The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 69

They were at a standoff.

A cigarette was finished, its butt hit the ground, sparks flying briefly before being snuffed out under his foot.

"There's nothing left to say, let go," he said, reaching for the car door.

Jocelyn didn't want to release her grip, fearing that once she did, he'd go after Harrison to settle scores.

They were at a tug-of-war, neither of them backing down, not physically at least. But wasn't this struggle over the car door also their mental tug-of-war?

"Harrison is innocent," Jocelyn stressed again.

Melvin looked at her intently, "Your word doesn't cut it."

Jocelyn took a deep breath, "I'll make it clear tomorrow to my parents that we're faking a relationship."

Melvin stayed silent.

Jocelyn bit back her frustration, "I won't break up with you."

A flicker of amusement crossed Melvin's face, "Quite the sacrifice you're making for that guy."

"No." Jocelyn clenched her teeth, "I like you, so I can't bear to let you go; I don't want us to part ways."

Melvin chuckled.

He pursed his lips, watching Jocelyn as if she were driven to desperate measures, a hint of mockery in his eyes, "Do you realize how fierce you look right now? If you had a knife in your hand, you'd probably stab me right here," he said, pointing to his chest.

Jocelyn did indeed wish she could just off him, but it was only a fleeting thought.

"I'm going on a business trip. I hope you've sorted things out by the time I get back. If not, I'll deal with it when I return," Melvin said, checking the time. He couldn't delay any longer.

Jocelyn knew his last words were both a warning and a threat, but the only thing that gave her a bit of relief was that he was leaving.

"Let go," Melvin insisted, looking at her hand still clinging to the car door.

Jocelyn pulled her hand away, and Melvin retracted his foot, closing the car door.

Just as Jocelyn was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Melvin rolled down the car window, rested his elbow on the frame, and motioned her over with a hook of his finger.

Jocelyn sank her heart once again and walked over.

"Come closer," Melvin frowned.

Jocelyn stepped forward again, nearly pressing against the car.

Melvin reached out, cupped the back of her head, and pulled her into a forceful kiss.

If time weren't an issue, he would never be satisfied with just a deep kiss.

When he let her go, his breath was ragged, lust apparent in his eyes. His fingers gently traced her swollen, red lips, his Adam's apple bobbing. Without warning, he went in for another attack, biting her neck sharply.

Jocelyn winced in pain, slapping his shoulder.

Melvin didn't let go, soothing the bitten spot with gentle licks and kisses after the bite, incredibly tender and intimate.

Jocelyn could feel his reluctance to part. She really couldn't figure him out.

What did he actually want?

He presented himself as magnanimous. But in reality, he had a narrow mind.

He had made it clear he wouldn't marry her, and never said he loved her, but somehow he seemed unable to let her go.

Jocelyn was startled by his reluctance to let her go.

How could he not bear to part with her?

Finally, Melvin released her, pleased with the mark he had left. His fingers grazed it gently.

At the sight of the astonishment in her eyes, he softened considerably, "Go home and get some rest. I'm off."

This time, he rolled up the window decisively and stepped on the gas. The car's engine roared through the quiet neighborhood.

Watching the taillights disappear around the corner, Jocelyn slumped to the ground, her tears finally flowing.

...

Jocelyn was plagued with nightmares and dreamed of Melvin going after Harrison, stabbing him, with blood splattering all over her.

In her dream, Melvin was like a bloodthirsty demon, lips smeared with blood, raising the knife towards her, challenging if she dared to run.

She was holed up in the bedroom, trembling hands as she looked at that string of phone numbers.

She always felt like that guy was watching her from somewhere out of sight.

She answered the call.

"What's up?"

"Getting ready to grab some food."

"Did you spill the beans?"

Jocelyn pulled the phone away a bit, took a deep breath, then brought it back, "I'll talk about it over dinner."

"Mhm." Melvin sounded much softer, "I'll be back in a couple of days."

"Oh."

"Oh? Not thrilled?"

Jocelyn couldn't muster up any excitement, she really just walked right into Melvin's trap. That sweet deal in her imagination was a blast. But then she was trapped and found it hard to get out.

She faked a smile, and kept her voice breezy, "How could I not be? I'm stoked. I've got a dinner in a bit, gotta hang up."

"Sure."

After the call, Jocelyn took several deep breaths to get a grip, then got her outfit together before heading out.

She saw the love bite Melvin had left on her neck in the mirror, still crystal clear.

The man was doing it on purpose, troubling her life.

After dabbing on some powder, she checked herself out from all angles and finally tied up some hair in a bun, leaving the rest cascading over her chest. Then she popped on a pair of bold sunflower earrings at the right size and height for dual coverage.

Waiting right at the hotel entrance for them, Harrison had booked a private room. Their earnest treatment towards the Winslet family was pretty rare.

Elise let them order. Both families sitting together seemed to set up a marriage arrangement.

Jocelyn was on pins and needles. It wasn't until they mentioned the flight tomorrow at 8 in the morning that she breathed a sigh of relief.