Red

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Jacob

I practically skipped my way from the car to my building, excitement building in my chest. I never thought I'd see the day I got excited over a woman being in my personal space, but right now I was on cloud nine. I wasn't going to question my feelings, I just wanted to enjoy them.

I pushed the key in the door, welcomed by an aroma of spices and sweet perfume. Rhiannon was cooking, and she smelt absolutely divine while she was doing it. A smile tugged at my lips. I sauntered through the lounge area, skipping the part where I chuck my keys down on the table, stopping when I notice Rhiannon in one of my shirts while she cooks.

I lean forward on the island, watching her hips sway as she crosses the room for more ingredients. She hasn't noticed I'm here yet. Maybe I sound like a creep, but my view was too good. My shirt clung to her curves perfectly, enhancing them. I itched to touch her.

"Afternoon, Beautiful"

She jumped, dropping the spatula she was using, and falling backwards into the sideboard. My eyes widened in shock but I released a small laugh.

"Jesus Christ! What are you doing, sneaking up on people!" She held her hand over her heart, frustration evident on her features.

"Not sneaking baby, admiring. Damn, you look gorgeous." I made my way over to her, smirking when her cheeks tinted pink. It only reminded me of how she looked after we fucked, making my trousers grow even tighter.

"You're too sweet." She smiled, biting her bottom lip. She had forgotten already how much I'd terrified her a second ago.

"Just speaking the truth. Now come here." I grabbed her waist, pulling her against me. I'd missed her touch all day, this beautiful sweet smell of coconuts, and how soft her skin was. I needed this in my life.

As our lips connected, excitement rushed through me. An intense pressure filled my chest, my heart thumping against my ribs. I slid my hands to the edge of the shirt, gripping her bare thighs.

"Jacob, stop! The food!" As she pushed me back urgently, I finally had a waft of the food burning. I inhaled smoke and coughed.

"Fuck, I'm sorry!" I reached to pull her back. Only I was too late, she screeched as she burnt her hand on the saucepan.

"Ow!" She jerked her hand back, holding it to her chest.

I held it under the tap for her as she cried in pain, while reaching over to turn the oven off.

"Baby I'm sorry." The food was ruined and it was all my fault, I felt so guilty.

"It's okay, I just wanted to surprise you." Her voice contradicted her words; she sounded so upset. I cradled her close to my chest as she kept her hand under the tap, wishing we could go back five minutes.

"How about we go out?" I suggested.

She huffed. "We can't," she turned to face me. "What if someone sees us?"

I cringed, guilt spreading even more. My mind had gone completely blank, forgetting all about our secret relationship. If her dad found out, he'd kill me. A part of me wanted to say fuck it, fuck what he thinks. I want to date you. But I know it wouldn't end well. I felt selfish, but I knew it also wouldn't be sunshine and rainbows for Rhi either.

I pressed my lips to her forehead, apologising. "I'll order us some dinner. Have you got to be back?"

"Yeah, he'll get more suspicious if I'm not back tonight. I wanted to stay though."

"I know, I want you here too. I'll make you sure get home at the right time once we've eaten. But first, I want something else to eat." I nibbled on her ear, descending her neck with kisses, and pulled her towards the bedroom.

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"What are you doing this weekend?" I asked, placing the dishes in the sink. We'd ordered Chinese, eventually, after spending almost an hour in bed with each other. If I had it my way, she wouldn't leave at all. I'd spend all day naked with her, only getting up to go work and eat.

"Sunday I have a lunch with dad, and Saturday night I'm at work." The way she trailed off a little, her voice quieting, told me she knew how I felt about the latter. Even the former wasn't particularly great, but I could deal with her seeing family - even if it was that arsehole.

"Work as in, the strip club?" I tried so hard not to sound pissed, but it came out dripping with frustration.

"Yes, Jacob."

She looked over at me from the other side of the kitchen. She was trying to look offended, like I didn't have rights to react this way, but she wasn't upset. It was just an act. Deep down, she understands why it upsets me. The thought of another man laying his eyes on her, never mind his hands, made my dinner threaten to come up. My blood boiled. She was mine. My body. My girl. I didn't want a single man knowing what she looked like under all those clothes, especially in lingerie. Fuck!

An image of Rhi in a black lace teddy came to mind. I'd seen one in the window when I went shopping the other day, and ever since it's been on my mind. But, if I'm honest, she didn't need anything like that to look sexy. It would just be an added bonus to see her in it - but for me, and only me.

Silence had awkwardly fell between us and I wasn't sure what to say. I didn't want an argument, but I also didn't want her going.

"Do you have to go?"

She breathed in and shut her eyes. An action that could be for so many reasons, but was particularly because she was fuming.

"No. I don't. But, do I want to? Yes. Whether you like it or not Jacob, it's my job and I will not be controlled by another person in my life!" Anger radiated off her. I knew she wasn't happy, but I wasn't expecting that.

"Baby, I'm not trying to control you. Shit, that's the last thing I want to do. But is it a crime to want you to myself?"

A look glazed over her, she liked my answer. But I wasn't exaggerating or faking, I really did want her to myself. I wasn't about to share her body with the world.

"No, it's not." She said, quietly. "I get controlled enough by my parents - especially my father. I just don't want it from another person that means a lot to me." She was now standing in front of me, reaching up.

The smile that spread across my cheeks, from her admitting my importance in her life, was uncontrollable. Those few words meant a lot to me. We encountered a kiss, a hot, needy one, before I replied.

"And I don't want to be your father. I just want you happy, baby. But I also want you to myself, you're mine, my girl, my body. I'm sorry if that sounds possessive and controlling, but it's how I feel. You mean so much."

"I know, I just need this job babe. You don't understand." She ducked head, placing it against my chest. I kissed her head. Maybe I didn't understand her need for it, but hopefully she wouldn't stay working there for much longer. I just had to suck it up until I persuaded her.

"Okay. Do you need a ride home?"

"No, don't worry. I'll call a taxi, don't want my dad seeing."

I nodded, and she walked away to call her cab. I hated her travelling alone at night but for the sake of our relationship, we needed to hide it.

While she was in the other room, my mind went back to our conversation. There has to be a way I can persuade her to leave. I just had to come up with a way.