Chapter 305
"This isn't bullying, Ruby," I chuckled, leaning closer. "It's a reward. Your reward to me."
"A reward like this?" she mumbled, her cheeks flushed a delicate pink that spread down her neck. Even her voice sounded different, softer, almost shy. "You're just bullying me."
The sheet had slipped, revealing the elegant curve of her collarbones. Seeing Ruby like this, up close, in a simple bikini top, was a completely different experience from watching her dance.
She must have noticed my gaze because her hands flew up to cover my eyes. "You rascal," she scolded, but there was a playful lilt to her voice. "What are you looking at?"
"Ruby, I..."
"Don't say a word," she interrupted, though her tone was more exasperated than angry. "One more peek and I'm done helping you. Understood?"
Panic flared. "Okay, okay! I'm sorry. I won't look. My eyes are closed, see?" I squeezed my eyes shut, afraid to move a muscle.
After a moment, I felt her hand retreat. A light tap on my forehead followed. "You're such a contradiction," she sighed. "Bold one minute, timid the next. Honestly, I don't know whether to laugh or be frustrated."
Relief washed over me. "Happy Ruby, brave me," I said, trying to lighten the mood. "Angry Ruby, scaredy-cat me."
"Don't make me sound like a tyrant," she protested, but I could hear the smile in her voice. "You just love to tease me. Honestly, I need to find you a girlfriend. Someone to keep you in line."
She pulled out her phone and tapped the screen. "Alright, open your eyes."
I obeyed, raising an eyebrow at her mischievous grin. "And what mood are we in now?"
"You're impossible." She sighed, but it was a playful sigh. "Let's just say I'm happy, alright?"
I grinned back, my gaze falling on the phone screen. A beautiful woman in a graduation gown beamed back at me. She was undeniably attractive, her smile radiating a genuine warmth and confidence that transcended the photo.
"Well? Isn't she pretty?" Ruby asked, a hint of challenge in her voice. "You can stop pretending now. Your eyes were practically glued to the screen."
"Ruby, I'm serious," I protested, though I couldn't help but steal another glance at the photo. Even with the potential for filters and editing, the woman's beauty was evident. She wasn't wearing much makeup in the picture, which meant she'd be even more stunning in person.
"Keep scrolling," Ruby instructed, her expression unconvinced. "There are more photos."
I swiped through the images. There were several full-body shots, including one of her at the gym. She had a toned physique, with long, athletic legs and a figure that spoke of strength and discipline. Definitely not your average girl.
As visually appealing as she was, a wave of guilt washed over me. Even if I wasn't already involved with Lillian, pursuing this woman would be impossible. Lillian would find out, and that would be the end of it.
"I'm done," I announced, handing the phone back to Ruby. "She's beautiful, but not my type. No need to set up a meeting. It would be a waste of everyone's time."
"But I chose her based on your preferences," Ruby argued, her brow furrowed.
"My preferences have changed," I insisted, determined to drop the subject. "Anyway, about that reward..."
Ruby poked me playfully on the forehead. "You and your rewards. You're incorrigible."
I grinned, leaning in close. "This is only the second reward, right?"
"Don't push your luck," she murmured, her cheeks flushing again.
But as I kissed her, I could have sworn I heard her whisper. "This is number three..."
Three? Had I miscalculated? It didn't matter. All that mattered was Ruby, her warmth, her scent, and the way she responded to my touch. She was nothing like the elegant, composed woman I knew from the stage. She was softer, more vulnerable, and infinitely more desirable.
I lost myself in the kiss, the passion escalating until I felt her tremble in my arms. But the moment my hand strayed towards her bare skin, she pulled away, her eyes wide.
"That's enough for today," she said, her voice breathless.
I practically crumpled to the floor in defeat. One look at her flushed face, the mixture of desire and apprehension in her eyes, told me I'd pushed her far enough.
"Ruby, I'm sorry," I mumbled, chastising myself for getting carried away.
"It's alright," she said, clutching the sheet to her chest. "I'm tired. I think I'll take a bath and turn in early. You should go."
I knew better than to push my luck any further. As I left her villa, I made a silent vow: I wouldn't wash my left hand for three days. The memory of her skin, the feel of her lips, was too precious to erase.
Lillian didn't come over that night. A message the next morning informed me that she'd slept at her mother's. Part of me was relieved. I needed time to process the whirlwind of emotions that Ruby had unleashed.
Monday morning arrived too soon. I was up before dawn, a strange mix of anticipation and dread churning in my stomach. Today was the day I began my temporary role as Linda's chauffeur.
Mia was already waiting in the car when I emerged from the Allen mansion.
"Thank you for your hard work, Mia," I said, genuinely grateful for her efficiency. She was a godsend, always professional and discreet, even when our interactions strayed beyond the boundaries of employer and employee.
"It's my pleasure, John," she replied, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as I settled into the driver's seat and let my hand rest on her thigh. She didn't object, even adjusting her position slightly to give me better access.
We arrived at Golden Sunset Estates, an exclusive enclave of luxury homes in the south of the city. Villa 18, Linda's residence, was an imposing structure, surrounded by manicured lawns and a driveway filled with high-end vehicles. Six or seven cars, each one a testament to Steven's wealth and success.
A maid answered my ring, her expression carefully neutral. "Madam is still getting ready, sir. Please wait in the car."
I settled into the driver's seat, a wave of curiosity washing over me. This car, a specially commissioned model with bulletproof glass and a state-of-the-art security system, was Linda's personal sanctuary. And like any good sanctuary, it held secrets.
I started the engine, my gaze drawn to the dashboard camera. If I wanted to understand Linda, to find her weaknesses, this camera was the key. Reviewing hours of footage was impractical, and simply pocketing the memory card was too risky. Instead, I removed the card, snapped a photo of it with my phone, and returned it to its slot. Later, I'd find a replacement.
Restless energy pulsed through me. I began to explore the car's interior, opening compartments and glove boxes. Most contained nothing more interesting than registration documents and an emergency kit. But tucked away in the corner of the passenger-side glove box, I discovered a small, ornately carved box.
Curiosity piqued, I lifted the lid. Inside, nestled on a bed of black velvet, was a collection of condoms.
My eyebrows shot up. Whose were these? Linda's? But why would she keep them in the car? Surely, if she wanted to be discreet, Steven's car would be a safer bet. Unless... these weren't for use with her husband.
The thought sent a jolt of excitement through me. Linda, the seemingly perfect wife, engaging in extramarital affairs? The image was too delicious to resist. It seemed my new assignment was about to get a whole lot more interesting.
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