Chapter 11
1040 Words
Elena’s POV
“You… are you serious? You’re willing to spend this much on a simple tour guide?!” l exclaimed.
“It’s you, and l know you need the money, so…” He scratched the tip of his nose and shrugged. “Just go take care of your mom and make sure she’s alright.”
I stood close to him. The sudden urge to hug him surged through me, but l fought it back, not wanting to embarrass myself further.
“I’ll come back tomorrow. Thank you for this, Jax…” l said before leaving his unit.
I rushed straight to the hospital and settled all the bills. Once everything was cleared, l brought my mom home. l also stopped at the Market and bought two full boxes of groceries to ensure she would have plenty to eat while l was away.
“Elena,” my mom called when l entered her room.
“Mom! Sorry. Did l take too long? l just picked up some essentials. Are you hungry?” l hurried over and sat beside her.
She shook her head. “No. But l was wondering where you got the money… Did you convince your old boss to take you back?”
“I… got a different job, Mom… My new boss is really kind and gave me an advance on my salary!” l laughed, thinking of how Jax had provided the funds for her bills. l had to admit that without him, we would still be stuck at the hospital begging for more time.
My mother smiled teasingly. “There’s a special glow in your eyes right now, Elena… You must really like this new job. What company is it?”
My smile faltered slightly, though l tried to hide it so she wouldn’t suspect anything.
Stay calm, Elena. You don’t want to disappoint her.
Still, l remained grateful to Jax. Deep down, though, l hoped that after this arrangement l could return to my dream of designing beautiful homes.
I took care of my mom over the next few days until l received a message from Jax.
Jax: Are you free today? Can you come over and help me with something?
My heart did a little flip. My eyes lit up with unexpected excitement as l stood and checked my clothes and makeup before replying.
I texted back: Yeah, give me half an hour and I’ll be there.
I quickly jumped into the shower, then slipped on black high-waisted pants and a fitted white graphic crop top. l let my blonde wavy hair fall naturally over my shoulders.
“Mom, I’m heading to work!” l called, kissing her cheek before rushing out the door.
In the cab, l noticed myself growing strangely excited. l wasn’t sure why, especially after how much l had tried to avoid him before.
Maybe it’s just the upcoming travels?
“Took you long enough,” he commented when he opened the door to his unit. l checked the time on my phone and realized he was right.
“Do we have a lot to do? You know your place isn’t exactly close to the coffee shop.” l rolled my eyes and walked inside as if l already belonged there.
Jax followed me in. He wore black sweatpants and a plain white T-shirt. His hair was pulled back into a man bun, highlighting his sharp jawline.
This man… is incredibly handsome, but I’ll never admit it.
“Change of plans. Just tell me the places you want to visit. For now, we’re going shopping for clothes,” he said, settling onto the loveseat. l took the single-seater sofa and crossed my arms.
“Why the sudden change? l thought we were just meeting to discuss the itinerary. l got excited for nothing.” l sneered, twisting my lips.
“I only brought a few outfits with me. What do you expect me to wear during all these trips?” Jax shook his head. “I’ll change into something more casual and presentable, then we can go,” he added. A few minutes later he emerged wearing another plain white T-shirt, this time paired with light blue faded jeans and white sneakers. “Let’s go,” he prompted.
“Try this. And this one too.” Jax handed me three hangers holding dresses in different styles.
I looked at him with confusion. As soon as we arrived at the mall, he headed straight into a women’s boutique, selected various items, and gave them all to me.
“We’re here to buyyourclothes, Jax. l don’t have money for these,” l said, shaking my head and moving to return them to the rack.
“Come on, l brought you here. That means I’m paying,” Jax replied. He caught my hand to stop me, sending an electric spark up my arm.
“I… I don’t need them!” l stammered, looking away and biting my lip.
“Just a few dresses you can wear…” he insisted, stepping closer and towering over me.
His strong, masculine scent filled my senses, forcing me to tilt my head upward.
To my surprise, he tilted his head too, staring at me with intense dark eyes as if we were the only two people in the entire store.
He lifted his hand, gently holding my chin between his thumb and index finger. He brought his face close to mine, leaned in, and whispered, “Don’t worry about anything anymore. l just want you…”
“Hey, open your eyes…” Jax said gently. l felt him shift closer, his hand resting on my knee with a light squeeze.
“N-no, I’m terrified…” l shook my head vigorously. The violent shaking and screaming had finally stopped along with the cab. l still didn’t fully understand what had happened, but all l wanted was to get out and never experience anything like it again.
“Come on, Elena… just trust me.”
“No. l told you l didn’t want to do this, but you insisted anyway! Now I’m hyperventilating and ”
“Hit me, then.” Jax’s voice carried clear authority. l opened my eyes and found him staring at me with intense focus.
- Writer
