Perfect in Bad BOOK 1

Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Zean’s POV

I’m here at the bar, drowning myself in alcohol. Trying to drown my own stupidity along with it.
I emptied a glass of Macallan in one go and signaled the bartender.

“Keep it coming. Don’t stop unless I tell you to.”

I go numb every time I replay what happened.

She ordered one of her men to pull me up. Then she leaned close to my ear and whispered, “I’ll stop hurting her if you choose me. No more drama.”

Even though my body ached, I glared at Scarleth with nothing but hatred.

“And if you don’t choose me…” she continued, a twisted smirk spreading across her face, “I may not hurt her now. But I’ll do this again. And again. Until you’re the one begging me to stop.”

Fuck. I wanted to hurt her so badly.
But if I did, Jea would only suffer more.

Fuck. Fuck.

“And I’m sure you’d rather choose that… than let your grandfather find out. That would be far more dangerous. You know how he plays—he plays dirty.”

Fuck. She’s right… and I won’t let that happen.

My eyes darted to Jea.
Fuck… I wanted nothing more than to run to her and pull her into my arms. I could see it clearly—
the fear in her eyes.

Okay,” I said, my voice cold.

I stood up and went with them outside, but froze when I remembered—she was still tied up. I was about to go back when Scarleth grabbed my arm, stopping me.

“I just want to untie her hands… She might be in pain.” My voice trembled with desperation in that moment. I felt completely helpless, like there was nothing I could do.

“No!” she shouted firmly.

I glanced back at where we had come from.

Sorry, Jea… I hope you don’t hate me. I’m sorry I chose your safety over my own happiness. I’d rather give you peace than this chaos.
I clenched my fists so hard it hurt, trying to control my anger.

“Bye, Ze! Don’t forget our deal!” she shouted as she climbed into the car and sped off.

I was thankful I hadn’t brought my gun—because if I had, your lives would have ended long ago.

Kinuha ko ang cellphone ko at tinawagan si Matthew. Hindi ko alam kung bakit siya ang tinawagan ko—siguro dahil mas komportable akong siya ang makakita kay Jea.

[“Kuya, bakit ka tumawag?”]
[“Puntahan mo siya… pakiusap.”]

I texted him first kung nasaan si Jea bago ko pinatay ang cellphone ko.This is fucking useless!!

Soon after, Matthew arrived. He looked at me, clearly confused by what had happened, and then walked over.

"Kuya are you okay? Anong nangyari bakit ang dami mong dugo?" nag-aalala niyang tanong  "Nakipag away ka ba?"

I shook my head. “I’m fine. Just go to her… she’s scared.”
He looked at me, still confused, but I gave him a meaningful look. He immediately understood what I meant and went inside. When he came out, my heart almost stopped—he was carrying Jea in his arms, unconscious.