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Chapter Eight

I COULDN'T SLEEP. Try as hard as I might, I couldn't get my body to agree with my mind. I should be jet lagged, tired at the most, but I was confusingly refreshed. I looked at the clock and realized that it was too late to call Mom and I really wasn't prepared for her yelling.

She would tell me exactly what a stupid decision I had made and I wasn't ready to hear that yet. I got off the bed and put on a robe on my lacy nighty. These were my guilty pleasures, on which most of money went.

I pulled it around me tightly and tied it. I put on my fluffy slippers and walked out of the room. I hoped that I didn't run into anyone, that would be really embarrassing.

I quietly walked down, my feet making a soft thud on the floor. The fireplace was lit, but no one was around it. I frowned, but shrugged it off. Rich people and their kinks.

The French doors were open and I looked at the lawn. I quietly padded out and the sight was stunning. It took my breath away. I gazed at the lawn.

The moonlight fell on the lawn, the white lights that were on only accentuated the beauty.

There were small shrubs and plants, and a vegetable garden in the far corner.

The only thing that was missing was a lake. A small chuckle escaped me when I thought about where that was hidden. I wrapped my hands around myself, the chill getting to me.

Though Italy was quite warm, I felt a chill. At least it wasn't raining. I smiled.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Someone spoke behind me and I squealed, turning around. Michael Perez stood behind me in all his glory. He looked so good, so...edible. He was wearing just pyjama bottoms, his gorgeous chest on display.

He raised an eyebrow at me, "Ms. King?"

"Jessica," I corrected him. "Yeah, it definitely is."

"What are you doing out so late?" he asked curiously, coming to stand next to me.

"I could ask you the same," I retorted, but when he threw me a flat look I answered, "I couldn't sleep. What about you?"

"I couldn't sleep either," he said, but I caught the discomfort in his voice. I didn't press for more information. Michael swiftly changed the topic. "So how did you and my brother meet?"

I smiled fondly. "Your idiot brother spilled his coffee on me when I was on my way to the uni library. I didn't like him, obviously. That was my favorite dress, but grew close. And the rest is history."

"You know," he started to say, but hesitated. I raised my eyebrows at him. "I always thought that Henry was gay."

I chocked on my breath. What? I took a deep breath. He thought, not knew. "Oh?"

That was the best reply I could come up with? Stupid Jess, my inner voice goaded me.

Really? Oh? Now, even if he wasn't suspicious he would be.

"Yes, he thought I didn't notice the pictures of all the male models and him checking out some guys. But I think I was wrong." he paused. "He has you now."

There was something in his voice. I didn't like it, it sounded hurt...surprised even. It was then that I figured out that Michael had a secret. Who didn't? But a part of me told me that his wasn't that...normal. Dangerous even.

"Is that a bad thing?" I scowled.

He was quiet for some time. I figured that I wouldn't get an answer to this question. I turned around. "Goodnight Michael."

Just as I was about to leave, I heard him talk. "No, it isn't. Its a great thing. You're good for him. He isn't this open when he's here. He doesn't joke that much. I just wish I had found you before him."

Fuck. What do you say to that? I was speechless. I didn't know what to say or do. I knew that if I turned around I would want to launch myself in his arms, but I couldn't. I did the only thing I could. "Thank you Michael."


I woke up to banging on my door. I scowled, hating the person behind the door. I got up and ripped the door open. An amused Michael stood there, but his eyes darkened and his smirk fell when he looked at me.

"What?" I growled at him.

"Uh... You should come down. And put on some clothes."

It was then that I realized that I was in my skimpy nightwear. I blushed furiously and shut the door on his face. I showered in record time and put on a dress. It was a royal blue dress that had a sweetheart neckline and was form fitting in the chest area and flared further down. It stopped about four inches above my knee. I decided to forego make up, opting only for a pink lip gloss instead.

I walked down and Henry was already at the foot of the stairs. He gave me an apologetic smile. I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Jess... I can't come. Dad called me in to check some stuff."

I faked a smile. I was actually excited and he was blowing it. I wanted to yell at him, but opted for a small smile. "Its okay Henry. I'll find something else to do."

Henry smirked. "I said I'm not going. Doesn't mean you can't."

I gave him confused look.

"You can go with Mike."

Oh hell.

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