If Only

Chapter Seventeen: Unveiling Vulnerability

JADE

I was about to scream for my life, but not until I felt a hand covering my mouth, preventing me from doing so. I tried to break free from - whoever this was - his hold, but he was too strong, keeping me tightly ensnared within his powerful arms.

Panic surged within me, but all my worries and shock dissipated when my mysterious intruder finally revealed himself.

"Shhh... it's okay, baby, it's me..." he whispered into my ear, and the gentle tone instantly told me it was Jared.

My wide eyes gradually adjusted to the sight of him, and I seized the opportunity when Jared loosened his grip to spin around and face him. In an instant, my fists rained blows upon him as I muttered words intended solely for him.

"You jerk! Why would you do that?!" I raised my voice, making sure only Jared could hear me. He winced at each of my hits, attempting to shield himself from my assault. The pain on his face soon transformed into a smug smile that I couldn't help but find endearing.

Jared's hands moved swiftly to capture both my wrists and held them away from my face.

"Why are you... how did you get in here?" I hissed, stepping backward as he advanced toward me. A multitude of questions swirled in my mind. How had he entered without anyone noticing? Why was he here? Why show up so suddenly after a day of evading me?

"Shhh... too many questions..." I sensed him drawing closer to my face, but I turned my head to the side, my anger still simmering. I almost forgot my irritation at him for failing to appear at all today.

"What are you doing here?" I hissed once more, struggling to break free from his grip. However, he remained resolute and unyielding.

"I missed you... so I decided to pay you a visit," he said with a wink. I finally managed to free one of my hands, and it immediately connected with a light punch to his chest. This caused him to cough slightly, but it was quickly followed by a throaty chuckle.

"You missed me? YOU MISSED ME? Where the hell were you the entire day?" I accused, jabbing an accusing finger against his chest. He responded by firmly gripping my wrists once more.

"Let go of me, Jared," I warned, but the mischievous glint in his eyes suggested he had no intention of complying.

"So you can hit me again? Not a chance, lady," he retorted, clearly enjoying himself. He effortlessly held both my wrists in one hand while using the other to casually brush his hair back.

"How did you get in here, anyway?" I inquired, hoping for a straightforward answer this time.

"Through the front door. I knocked, and your mom found me irresistibly handsome, so she let me into your room to wait for you..." he explained, flashing me a cheeky grin. Though I knew he was fibbing, the idea was oddly appealing.

"What...?" I sputtered, my eyes widening as I attempted to yank my hand free. But he maintained a vice-like grip.

Jared burst into laughter. "I was just messing with you. You should've seen your face."

I tried to pull my hand back again, but he remained unyielding.

"You're such a jerk. How did you get in, really?"

"I'm a spy," he stated matter-of-factly, punctuating it with a wink.

"I used the window," he indicated the sliding windows leading to my balcony, fixing his gaze on me once more. "You should learn how to lock your windows. Some creep might find their way in here."