Loving The JEON

CHAPTER 32:-

What's her name? Hansel, Gretel... Gretchen.

She's masked of course, but I know it's her when her gaze doesn't move beyond Jungkook. She blushes, and selfishly I'm beyond pleased that Jungkook doesn't acknowledge her at all.The MC asks for our envelope and with a very practiced and eloquent flourish, asks Scarllet to pull out the winning bill. It's Jackson's, and the silk-wrapped basket is awarded to him.I applaud politely, but I'm finding it impossible to concentrate on any more of the proceedings.

"If you'll excuse me," I murmur to Jungkook.

He looks at me intently.

"Do you need the powder room?"

I nod.

"I'll show you," he says darkly.

When I stand, all the other men round the table stand with me. Oh, such manners.

"No, Jungkook! You're not taking Lisa - I will."

Somi is on her feet before Jungkook can protest. His jaw tenses, I know he's not pleased.

Quite frankly, neither am I. I have... needs. I shrug apologetically at him, and he sits down quickly, resigned.

On our return, I feel a little better, though the relief of removing the balls has not been as instantaneous as I'd hoped. They're now stashed safely in my clutch purse.

Why did I think I could last the whole evening? I am still yearning - perhaps I can persuade Jungkook to take me to the boathouse later. I flush at the thought and glance at him as I take my seat. He stares at me, the ghost of a smile crossing his lips.

Phew... he's no longer mad at a missed opportunity, though maybe I am. I feel frustrated - irritable even. Jungkook squeezes my hand, and we both listen attentively to Chris, who is back on stage talking about Coping Together. Jungkook passes me another card - a list of the auction prizes. I scan them quickly.

Holy shit. I blink up at Jungkook.

"You own property in Aspen?" I hiss. The auction is underway, and I have to keep my voice down.

He nods, surprised at my outburst and irritated, I think. He puts his finger to his lips to silence me.

"Do you have property elsewhere?" I whisper.He nods again and inclines his head to one side in a warning.

The whole room erupts with cheering and applause; one of the prizes has gone for twelve thousand dollars.

"I'll tell you later," Jungkook says quietly. "I wanted to come with you," he adds rather sulkily.

Well, you didn't. I pout and I realize that I'm still querulous, and no doubt, it's the frustrating effect of the balls. My mood darkens after seeing Mrs. Robinson on the list of generous donors.

I glance around the marquee to see if I can spot her, but I can't see her telltale hair.

Surely Jungkook would have warned me if she was invited tonight. I sit and stew, applauding when necessary, as each lot is sold for astonishing amounts of money.

The bidding moves to Jungkook's place in Aspen and reaches twenty thousand dollars.

"Going once, going twice," the MC calls.

And I don't know what possesses me, but I suddenly hear my own voice ringing out clearly over the throng.

"Twenty-four thousand dollars!"

Every mask at the table turns to me in shocked amazement, the biggest reaction of all coming from beside me. I hear his sharp intake of breath and feel his wrath washing over me like a tidal wave.