Chapter 3 WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

(Mature Content)

The next morning, I woke up feeling sore but strangely excited. I could hardly believe what had happened the night before.

"I just slept with Jayson," I whispered to myself, still dazed.

Shaking off the thoughts, I slipped out of bed and hurried into the shower. The warm water did little to ease the lingering ache between my thighs, but it refreshed me nonetheless. After drying off, I dressed in a short gray kimono dress that clung to my curves, exposing just enough cleavage and the smooth length of my thighs. Feeling content, I sat on the plush, cloud-shaped U-sofa in the living room, waiting.

Some Moments Later...

Jayson emerged from the bedroom, freshly showered. My eyes instinctively traced the sharp lines of his toned physique. He wore cream-colored combat shorts paired with a vintage red floral shirt, the fabric stretched just enough to highlight his well-sculpted biceps. The contrast against his dark skin made him look even more irresistible.

"Good morning, Sunshine," he greeted me, his voice deep and smooth as he leaned in, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

How was your night?" His gaze turned sharp, almost piercing.

I swallowed, suddenly shy. "I feel... sore." I broke eye contact, the warmth of embarrassment creeping up my cheeks.

Jayson scoffed, his lips twitching into a smirk. "I'm sorry about that... maybe next time, I'll go slower."

Next time? My heart skipped a beat at those words. If there was a next time...

. So, what would you like to eat?" he asked.

"Honestly? Anything is fine," I shrugged.

Jayson reached for the telephone and placed an order. Minutes later, a hotel hostess arrived with a golden platter carrying protein pancakes with bananas, smashed peas on toast, and two bottles of pomegranate juice. She placed it on the coffee table before leaving.

He handed me my plate, his fingers briefly brushing against mine.

"Thanks," I murmured, offering a small smile.We ate in comfortable silence.

INTO THE UNKNOWN

After breakfast, Jayson took my hand and led me toward the elevator. I had no idea where we were going, but I followed. He pressed the button for the first floor, and as the doors slid open, he casually slipped an arm around my waist. The sudden gesture made me stagger, but he didn't seem to notice.

"Where are we going?" I asked, curiosity laced in my voice.

He chuckled, his gaze dark and unreadable. "Curiosity killed the cat, baby girl." Then, flashing me an amused smirk, he added, "Relax, we're just taking a stroll. I wouldn't want you cooped up in t.he suite all day. We'll get some fresh air, maybe sit by the poolside wine bar."

As we settled into our seats by the poolside bar, basking in the warm ambiance of the sun-kissed pool. We talked-about business, life, and little things in between. I learned that Jayson was heavily involved in investments and real estate, while I told him about my job as the manager of Vienna Suites in Owerri. He seemed genuinely impressed, but I rolled my eyes at his reaction.

"You're such a cutie, you know that, right?" he teased, grinning mischievously.

, I felt my phone buzz in my lap. Hazel Jones calling... My best friend.

"Hey, Haze," I answered, glancing at Jayson, who was watching me with mild curiosity.

"Hey, babe! Just checking in. You know, making sure Abuja hasn't swallowed you whole," she teased.

I chuckled. "I'm fine. We'll talk later, okay?"

"Fine, fine. But you owe me details."

I ended the call and turned my attention back to Jayson.

"So," I leaned in, "what exactly do you do for a living?"

He took a sip of his drink before answering. "Investments. Real estate."

I raised a brow. "Sounds...vague."

He smirked. "And you?"

"I manage Vienna Suites in Owerri."

His expression shifted slightly-impressed, yet skeptical.

"For someone your age?" he mused.

I scoffed. "Surprised?"

His lips curled into a grin. "You're something else, Mandy."

The conversation flowed effortlessly until Jayson glanced at his watch.

INTO THE DEEP

"It's getting hot," he said, squinting up at the sun. "How about a swim?"

I hesitated. "I don't know how to swim... plus, I don't have a swimsuit."

He smirked. "Both can be arranged."

Minutes Later...

Before I could protest, he spoke with the bartender, who directed us to a small boutique within the hotel. A saleslady handed me a flowered crocheted bikini, winking suggestively. "This will definitely spice things up with your man."

Her words sent an unexpected shiver down my spine. Jayson wasn't my man.

We weren't dating. But I simply smiled and took the swimsuit.

Enjoy it while it lasts.

By The Pool...

When I stepped outside, dressed in the revealing bikini, Jayson's gaze darkened. His pupils darkened, his jaw clenched, and his breath hitched slightly.

"Goddamn..." he muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair as he visibly struggled to compose himself.

I saw the raw hunger in his eyes, the way he struggled to rein in whatever dark desires lurked beneath.

I swallowed hard, my stomach fluttering.

I felt heat creep up my neck under his intense stare.

"Come here,"let me help you in, he beckoned from the pool, his voice thick.

I waded in hesitantly, and before I could protest, he scooped me into his arms. His touch sent a jolt of warmth through me.

"You trust me?" he asked.

I swallowed hard. "I... I guess."

"Then relax."

His hands guided me, his deep voice coaxing me into learning the motions. After a few failed attempts-and a lot of clinging to Jayson for dear life-I was finally floating.

"I'm doing it!" I squealed in excitement.

Jayson chuckled, watching me with an unreadable expression. "Yeah, baby girl. You are."

Despite my initial nervousness, I joined him in the water. The sensation of the pool's cool embrace was exhilarating. Under his careful guidance, I learned to float, then to swim. Though I nearly drowned a few times, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" he asked, watching me with a proud smile.

"I am!" I laughed, splashing water in excitement.

His laughter rumbled low in his chest, but there was something else in his expression-something unreadable.

Later, exhausted from swimming, I changed back into my dress and followed Jayson to the suite. Inside the elevator, he kept watching me with that same intense stare, his smirk deepening.

Back in the suite, I laid down on his thighs to rest a bit, But then-he pulled away.

His jaw clenched as he stood abruptly. "I'll be back."

Moments later, I heard him in the bathroom, his voice low and sharp.

A phone call.

An argument.

I couldn't make out the words, but the cold edge in his tone sent a chill through me.

Wanted to eavesdrop ,but I was just way too exhausted that I drifted away.

Minutes later, he slid into bed beside me.

I adjusted slightly, making sure he wouldn't notice I was awake.

But one thing was clear...

Something was wrong.

And I had no idea what.

LATER THAT EVENING....

I got up from sleep, showered and changed into a red satin slip nightgown. The fabric clung to my curves like a second skin.

Few moments later, Jayson got up and went into the bathroom to shower.

When Jayson stepped out of the bathroom, his eyes raked over me, dark and unreadable. he pulled me close, his fingers caressing my chin. His thumb brushed against my lips, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

Realizing what I had worn, his voice dropped to a whisper.

"Mandy...Mandy..." His voice was dangerously low. "You're playing with fire."

His breath fanned against my skin as he inched closer, his scent-a mix of musk and something intoxicating-filling the space between us.

Despite the curiosity that lingered in me, my body gave way to his every command.

Jayson's mind was a mystery, but one thing was certain-there was something dark lurking beneath his charming exterior.

We ordered dinner-Italian dishes, paired with a fine bottle of wine-but something about Jayson's demeanor had changed. He was distant, his usual teasing remarks replaced by silence. He kept staring at me, taking slow bites of his food, as if lost in thought.

The tension in the room became unbearable.

After dinner, I tried to ask him what was wrong. He only scoffed, shaking his head. Frustrated, I straddled his lap, running my fingers through his short waves, hoping to draw a reaction.

He shuddered. His body tensed.

Gripping my waist tightly.

Jayson's thoughts):

"Her skin feels like silk-warm, soft, and so damn intoxicating. She doesn't realize what she's doing to me. Right now, all I want is to kiss her senseless, to take her in ways she can't even imagine. But I know I'm not in love with her. No, this is just lust-raw and consuming. I should stop myself, especially since she's still sore. But damn, controlling these demons isn't easy."

Heat flared in my chest. His breath fanned over my skin, sending shivers down my spine. I stepped back instinctively, sitting on the edge of the bed near the air conditioner to cool my nerves.

Jayson chuckled. "Do I make you nervous, baby girl?"

"No," I shot back, rolling my eyes.

His jaw tightened. "Hmm... feisty, huh? I'll make you scream my name."

His breath fanned against my skin as he inched closer, his scent-a mix of musk and something intoxicating-filling the space between us.

The promise in his voice made my stomach tighten

The way he said it made my stomach knot with anticipation.

I noticed the shift in Jayson's body-his temperature rising, his restraint slipping.

He wanted me. Badly. But something held him back. Maybe it was because I had told him I was sore. Sensing the tension thickening between us, I made to stand, but he pulled me back, trapping me between his thighs.

His breath was hot against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. Then his hands found their way to my cleavage, cupping me roughly.

A moan escaped my lips as I tilted my head back, silently urging him to continue. His fingers traced the hem of my red silk nightgown, lifting it, exposing my thighs.

I gasped, clutching his thighs as the heat between us flared.

His lips found the nape of my neck, sucking and biting, making me arch into him. My left hand drifted backward, seeking him out, feeling the hard evidence of his desire. He groaned, his restraint snapping like a thread.

"F**k! Mandy, come here."

He pulled me to face him, capturing my lips in a kiss so desperate, so wild, that it left me breathless. The room filled with the sinful symphony of our passion.

He grabbed my ass forcefully, pressing me against him, his desire burning against my skin. Lust darkened his gaze, his touch filled with sinful hunger.

I shed my nightgown hurriedly, standing bare before him. His breath hitched. A deep groan rumbled from his chest as he discarded his pajamas, his erection standing tall-commanding. My mouth watered. I didn't know whether to grab it, salute it, or fall to my knees in worship.

My entire body burned with desire.

Surrendering to my craving, I sank to my knees, my tongue teasing his arousal in slow, torturous circles.

"F**k, Mandy... you're killing me."

He fisted my hair, guiding my movements, urging me deeper. I obeyed, taking him in, savoring the taste of him. Wet, sinful sounds filled the air as I worked him with my mouth, my tongue teasing the sensitive tip.

"Damn... f**k me!" he groaned, his legs trembling under my touch.

Jayson could only endure so much. He lifted me effortlessly, laying me down, his fingers trailing between my thighs, slipping inside me with agonizing precision. His eyes-dark, burning-held mine.

"Jay...son..." I whimpered, my body arching.

"Yeah, baby. Say my name. Tell me how much you need me."

His fingers moved deeper, coaxing a moan from my lips.

"Put it in," I whispered, my voice drenched in need.

"Damn!" he growled, his restraint snapping entirely. "I love it when you command me."

With one deep thrust, he filled me, stretching me, claiming me. A cry of ecstasy escaped my lips.

"Take it all, baby. It's yours."

We moved together, our bodies crashing like waves in a storm. The pleasure was unbearable, our moans intertwining like a love song sung in the dead of night.

And when exhaustion finally claimed us, we drifted into sleep, tangled in each other's arms

The Next Morning

I woke early, knowing I had a flight to catch. Jayson stirred beside me, his eyes fluttering open. A pang of longing twisted in my chest. I was going to miss him-every touch, every moment. A foolish part of me hoped he would miss me, too.

At the airport, he walked me to the entrance. There were no promises, no lingering words-just a smile, a wave, and then he was gone.

A strange ache settled in my chest as I watched him disappear into the crowd.

"What happens next?" I murmured to myself.

I boarded the plane, trying to shake off the unease creeping into my thoughts.

Home – Owerri

Barely two hours later, I arrived home. Dropping my bags by the door, I exhaled deeply. Finally home.

Reaching into my handbag, I grabbed my phone and dialed Jayson's number.

No response.

I tried again. Still unreachable.

Frowning, I told myself it was just a network issue. But a feeling of discomfort settled in my gut.

Moments later, my phone rang. Jayson.

I sighed in relief and answered quickly.

"I tried calling you," I said, my voice betraying the worry I hadn't realized I felt.

"Yeah... my phone battery was dead. Just powered it up, knowing you'd call," he replied flatly.

Something in his tone felt... off.

"Talk to you later, okay?" he added before I could respond.

And then the line went dead.

I stared at my phone, my heart sinking.

Brushing the feeling off, I changed into something comfortable and headed out to get food. Returning with bole and exotic fruit juice, I settled on the sofa, eating in silence. But no matter how much I tried to distract myself, the feeling of unease gnawed at me.

Checking the time, I groaned in frustration. Only past one? The day felt unbearably slow.

Needing company, I texted Hazel. She called almost immediately.

"Hey, Abuja girl!" she teased.

I laughed. "Hey, mama! I've missed you. When are you coming over?"

"I'm with my family but will be back tomorrow. We need to catch up!"

"Mmm, okay. I'll be waiting," I said, hanging up.

Leaning back against the sofa, I stared up at the crystal chandelier, lost in thought. Eventually, exhaustion pulled me under.

Evening

I woke with a start. Jeez, it's past six?!

Hurriedly, I rushed out to get dinner. After nearly an hour in a long queue, I returned home, exhausted.

After showering and eating, I turned on the TV, flipping through channels until I settled on a sci-fi movie. But my mind wasn't on the screen.

I kept checking my phone.

Waiting.

Hoping.

And yet, the unease inside me only grew.

What Happens Next?

Something was wrong. I could feel it.

Jayson's abrupt call, his distance... it didn't sit right with me.

But I had no proof.

No answers.

Just a gnawing feeling that this was only the beginning of something far more complicated