Secret or Not?

Rachael's POV

I didn't look back when leaving the room. Jonathan left the room with Bella laughing, trying to catch up. I take a while, catch my breath, and walk away before he can return. I pull the door shut quietly, my fingers trembling before me. The hallway felt too long, every step away from that room felt heavier than the last.

Jonathan Hills

The name burns in my mind. I keep my head down as I exit the hotel, afraid that if I lift my eyes, someone would see it written all over my face.

By the time I reach my own hotel room, the adrenaline had faded, leaving guilt.

I lock the door behind me, not just because of running, but because of what had just happened. My first sex was with my best friend's father.

I reached for my clothes and pulled them off heading along with my panties. I go into the bathtub and turn on the shower. It felt good to have warm water washing down my body.

I felt so hot! And it was because of my best friend's father?

Before I realise, I slowly move my hands all around my body, sliding them down to my clit as the image of him builds behind my closed eyes.

Maybe just this once I could rub it out. "Oh fuck" I cursed softly, rubbing my clits lightly at the clearer image of him.

Soft moans slip out of my mouth as I rub a bit harder.

"Almost there" I whisper, feeling my orgasm so much closer. And then finally, cum.

I get out of the shower, standing in front of the mirror, staring back at my reflection.

This wasn't freedom

That was recklessness.

And recklessness comes with consequences.

I barely sleep all night, his face appears in my head and Bella's voice replays. "Daddy!", followed by a soft laugh

How can I be so reckless?

A sharp knock slaps me back to reality

"Rachael?" My mother's voice

Instant panic. I rush to the door and open it

"Where have you been?" she says, scanning me. "I've been looking for you since last night".

"I needed air. The gala was… suffocating".

She studies me for a moment and then continues "Get dressed, we're heading to the airport in an hour".

The drive to the airport is quiet, too quiet. Every move feels planned, and finally, I understand why

Clinton Brooks is waiting at the terminal with flowers.

He walks up to me with a rehearsed smile

"Rachael", he calls out, extending a hand

I take it

"It's nice to finally meet you", he continues.

"Yes", my mother says, "It is".

He hands me the flowers, checks his phone, and walks away.

He didn't even care to pretend. To him, this was nothing more than a contract.

On the flight back to London, Bella leans into me

"You disappeared last night" she says lightly "I was worried".

"I just needed space" I whisper..

'Did you have fun?" she asks, tilting her head and studying me.

I hesitate

"Rachael?" she continues."You look like someone stole something from you".

Or maybe I've given something away.

"I.. met someone", I quietly admit.

Her eyes light up. "Really?

I shake my head

"Finally! Tell me everything"

"It was nothing serious. Just a moment"

Bella smirks knowingly. "That's what moments are for."

I don't answer, I don't correct her.

She sits quietly for a while and turns to me again

"I found him!"

My chest tightens. "Found who?"

"My dad"

I look at the window, "You did?"

She nods. "Capri told me."

"Capri?" I repeat, my heart racing

"I didn't hear it from him though"

I stay silent, letting her continue

" I ran into him at the gala, he's really fine and tall, it's impossible to miss him. He asked about my Mum", she scoffs softly. "He didn't have to tell me my dad was here. He is always around my dad, so I got the hint"

My fingers feel cold

"I followed it, tracked the hotel, took the chance," she admits

"And there he was, after five whole years".

She tells me how they talked for hours, about things they used to laugh over before everything fell apart.

"For a moment, things felt normal", she adds.

"But I know him, he always shows up, makes you believe he's staying, and then disappears."

The words land heavier than she knows.

I nod, my guilt settling deeper, because this time, Jonathan hasn't just wandered back into Bella's life.

He crossed into mine too.

I look outside the window, examining the beautiful view and suddenly, I go cold. Whatever I left behind in France hasn't stayed there. It follows me. It waits and I know it will demand reckoning.