‘I’m sorry,’ I whisper.
‘Sorry for what? For running? For lying to me? For having a fucking boyfriend?’
I flinch at the harshness in his voice. ‘For everything.’ I still can’t bring myself to look at him.
He falls silent briefly before exhaling a deflated breath. ‘I’ve missed you, Jade,’ he says as his voice softens. He gently places his finger under my chin, bringing my gaze up to meet his.
‘I’ve missed you too.’ The words are out of my mouth before I even realise what I’m saying. Of course I’ve missed him. He’s consumed my thoughts ever since I walked away from him, but I never meant to tell him that. This thing between us, whatever it is, can never happen again.
Without a second thought, he pulls me into his arms and crushes me against his chest. I feel every nerve in my body awaken. I love the feelings he ignites within me. How can something that feels so right be so wrong?
‘You do know he’s gay right?’ he whispers.
I feel my lips slightly curve up at his words. Of course I know. I think everyone knows Theo’s gay. Why he thinks he can fool people by parading around with me on his arm all the time, I don’t know.
‘Yes.’
‘Enlighten me then. Why are you here with him? Is it the money? I have plenty of that, you know.’
His comment not only offends me, it pisses me off. I’m not a gold digger. I’d never be with a man just for his money. Well, I sleep with men for money, but that’s not by choice. I’d give back every cent if I could be free of this miserable life.
‘It has nothing to do with money,’ I retort, backing away from him and folding my arms over my chest in annoyance. ‘He …’
‘He fucking what?’
I can tell by the tone of his voice that my vagueness is making him angry. It’s none of his damn business why I’m here. I turn abruptly and walk away. I can’t have this conversation with him. What can I say? I’m Theo’s escort. He hires me to pretend I’m his girlfriend. Brock is the last person I’d want to know about my circumstances.
‘Don’t walk away from me,’ he commands, reaching for my arm. ‘Please, Jade … please. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you. About that night.’
His confession not only shocks me, it pleases me. ‘That makes two of us,’ I want to say, but I don’t.
I turn to face him. The pleading look in his beautiful brown eyes makes my heart hurt. I can’t tell him the truth, but I can’t lie to him either. I need to do what’s best for both of us.
‘I’m sorry Brock. I need to get back to the party … to Theo.’
Tears sting my eyes as I walk away. I hate that I’m doing this for a second time. I honestly thought I’d never see him again. I tried to convince myself that I was over that night—over him, but I know now I’m not. Not by a long shot. Why couldn’t I have run into him after my contract had expired? Why? This is so unfair.
I plaster on a fake smile when I join Theo again.
‘Are you all right?’ he asks, leaning down to kiss the top of my head. ‘You’re still awfully pale.’
‘I’m fine. Honestly. I just have a bit of headache.’
‘Go inside and lie down,’ he urges as his kind eyes meet mine. Reaching up, he tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. ‘You don’t need to stay by my side if you’re unwell, Jade.’ I smile at his words. This is why I care for him so much. Underneath all those muscles and good looks, he has a heart of gold.
‘Do you want to join me in the pool?’
I screw up my nose and shake my head.
‘Come sit under the cabana then, out of the sun. I’ll get one of the servants to bring you something for the headache.’
Hooking my arm through his, I get up on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek. ‘Thank you.’
‘No need to thank me,’ he replies as he guides me to the line of sunchairs that are sitting under the shaded part. ‘Just looking after my favourite girl.’
I can’t help but smile as I watch Theo clowning around in the pool. I hate that he has to hide behind this charade. He has a beautiful soul. He’d give you the shirt off his back without hesitation. This world is full of narrow-minded people. It saddens me that he can’t be the man he was born to be because he’s afraid of ridicule from his peers. It shouldn’t matter what his sexual preferences are. What’s important is the person he is on the inside.
My gaze moves to the people milling around the pool. I haven’t seen Brock since I rejoined the party. I’m not even sure if he’s still here. It’s probably best if he’s left, even though that thought upsets me. I’m still reeling from seeing him again. I only wish things could be different.