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Well, if he's that easy to push away, I wouldn't be in this situation. I mean that in a positive kind of way. I'm grateful that I didn't have to spend the night in the streets, or worse, being flogged by my father. My hand unconsciously reached for my back, where I can still feel the scars from that ten whips.
I shook my head to dismiss the horrible memory. I won't let them ruin me for another person. I am better than that. I am stronger now. I was brave enough to escape the hell I willingly entered. I could have escaped, period. No excuses; but I chose to stay.
How foolish.
With a shaky breath, I brushed my hair and checked my clothes. I hummed in appreciation when I noticed that it's still the same clothes I wore yesterday. Such a gentlemanly act for a stalker.
Trevor is now a familiar face to me because ever since I discovered that he's my stalker, he did not held back. I would always see him outside of my university, with his black luxury car, parked across the street, leaning against the car door, with his usual three-piece suit and sunglasses.
He looked so hot and attractive like that, and he knows it. I could hear the girls in my class talking about the hot specimen waiting for me. Too bad, he was waiting for me. I want to shut their mouths with that info, but I'm better than that. I'm Jesse, and I'm amazing.
Trevor would always take me out for lunch, and it's always in those expensive fine dining ones. Moreover, we're only the ones there because he reserved the whole place. Why would I even go with him in the first place?
Two words: free food.
I love good food, and Trevor was slowly creeping into my system by bribing me with mouthwatering delicacies paired with the best wines.
"How did you know that I enjoy good food and wine?" I asked and accepted my plate filled with sliced steaks, courtesy of the man himself. One thing about Trevor; he's so persistent and stubborn as a bull. You just kinda gave up resisting because he always comes back stronger.
"I did my research, Jesse. Good thing that we have the same taste in food. We are so compatible," he said with his signature smirk that made him even more attractive.
Great. Now I'm admiring his looks.
It was quite amazing that during those times, I did not ask for his name. It's also his fault. He did not tell me his name, and he was such an enigma. I didn't even know his age, where he lived, his job... he is as mysterious as he paints himself to be.
It was absolutely unfair, considering that he knew all there is to know about me but I didn't know a single thing about him.
"A penny for your thoughts?" Trevor was now wearing a white shirt paired with black sweatpants, went to his mini-fridge, and handed me a bottle of water.
"Thank you." I gave him a small smile and opened the cap, then gulped the water down. I never thought that I would be this thirsty.
"I was just thinking how you never told me your name these past two weeks. I don't even know a thing about you, yet I have a feeling that you already know my life story," I accused him with a raised brow, but Trevor just chuckled.
He sat back down and leaned against the headboard. "I was waiting for you to ask for my name, but it looks like you're not interested in me as I am taken by you. That hurts," he admitted with a lonely expression as if I'm face-to-face with a lost puppy.
A small pang of guilt crossed my chest, and before I could comfort him, I noticed a subtle flash of amusement in his eyes, so I grabbed the nearest I could reach, and it turned out to be his lampshade. "Stop playing with my feelings! I will kill you!"
Trevor's eyes widened and in a flash, climbed out the bed, then immediately backed away. "Babe--"
"What?!" How dare he call me babe. This time, I had the expensive lampshade in my arms. "Fine, Jesse. Put that down. You hate blood, right?" Trevor's attention was fixed on the thing I am holding right now, nervous.
I laughed maniacally; like how the evil stepmothers do in Disney movies. Trevor gulped and stepped back and blinked.
"Oh, Trevor. I couldn't care less. I would get over it instantly, especially if I'm this angry. Now, be good and come closer. I have never wanted to see someone drowning in blood since I met you, and that's me talking."
"Oh fuck, no." Trevor twisted the door open and ran outside, while I laughed heartily. It looks like I will have the time of my life teasing him. I placed the lampshade carefully. It's expensive after all.
Noticing that I was sticky from all that running last night, so I decided to take a bath, but I realized that I have no clothes. With a sigh, I stepped out of Trevor's room and gaped.
"Trevor Hathaway!!! Where are we?!" My loud voice echoed the penthouse, my wide eyes fixed on the overlooking skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle outside. I could feel the veins in my forehead ready to pop, and I wouldn't doubt anyone if they saw me steaming from so much anger.
Trevor emerged from the kitchen, a black apron tied around his waist, a nervous chuckle slipping from his lips. He cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably behind the kitchen counter.
"Well, this is awkward, but... we're in Italy."
"What?!"
***
Trevor's Penthouse, somewhere in Italy
"Hmm. This pancake is so good, Jin. Are you sure you're not a professional chef?" I smiled at the Japanese-American man in front of me. He also has a large build and a tall frame, but Trevor is much larger and taller.
Jin offered me a small smile and I noticed a small tinge of red on his ears. Wow, he's so cute! He looks like a huge puppy that I want to pet all day.
"He's just a regular chef, Jesse. Besides, his pancake is not something special. I could cook better," someone beside me commented with a bitter tone, making Jin flinch.
"I'm sorry, did you hear someone talk, Jin? Oh, it must be my stalker and kidnapper, don't you think?" I gritted out with emphasis on those two words, glaring at the man beside me before flipping my imaginary long hair.
Am I pissed? Oh no. I am livid. Sure, I let him stalk me officially, but kidnapping me and bringing me to another country? That's crossing the line there. I couldn't stress enough how mad I am, as I grip the butter knife so tight.
"Babe--"
I snapped my head to Trevor and pierced the knife in the counter, puncturing the wooden countertop. "What did you say?"
He swallowed and paled, his eyes on the knife, then back at me. "Jesse, calm down. I can explain. Just please, put the knife down."
"What are you so afraid of? It's not as if I will stab you to death. I hate blood, duh." I put the knife down and crossed my legs, my face blank, but my eyes were filled with rage. "On the other hand..."
I turned to Jin who smiled at me and blinked innocently. "Jin, do you know where I can find a drug that I can use to kill someone, but will not leave a trace during autopsy?"
"Jesse--"
Jin nodded and wiped his hands with the towel. He folded his apron and typed something in his phone. "I texted my friend, and he has one available right now. I can take you there."
My eyes lit up and I sported my most genuine smile ever. "That's so great! Let's go--"
A slam on the countertop scared the wits out of me, and I turned to Trevor who was glaring daggers at Jin. "What are you doing, Yamamoto? I'm your boss."
"But boss, you said to do whatever..." Jin walked towards Trevor to whisper.
Trevor rolled his eyes. "I know. But do you really have to help him plan my murder?" His voice was so low that I had trouble picking up the words, as they continued whispering to each other.
"What do you want me to do, boss? I'm just following your orders."
"Just... leave us alone for now. I'll deal with this," Trevor said with a defeated sigh and Jin nodded.
"I'm sorry that I won't be able to help you kill my boss, Jesse," Jin said apologetically with a small smile.
From my periphery, Trevor glared at Jin but the latter was actually dense as he can be. I smiled. I stood up and used the stool to sit on the counter, and ruffled his hair. "That's okay, boo. Let's have fun later, okay?"
Jin's eyes formed into crescent shapes when he smiled. "Okay! Bye, Jesse!" Jin left the unit with a bounce in his steps, like a happy boy who got offered a treat.
"I'm angry," I heard Trevor say, so I turned to him with a curious expression. He was glaring at the door where Jin stepped out, his jaw tight, and his knuckles clenched. He is pretty mad.
"Why?" Though I have an inkling of what his reasons could be, riling up this man is quite fun. I am enjoying it a lot.
Trevor's fiery gaze bore straight into mine, and I couldn't help but feel so intimidated. "I don't like it when you get friendly with other guys."
With a neutral gaze, I climbed down and headed for the living area. I arranged the place to give off a formal vibe and sat down. Trevor, who followed me instantly, stared down at me with a confused look.
"Sit down," I gestured towards the couch opposite of mine. He did as he was told but kept his gaze fixed on me. "I'm a logical person. I don't like to run around in circles because it's stressful, and being stressed is not my priority, but you should know that I am way past my stress limit because of you. Because you brought me here."
Trevor opened his mouth to retort, but no words came out, except an apology.
"I'm so sorry, Jesse. I know I said that I would explain, but it's very complicated," he said in a strained voice, as his expression became conflicted.
I nodded and my mind took me back to the first time we met. "The kind of complication where I would need a bodyguard?"
Trevor nodded. "Got it. I'll make this easier for you. I will tell you the greatest secret of my life, and you will tell me yours. Equivalent exchange. What do you think?"
Trevor scanned my face to see if I was pulling his legs, but I am very serious. My life is complicated as it is. I don't want to make it more complex by hiding important things from the person who could help me with my situation.
"Can you handle my secret?" Trevor challenged me, earning a scoff from me.
"I should be asking you that. Can you handle mine? How well do you know me, Trevor Hathaway?"
"Pretty well, but feel free to test me. I accept your deal."
I smiled and reached my hand out. "Let's shake it, Trevor." He nodded and once again, his larger one enveloped mine, sending sparks to my nerve endings, which made me retrieve it right away. I could feel my heart slamming against my ribs... definitely out of nervousness.
When he leaned back, he was not the whiny Trevor anymore. He was brimming with confidence that I didn't know where he got.
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