The Bodyguard | 18+

Chapter 22

He flinches momentarily, but to my relief, he doesn't pull away. Instead, he pulls me closer, his arms wrapping around my waist with a possessive grip. A smile forms on my lips as we kiss, and I instinctively loop my arms around his neck. His tongue slips into my mouth, catching me by surprise. I didn't expect him to take control so quickly. His display of dominance leaves me breathless, craving more of his commanding touch.

As his tongue explores my mouth with confident ease, I surrender to the intoxicating sensation. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I'd be in this moment, locked in a passionate kiss with Jason. I expected him to push me away, but instead, he's kissing me back. It feels so...forbidden, yet undeniably right. Our lips mold together in perfect harmony, as if they were made for this exact purpose. A soft, involuntary moan escapes from Jason's lips, causing my heart to race like never before.

This kiss is unlike anything I've ever known, there's a raw intensity to it, a sensation I can't quite pinpoint. I savor the moment, taking advantage of it as I pull him closer to me, if that's even possible at this point.

I softly moan, as he effortlessly lifts me, setting me down on a pool table nearby. I find myself wrapping my legs around his waist, drawn to him like a magnet. His hands, hungry and relentless, explore every curve of my body. As his touch finds its way to my ass, his fingers gently squeeze. It's as though he's been waiting to get his hands on me, his touch possessing me completely, claiming me as his own with each caress.

It's strange how I don't feel this way when Alex kisses me. In fact, it's been a while since he's even kissed me. Alex, Alex, Alex... Alex! Oh my god! What am I doing?! Just in that moment, I snap back to reality.

I pull away from the kiss, and use all the strength I had in me to push him away. He glares at me, clearly displeased. "What the hell?" he demands.

"I can't believe I just did that," I mutter out loud, shaking my head in disbelief.

His expression shifts from anger to realization. "Yeah, me too. You shouldn't have done that," he retorts, adjusting his tie. I narrow my eyes at him, feeling frustrated. Is he seriously blaming this on me after he responded to the kiss?

"You kissed me back." I remind him.

"Yeah, only because you kissed me first, and practically forced your tongue down my throat." His response leaves me speechless. He's unbelievable.

"You were staring at my lips," I mumble, feeling pathetic, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"So? That doesn't mean I wanted to kiss you," he shrugs.

"Then why stare at my lips?!" I demand.

"Maybe because I felt like it," he snaps back.

"You're the worst person I've ever met! I thought we could be friends or something," I blurt out, feeling my voice quiver with emotion. I sound stupid, but in the heat of the moment, I'm too overwhelmed to care.

"I'm not here to be your friend, let's make that clear. I have a job to do, and that certainly doesn't include you kissing me. I don't need you all over me like that again," he retorts sharply.

I scoff. "You don't have to worry about that, trust me. Now I see that you're just an asshole!" I fight back tears, feeling a lump forming in my throat as I jump off the pool table.

"Been called worse princess," he shrugs, his nonchalance only fueling my anger.

"Of course you have. I'd be surprised if you hadn't!" I storm out the game room and run to the room. I passed Nana, who calls after me, but I ignore her. Feeling guilty for brushing her off, but I'm too upset to care. She already suspects something between Jason and I, which couldn't be further from the truth. Not after what just happened.

I enter the bedroom and slam the door shut behind me, making sure to lock it before Jason could catch up, if he even bothered to come after me. It's not like he cares about my feelings. Leaning back against the door, I slide down to the floor, bringing my knees to my chest as tears stream down my face. I don't know why I'm crying, but I can't seem to stop. Maybe it's the guilt of kissing Jason and betraying Alex. Maybe it's the sting of the rude things he said afterwards. Either way, he's really hurt me. It definitely wasn't worth it, and Alex doesn't deserve this. I know he trusts me, and I let him down. All because I kissed some jerk while caught up in the moment.

I crawl onto the bed and continue sobbing there. I don't want him to come to the room and hear me pathetically crying against the door. He's probably laughing at me, thinking I threw myself at him just minutes ago. He probably thinks I'm as desperate and boy crazy as Joanna.

I just couldn't stop myself. He just looked so attractive, and it was so tempting. I had to know what his full lips tasted like. Worst decision of my life. I'm such an idiot, and I feel so disgusted with myself. I'm not a cheater. I like Alex, a lot. He treats me so well, and he's not a jerk like Jason. He doesn't do things to make me cry, and he would never hurt me. I really put our relationship in jeopardy. If he ever found out, he'd be so upset with me, and I wouldn't know what to do about it.

Moments later, I hear a soft knock on my door. It's probably him. He's gonna come in here and laugh at me. I don't need that right now. I've had enough of him.

"Go away!" I yell, my voice cracking, unintentionally sounding weak.

"Ava? Darling, it's me. Open the door!" Nana's voice comes through the wood. I sigh, relieved that it isn't Jason. I'm not ready to face him, yet.

I walk over and unlock the door. Nana opens it as I walk back over to the bed. She sits down on the edge next to me, her brow furrowing as she examines my tear-stained face.

"What's going on? Why are you crying?" She asks frantically, rubbing my arm and checking me for any signs of physical injury.

"Nothing," I sniffle, wiping my eyes, obviously lying.

"I thought I already told you not to lie to me," she frowns.

"I'm sorry. I'm just not comfortable talking about it," I confess, hoping she understands.

"Well, eventually, you will have to talk about it to somebody. If you're staying here with me all summer, you're going to need a friend," she insists, reaching over to grasp my hand reassuringly, "I'm here to listen."

I sigh, feeling the weight of my emotions pressing down on me. She's right. I always share my problems with Stephanie. And at this moment, I need somebody to talk to. I love Nana dearly, and I know she'll understand.

"I kissed Jason," I finally admit, the words heavy on my tongue.