Why did he choose to dance with me? Where was his vain girlfriend? And where the hell was Mark? I had all kind of questions creeping my head.
Suddenly in a move, Jake pulled me closer to him. His head was now close to my ears while my face was buried on his broad chest. I couldn't help but close my eyes for a moment, surrendering in his embrace and consuming the sensation. I felt his lips momentarily brushing my earlobes, and he whispered in my ears "You are looking gorgeous Emma. And only I could take the liberty of dancing with you tonight". He declared in a deep voice, alerting every nerve in my body.
I stepped back to look at him, totally confused about the mixed feelings I had been getting from him since days now. He closed the gap and bent me along with him, his face inches away from mine. He paused for a bit before heaving a deep breath. He sniffed against my skin, inhaled my scent and gave me a peck on my cheeks before stepping back again.
The music had now stopped, and suddenly everyone around us applauded our performance.
I thanked the heavens above for keeping the theme of tonight's party as the masquerade ball, at least nobody could recognize me. The moment Jake left my embrace, he removed his mask and looked straight in my eye. He wasn't hiding it anymore. His intentions roared louder than the chattering applause. I shivered under his gaze, thousands of emotions stirring in the pit of my stomach.
Without looking back in his direction, I just turned around and fled on the spot. When I was almost at the exit, I could see the crowd was closing on him, and he was now surrounded by a pool of people, mainly girls, but his eyes were still fixed on me.
Without thinking twice, I ran straight into my room. I was still breathless and was trying to gulp in everything that happened tonight. I thought I would eventually erase Jake and his memories of my heart, but he never ceases to surprise me with his actions.
He was so confusing, what did he even want from me? Was it all a sick game? But then why did his eyes look honest? Why did his touch feel sincere?
I just couldn't help thinking about all the possibilities between us. His hands on my skin dominoes back to back vibrations of untamed feelings, and unknowingly my heart consented without a single care of being right or wrong. Deep inside, I was waiting for him to claim what rightfully belonged to him, but he was already committed to somebody else, and that made me feel like the outrageous other woman, a tag that I would never adorn even if it were the end of the world.
This circus must end, for once and for all. He had a girlfriend and had a good history with countless women; he was not even my type.
I changed into my nightwear and saw my phone. There were two messages from Mark.
"Hey, Emma. I am so sorry I couldn't make it to the ball with you tonight. Big Boss personally called me to attend one of his important business meeting for the Norway project on his behalf. I had to leave almost immediately and then realised my battery was dead, so I couldn't let you know in time."
"I think I will be heading straight to the airport after the meeting, sorry again for tonight. See you in the office on Monday. Take Care and have a great time in Lofoten. Stay safe."
Jake sent Mark for an important meeting right before the gala ball. It sounded weird given everything was wrapped up for this deal already. Last-minute meeting just seemed a bit off.
That's when his words echoed in my ear again, "Only I could take the liberty of dancing with you tonight..."
Oh, my God! Did he send Mark away on purpose?
Chapter 17
Under my Watch
Jake
Contrary to what I believed, having Emma travel to Norway rampaged a battle on my sanity, poking my instincts on levels I hardly was able to cope with.
She had been mingling a lot with Mark. When I saw them together for the first time at the dinner party, my blood was boiling to see their familiarity.
She was always in his company, laughing on his jokes, too comfortable for my liking, and they dined together almost every day after that.
Even though he was one of my most trusted employees, and I had always shared a great rapport with him, oddly at present, he had become my least favorite person in the whole wide world. I had no doubt that he too had feelings for Emma. It was hard not to fall for her. She was the epitome of grace, and the best part that made her all the more desirable was the fact that she was oblivious of the effect she had on people.
"Augustin, please send Brett to my room." Augustin being the head of my security, had deployed his entire team in Norway too, Brett was one of his most trusted men.
Soon enough, I heard a knock at my door.
"Sir, you called for me?"
"Please, come in Brett. I am entrusting you with something very important. Have a seat."
I briefed him on his new set of duties that were carefully chalked by me, precisely till the time we were in Norway.
"Understood? Don't forget to keep me updated." I reiterated.
"Yes, Sir. I will ensure Ms. Carter's safety and keep you informed of her whereabouts at all times." I nodded, and he took it as a cue to leave. Before he turned, I called him again.
"Keep a safe distance, Brett, she should never know."
He gave me another nod before he finally
