Chapter 28

"Are you alright? Can you tell me what happened?" Gavin asked gently.

Roxanne sneered. "What's the point of telling you? You're just a gigolo."

Gavin grinned. His gestures and posture became wanton and provocative.

"Oh, God. Be gentle"

"I'm a gigolo. So what?"

Gavin's fury flared at this remark. His movements grew fierce. Roxanne, who liked wolfish men, indulged in it again.

Gavin knew he couldn't offer her material things. Even the expensive sushi bar was beyond his means; Roxanne always paid. However, he understood his strengths. He could satisfy Roxanne completely, letting her fully enjoy her womanhood. He knew what women truly wanted: a man who could bring them physical pleasure. At least, she wouldn't leave him until someone better came along.

"Gavin, I don't want to go back today."

"That's great."

They left the sushi bar. Roxanne rode on the back of Gavin's motorcycle to his home—a dilapidated shanty in a slum at the foot of a hill. It was dirty, messy, and smelly. Greyport’s stark class divide was evident; though both the slum and wealthier areas were near the mountain, their realities were drastically different. Despite her wealthy background, Roxanne felt more comfortable here, free from disguise and anonymity.

They became intimate again.

Later, in a conference room:

"Joanna, I'm asking you one last time…"

"No matter how many times you ask, I won't let my kids meet strangers. No freaking way!"

Bruce's heart ached with anger. He pointed at her and shouted, "Fine! Fine! Don't push me!"

Rebuffed, Bruce stormed out. Unable to persuade her, he resorted to threats.

After Bruce left, Joanna sank into a chair, tears streaming uncontrollably. That had been a close call; if Roxanne hadn't called Bruce, he would have bullied her.

"Beep-beep." Joanna impulsively called Jaydon.

Jaydon was busy in his office. Carmel, a coquettish woman in a black silk servant costume and bunny ears, was kneeling, eagerly and seductively pleasing him. The phone rang, dampening his interest. He frowned, initially reluctant to answer. But recognizing Joanna's special ringtone, he eagerly picked up the phone. Joanna rarely called.

Taking a deep breath, Jaydon motioned for Carmel to stop. Spoiled and capricious, she ignored him and continued. Jaydon held his breath and answered.

"Hello, what's the matter, Joanna?" His voice was gentle and magnetic, suggesting a refined and elegant man.

Joanna hesitated. She couldn't tell him about her encounter with Bruce; even if she did, he could do nothing.

"Nothing. I just… wanted to call you."

Jaydon was surprised. He smiled. "Do you miss me?"

The kneeling Carmel, overcome with jealousy, playfully nipped him. Jaydon gasped softly, a sound almost inaudible, yet Joanna heard it.

"Well, take your time. Bye!" She weakly hung up.

"Hold on, Joanna!"

After Joanna hung up, Jaydon felt a pang of loss. This was the third time she'd called. The first was after her divorce, a rainy night when she’d been stranded outside Everett's house, needing a ride to the airport. The second was when she'd fallen in the bathroom, endangering her unborn child. He feared something else had happened.

Jaydon immediately texted Joanna: "Where are you? I'll be right there." He stood, pulled up his pants.

Carmel pouted. "Sir, I haven't finished yet."

"You'll be the heroine of the next show. Get out."

Carmel smiled. "Thank you, sir!"

Jaydon tidied his clothes, grabbed his keys, and left in a hurry.

Joanna remained silent, looking at Jaydon's message. She didn't reply. She knew him—his tenderness stemmed from his inability to possess her.

(Note: I removed the website promotion.)