All Chapters of When I Stopped Running : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Jessica's POV I stared at him and for a second, I almost believed the confusion on his face was real. Then I remembered who Jake Stone was and how much of a manipulator he is. He was a man who knew exactly how to twist situations in his favor."Don't do that," I snapped."Do what?" He asked in disbelief."Pretend," I said quickly, my tone filled with irritation.His expression hardened a bit before he spoke. "Jessica, what note are you talking about?" He questioned.I let out a bitter laugh. He was unbelievable and I couldn't believe he won't owned up to his actions."You're really going to stand here and act innocent?" I asked harshly.Jake's jaw clenched as he spoke. "I sent flowers and messages. I aren't denying that. But I don't know anything about a note," he muttered with confidence."Liar," I accused, my eyes burning in fury.I reached into my bag angrily and pulled out the folded paper before shoving it against his chest.Jake took it slowly, his eyes scanned the words. Then

Jessica's POV "Miss Wilson, Mr Stone requested you personally."The words alone were enough to ruin the little peace I had managed to gather since morning.I looked up from the reservation system in front of me and met Clara's sympathetic stare across the concierge desk."Again?" I asked, unable to hide the frustration in my voice.Clara gave me a helpless look. "The request came directly from management this time," she explained.Of course it did. I released a slow breath and closed the file in front of me. Ever since Jake checked into the hotel, my days had become unbearable. Every hour came with another request attached to my name.It was either it was a private car arrangement, Dinner reservations, a last minute schedule change or an access to the rooftop lounge.There were things any concierge could handle, but somehow, Jake wanted only me.Management wasn't complaining because Jake Stone was exactly the kind of client this hotel would bend over backwards to satisfy."Where is h

Jessica's POV The rest of my shift dragged past like thick honey.I smiled at guests. Answered questions. Directed people to elevators and bathrooms and restaurants I'd never eaten in myself. My body moved through the motions while my mind stayed frozen inside that elevator moment.I couldn't stop thinking about Jake's stare, Linda's smirk and the way my chest burned when her fingers touched his arm.I hated how much it bothered me."Miss Wilson?"I blinked. Mr. Bernard stood near the concierge desk, hands locked behind his back."Yes, sir?" I answered firmly "The Stone suite sent a special request for tonight." His voice stayed calm, but my stomach dropped anyway."What request?" I asked sharply."A wine delivery at eight." He glanced at his clipboard. "Mr. Stone asked for you specifically."My fingers pressed into the tablet. I knew this moment was coming but I had thought I would be able to get away from it."Room service usually handles that," I said carefully."Yes." Mr. Bern

Jessica's POV "So this is where you hide now?"The voice hit me before I even looked up.My fingers paused above the keyboard instantly.I already knew who it was even before looking. Linda stood a few feets away from me standing in front of the concierge desk, dressed in black from head to toe, looking polished, expensive and furious beneath the surface.The tension around her was obvious.I kept my face neutral. “Good evening, Miss Forbes.”Her eyes narrowed at my calmness. My comment alone seemed to irritate her more.“You’re really good at pretending,” she accused.“I’m working,” I said firmly.Linda laughed under her breath before stepping closer to the desk.The lobby was busy with guests moving around, but somehow her presence swallowed everything.“Do you know what I hate about women like you?” she asked.I leaned back in my chair a bit. “Women like me?”“The quiet type.” Her lips curved coldly. “You stand there acting innocent while men destroy themselves over you.”My stoma

Jessica's POV "You still have Roman's card." The words landed heavily between us.My breath caught for a second before my face hardened immediately.“How do you know that?” I asked.Jake didn’t answer right away. His eyes remained fixed on me, calm but too focused.That silence unsettled me more than anger would have.“Jake,” I called again. “How do you know what's inside my bag?”His expression shifted faintly.“I asked you a question first.”I stared at him in disbelief. “Are you serious right now?” I asked in disbelief.“Did you call him?” The question came flat and direct.“No.”“Did he contact you?”“No.”Jake stepped closer. “Did he approach you again?”I folded my arms instantly. “Why does this sound like an interrogation?”“Because Roman isn't someone you play around with,” Jake uttered quickly.My patience snapped little by little.“And you are?” I shot back.Pain flashed across his face. It was brief but visible. Then it disappeared again.“Jessica…”“No.” I shook my head