8 Mesmerized

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CHAPTER 8

Skai shuddered slightly at his touch, her eyes widened as she tried to calm her nerves and let him do what he wanted.

But was that all he wanted?

His attention was drawn to her trembling hands. Still, he persisted in his deception, creeping closer to her.

When his lips were only a breath away from hers, her breathing slowed, her muscles stiffened, and her eyelids closed instinctively.

It was brief but even though her eyes were closed, Skai could tell he smiled at her action.

Ignoring her terrified expression, he placed one hand on her waist, the other sliding up to hold her cheek and neck a little as he bent his head to the side.

"Ah," a small sigh escaped her lips unintentionally. Her cheeks turned a brilliant pink as she got closer.

He leaned in, his breath tickling her cheek as he moved his lips over hers.

For a few seconds, everything felt like forever to Skai—a mesmerising eternity. She inhaled sharply as he finally drew back, finally breathing again.

Skai had landed the jackpot, Zoe and Craig thought for a few seconds. They were surprised until they watched Jared caress her cheeks and open the car door for her to walk right in.

The black limousine drove away after they had been seated leaving the stunned duo to their shock.

"Damn it!" Craig growled, his fist clenched so tightly that his knuckles became white.

Craig's shout jarred Zoe back to reality after she had been mesmerised by the gorgeous display of devotion and felt a stab of jealousy in her heart.

"What? "What the fuck are you mad about?" Zoe mumbled, her hands folded in front of her chest.

Rather than responding, Craig gave her a harsh stare, walked over to his side of the car, opened the door, and got in.

It wasn't until she heard him start the car that she realised he wasn't going to try to be as gentlemanly as the man with Skai and drive away, leaving her behind.

'These dumb men.' she grumbled internally.

********

The drive to Skai's house was peaceful. Nobody mentioned anything about anything.

Skai, on the other hand, has never felt so taken, but untouched, in her life. Her cheeks stayed flushed as she reflected on that brief period.

'What's the matter with me?' she wondered inwardly. 'He doesn't know who I am. He's only assisting me and... Wait.'

It occurred to her that he had before shouted her name. She was certain she had never told him.

Not just that, her eyes caught something flash by as the car drove on and her gaze wandered beyond the window. The streets appeared to be very familiar.

He was escorting her home. How in the world did he know where she lived?

Several questions raced through her thoughts at the same time, to the point where when he called her repeatedly, she didn't notice or respond.

"Skai."

"Ah!" She half-screamed, jolting in her seat as her attention was drawn away from her daydream.

Where she expected him to be angry, a real smile adorned his lovely lips, drawing her attention in.

"Don't be afraid. It's just me."

"I..." She had scarcely finished speaking when she heard a soft chuckle from the front seat and her eyes focused at the perpetrator.

He followed her line of sight, his aquamarine eyes resting on his P.A., sensing her distraction again.

Simultaneously, the individual in question turned to the side, only to be met with an icy gaze from his boss.

He felt a shudder run down his spine. Instinctively, he cleared his throat and apologised like a gentleman.

Giving a nod, Skai decided it was time to ask some questions now that everything had been taken care of.

"By the way, how did you know my name and the road to my...?"

"We're here."

"Enh?" Her brows wrinkled in perplexity at his announcement.

When and how did they arrive? She looked out the window. Her house was staring at her. Everything had been a blur until now. 

Swiftly, his P.A. hurriedly went outside and opened the door for him. After he got out of the car, he graciously walked over to her side, opened the door, and offered his hand for her to accept. 

Skai hesitated for a second. But that was it. She took his hand and stepped out. 

The refreshing night breeze gently tickled her nose, rousing her from her deep thoughts. 

"Do take care," he uttered softly.

Just as he was ready to release her hand, she held on firmly, her eyes brimming with resolve as she asked, "May I know who you are and what your name is?"

The softness in his smile anytime his aquamarine blue eyes settled on her face made her nervous but she was determined to find out. 

So many questions were left unanswered and Skai was hell-bent on finding some answers. 

"That is not important. What is important is that you are safe, Skai."

"It is," she refuted. "You know my name. I don't know yours. So tell me your name."

"The next time we meet, I'll be sure to tell you my name. As for how I know yours," his voice teased with an allure, drawing her in. With a sly grin, he leaned closer, his lips hovering near her ear, and whispered, "That's my little secret, Skai." 

He emphasized her name, his gentle breath playfully caressing her skin. As he gracefully retreated, Skai found herself captivated by his irresistible charm, causing her to momentarily lose track of everything else. 

Her trance was only broken when he strolled back to his car, hopped in, and had his P.A. close the door before they drove away. 

"What the…"

BRRRHHH!

As her phone buzzed in her bag, she gasped, her mind snapping back into focus. With a swift motion, she extended her hand and retrieved it, casting a glance at the screen. 

"Keira," she muttered as she answered the call and positioned the phone against her ear. "Hey there."

"Finally, baby girl. I thought you were sleeping," she exclaimed. 

"Oh, I'm definitely not," Skai said, accompanied by a playful eye roll. "So, what's up? How's it going? 

"You'd never guess what I have to tell you," she chirped excitedly.

"Enh… What?"

"Your dashing birthday Mr. Handsome has graced us with his presence at the club. Hurry over here, my friend before another goose gets him."