Obsession - Erotic love story

Chapter 8

The cab pulled up in front of the restaurant, an elegant building with a polished marble façade and tall windows glowing warmly from the inside. Reece stepped out first, smoothing his shirt with practiced ease, before rounding the car to open the door for Jasmine. As she stepped out, her floral perfume—light and sweet—caught him off guard. It was subtle, yet intoxicating, a perfect match for her quiet beauty.

Jasmine smiled up at him, her nerves still bubbling beneath the surface, but his effortless charm and the way he opened doors for her made her feel special, as though this were something more than just brunch.

They walked into the restaurant together, the warm lighting and the quiet hum of conversation enveloping them. The interior was just as beautiful as the exterior—lavish, with soft lighting, velvet booths, and crystal chandeliers that glimmered softly above. Before Jasmine could say a word to the hostess, they were immediately led to a luxurious booth in the corner without so much as checking in.

Jasmine looked around, slightly in awe of how seamlessly they were ushered in. "They didn't even check if you had a reservation."

Reece smiled, his expression both calm and confident. "I come here all the time. They know me well. Makes things easier."

Jasmine was impressed but also slightly intimidated. This wasn't just any restaurant—this was a place where you had to be someone to be recognized. And Reece, she realized, was definitely someone.

They settled into the booth, which was lined with plush velvet, offering them a sense of privacy. Reece motioned for her to order first. After the waiter took their requests—elegant dishes Jasmine hadn't even heard of before—they found themselves comfortably alone, the atmosphere intimate. She felt strangely at ease with him, though her heart still beat a little faster than usual.

As they waited for their food, their conversation flowed naturally. Reece leaned in slightly, his deep voice low and soothing as he talked about his work in technology. He didn't go into too much detail, keeping the specifics of his job vague, but it was clear he was a man who handled enormous responsibility. He owned multiple businesses and operated on a level far beyond the ordinary.

"What about you?" Reece asked, his gaze intent, but kind. "Tell me more about the bookstore. Do you enjoy it?"

Jasmine smiled, glad for the shift away from his intimidating world. "I love it. It's small, but there's something comforting about being surrounded by books all day. I get to meet interesting people and escape into stories. I guess it's a bit of a simple life compared to yours."

Reece's lips curved into a smile, but his eyes darkened slightly. "There's nothing simple about living authentically. I think it's beautiful."

For a moment, Jasmine felt her breath catch. His words were sincere, and his gaze held hers with such intensity that she felt seen in a way she hadn't before. She felt chemistry sparking between them, and it wasn't just the wine or the luxurious setting—it was something real.

Their conversation continued, touching on everything from favorite books to travel, and though Reece revealed little about the deeper parts of himself, Jasmine felt they were growing closer with every word. By the time they finished their meal, it felt like they had been talking for hours, time slipping away unnoticed.

When they finally stood to leave, Reece paused, turning toward her with a look of quiet determination.

"I'd like to see you again, Jasmine," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "This was... nice."

Jasmine's heart skipped, her face flushing with warmth. "I'd like that too."

They exchanged phone numbers, a small but meaningful step that felt like it bridged the gap between them. As they left the restaurant, standing on the sidewalk outside, Reece's phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at the message, his expression hardening slightly.

"I'm sorry," he said, his tone shifting to something more businesslike. "I have to go. Something urgent came up."

Jasmine nodded, though she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. "Of course, I understand."

Reece smiled, softer this time, reaching out to touch her arm gently before stepping back. "I'll call you soon."

With that, he disappeared into the night, leaving Jasmine standing on the sidewalk, her heart still fluttering from the whirlwind of the day. She watched as he walked away, a mix of excitement and curiosity swirling in her chest. She had no idea what lay beneath the surface of the man who had just left, but she felt something powerful drawing her closer.

❛ ━━━━━━･❪ 🎕 ❫ ･━━━━━━ ❜

Reece

Reece's car sped through the city streets, his mind no longer on the brunch or the soft allure of Jasmine's perfume. The message he had received had sent a wave of cold rage through him, though he hid it well. The man who had touched Jasmine outside the boutique—the one who had dared to put his hands on her—was waiting for him now, far beneath the surface of the city, in a place no one would ever find.

The car stopped in front of an unmarked building. Reece stepped out, his face calm but his hands flexing in restrained anger. He walked through the dark, empty corridors until he reached a door leading down to a basement.

Inside, a man was slumped in a chair, crying, his face streaked with blood. His breathing was ragged, and his body was bruised and beaten. He barely raised his head when Reece entered, the heavy door creaking shut behind him.

Reece stepped closer, his voice low and cold. "What's your name?"

The man whimpered, but no words came. His eyes were wild with fear, tears streaming down his face.

"I asked you a question," Reece said, his tone cutting through the air like a knife. He grabbed the man's chin, forcing him to look up. "What. Is. Your. Name?"

"J-Jason," the man stammered, trembling beneath Reece's iron grip.

Reece released him, stepping back as he looked at the pathetic figure in front of him. "Jason. Do you remember the woman you touched yesterday? The one outside the boutique?"

Jason's eyes widened in horror as the memory flooded back. He nodded frantically, his body shaking. "I-I didn't mean to... I swear, I didn't—"

"You touched what's mine," Reece said, his voice devoid of emotion. "And now, you're going to pay for it."

Before Jason could beg for mercy, Reece pulled a gun from the inside of his jacket, leveling it at the man's head. Jason's sobs grew louder, but Reece's hand didn't waver.

"This is what happens when you cross me."

The sound of the gunshot echoed through the room, and Jason's cries were silenced. Reece stood over the lifeless body, wiping the blood that had splattered onto his face with a cold, detached calm.

He turned to his staff, who stood waiting in the shadows. "Get rid of it," he said simply, slipping the gun back into his jacket. Without another glance at the body, he left the room, his face unreadable as he walked back into the night.

As he stepped into the cool air, his thoughts drifted back to Jasmine. The man who had touched her was gone now, nothing more than a problem solved. And Reece? He felt nothing but satisfaction. She was his, and he would protect her from anything—and anyone—who dared get in his way.