"No." I shake my head slowly. "Not from you."
"Good." He moves closer to me, forcing me to retreat until my back is against the wall.
I can feel his entire body pressed against mine. I struggle to catch my breath.
"Where's Mark?" His question rattles me.
"Mark?" I can barely form the word.
"Your fiancée? You said he was your inspiration in The Dialogue piece."
I'm speechless. This is the last person in the world I want to discuss Mark with. The room feels claustrophobic. I've been wary of discussing Mark with anyone. It's too raw and too painful.
"You're not wearing his ring." Jax has obviously indulged in just as much wine as Liz, if not more. "Is it over?"
"I'd rather not talk about him." I try to sound determined.
"Why not?" He leans down, his forehead grazing mine.
"It's personal." I try in vain to push him away from me. He swiftly grabs my wrists, holding them tightly against the wall. I don't struggle, my body betraying my mind's desire to break free.
"Answer the question, Ivy."
"It's none of your business." I spit back.
'You're wrong. It's more my business than you know." I feel his lips barely graze mine as I struggle to absorb his words.
"How the hell is my relationship with Mark your business?" I fight the desire to push myself into him. The nearness of his lips is tempting me even though his words are incensing me.
"I don't like complications." His breath caresses my cheek. "Mark is a complication."
"A complication? What does that mean?"
"You belong in my bed," he says it with purpose as if it's already fact.
I take a deep breath. My mind is telling me that he's a stranger yet my body is agreeing with his bold declaration. "I don't even know you," I whisper.
"I want to drown in the taste of you, Ivy, in the feeling of you."
I feel lightheaded. The scent of him permeates every one of my pores, overwhelming my senses. As much as I know I should push him away and run out the door, I don't move. All my body wants in this moment is his. I close my eyes, hoping to find some balance. I'm greeted with the mental image of him ripping my dress off and taking me on the spot.
"You're...you're...drunk." I manage to stammer out.
An enthusiastic laugh escapes his lips. "I'm not drunk."
"So you're always this direct with women you barely know?" I feel the strength returning to my legs now. I'm certain I can stand my own ground as long as he doesn't push his body closer to mine.
"I'm always this direct with women I want to fuck."
"I...." my voice trails as he runs his tongue over my lower lip.
The doorknob rattles violently. "Ivy, are you in there?"
It startles Jax who pulls back, his hands freeing my wrists.
I stumble forward feeling dizzy and disoriented.
"Ivy? Open the door!"
"I'm here, Liz. Give me a minute." I reach to hold the edge of the sink to steady myself.
Jax stands motionless, his eyes fixed on the doorknob.
"I need to go," I mumble under my breath. I skim my hands over my dress before I open the door slightly, slip out and close it. I don't want Liz to realize I'm not alone.
"You look flush, sugar." Liz brushes her hand across my forehead. "Are you fevered?"
"I'm fine." I start walking down the hallway, determined to move Liz away from the door before Jax emerges. I'm stopped when I almost run right into Brighton.
"Liz? Ivy?" A look of genuine concern washes over his face. "You both disappeared. Is everything alright?"
"I'm fine. We're fine," I say breathlessly.
"She's not fine. She doesn't feel well." Liz continues with a noticeable slur in her speech, "I should take her home."
"No, Liz, that's not necessary," I say, trying to regain my composure. "I can get there myself."
"Nonsense," Brighton interjects. "I'll have a driver take you."
I nod in agreement as I turn around to look at the restroom door. It's still closed.
Chapter 5
"Thank you. I can make it up on my own," I say to the burly driver Brighton assigned to drive me back to my apartment.
"Are you sure, Ma'am?" His face shows concern as he closes the car door behind me. "Mr. Beck said you weren't well and I should see you to the door."
I place my hand on his shoulder, pointing to the front door of my building with the other. "There's the door, we both see it."
He smiles. "Yes, Ma'am."
I watch him get back in the car and drive away. I breathe a sigh of relief. My mind keeps playing the encounter with Jax over and over again. I'm still feeling a lingering breathlessness from his boldness. His brazen words made me feel as though he'd take me against the wall in the locked restroom if Liz hadn't interrupted us. Those thoughts are sprinkled with images of the woman he'd left with the night before. That was a line I didn't want to cross. I absentmindedly press the elevator button for the third floor after exchanging niceties with Oliver.