Page 31 of Beautiful Chaos

How can I get out of this?

My hands started to sweat, and my nerves completely took over.

We drove for a short time as I plotted my escape. I texted Aster an S.O.S. message but it stayed on delivered, which was expected since it was only after six in the morning in London, she would still be asleep.

I looked at the clock on the dash and saw it was twelve forty-five in the morning. I felt even more guilty having this Hector gentleman out so late to rescue the crazy lady from nothing.

Hector must have noticed my unease while glancing in the rearview mirror, he spoke up.

“Ma’am, if I may?” I nodded for him to continue,

“Trust me, there’s no need to worry, you are in good hands with Jasper. He’s a true gentleman, I’ve known him a long time.” I gulped anxiously at his words.

What if I don’t want to be in his hands?

I bit my lip and nervously fiddled with my hands in my lap.

We pulled up to one of the fanciest buildings I’ve seen since moving to Miami. Hector stopped at the gate and the security waved him through with a nod towards the private parking lot.

We came to a stop at the end of the covered parking area. I looked up from my fidgeting which had only gotten worse. Jasper stood, leaned against a pillar with one foot raised and his arm folded across his chest, his cell to his ear.

He spoke with a somber expression. He carried an authoritative demeanor that screamed he was used to being in charge and not accustomed to being disobeyed or dismissed.

He ended his call the second he noticed our vehicle coming into his view.

His face lit up as Hector opened the door for me. He wore gray sweatpants and a tight, black V-neck T-shirt, that accentuated his form. I didn’t notice how muscular he was before through the expensive tailored suits I’d seen him in. The loose fabric showed off his muscular build around his midsection. It did something to my core that I couldn’t explain.

He approached the door and whispered to Hector. I didn’t hear what was said but Hector dropped his waiting hand and allowed Jasper to dominate the space around the open door. I slid out and turned to Hector who had stifled a yawn.

“Thank you for driving me, sir,” I said quietly, I gave him a small child-like curtsy. I had to stop myself from palming my forehead, at how completely stupid I felt. If he thought the same thing, he showed no trace of it when he nodded with a sincere but small smile before closing the door behind me. He stood with his hands held inside each other in front of him waiting for direction I assumed.

Jasper nodded at him in thanks as we walked towards the elevator on the other side of the well-lit parking garage. It was so bright compared to the inside of a dark, tinted SUV.

“Is he going to stay there all night?” I whispered to Jasper as he extended his arm for me to grab, he almost seemed to be cautious not to make unwanted contact with me. He threw my hot pink duffle bag over his shoulder, his smile widened when my fingertips gripped his forearm.

“No, Doll, he will leave once I excuse him for the night,” he chuckled, as my eyes widened.

“Did he have to come back to work just to get me?” My cheeks flushed red at the inconvenience I may have caused.

Jasper stared at my face, as guilt swept over me when he stated,

“I pay him well, he doesn’t mind. I would have come myself, but I had a little bit to drink this evening.” I glanced in his direction, and immediately flushed at the possibility of him having brought a woman home from a bar. Making me feel a sudden surge of jealousy. Stunned by my emotions I looked at the floor as he pressed the button to the penthouse.

As if he could read my mind, he elaborated putting me out of my misery when he said,

“You are no trouble, Harper. I was reading alone tonight and had a few drinks before bed.”

I looked up to meet his gaze, secretly relieved to hear he was home alone. His eyes were soft and kind just as they were at the bookstore and the interview.

When I looked at Jasper, I saw good. Being in his presence didn’t put me on edge like every other male figure, apart from Old Man Frank. It was more of a calm feeling, a safe feeling.

I could feel Jasper’s gaze as the numbers above the elevator doors climbed higher on the ride up, causing my breath to hitch. Though not for the normal reasons. Suddenly, I was very aware of musk and the earthy scent of his cologne taking over my senses. I had to stop myself from leaning closer to him.

What’s wrong with me? I’m being so reckless.

As the elevator pinged, and the doors slid open my breath was stolen. His wealth was undeniable, and he took great pride in possessing luxurious things. I already suspected as much by the designer suits, but his home was spectacular, like something straight from Forbes magazine. I stared at him; my eyes wide with uncertainty about what I had stepped into.

“You’re a lawyer, right?”

---