Chapter 379
Jared trapped me in his arms, his lips claiming mine. He seemed to know I’d fight back, blocking every possible escape.
I shoved at him angrily, but Jared wouldn’t let go, not until I bit him hard enough to draw blood. Only then did he finally release me.
In a fit of rage, I slapped him across the face.
Jared’s lips were smeared with blood, his handsome face turned aside, the mark of my hand standing out clearly on his porcelain-white left cheek.
“Jared, I’m not your wife anymore,” I snapped, my voice trembling with anger. “Even if I still were, you have no right to force me.” I was already irritated because of Nathan, and Jared acting like this? I really can’t stand it.
Jared ran his tongue over the spot where I’d drawn blood, his eyes flashing with a teasing, almost provocative smile.
“When did you get so fierce?” he asked, grinning at me. He didn’t look mad at all–if anything, he seemed to be enjoying getting slapped by me.
I was so mad I couldn’t even get the words out. I turned my back on him. “Don’t try to take advantage of me while I’m down,” I snapped. “Even if I break up with Nathan, there’s no way I’m getting back with you.”
“Victoria, does it really matter who gives you the connections and resources?” Jared raised an eyebrow, his voice smooth but with a hint of challenge. “Everything Nathan can offer you, I can give you–and even more.”
I turned to glare at him, my heart sinking. Jared was pulling the same moves on me he used on Tracy.
In my previous life, Jared had spoiled Tracy rotten, throwing money and resources at the Darwin family–he literally bailed them out with billions. Is he trying to pull the same stunt with me now?
Does that mean if I just copy Tracy’s tricks, he’ll throw billions of dollars my way too?
Jared caught the dazed look in my eyes, and I could see ambition and desire flicker across his own. His gaze grew deep and intense as he said, “I know you don’t trust anyone right now, you only trust yourself. Victoria, I’m sorry. That marriage turned you into someone who’s always on guard.”
I hugged myself, my voice dull and defensive. “I don’t want to hear any more pointless talk.”
“Then let’s talk about something that actually matters,” Jared said, lounging back on the bed with his long legs crossed, looking lazy and at ease. “You’re all about the money and your career now, right? How about I let you run part of my business? I’ll cut you in on the biggest profits. Sound good?”
I scoffed, a mocking smile on my lips. “Did you feed Tracy the same lines? Is that why she was so willing to work herself to the bone for you?”
Jared just shrugged, his tone cool. “I don’t hand out chances to just anyone.”
I asked quietly, a little wary. “So what do I have to give up?”
Jared’s eyes burned into me, his voice dropping low and intense. “You know what I want.”
I didn’t sugarcoat it. “So you just want me to be your lover?”
Jared shook his head. “No, calling you a lover doesn’t do you justice. If you’re willing, you’ll be my woman, my girlfriend, my partner…”
I turned away, staring out into the pitch-black night. “Funny how you suddenly think so highly of me now that we’re divorced.”
Out here in the real world, relationships come in all shapes and sizes. Some people chase love, some chase profit–but whatever it is, everyone’s got their own wants and needs, and in the end, everyone compromises for something.
Jared got up and moved behind me, his hands settling on my shoulders. Instead of watching the night outside, he was focused on our intertwined reflections in the window glass.
The hazy glass cast a soft glow over my features, making me look even more alluring, almost mesmerizing.
Jared’s gaze lingered on my reflection, his voice low and husky. “You’re worth a second look.”
I twisted away, brushed his hands off my shoulders, and went to sit down on the sofa.
I looked up at him, my voice steady. “So, we’re not talking about feelings–just money?”
Jared nodded. “This time, you’re in control. We meet when you want, we stop when you say. Is that okay?”