Transfixed

**GRAND HILLS CLUB**

Jade's heart raced as his gaze bore into hers. He remained silent, just staring at her, and she couldn't decipher his thoughts. Was he surprised, angry, or something else entirely? The uncertainty gnawed at her. She feared his rejection, unsure how she would cope if he turned her away. The bartender had said he was the best, and by best, she meant the richest.

Never had Jade imagined she'd find herself in a situation where she'd compromise her morals. Yet, desperate times called for desperate measures. She looked at the man before her, dressed casually yet neatly in a white shirt, black trousers, and white sneakers. His dark, sleek hair was perfectly combed, with a few rebellious strands falling forward. He was undeniably handsome, but his looks were the least of her concerns now.

She watched as the others seated around made mocking gestures at her.

"She must be bold to have approached Jake, especially when he just returned. Isn't she being too overconfident?" a redhead girl at the table whispered to another girl seated by her side, but she was audible to Jade's hearing.

"No one has ever done something like this. I'm sure Jake will reject her," the other girl replied with an envious look in her eyes. They both eyed Jade angrily. They had been sending body signals to Jake since he arrived, not minding their partners seated by their sides, but Jake hadn't cast a glance their way.

Jade heard all their snide remarks but chose to be unaffected by them. She had a sole purpose for being there, and that was saving Cale. She'd be damned if she let him die. She had to do all she could to save him, even if it meant selling her body to this man before her.

She had never imagined giving up her innocence to any man other than Cale. She had always fantasized about her first time with Cale after getting married, where she would give herself freely and wholly to him. But that wouldn't be possible after tonight, though at least she knew this was all to save him.

If there had been better alternatives, she'd grasp them with both hands. She had only begun her internship at the company, so she couldn't request advance pay, especially when her salary was barely enough to cater to her mother and brother. And Helen, Cale's adoptive mom, wouldn't be able to do much.

Jade had always been sensitive and reciprocating towards people and their feelings. She kept looking at him anxiously with her hands still stretched. Mixed emotions of fear and confusion enveloped her, but she refused to give in to cowardice.

She felt hopeful when Jake reached for the envelope in her hands and took out the result. He quickly looked at it before gazing at her again, making her bite her bottom lip nervously. She suddenly noticed a passionate look in his eyes. His eyes lit up with passion, making her shudder, and her knees felt weak. His hazel eyes concealed a lot of emotions inside them, feelings that shook her to the core.

*********

Jake was hesitant about this. He felt like rejecting her, but his eyes wandered back to her. There was an internal war inside him every time he glanced at her. He earnestly desired to rest so he'd have a clear head by morning, but something in him also wanted her. He knew he wanted her more than anything.

Despite his wealth and success, Jake was a complex man, more captivating than most. He was not only intelligent and charismatic but also notoriously known for his playboy ways, breaking hearts and using women to satisfy his desires. This reputation didn't diminish his strategic prowess or his ability to make flawless decisions under pressure, driving his company to unparalleled success.

He groaned inwardly when he saw her bite her nether lip. If Jake had been hesitant before, well, he wasn't anymore. That single action had awoken the sleeping beast in him.

He quickly looked at her, gulped down his drink, and jerked to his feet.

"Leave a car for me before you leave," he said to no one in particular as he kept looking at Jade.

Blake, watching the scene unfold with wide eyes, had thought for a moment that Jake might refuse her. But knowing his brother well, he understood that Jake would never pass up an opportunity to get laid.

Jake suddenly pulled her by the hand and said, "Let's go," as he led her out of the club.