The Forgotten Heiress novel Chapter 13

Stunned, she stumbled away from him; he stretched a hand out to steady her but she slapped it away. He stared down at her and in his cold eyes she saw the truth. They showed no evidence that he'd been moved by the embrace.

A flood of humiliation, threatened to pull her under and only her pride kept her from lashing out at him. There was nothing she could say or do. They both knew she'd enjoyed their interlude.

"I'm a lot smarter than your useless body guards." He told her, dangling the backpack just out of her reach. "You can have this back when we get to your house." He informed her.

"And don't worry. I won't peek." He assured her over his shoulder as he walked away.

Embarrassed, surprised, confused, shocked, hurt, angry -those emotions and more raged through her like a fire through a forest. Devouring all the earlier emotions he-and no other-had managed to wring out of her.

She was such an idiot. When was she going to learn?

If her own parents didn't want her how could anyone else want her?

Jessica took a deep breath, steeled her back and pushed her fears away. She was determined to never let anyone see just how much they could hurt her.

Jessica strapped her helmet on and jumped on her bike. After turning it on, she waited for him to move the car so she could back up and once on the road she hit the gas and led him to her house.

Once at the Robertson's she parked her bike in the driveway and they parked in front of the house. Jessica hopped off her bike and strode purposely towards the car. Looking like he had no care in the world, he climbed out of the passenger seat with her backpack slung over one shoulder,. He shut the door and leaned against it. Feet spread apart and arms crossed across his chest.

The sight of his biceps almost made her stumble. The memory of those arms wrapped around her sent chills down her arms. For a few seconds she'd felt protected, cherished but it had been a lie. The reason for his callous overture was currently hanging over his shoulder.

With chin raised and she kept walking towards him and when she was a few feet from him she stuck out her hand. Silently asking for what was hers.

Instead of handing it over, he grabbed her hand and pulled her closer. The move was so unexpected-and fast-she stumbled when he let go of her hand. With lightning fast reflexes she stuck her hands out in an attempt to halt her down fall.

Her hands landed on his chest and for Jessica it was the perfect opening. Taking the necessary steps to stand between his legs, she slowly moved her hands down his chest and a burst of satisfaction coursed through her when she felt his abdomen tighten. To Jessica, revenge was best served hot, very hot.

"Come on, go out with me. If for no other reason than to annoy your parents."

"You're right; I would love to irritate them." She murmured as she slid her hands between them.

She ran them up his stomach, over his chest and down his shoulders, gave her backpack strap a nudge so that it would slide down to his elbows, then switched directions and brought her hands back up to cup his face.

Standing on her tip toes, she pulled his face down slowly and brushed her lips against his. Such a light touch had her feeling like she'd been struck by lightning. Startled she dropped her hands and tried to step back but he would have none of it and held on tight to her waist.

"That's not a kiss." He murmured low enough that only she could hear.

"This is a kiss."

Nick gently cupped her face and ran his thumb over her bottom lip. Looking into her eyes he slowly lowered his lips to hers. She stood frozen, and watched him like a deer caught in headlights.