Chapter 7 Olivia

• OLIVIA'S POV
• In silence I cleaned the small cut that was below Jarek's left eye. He didn't flinch when I applied the antiseptic solution on the cut but I blew on the area regardless.
• There was no way that wouldn't sting.
• His eyes just stayed on me during the entire process until I was about to stand up.
• He pulled the stool I was sitting on close to the couch he was seated on and my both legs fit into the middle of his legs.
• I gasped at the sudden movement.
• “What…what was that for?” I asked in a slightly panicked tone.
• "Change the passcode to your door immediately I step out.
• I do not want to see him that close to you again” He said with a stoic expression.
• ‘I came to see my girlfriend. You?’ He had asked Garland.
• I remember that moment clearly. He actually looked like he wanted to send Garland to hell…like he meant every word he had said.
• Like he would say that if I was really his girlfriend.
• I am not really his girlfriend. I am just acting like because according to him, his parents are disturbing him more than ever to get married. He has no plans like that for now.
• ‘It's all an act. People do it all the time!’ I had to remind myself when my stupid heart was about to skip a beat - the best resumed rhythmically.
• “Relax. Someone might actually think you are my boyfriend with the way you act" I said with a small smile in an attempt to lighten the atmosphere.
• He didn't say anything and just kept staring at me, like he was waiting for his words to sink in.
• With a fake chuckle, I asked, “What? What? You know I'm a very beautiful woman. It's not easy for men to forget or get over me.
• What if you see him close to me again?! Then what?! What will you do?”
• Without missing a beat he responded, "then it won't be my elbow that will graze his neck the next time…”
• The inference of his words were clear and suddenly my spine stiffened as goosebumps glided along my skin - the air took a dip.
• I swallowed and it was only when he leaned into the couch that I pushed myself back, away from his suffocating and intimidating atmosphere.
• ‘But who is he to make such a threat?
• Yes his clothes, his house and the interior screams cool luxury but I think it must be because his job pays well.
• He is just an engineer…just like Garland.
• Wait… He was also at the wedding because he knows Garland and Garland had also asked him the reason he was here.
• They must be colleagues…’
• I wanted to ask him more questions but I was already tired for the day.
• I woke up knowing that I had spent the night in a beautiful strange man's arms and a few minutes after that, I received a proposal to be his girlfriend.
• I come home to finally rest and just when my body is relaxing, the cause of my latest stress badges through my door and spews hogwash.
• He said he had to marry his boss because this was the opportunity he has been looking for all his life. He said it was an opportunity to get the both of us set up for life.
• His plan is to get married to her for a while before divorcing her. With the money and assets he will rip from her, he will get married to me.
• ‘So much drivel, lies and uhhhh….
• How was I ever attracted to such in the first place?’
• “I didn't see that on you when you left this morning,” Jarek pointed. I followed his eyes and found where they had settled - on my right thigh!
• A tattoo drawing of an hibiscus flower was there and like lightning, I snatched the fabric of my robe that was supposed to be covering my thigh properly.
• I had gotten the tattoo with Maya when we had gone for one of her high rush college parties and we were very much drunk and not ourselves. I was mortified the next morning to find an ink that couldn't be erased on my skin and I have made a conscious effort to have it covered up whenever that part of my body is to be shown in public.
• The purple gown I had worn to the wedding had a slit that would have shown it and I had covered it up well despite the rush. I had gone to the clubhouse afterward on an impulse thought and it was when I returned home late morning that I had a good soak and bath.
• Now there was no hiding and someone I barely know had seen it. I doubt Garland even knows of it!
• But the way his eyes had been looking at it…
• Immediately I had it covered, my thighs clenched on their own accord as a rush of heat settled in my core.
• It was so sudden…so unexpected that I didn't know how to react.
• I cleared my throat mildly before standing up.
• I walked two feet away and stood behind a second couch.
• “The contract… I'll sign it after reading through it. Let me see it “ I urged.
• Ten minutes later, I had read the contract three times, to ensure there was no hidden clause somewhere that I wasn't taking note of.
• Jarek still cannot be trusted. There is always this dangerous air around him that I cannot shake off.
• The way he had pinned Garland to the wall…the way he had thrown that scumbag off me…
• “Our first public appearance is in six days.
• I'll text you the details of the event…” Jarek said.
• He uncrossed his legs, stood up from the couch and with graceful steps that almost couldn't be heard, he walked towards the door.
• He stopped when his fingers were ready to pull the door open.
• “And do not forget to change your passcode.
• I want you to promise me that you will call me if he comes close to you intentionally…” He said as he turned back to look at me.
• I was not used to having anyone other than Maya or my brother look out for me and having someone be so particular about my safety felt bizarre but a little nice.
• ‘Even my mother wouldn't care if I got run over by a truck!’
• “I will Jarek" I said, my voice awfully soft.
• "Do so.
• I know you don't want to see him dead just yet and that's the only thing keeping him alive but don't make me go against my word because I would not hesitate to have his brain far from his body if he goes senseless again and comes near you.
• See you in five days Liv” He said and with that he was out.
• ‘Have his brain far from his body? ‘
• What is this? Who did I get myself involved with?
• Or did I just accept a deal from the devil?!