Not What It Seems Ch. 09

"That is the lamest thing I've heard." She said but they both knew she wasn't telling the truth because he could hear the smile in her voice "And may I clarify, I was NOT wearing lingerie when I was cooking. It's a health and safety hazard."

He couldn't help but chuckle, "Okay fine, you weren't but whatever you wear it has the same effect on me. Hell if you were wearing a bin bag, it'll still make me horny-"

"So..." Alin lowered her voice, suddenly feeling really daring, "Have youmissedme? Has it been ashardfor you as it had been for me?"

He didn't like where this was going. Sleep definitely now far from his mind. "Baby, don't do this to me." Jared said and she could hear the strain in his voice.

"I was licking a strawberry lollypop today...and I thought about how much I'd like to put something bigger and harder in my mouth." He hitched his breath, "I really want to suck your big wet cock, tracing my tongue all around the head, while my hand stroke the sides..." Alin felt herself growing wet. She wanted to take the upper hand like he had last time on the phone, but she was getting pretty aroused herself...

Jared was slowly stroking himself through his trousers at her words. She was driving him fucking crazy.

"Oh god, Jared you have no idea how much I've missed having you inside me. I think about you every night when I-"

A knock sounded at her door and Alin just had about enough time to make sure her appearance was acceptable, then she covered the mouth piece.

Jared couldn't take it anymore as he released his hardness from the confinement of his trousers. But then all of a sudden he heard Alin stop and a muffled noise before she covered her mouth piece.

"Alin? Are you still there?"

Alin was flushed as her secretary knocked and came in telling her the half four appointment with a client was already here. He was an important client who did not like waiting even though it was barely half four. "Thanks Sophie, I'll be out in just a second."

She uncovered the mouthpiece and whispered in a rush, "I'm sorry, Jared I have to go-"

"You've got to be kidding me!" he growled.

"I'm really sorry. I'll make it up to you. I love you." she hung up before he could even begin to protest.

Looking down at the 'mess' she created, Jared couldn't help but smile at his inability to control his desire when around her... or even when she's thousands of miles away. She brought out the best and worst in him, but instead of letting him get his own way, she always managed to reason with him, unlike other girls who would bow to his every whim. It was beyond him how he'd managed to live without her for five years. With that thought in mind and picturing their future, he drifted slowly to sleep.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Tao Zhang certainly lived up to his expectation as a party animal. Using the excuse of Jared's not-yet-there engagement he managed to persuade him to go out with him for the remainder of his stay. The co-operation between the two was a huge success, and as the press conferences and the news of the two companies working together hit global headlines, after months of speculations from the media, both men watched as their companies' shares increased in value.

It was the last night of Jared's stay and though they were business partners, he had come to think of Tao as a good friend. Tonight he had insisted he come to his family home for a wholesome home cooked meal. Jared knew this wasn't the only reason why he was invited, but he couldn't tell what was. He brought a gift with him and waited by the door. An elderly woman opened the door. There was no mistaken she was Tao's mother.

"Ni Hao Mrs. Zhang. Ni zenmayang?" She smiled graciously, returning the greeting and gestured for him to take a seat when they were in the main room. Tao appeared and kissed his mother on the cheek. For a flamboyant character his family home was humble and warm. Something Jared admired and wished he had.

After finishing the meal and thanking Tao's mom, Jared was sitting in his study as both men drank and reminisced about the good time. However, it didn't escape Jared that Tao seemed to be on edge the whole night.

The meal tonight was partly because Tao wanted to give Jared a good send off. It was hard to make real friends in business, but he found Jared to be genuine and a laid back guy, much like himself. The other part for his invitation was because he had pressing matters to tell him. Tao decided the best way was to throw it out in the open, "Fuck, Jared I've got something to show you."

"Is that why you're on edge the whole night?"

He reached behind his desk to take out a brown envelope, "One of my acquaintance is a part majority shareholder of Wenner Media LLC and Time Inc, their subsidiary companies include Usweekly and People-"

"You're talking business with me now?"

"No." He stated then hesitated, just take a look inside." He gestured to the A4 size envelope.

Jared reached inside and took out the content. It took a few seconds for him to digest what he saw in front of him. He picked one particularly photo up amongst the scatter. His heart clenched. The pain hit him so hard he was speechless.

"The bid for an exclusive is quite high. Apparently the guy who took the photo said Alin was there till seven in the morning. Obviously the guys at Wenner Media and Time had to double check if they were fake...but they're not."

He tried to remain calm while listening to Tao, "Do they know who the seller is?"

"The guy who contacted Wenner Media and Time was just a middle guy. There's obviously someone who's behind this. So really you have to keep a look out. It could be someone who's close to you."

"Thanks for this." Jared tried to compose himself. Trying hard to mask the pain. Every picture showed the level of intimacy they shared. He really wanted to rip and burn every picture, but being in business for many years taught him one thing: never show your weakness to anyone.

"I consider you a friend. I'm...I didn't really want to show you this." Tao sighed, "Listen Jared, these pictures are going to be released soon, I don't know when, but there's nothing to stop it. Both of them don't want to lose an opportunity to grab headlines."

Jared gathered the photos and put them back in the envelope, "Mind if I take it?" he asked.

"Go ahead. He paused, before adding, "Jared, your girlfriend may not be the guilty party, just make sure you find out what happened before you jump to conclusions. I know I did with my first fiancée and-"

The words were lost on him. "I know." Jared cut in. "Tao it's been great. Say thanks to Mrs. Zhang for me, but I'm afraid I have to go I'll arrange a conference call after I get back to New York."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The photos were only two weeks ago...the day after he went to California. She certainly wasted no time.He held onto her hand, leaning close to her, whispering in her ear. His other hand drifted to her lower back and then her upper thigh. Another of her leaning into him as she laughed at something he had said.A picture could tell a thousand words, and these pictures definitely did. He went through photo after photo. It was almost like a video, each photo a snapshot of what happened that day, second by second.

But she told me she loves me.

Old habits die hard. Jared wanted so badly to believe she wasn't like that, but she did betray him in the past, didn't she? Then he thought back to the day when they went to see Timothy...maybe now that she no longer owed him a penny, she wanted to leave him? Maybe all along she was stringing both of them. Craving all the attention. She's always loved being center of attention, Jared smiled bitterly. She loved it when men chased after her like a pathetic little puppy. Now that he bared his soul out to her, she finally decided that it was no longer fun to play along. The moments they shared were all a lie. Afuckinglie. He dropped his head into both his hands, the pictures splayed on the desk. Pictures after pictures of intimacy.

It might be a set-up, there may be other pictures that show a different side of the story... she'snot like that!

He tried to reason, but as he stifled through the last photo of her entering his apartment...she stayed there till seven in the morning. He shut his eyes in pain. Why thefuckdid it hurt so much?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Alin couldn't concentrate at work. Jared had another five hours before landing. It was strange he didn't call her before departing, but she reasoned he may just have forgotten with all the media hype about his successful merge with Tao Zhang. She was ecstatic for him.

Alin left work a little early to prepare for the meal tonight. She decided on seared scallops, grilled asparagus and a creamy mushroom sauce. It would be filling, yet light enough for him after the flight. As she prepared the meal, she checked her phone: no calls. It was strange because by now he should be on his way home. She decided to call him but after a few rings, it went to his inbox.

"Hey, Jared, when are you home? I've made dinner...and also have a surprise for you! Can't wait till you get home. Love you! Come home quick!"

He listened to the message and every word she spoke, he felt like someone punched him hard. Why did she lie to him? What did Haltor have that he didn't? He didn't want to see her tonight, in fact he didn't want to see her at all. He swallowed the bile in his throat, as he opened the box that contained the ring he was going to give her. The ring that was passed through his family. It was fortunate that he hadn't given it to her again otherwise he would have given her another chance to throw it back in his face.

Suddenly in a rage, Jared swept everything off the desk. He was angry ...but nothing could wipe the aching in his heart. How he wish anger was the only thing he felt. Whoever said a broken heart doesn't exist must have never fallen in love. Still, there was a strong part of him that kept telling him to go home and listen to her side of the story...but in the end, his insecurities won.

Alin sat at the laid out table waiting, unlike last time, she was dressed nicely and he didn't catch her whilst she was going crazy over the food. He had always said he was fond of having her long hair down so that he could smooth it down whilst making love to her. She smiled at the fond memories, knowing tonight would be even better because they hadn't seen each for a week! How thehelldid she survive a week without going crazy? She called his phone again just in case. Still, he didn't pick up.

"Jared, I'm really worried. Where are you?"

She called Ryan but got nowhere. Relief flooded when she called his secretary and was told that he was booked into a suite. When Alin pressed for the exact location, she was apologetic but told her that Jared didn't want anyone to know where he was. Alin pondered the reasons as to why he didn't tell her. The last time they spoke was the time when she had teased him. Was he angry because she left him in a state or was he playing with her? It was probably the latter, she smiled at the thought. Alin got up to put the uneaten food into containers and tided up, slightly disappointed that he couldn't eat the meal that she so painstakingly prepared for him tonight. Before she fell asleep, she reassured herself again nothing was wrong.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The next day, Alin waited for his call. She didn't know what was going on. It was stupid and childish of him to ignore her calls even if she did do something wrong. Her thoughts drifted.Were they back to square one? Where she was nothing more than his...whore.Even the thought of it made her sick. Is that what he wanted to tell her that what they had shared a week ago was merely her delusion? Maybe that's why he had asked for her to attend the dinner party tonight. Just to tell her that he wanted female companion. Another thought unexpectedly entered her mind:did he meet someone in Beijing? Is that why he's ignoring her, so that she could take the cue and leave him to be?But it was impossible...they spoke only a few days ago, it couldn't be that soon already. She shook her head at the ridiculous thought and continued doing some work, when the front door opened.

"Jared?"

He didn't say a word.

She ran to him, but the expression in his face made her stop, "Um...Sara said you checked into a hotel last night."

He shrugged as he put down his small suitcase. "Yeah, I had work to do."

"Oh right, well, I made dinner last night, do you want me to reheat it or do you-"

"I'm not hungry."

She looped her arms in his, "do you want to go to bed? I've missed you so, so much." she purred.

Fucking lies, fucking lies!That's all he thought as he stared back at her.

He looked down at her and Alin thought she saw...disgust? "No, I'm tired. Just get ready for seven and we'll go together to tonight's dinner. I have work to do." He didn't look at her. It seemed he didn't really want to talk to her either. Alin couldn't understand the shift. Was he playing with her?

"Jared," she started but was cut off by him.

"Alin, I have a fuckingheadache.Maybe you think I was out partying and fucking girls-"

"-I don't think that-"

"-but I was working. Day and night so that if anything does happen to the company like it did five years ago, I'd have things to fall back on-" he wanted to carry on, but the expression on her face... He walked past her and went to his study, banging the door shut.

It happened so fast. She stayed standing in shock after he slammed the door. She couldn't comprehend his behaviour towards her. It wasn't as if he didn't get the contract.Five years ago.He kept telling her that. If every argument, not that she understood how this one started, but if he kept bringing up what happened five years ago, she couldn't foresee a future for them. In addition to the fact that she didn't even do anything five years ago. What could she ever do to regain his trust? How could you regain a trust that was never there? As tears gathered in her eyes, Alin turned back to the room and tried to concentrate on her work.

Jared poured a drink into his glass and gulped it down in one. What was he going to do? He took out the pictures to look at again. Fuck this. Fuck her lies. All her tears were fake and to think he wanted to build a life with her... but his instincts were always right. He was so good at seeing right through people. Maybe he was really wrong. He glanced at the pictures. The images flashing back at him. Ignoring his instincts, he shook his head. He's been duped again.

Alin zipped up her white dress. Jared had gone to bed after staying an hour in his study. He didn't look at her as he walked into their bedroom. Alin decided to leave it. Still holding on to the thought that the stress he faced for the past few weeks had gotten to him. She thought maybe after the rest he would be back to his lively self. It was half past six when he emerged from the room, and Alin marvelled how great he looked in a suit and bow tie. He glanced at her direction. But there was no warmth or anything in his eyes.

He watched as she smiled at him. Jared didn't miss how good she looked. Dressed in a strapless white prom style dress that ended just above her knees, she looked angelic, elegant and sexy. Her hair loosely curled and swept up, make up light but accentuated her features perfectly. She was like a bride on her wedding night. Seductive yet innocent.

Innocent.He scoffed at the word. She was innocent as fuck.

Jared didn't talk to her on the way there. She didn't want to make conversation either. If he didn't want to talk, so be it. She was sick of making the effort and then for him to throw back in her face.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The dinner party was supposed to be an intimate affair, but it was obvious the host and his wife were anything but wallflowers that enjoyed lapping up any attention they received. Many who ran in their rich and lavish circle were invited.

The host came over to greet them, "Jared, I'm so glad you could make it. Really after the good news with Tao Zhang we thought you'd get fucking hammered. Besides didn't think you'd come because..." He stopped. It was better for him to see Haltor than him telling now. He turned his attention to Alin, "And who do we have here?" he looked at her from top to bottom and again, now turning his full attention on her, "I'm Fred Price..." He took her hand but instead of shaking it he kissed it, "and you must be the pretty girl who's brought out Jared to his knees- Alin Fanning, the girl I've hearda lotabout."

She was uncomfortable but tried to remain friendly for Jared's sake, "I hope what you've heard is all good things, because if there's anything bad you've heard, I assure you, they're all just rumors."

Jared looked down at her in disbelief. She never changed.

"Course it's all been good." He was about to carry on when someone called out for him. He flashed a smile at her, "Until next time Miss Fanning."

Jared left her standing there and she hurriedly followed him to the grand hallway. There was no one there. She decided now was the time to confront his behavior towards her. "Jared, please tell me what's going on? What have I done wrong? Why are you-"

Suddenly a voice cut in, "Alin, I'm so happy to see youagain." She stiffened. John... and he said 'Again?' Why did he have to say that?! Why was he here now? Why did he have to make her life even more complicated? She was afraid to turn around.

Jared stared at John Haltor as he walked towards them. Alin had her back to Haltor, but Jared saw him come to them. His fucking smirk. Thatfuckingsmirk on his face. When he started talking, she stiffened, the color draining from her face. Why, Jared wanted to know. But he knew the answers already: she was guilty. Pain and anger consumed him. Before Alin could do anything Jared pushed past her and grabbed onto John's shirt, pushing him against the wall.

"Jared, no!" Alin said but both men were ignoring her pleas.

"What the fuck is your problem? Get off me!"

Jared held even tighter and hissed, "You better get out of my sight before I do something you'd regret."

John took the bait, "oh,I get it now. Is it because I saw your girlfriend two weeks ago-"

She gasped, "Jared it wasn't like that!"

John lowered his voice, almost to a whisper, so that only Jared could hear, "yeah I enjoyed fucking her tight pussy," Jared's gazed narrowed dangerously, "I enjoyed how much she was screaming my name when I dumped my load inside her."

He released his grip on and turned away from him. John thought he was off the hook, but then all of a sudden Jared turned round and before he could react a hard blow landed on his jaw and his stomach.

"Jared!" before she could stop him, John was on the floor.

"Piece of shit." Jared spat out.

He clutched at the throbbing pain in his jaw, "What? Just 'cause you can't satisfy her-" Jared kicked him hard in the stomach again, as he groaned in pain. At that precise moment guests came running out and was shocked to see the display. Grabbing hold of Alin's wrist forcefully he pulled her away.

Jared held onto Alin's hand as he casually walked past everyone. They all stared at him open-mouthed whispering to each other. Jared stopped when he walked past Fred Price, "Fred, thanks for the evening but I'm afraid my evening's just been ruined." He shrugged his shoulders and left before anyone could muster a response.

When they got outside, Alin immediately pulled away from him, "What's wrong with you!" she said through her tears.

He held her wrist tightly, gripping it painfully. Using his other hand he opened the car door.