Seven

Rei’s POV

I was shocked when Suzzette suddenly barged into my office. Yes, I called her—but I didn’t expect her to show up while Gabby was with me.

And what surprised me even more was when she suddenly kissed me right in front of Gabby.

I saw Gabby looked away, grabbed her things, and walked out of my office in a haste.

But before she disappeared from my sight, I caught her wiping something from her eyes.

Wait, was she crying?

I pushed Suzzette away, confused as hell. Damn. Even though I called her to satisfy my needs, I completely lost the mood to relieve myself.

“Stop! Why are you suddenly kissing me?” I hissed, my forehead creasing.

She smiled. “Come on, don’t tell me you didn’t like it,” Suzzette purred in a seductive voice, but it got no effect like it usually does to me.

My head was full of Gabby, and its both frustrating and confusing.

“Damn it,” I cursed under my breath. “Stay here.”

“What?” her eyes narrowed. “Where are you going?”

“Just fucking stay here, Suz.”

I walked out of my office and headed toward the elevator. I wanted to see Gabby and apologize to her.

But apologize for what? I don’t even know. Still, I feel like I owe her an explanation. Fuck, I’m not making sense at all.

Why would I even explain? Why am I in a panic like this? She’s not my girlfriend. Sure, we slept together once, but that doesn’t mean we’re in a serious relationship. So why do I feel this way?

So many thoughts are running through my head. We haven’t even had a proper conversation since the day we met again—and that bothers me.

Earlier, when I told her about the pretend thing, I just wanted to make things easier for her. And I think it worked, because for once, we actually talked without her staring at the floor—and what she said went beyond her usual ten words.

Though it looks like she’s going back to how she was before. I have a strong feeling she got uncomfortable after what Suzzette did earlier.

The sound of the elevator pulled me out of my thoughts. Its doors opened, and I was about to step out when I saw a guy and a girl hugging in the hallway.

I froze. Because that girl wasn’t just any girl—it was Gabby.

My jaw tightened, and my fists clenched.

Here I was, thinking I might’ve hurt her. Turns out, I was overthinking. I was the only one worrying that I somehow hurt her feelings, while she was out here squashed in another man’s arms.

Damn it. Where did this stupid idea come from—that I actually hurt her?

We just had sex. That doesn’t mean she likes me, too.

Yes—too—because I’ve realized that I like her. She was not the same with the women I’ve been with. All of them throw themselves on my feet once they found how rich I was, but Gabby? Damn, she pulled herself away.

I really like that about her.

And I thought the feeling was mutual.

Me? Reigan Salvador. Handsome. Sexy. Hot. Rich. And I was aware of these facts. Yet, the one woman I actually showed interest in doesn’t like me back?

That bruised my ego.

I walked back to my office, completely out of it.

“Rei! Baby?”

Tsk. Suzzette again. I swear, I feel like throwing her out of my office. She started to seduce me again but I’m so out of it.

I pushed her away once more. “Suzzette, I’m not in the mood for this.”

Her brows furrowed. “What? You’re the one who called me,” she said, shocked and angry, but her hand continued caressing my chest.

I sighed. “Look, I know. And I’m sorry for calling you. Can you please leave now?” I couldn’t help but sound rude—I was already irritated. With the way I’m feeling right now, I might end up yelling at her if she pushed it.

“Hmph.” She huffed and marched out of my office. I sighed in relief

I sat there, gripping my pen tightly, my thoughts spinning back to the image of Gabby in another man’s arms.

Crack.

I looked down. The pen had snapped in my hand from how hard I was holding it.

Fuck.

Gabby’s POV

“Take me back, Gab,” Sam pleaded. “Let’s fix this.”

I just looked at him. He’d become a model two years ago. His appearance had changed—his body was bigger now, his skin a golden tan. But if I were to compare him to Rei, he still wouldn’t stand a chance.

“Gab... I still love you,” he said. “I worked hard for you, and now, I’m rich. I can take care of you. Please, come back to me.”

I smiled bitterly.

“You still haven’t changed, Samuel. You still see me as someone who only cared about money. I’m sorry, but no matter what you say, I’m not getting back together with you.” I turned away from him.

Three years have passed. I've moved on. I don't need someone who believes that money was my only goal in life.

I’m a simple woman—and not as greedy as he thought I was.

“Gab... I’ll give you time,” Sam said before walking away. “I just hope you’ll realize in your heart that you still love me.”

Hah! Dream on! I’m not wasting another second on you. The nerve of this guy—ugh, I swear, I could punch him!

I crossed my arms on my chest and let him walk away.

Suddenly, Rei’s face flashed in my mind. I shook my head. I just hope he doesn’t get the wrong idea about what he saw.

And what exactly do I think he’d even think? He doesn’t even care about me. He’s got that horse of a woman anyway. There’s no way he’d even remember me after what they will do. Maybe I should do what he told me to—pretend he doesn’t exist as the Bora guy.

I wonder if I can really do that. I sighed.

The rest of the day passed with nothing but heavy sighs. Not because of Samuel, but because of Rei. It has become like that ever since I met him. There hasn’t been a single day that I haven’t thought about him.

**

I was walking through the dimly lit parking lot beneath our company building, rummaging through my bag for my car keys, when I froze.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a man leaning against a black car. My heartbeat instantly picked up—and there’s only one person who can make me feel like this.

I turned to confirm my suspicion. And there he was—the mighty Reigan Salvador—leaning on his black Ferrari, staring straight at me with those fiery eyes, and he looked angry. The intensity in his gaze made my stomach twist. He looked furious—and its directed at me.

I instinctively took a few steps back as he started walking toward me, slow and deliberate, like a predator ready to pounce at any moment. My pulse raced even faster.

Glancing around—there was no one else here. The parking lot was nearly empty, only a few cars scattered around since most employees had already gone home.

Kesha advised me to finish my work tomorrow instead of taking an overtime, and I should have listened to her.

I gasped when my back suddenly hit a wall. Rei was already standing in front of me and I watched as he placed both arms on either side of me—I was cornered.

I tried to avoid his eyes. If I looked at him now, this close, I might not be able to stop myself from kissing him first. That’s the kind of effect he had on me and it was frustrating, I know, but I couldn’t find my control around the man.

His masculine scent filled the air, clouding my thoughts. God, please take me away from temptation.

Rei leaned even closer. Our bodies pressed against each other, and our faces were just a hand’s breadth apart. Still, I couldn’t bring myself to meet his gaze.

I could feel his anger radiating between us. What did I do wrong? I could think of nothing. So why does he look so furious?

“We made love once, and you’ve got the nerve to meet other guys?” he said through gritted teeth.

I was stunned by his words. Me? Really? He’s the one with that horse of a woman kissing him on his lips, and yet I’m the one he’s accusing?

“I didn’t meet anyone. And we didn’t make love. We had sex. That’s different,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. This man was making my knees weak.

He looked taken aback by my words, his eyes widened a bit, but only for a second before he arched the side of his mouth.

“We made love,” he corrected firmly. “We both loved the sensation we brought to each other,” he added, his voice low and husky. He leaned in even closer, his face just inches from mine. I turned my head—if I look at him now, our lips would definitely meet.

“W-what are y-you doing, S-sir?” I stammered, trying to sound formal—trying to remind him that he’s my boss. That he should stop whatever he planned to do, but also to remind myself the same.

“I really hate it when you call me that,” he hissed. “And I don’t want you seeing other guys.”

“I’m not seeing anyone,” I replied, my heartbeat racing faster and louder. I was sure he could feel it too—our bodies were pressed too closely not to.

“Lie, Gabby. Lie some more. But understand this—you are mine, and mine alone. Keep that in mind.”

I couldn’t even absorb what he said because my mind had already gone blank, focused on his lips now pressed to mine.

Rei’s kiss was different this time—harsh and rough. I tried pushing him away, but his arm wrapped firmly around my waist while his other hand gripped the back of my neck.

Tears threatened to run down my cheeks. I didn’t like the way he was kissing me. It wasn’t the same as the one we shared in Bora—that one was gentle, passionate.

I kept resisting, trying to break free. I opened my mouth to shout, but that turned out to be a mistake—he took the chance to slip his tongue inside. His tongue explored every inch of my mouth, demanding, relentless.

The way he kissed made my head spin. It was rough—too rough—and yet I started to like it more than I should. He sure drive my sanity into the bin, his kiss alone makes me insane.

I kissed him back. I couldn’t stop myself to succumb into his kiss, it was beyond my control.

Why was he doing this? Why kiss me when he’d just been furious a moment ago?

The aggressive kiss softened into a slow, dizzying one. My legs felt weak, so I clung to him just to keep myself from falling. His lips trailed down to my neck—and then he bit on my flesh.

I gasped, my eyes widened but then it turned to a moan when he kissed me again.

Our lips clashed and I was losing air before he suddenly pulled away. I looked at him, confused and breathless.

His hand reached for my neck—the spot where he’d just bitten me.

“You are mine. Only mine,” he said, his voice low and final, before turning his back and walking toward his car.

I stood frozen, staring blankly into space, my hand pressed against my chest. Questions swarm in my head.

Why did he act that way? Why is he claiming that I’m his? Why did he kiss me? Why did he tell me not to look at other men?

My heart was beating too fast. I could barely breathe. This isn’t normal, this is… Damn it!

“Why are you doing to me, Rei?” I whispered to myself.