Compelled

7: Leap

"I know you're eager to get home, mom. Let's not delay any longer." Justin said and the relied and happiness at having his mother back and safe was so very present in his demeanor right now. He wasn't tensed nor was he worried but just joyful that he didn't lose his mother and that was really touching. Not many men held that level of concern for their mothers anymore.

"I prepared dinner for us tonight." He said to his mother once we got into his car. His mother insisted I sit in the front but not feeling it correctly respectful I declined politely and settled in the back of his black, thankfully, unharmed porshe. Mrs Pearson smiled lovingly at her Justin but also with a hint of scepticism. 

"You're an exceptional cook, Justin, but did you really prepare tonight's dinner? You were really busy today." She said and I had to bite in a laugh at him being caught out. He shrugged into his seat. 

"Fine, I ordered out from your favorite Mexican restaurant." He said defeatedly and she laughed. 

When we got to the house, the sky was losing its last streak of color as it turned dark with a slight chill to the air. Justin helped his mom out of the car and I left them behind and went inside. I needed a good shower to wash away the days grime.

I crossed pass the dining room, catching sight of a neatly set table for three. Either the third seating was for me or someone was over and of it happened to be for me I would politely decline. I felt as if Justin wanted to spend some time with his mother and me being there would just be an intrusion even if they didn't mind it. 

It was an hour later and by then I was done and in a pair of sweats and a long sleeved top when a gentle knock sounded from behind the closed door. 

I opened it and behind stood Justin. His hair damp at the edges from his shower and a huge grin on his face that was quite laughable. "Dinner." He said, waiting for me to follow him but when I made no move he eyed me wearily. 

"I really would love to join but I don't want to intrude." I explained and he shot me an are you for real look which made me feel the need to explain furher. "Look, she just got home and I'm sure she'll be happy to have her son to herself to confide and speak to and you also missed her. I really don't mind." His shoulder that was resting against the frame of the door sank but he understood. 

"Alright but at least take your share of food." He said to which I agreed and followed him to retrieve it. Once I did I poured myself a glass of water and pulled up a chair in the kitchen along the breakfast noek hearing the faint clash of cutlery to crockery in the dinning room concealed from the kitchen.

I let out a long sigh. The days just seemed to be getting crazier. With Ian being a fatality and having him gone made me feel calm. It was terrible that he did such a thing to Liana. The weird bit was he behaved like this only after I moved in with Justin and it wasn't like I had any choice but now I don't regret it one bit. 

The cardboard box was half empty and I know that sounds negative but it was good food that was finishing which made it a bad thing. It wasn't long before the box was drained and my stomach filled. I tidied up a little then sauntered over to my room, admiring the changes that were made to the house. 

Although my dad maintain good maintenance of the house, he chose to adapt a more contemporary sense of decor. It wasn't at all but having it change to something that was elegantly modern was like a breath of fresh air. It would take a long while before my eyes tired of the earthy colors contrasted by different textured and small color pops. 

I set up my lap top then scrolled through my mailbox, checking for any mail. Aside from the real estate company telling me my apartment had been successfully changed if it's ownership, there wasn't much else. The medicine packet for Mrs Pearson rested on my bedside since I arrived with it and totally forgot to give it. 

I got hold of it, got onto my feet and out the door slowing down just before the dining room where faint calming music was playing. I peered carefully around the opening of the room and the sight literally melted my heart. 

Justin was slow dancing with his mother. She had a the most eccentric smile on her face while her eyes were strained yet joy danced along their edges. Not wanting to ruin their moment I turned to walk away deciding to come back later. 

"Scarlett, is this you finally joining us?" The feminine voice stopped my retreat. I turned to face them and saw that they had drawn apart, both pair of eyes fixed intently on me. 

"I didn't mean to interupt. Your medicines were with me. It caught my attention just now and it totally slipped my mind to give it to you earlier." She nodded raising her hand to her forehead. 

"I totally forgot about them." She let out a little flustered laugh. "I'm not used to taking any medicines aside for the occasional pain here and there." She said with a sigh. Justin strode towards me, his tall broad figure made the room seem small. He stopped in front of me holding his hand out for the packet. He took out the pills for the evening then handing it to her along with a glass of water. 

"Thank you, Scarlett, for all your help." She said to me sweetly making me smile back at her. 

"Good night" she looked at me then her son, placing a kiss on his cheek before she left the room.

Justin and I stood in silence aside from the melodious tune lulling in the background. It was getting awkward so I sent him a nod and turned to leave. 

"Ms Miller." He said making me pause for a moment before I turned with a frown on my face at his choice of name to address me. His face was expressionless as were his eyes. 

When he didn't speak I decided to. "Is there something you need?" My voice was crisp and strong. His eyes turned amused which only made mine narrow at him. 

He took two steps forward and I resisted the temptation to retreat, squaring my shoulders instead and ignoring the hammering of my heart. No! This wasn't good. Not one bit.

He held a hand out. "Dance with me, Ms Miller." He said deeply making my eyes snap up to his. They didn't mean any harm but something else was lurking behind that and I doubt I wanted to figure it out. 

"It's late." I said stupidly but he just shrugged. "It's only eight thirty." He knew he had me cornered and not wanting to make a fool of myself any further, I slipped my hand into his. He guided my free hand up over his firm chest to rest on his muscular shoulder. He had the damn body of an athlete.

He smirked as if he had a clue what I was thinking. "I must warn you, I am terrible at slow dancing." He chuckled then placed his hand on my hip, drawing me closer. I suppressed a gasp and just stared at the soft material over his shoulder. His musky scent wafted dangerously around, the warm scent teasing at my nostrils. 

I mentally shook my head and gained some semblance of my thoughts before bringing my attention back to his face. He was watching me intently. His jaw was clenched and his eyes held some gleam of anger. It was the same expression that I saw earlier when I knocked him out of the way from almost taking a bullet. 

He noticed my assessing gaze while he slowly moved us to the melody that seemed to be more softer than before. "You know clenching your jaw couldn't possibly help aside from cause a sore jaw." He let out a breathy laugh and while his jaw relaxed his eyes didn't. 

"You almost took a bullet for me. I didn't know if I wanted to pledge my life to you or berate you." He said lightly and I was really surprised. I didn't think much when I had done that. I just didn't want him to get hurt because of me. 

The music had started to fade and lead into another tune which was equally as calming but as soothing as it was, his presence didn't allow something within me to seize. My brows knitted slightly as I just realised something. 

"Wait, so that was why you were mad at me after that?" He shrugged a little and I knew I was correct. 

He turned us around slowly so I was standing where he was. "Yeah, it was the last thing I expected you to do." I raised a brow at the thought of him assuming I'd sit back and do nothing. 

"I couldn't let you get hurt because of me and my poor choices. Besides, you've helped me and my family a lot already-" he raised a brow as I spoke but I ignored him and continued. "And I'd hate to cause you any more inconvenience." 

His lips was pursed in understanding but he still didn't agree with me. My eyes were getting heavy with the need to sleep and while the music was soon to come to a finish, we still stood here closely and he didn't seem to have a track of time. 

"Anyways-" I said with a deliberate sigh. "I think it's time to call it a night." We had stopped swaying at this point and the music had come to a close. Attempting to retrieve my hand gently out of his hold but he didn't let go for a second before, hesitantly, his hands were removed and I was free to leave. 

I stared at his face for a moment but it was a well contained mask that didn't reveal a single thing. Not wanting to linger anymore, I said a soft goodnight, smiled and left. 

I stared at the last bit of my drink in the crystal glass that lay on the dark tablecloth. It was almost midday and usually it would be warm but with winter setting in, the chill was very much evident. I shrugged, pulling my jacket closer to my body. 

The friendly waiter approached with a small smile leaving the black leather book that had our bill neatly encased in it onto our table. Jenna's' hand flew to the bill before I could touch it with her eye brow raise and a smug look on her face. 

"Oh no you don't. I'm getting this one besides you always beat me to most of them." She said the last bit with a huff. We met so I could fill her in on the hoopla that happened yesterday with Ian. To say that she was shocked would be an understatement- if there ever was one. She always didn't like him but this was the last thing she'd expected from him. 

"Thank you, Jenna." She just threw me a smile while the waiter gathered up the cash then with a swift nod, left. She glanced at her watch then frowned. It was Saturday and her daughter's usually finish lessons by this time. 

"I better get going, Scarlett. The girls will be out any moment." She took the last sip of her wine then stood up gathering her bag. I stood too and she pulled me into a quick hug before turning to leave. I got back into my seat raising my unfinished drink to my lips. "And don't forget to phone me if you ever need me. I pack a mean punch." I looked up to see her a few steps away from where we were seated. She winked and I laughed but appreciated the reassurance. 

We all needed someone to lean on. Someone who gave a s**t. Not the types that say they're there but never really are when you need them. Jenna was exactly that friend. Liana as well.

I hadn't seen her since the last time she came to the house in wrecked condition but she seemed okay. She made it to her photo shoots and her pictures of the new bikini range looked stunning on her. 

Her being busy with work didn't give us much time to spend together and I really wanted to check up on her to see how she really was. a***e isn't an easy ordeal and even though I may say I understand, I truly don't. I doubt any of us do unless we experience the tragedy ourselves. 

Ian was such a sick twisted person. I couldn't believe that I was so stupid. No one changes so drastically unless their true self is just hidden for a while. He didn't love me and I knew it. To him I was a prize that he didn't get. I didn't realise how hard my grip was on the neck of the glass until the waiter, Nate, approached again with a desert menu assuming I'd want some since I was still seated here. 

"No, thank you. I was just finishing up my drink." He was tall, dark hair yet light brown eyes. He had a good built and his uniform fitted him perfectly. He smiled showing of his perfectly set teeth then tucked the menu under his arm but his smile got bigger but his cheeks tinted the slightest bit. 

"So I was wondering if you'd like to go out sometime. Maybe tonight?" He suggested with an expectant smile. I smiled back, touched that he took the initiative to try but I just wasn't ready and besides, it was useless going out with him, leading him on only to not be ready. 

"I'm honoured, really, but I kind of have something up tonight." I said and felt bad the moment I said it since his face dropped. 

"With a guy?" Oddly the blurry conversation of the restaurant became a hush and for a second I thought they were staring at us but when I looked around they were looking at some men who were being seated and since the waiter stood in front of them I couldn't see who they were. 

I turned my attention back to Nate. "No, no. I'm actually making plans to catch up with a friend tonight." He nodded understandingly and with a courteous smile, he walked away. 

I let out a breath closing my eyes for a brief moment, slightly relieved to get out of that situation. When my eyes opened again they locked with the familiar gaze seated across another suit clad man. 

I was stunned for a second knowing he'd witnessed the entire thing.

His jaw was cleanly shaven yet clenched tightly. Something was a little hard about his gaze and when he noticed me assessing him, it all melted away only to be replaced with a mask of formality. 

The man across from his was saying something but he wasn't listening instead his attention was fixed on me. Assuming he was on a business/lunch meeting, I waved with a strained smiled and for some reason that seemed to amuse him. His company noticed he was distracted and I now had two pairs of eyes on me. 

The man looked strangely familiar to some wealthy business man I've seen a few months back in the newspaper but it wasn't exactly him. He smiled at me then raised a brow at Justin who gave him a piss off look to which he laughed. I shrugged a little then effortlessly exited the restaurant. The icy air hit my face as I hastily got into my car, heating the engine a little. My eyes narrowed in on a petite figure waving at me excitedly. The misty glass was seriously restricting my vision but then the door pulled open and I instantly smiled. 

"Who the heck walks around in this weather? You're going to freeze your a*s off." Liana smiled then rolled her eyes at me. She looked better, radiant even. She put her little purse onto her lap then shut the door. 

"I just got back today so I thought I'd visit you since I haven't seen you on like forever." I raised a brow at her exaggeration. Liana was always the care-free, no stress, get back on the horse type of person. 

"You could have called me to pick you up." I stated obviously while getting onto the road slowly since the ice was kinda stuck to it. 

"Ugh,-' she complained clearly annoyed at me. "Okay mama, I'm so sorry I forgot to hit you up. I will send you a postcard next time." She said sarcastically to which I just laughed.

"My place or yours?" I asked which was weird since it wasn't exactly 'my place'. 

"Mine. You haven't been there in ages." I agreed then listened to her chattering the entire way to her apartment. 

It wasn't too long before we were in her apartment. The space was the same, simple but elegant- pretty much  like Liana. We kicked of our shoes before jumping onto her super comfy bed. 

"You know now that I think about it, I haven't been here for so long." I said while fluffing a pillow to rest my head on. Liana rested her face on the back of her hands nodding as much as the strained position would allow her. 

"Yeah, the last time you were here was when I had my twenty fifth birthday. I think it was just before all the stuff with your dad went down." She said with a frown. "Speaking of which, have you spoken to him after all that happened?" 

I sighed at her question because I hated the truth. I hated that I didn't speak to him as much and I was still hurt for what he did. 

"I- we spoke a few times after but it started with him justifying his actions and me ending up totally mad so I just don't speak to him." She nodded, understanding my point of view. We were silent for a moment before I decided to speak to her about what I really wanted to. 

"Liana, about whatever happened with Ian, how are you?" Her face fell and the emotion in her eyes were brimming with made my heart clutch.

She straightened up so she could face me properly. "I'm okay, really. It's just that the first week was the hardest. I used to wake up screaming and horrified in the middle of the night. It just felt like he was here. The dreadful feeling that I felt during the entire ordeal just felt like it was choking me in my sleep." Liana was never one to cower away or play weak, her voice was strong but her eyes when she spoke was clearly in another world of despair. 

I held her hand and she shut her eyes. "Then I went for the fashion week and I guess my mind was so busy that it didn't bother that much. It did creep up in those slump moments but I just pushed it away but I'm really okay now." She said with a smile then settled next to me. My mind went to Justin and how he had beaten Ian. I let out a huff and Liana looked questioningly at me. 

"Justin beat him up really bad. Said this was for you right before he socked him in the face." Liana smirked which led me to raise a brow.

"Oh so it's no longer Mr Pearson?" She wiggled her brows and I smacked her in the face with a small pillow. 

"He argued against it so yeah. I guess he isn't Mr Pearson anymore." I said but she still smirked like a high schooler.

"You can't tell me you haven't fallen for him yet? He seems like the nicest man amongst the very rare ones." I rolled my eyes at her suggestion and laughed. Justin was nice and polite and funny and handsome and- that's enough.

No, there's still so much more!

Well, shut up.

"That is true but it's best you stay distant from someone with a reputation." I said hoping she'd take the hint but Liana being Liana just had to have something to say. 

"People with reputations are most fun." I pursed my lips agreeing but shaking my head. 

"Until your heart gets shattered." I said seriously. "Anyway, on to some news I have to tell you. My title as a trainee doctor ends next week. All the trainee doctors who are fully qualified are celebrating next weekend. There's this event held for us by founders and sponsors of the healthcare division. You have to come with me!" I paused to take a breath before I dropped the bomb on her. "Aaaand my job application at a hospital away from here has been accepted." At this point a huge smile was on my face and while Liana seemed happy, her eyes widened. 

"Scarlett, you're going to be leaving?!" She asked with surprise. "Be-because I'm leaving here too." She confessed slowly and for a moment we were both silent just staring at each other.

"I'm moving to Greece. I think it's about time my college degree is put to use." When she said the location she was moving to, I froze. 

"What's wrong?" Liana asked, her face becoming serious but then she saw the look on my face and the realization hit her like a brick. The next moment the both of us were screaming while jumping on the bed. 

"Shut up! Shut up. What a goddamn huge coincidence!" Liana said breathlessly, a huge smile on her face now too. 

"Have you chosen there since it'll be closer to your parents?" I thought about for a second.. and aside from it being a good post, I did miss my mother, my dad too. 

"I guess you could say that." 

After a few more excited screams and a cappuccino later, I left her apartment with a few books in hand. When I got back, the sky was a dark blue almost blackish shade but the night seemed perfectly still with the chilly breeze blowing about. 

After a quick shower, I got hold of a blanket, a heater, my warm fuzzy hat and the book I knicked of Liana and headed to the roof top. It took me two trips to get all the stuff up there. Mrs Pearson saw me on my first trip and said a polite greeting then went back to her the drama series she was watching in the living room. Justin was still no where to be spotted. I had to inform him of my departure soon since I thought it unprofessional to not inform him. 

I settled on the wooden swing with an overhead cover cuddled up in the blanket with my back resting against the arm rest. The suspense s***h action novel was opened and I was lost ever since. 

It must have been about twenty minutes later when soft footsteps got me away from the book. I looked up only to see Justin approach with a pizza in one hand and two hot chocolates in a small cup tray in the other. 

"Hey." He said holding the stuff in his hands like he wasn't even trying.

"Hi." I brought my legs further inwards towards me making place for him on the swing. He handed me the drinks then settled with the pizza on his lap. 

"I knew I would find you here." He said with a smirk. "I could hear you battling with the heater to get it up the stairs." I let out an embarrassed laugh and he inhaled deeply. 

"Okay, so there's hot chocolate for you and an entire pizza for me." He opened the box excitedly and was surprised. This dude undoubtly ate the finest food this world had to offer and here he was getting excited over a pizza. 

"What? Pizza is life, okay." He said almost as if he'd read my thoughts. 

"Well then, knock yourself out." He took a slice while I place the hot chocolate onto the little table at the side. I got hold of the box and yanked the pizza onto my lap. 

"I think that will be enough for you. The rest is mine." His face a mask of surprise that I did that. I got out a slice and moaned in gratification at how good this tasted. My eyes were closed and shoulders tensed. My mistake was only realized when I opened my eyes again and saw his dark bold gaze on me. 

I cleared my throat and he scoffed shaking his head. We ate in silence and once my third pizza slice was all but gone and Justin placed the box into the table, he cleared his throat gaining my attention.

"So your dad called again. Well actually he'd been calling my assistant for the pass week to speak to me." He sighed for a second. "He misses you, Scarlett. Said you refuse to take his calls." His voice was gentle but serious at the same time. I dared to glance at him and our eyes locked. I shivered from the intensity of his gaze. 

"I just- I miss him too, really. Its just that I've been so disheartened at what he did that I think I just needed sometime away to adapt to the change and the hurt but it's fading, I promise it is." It was true. That is why I had applied in Greece because it would be near my parents. It wouldn't be long before I leave and start life again there with them. 

My cold had was covered by his warm one snapping me out of my mental conversation. "Appreciate him while you have him, Scarlett." His jaw was clenched and a flood of emotions flashed across his eyes- anger, regret, longing, frustration, hurt. "One day he'll be gone and you wouldn't have the opportunity to see him again, to speak to him in matters personal and professional and-" he took a huge gulp of air almost as if his own haphazard emotions were choking him. "You'll regret it. Take it from someone who would do a s**t load to see his father again even for the shortest moment." He let a pained smile cross his lips and I frowned taking this man in front of me in. 

The successful billionaire was with feelings and concern and gentleness. It was utterly like a breath of fresh air. "I'm sorry, Justin, for your loss. He must have been a good father to you."  I didn't think he heard me but then he nodded slowly looking at his thigh where out hands lay. My gaze was still fixed on his face. 

We all needed someone to listen and if not help then at least understand at the very least.

"He was the best a father could ever be to his children. He never had any bad habits or even a temper unless matters really invoked it. He was my mentor and so much more. 

Teaching me all that I know, making me into whatever I am today." His pained voice held the streak of pride as he spoke. I scooted closer to him feeling the need to comfort him. 

"It is life and as much as we disagree with its course we can't really do much." His hold on my hand tightened. "The memories are always here to stay and I guess we just have to carry on with that and live from it." He smiled a little all the while looking at the little heater I dragged up here. 

"That was what made the noise." He said as if putting a piece in a puzzle. I frowned then realized what he was talking about and laughed. 

"Yeah, a woman's got to do what a woman's got to do to not freeze out here." He scoffed lightly then turned to face me. A gasp was heard and I wasn't quiet sure if it was mine or his or both of ours for our faces were awfully close, noses dangerously touching. Those deep brown eyes dropped to my lips before they returned to my eyes. 

All he had to do was move closer or perhaps I could have moved the slightest bit closer and our lips would touch. I knew he was waiting for my permission and when it didn't come, the heat in his eyes turned hard and he was about to turn away but I close the space between us and our lips met. 

He took in a sharp breath when my lips met his but the hesitation that he was feeling was clear but all in a second that was gone and his eyes heated again, his lips moved against mine. An intense electricity passed between us and before I could even think I was crawling onto his lap, straddling him, fingers finding their way into his thick hair pulling him closer. His groaned before his hands found my waist and stayed on them. I gasped at the tingling warmth of his hand and he deepened the kiss. 

This was sweet and wild at the same time. A loud moan escaped my lips and a growl left his throat. He pulled away and we both were breathing hard. His eyes were still closed and he seemed almost pained. His hold on me didn't loosen but he leaned forward until his forehead rested against mine. 

"No, Scarlett." He said sounding pained while his eyes were closed, his voice barely recognisable. His shoulders were tensed and my hands left his hair to rest on them. I swallowed, the hurt of rejection settling into my chest. 

He could have anyone he so b****y wished for and I was here like a complete i***t thinking he'd have me. His eyes finally opened and were completely devoid of anything but a hard stare. His hands came loose and his forehead left mine to the cold air. 

The hurt must have been clear on my face since he swore under his breath. I closed my eyes for a moment taking a deep breath before picking up whatever was left of my goddamn dignity and got off and away from him. 

I avoided his heavy gaze that followed me as I gathered my stuff and moved away until just before the stairs. I looked at him, not caring for his watchful stare, and said what I ought to have at some point during the upcoming week. 

"I'm leaving, Mr Pearson. My training at the medical centre ends this week and I'll be gone. I'd no longer be an obstruction in your life." With that I went down the stairs ignoring the thud of the heater as it hit the carpeted stairs. 

Once off the stairs, I ran towards my room shutting the door behind me and crumpled to the floor feeling like a complete i***t. 

I don't understand where this all came from nor could I believe I had initiated such a thing. I banged my head against the door muttering stupid several times. What on earth was I thinking?! The embarrassment would eat at me for the rest of my days here and probably months after. 

I'd just have to avoid him for two weeks.. only two weeks Scarlett.