With her lips pursed, Scarlett listened, knowing that Jason was one of the few who could speak with such a blend of calm and authority.
Feeling a warmth in her eyes as she met his gaze, she couldn't admit that she had just been locked up by her father.
"No one's bothering me," she said, trying to sound as calm as possible.
Jason's eyes darkened. Speaking with a rare patience, he said, "Scarlett, you shouldn't have to endure everything on your own. Understand?"
Scarlett was taken aback. Everyone else told her to bear it, to keep enduring until it passed.
Only he told her she shouldn't have to suffer alone.
"Yes," Scarlett said, her hand on the door handle, ready to step out. But then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Iversen approaching.
Her breath caught. If she got out now, she'd be caught for sure. She quickly retreated into her seat. "Mr. Bilbo, drive, now. My dad's coming."
Jason arched a brow. "So?"
"If he sees me in your car, it'll be a huge problem," Scarlett whispered urgently, fingers tightening on his sleeve.
Jason didn't move. The idea of hiding was foreign to him.
Iversen was getting closer with every second, and there was nowhere to go.
Scarlett's mind raced. If she couldn't hide, she'd have to make sure Iversen wouldn't see her.
Without warning, she straightened up, shot a glance at Jason, and threw herself at him, her lips crashing against his.
The world outside the car seemed to freeze.
They were pressed up against the car window, and Scarlett, terrified of being spotted, wrapped her arms around Jason's head, pulling down her hat to shield her face. Her kiss was frantic, unpracticed, and anything but comfortable.
Jason's displeasure was immediate. He started to push her away, but Scarlett clung to him even tighter.
His broad frame almost completely blocked her from view.
Jason caught a glimpse of Iversen nearing the car. He disliked being used. With a firm hand, he cupped Scarlett's face, trying to pry her off him.
But Scarlett wouldn't let go, burying her face into the crook of his neck and pleading softly, "Mr. Bilbo, please."
Jason tilted his head slightly, knowing that just a little more movement would reveal her to Iversen.
He looked down at her, his voice low and edged with challenge. "You think just because you said please, I have to do what you want?"
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