Page 52 of Viral Affair

Jess had no idea what I was planning, and yes, I’d missed him like crazy in these past few weeks. There was so much I wanted to talk to him about.

“Fine, whatever, Veronica. Just answer the phone the next time I call you,” he said then added, “Show me your bikini. It’s killing me that you’re parading in that thing outside while other guys are ogling your gorgeous arse.”

I giggled then lowered my phone to show him my body. I knew I looked hot wearing one of my latest skimpy purchases that I’d snapped up online, and it was fun to see how Rupert’s eyes almost popped out of their sockets. He was making me wet looking at me with that pained expression.

“You have no idea what you’re doing to me. I think of you constantly, baby. You know there isn’t anyone else, and I’m not working at the club right now,” I assured him. “I’ll call you later in the evening. Maybe we could have some fun through a video chat.”

“Damn it, you’re going to make me insane. I can’t walk around the pool with a massive erection, woman.” He looked so hot when he was angry. “I’m hanging up now. Goodbye, Veronica.”

I leaned back on my lounger, worried. Vincent’s threat loomed over me, and whenever I thought about it, I got really anxious. He wanted to get his hands on all the recordings, and I still had no idea how I could gain access to Rupert’s laptop. I didn’t even know if he had them with him.There was so much that was unknown.

Rome was a fabulous city for a break. Jess and I had visited all the historic sites, tasted the most amazing Italian food, and met interesting people. Unfortunately, this morning she mentioned she was already bored and we needed to head somewhere else. We’d hardly been in Rome a week and we didn’t have anything planned, so I suggested heading over to Sicily. A night before, Jess had gone out to a party without me. She came back in the early hours of the morning completely wasted, basically ruining my vibe. Jess was wild, and if she kept this up, I’d leave her sooner than I’d intended.

I stayed by the pool while she slept, then went on to grab some food as she was still fast asleep by midday. Then in the evening, she showed up unexpectedly with two Italian guys, all dressed up and ready to go out.

“Veronica! I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Come on, these guys are taking us out for a party,” she said.

“What party? We agreed to leave tomorrow. Remember the plane and Sicily?” I asked, thinking she must have lost her mind if she thought I’d go out tonight.

“Oh, come on, Veronica, you’re such a party pooper. These guys are hot, and I really want to shag Federico, the tall one. You can have the other one for yourself,” my already slightly tipsy friend said.

The guys looked too young and high—and I wasn’t interested. I was done with summer flings since my past trip around Europe.Look where that ended up.

“No, Jess, we are not going with them. They are high, and God knows where they might take you. This is too risky,” I insisted because I was looking forward to being tucked in bed early, so I could have video sex with Rupert. He was probably waiting for me already.

Jess was only twenty-two, and she had plenty of disposable funds. Her father was an oil tycoon and owned a multimillion-pound corporation. Plus, she was an only child, and she’d told me flat out that she wanted to party through this whole trip.

“You’re acting like my mother, Veronica, and she was a total bitch by the way. Come on, I really want to shag some Italian hottie,” she complained.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. She’d started to get on my nerves, acting like a spoiled brat. On top of that, Jess was the most stubborn person I’d ever met, and there was no way I could talk her out of it.

“For God’s sake, Jess, I want to have a night in. These guys are not even that good-looking,” I pointed out.I would let her go out on her own, but I was concerned she’d get herself into more trouble than she bargained for.

“You’re so boring, and I really like Federico. He’s sweet and funny. Come on, and let’s have some fun,” she said.

In the end, I gave in and went to change. It seemed that Jess’s new friends were very proactive because there was a car waiting for us outside. Once we got in, I was relieved to see the driver looked more mature and sober, so I cheered up a bit. I was a bit disappointed that I couldn’t have my sexy chat with Rupert this evening, but maybe Jess was right. I needed a good night out for a change. Once the car started moving, I pulled out my phone and texted Rupert.

Sorry, my immature friend dragged me out tonight. She’s completely wasted, and I have to look after her.

Rupert texted back straight away.

All right, I’m down at the pool with Spencer. Just make sure you text me when you get in. I don’t want to worry about you, Veronica.

I smiled to myself. Rupert was such a good guy. Which made things so much worse. I sighed.

I’ll be fine, it’s Jess I’m worried about. She always gets into trouble. How are things with Laura and Spencer?

The driver put on a song and the two guys, along with Jess, started to sing loudly, giving me a headache.

I read Rupert’s text.

I just gave him permission to go all in with her. Told him to get it over and done with.

I bit my bottom lip and sent him a few emojis before I put my phone back into my bag. Jess was kissing one of the guys—probably Federico, if I remembered correctly. I glanced out of the window, knowing that maybe I should have taken the trip to Rome on my own because now I would have been in my room having fun with Rupert.

On the work front, I’d been honest with Rupert. I didn’t even remember the last time I was required to have sex with a client. It’d been a while, and I wondered if my new boss had anything to do with it. Rupert must be continuing to mess with my schedule, but he would never admit to it. This made me pine for him more. I was so horny. I’d never gone so long without sex, but in the end, this was all going to be worth it because I couldn’t even imagine sleeping with someone else after my experience with the one and only Rupert Banks.

After that party, Jess and I ended up staying another three days in Rome. We both got food poisoning and couldn’t leave our hotel room. I felt like death warmed over. For a few more days, we were both cooped up in our room spewing our guts out. At least we were lucky that the room had air-conditioning, otherwise I didn’t think I would survive in this heat.

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