chapter 2
1179 Words
At Greystone Manor
“You really outdid yourself this time, Bro.”
Jonathan Greene barely looked up from the cup of coffee he was nursing, but his jaw tensed at the sound of Alexander’s voice. Alexander leaned against the kitchen counter, holding up the morning tabloid with a grin that could only be described as smug
“What do you want, Alex?”
“Oh, nothing much,” Alexander replied, “Just thought you’d want to know you’ve made the front page. ‘Greene Heir Rejected by Moreau Heiress.’” he read aloud, as though savoring every word. “Nice picture, too. You look... utterly destroyed.”
Jonathan sighed heavily, setting his mug down. “Not in the mood, Alex.”
“That’s odd, considering the whole world’s reading about your love life over breakfast. Care to comment? Or are you just going to sulk
Julian, the calmer twin, entered the kitchen with his usual quiet presence, a steaming mug of tea in hand. “Alex, maybe lay off? He’s clearly not in the mood for your antics.”
“But that’s the best time to poke,” Alexander quipped, tossing the paper onto the table and sliding into a chair. “Seriously though, Jon, what happened? Did you actually think Ava Moreau would pick you over her family? You know how they are.”
“Not now, Alex,” Jonathan growled, his patience wearing thin.
But Alexander wasn’t done. “You know, Jon, for someone who’s supposed to be the golden boy, you’re really good at causing scandals. Dad would be so proud.”
Jonathan shot to his feet, his chair scraping against the floor. “Keep pushing, Alex. See what happens.”
“Leave him alone,” Julian said, shooting his twin a warning glance. “This isn’t helping anyone.”
Alexander leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head. “Fine, fine.”
Just then, Victor Greene’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. “Enough.”
The Greene family patriarch strode into the room, his presence immediately commanding attention. He barely glanced at Alexander before his sharp eyes settled on Jonathan.
“I trust you’ve seen this,” Victor said, holding up the tabloid.
“I’ve seen it,” Jonathan replied curtly.
“And?” Victor raised a brow. “Do you have an explanation? Or is this just another one of your reckless stunts?”
Jonathan met his uncle’s gaze, his voice steady. “There’s nothing reckless about it.”
Victor’s expression darkened. “A public spectacle involving the Moreaus is reckless. You know exactly how delicate our position is right now, and you decided to play with fire anyway.”
“I don’t need you policing my life, Victor.”
Victor stepped closer, his voice dropping to a cold, controlled tone. “Then perhaps you should handle your personal life in a way that doesn’t jeopardize this family’s reputation.”
“You've made your point. We are done here.” Jonathan grabs his coat and leaves the house.
.
The drive to his penthouse felt like a blur, his thoughts tangled in a storm of tabloid headlines and Alexander’s biting remarks.
His thought went to Ava, Ava in his arms, craving his touch and asking him for more, but for that phone call that rang at the wrong time.
He could still feel the electricity between them - the way her gaze burned into him, daring him to cross lines neither of them should.
Rrrrinnngggg, his phone rang.
“Jonathan Greene.”
“Mr. Greene, there's an issue,” the voice on the other end said. “The investors for the Hong Kong branch are losing patience over the merger delay.”
Jonathan rubbed his temple. “I thought this was already under control.”
“We’ve tried to keep them calm, but they’re not budging. We need a solution - fast.”
“Fine,” Jonathan replied, his tone sharp. “Set a meeting for tomorrow morning. I’ll handle it.”
“Yes, sir.”
He considered calling Victor, his uncle, but what would that achieve?
He reached for his drink, letting the whiskey drown his frustration. He was halfway through the second glass when his phone beeped, a text had come in.
He picked it up, his brow furrowing as he read the message:
Room 403. The Durant Motel. Come alone. – A.M.
Ava.
His pulse quickened, his mind racing. What could she possibly want now? Last night had been a mess of boundaries crossed and emotions left raw. He shouldn’t go. They both knew the risks.
But Jonathan was already grabbing his coat.
.
The streets blurred as he drove, his mind racing with questions. Why now? Why her? Ava’s text had caught him off guard.
She was a thorn in his side.
Either way, he couldn’t ignore it.
Pulling up to the Motel, he headed inside. His steps were quick, his steps slowed as he reached Room 403.
He knocked twice, the door opened a crack, and her eyes met his.
“Jonathan,” she said, stepping back to let him in.
“Why did you call me here, Ava?”
“I called you because… I needed to see you.”
“See me? After last night, after what we…” He stopped himself, running a hand through his hair.
But last night, Jonathan, we crossed a line we shouldn’t have.”
His laugh was bitter. “You think I don’t know that? You think I don’t feel the weight of every damn thing standing between us? But that didn’t stop you from kissing me back. From wanting me just as much as I wanted you.”
Ava’s arms tightened around herself, her composure cracking. “What do you want me to say? Do I regret it? Because I don’t, but…”
“Hush, Ava” He said, placing a finger to her lips, “Say no more.”
“No, Jon” stepping away from him, “you don't understand, I can’t stop thinking about it. About you. But that doesn’t mean this can work. Our families…”
“To hell with our families,” he said, closing the distance between them. “For once, just be honest. What do you want, Ava? Not your father, not your family, tell me what ‘you’ want?”
“I want you, Jonathan,” she said, wrapping her arms around him.
He had a slow grin curving the corners of his mouth. Then, he lifted a hand to the side of her face. Her hair fell over his wrist, as she turned her cheek into his touch, then he lowered his face close to hers.
She leaned in to meet his lips with hers. His mouth opened, tongue darting out to caress her lower lip before he drew his other hand up to cup her face and intensified the kiss, then pulled away.
“Stay with me.”
“I wish I could, but I can't.” he added, “I’ll see you some other time.”
- Writer
