The Driver's Forbidden Love

Chapter 2

Her heart nearly leapt from her chest when she saw Javan standing by the car door, knocking on the window. They had already arrived home.

So who had been touching her? Had she imagined it? She glanced down at her hands and her clothes - everything was in order. She swallowed hard and stepped out of the car, avoiding the mischief dancing in Javan's eyes. She was certain someone had touched her. But who? Or had it been her own hands? Was the old craving creeping back?

She spotted her father on a phone call, her mother standing beside him on the front veranda, looking just as she always did.

Sera's face lit up and she rushed to embrace her mother first.

"Hi, Mommy," she said, kissing her cheek.

"Hi, love. I'm so happy to see you," Mrs. Elizabeth replied warmly.

She smiled and turned to hug her father tightly. He kissed her forehead.

"How are you? How was the ride?" he asked.

"I'm fine, Dad."

Javan came up behind them carrying her luggage. He gave her parents a polite bow before heading inside.

Walking through the mansion, Sera took in her surroundings - nothing had changed. This was the same place where she and Edward used to play as children. It felt good to be home.

"Good day, ma'am. Please come with me, I will show you to your room," a young girl said politely.

"And you are…?" Sera asked.

"Sorry, ma'am. I'm a new maid here."

"Take my bag up to my room," Sera said curtly, then dropped onto the couch and pulled out her phone to call her boyfriend, Edward. She wasn't truly in love with him - they'd started as friends with benefits, because of her addiction, before eventually becoming an actual couple.

"Hello, babe," he answered on the first ring.

"Hi, Edward. I'm home now."

"I can't wait to see you, baby. What do you think about a date tonight?"

"Edward, I just got back. I need to rest."

"Please, love. You know how much I miss.... "

She rolled her eyes and hung up.

Standing lazily, she made her way to her room, where her bath was already drawn and the maid was helping her undress.

"What's your name?" Sera asked.

"Bianca, ma'am."

"Stop calling me 'ma'am.' Do I look old to you?"

"S... sorry, miss."

"Get out."

Bianca hurried from the room. Sera sank into the bathtub, sighing as the warm water settled around her just the way she liked it. Her hand drifted down instinctively before she pulled it back sharply, breathing hard. So rehab and therapy hadn't worked after all.

***Javan's room

Javan sat staring at the two faces inside his locket. A chill ran through him, and he snapped it shut.

The day they died played out before his eyes as vividly as if it had just happened. His mother had hidden him inside her wardrobe, her hands trembling as she whispered for him to stay silent and keep the door closed. Through the narrow crack, he'd watched masked men storm in and kill his parents. His fingers tightened around the locket.

"I will never forget that day."

A soft knock at the door pulled him back to the present. He wiped the tears from his face quickly.

"Come in."

The door opened and Bianca stepped inside. She was the only real friend he had - they'd grown up together in the same orphanage before both ending up in Mr. Jones's household.

"Javan, we have a new miss now," she said. "And she looks like trouble."

"Sera's the least of my problems," he replied. "I just need to focus on my work and get paid."

Bianca crossed the room and wrapped her arms around him. He sighed and gently eased away.

"Why do you keep pushing me away, Javan?" she asked quietly. "Can't you see I like you?"

"Please, stop," he said, his voice tired but firm. "You can't like me. I just want to rest. Can you leave?"

She hesitated, then leaned in to kiss his cheek before slipping out of the room.

He closed his eyes, sensing things were about to get complicated.

Sera studied her reflection as Bianca helped her into a dress. She was going out with Edward tonight, despite having no real desire to - but she had little choice. She had a need, and he was how she met it.

Bianca applied a light layer of makeup, and Sera seemed pleased with the result. She wore a white sleeveless dress that ended at her knees, black heels, and a black Chanel bag, her long wavy hair falling freely down her back and over her shoulders.

After one last look in the mirror, she headed downstairs.

"Where's the driver?" she asked Bianca, who trailed close behind.

"He's in his room," Bianca said nervously. "I forgot to tell him you were going out. I'm sorry, miss. Let me go call him."

"Don't bother," Sera said coolly. "Show me his room."

Bianca's face filled with unease. "But, miss..... "

"Lead the way," Sera snapped, and Bianca obeyed.

When they reached his door, Sera pushed it open without warning. Javan was fast asleep — and it was only 7:30 p.m.

Her eyes lingered on him longer than they should have. He looked infuriatingly handsome, his lips soft and pink, almost inviting. Bianca cleared her throat, and Sera snapped back to herself.

She turned to Bianca. "Get me a bucket of cold water."

Bianca hesitated. "Miss.... "

"Now."

She left and came back moments later, the bucket trembling slightly in her hands.

"Pour it on him," Sera ordered.

Bianca looked like she wanted to refuse until she caught the stern look on Sera's face. Slowly, she stepped toward Javan's bed.

A smirk curved across Sera's lips.