Chapter 9

When I woke up, it was already late morning. The sound of running water came from the bathroom.

I got out of bed, wincing at the soreness.

I opened the curtains to bright sunlight streaming in.

I sat down at the desk, lit a cigarette, then took out my checkbook.

As Jack Collins came out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel, I was carefully filling out a check.

For $100,000.

He walked over just as I finished writing it.

I tore out the check and held it out to him.

Jack Collins glanced at the check with lowered eyes, the corner of his mouth curling in an ambiguous smile. "Is this to buy me for one time, or for the whole night?"

I shook my head, not quite daring to look at him.

Before he pulled me into the bathroom last night, I hadn't thought his physique or stamina was anything special.

He was tall, but looked a bit thin.

But after last night, I realized how terribly wrong I'd been.

The clearly defined six-pack abs and V-line in front of me now were a strong assault on my visual senses.

And the lingering ache between my legs was an even clearer testament to his impressive stamina.

Apart from finishing quickly the first time due to pent-up desire, every time after that had me begging for mercy.

"This is for cleaning the car and your clothes," I said with a light laugh, mustering up the courage to look at him. "As for you, I can't afford to buy you."

Jack Collins' dark eyes gazed at me without any emotion. He didn't take the check from my hand, but instead plucked the cigarette from my mouth and took a long drag.

"Too light. Don't smoke these anymore."

After one puff, he stubbed out the cigarette in the water glass on the desk, then came around to stand in front of me. He bent down slightly and lifted me onto the desk, then pulled my legs to wrap around his narrow waist.

As he leaned in, I placed my hands on his chest to stop him.

"Jack, shouldn't you be leaving?"

Jack Collins ignored my protests, removing my hands and cupping the back of my head. Completely changing the subject, he asked, "Why do you smoke? Too much stress, or feeling down?"

I looked at him, opening and closing my mouth, suddenly at a loss for words.

"Whether it's stress or feeling down, I can help you deal with it from now on."

With that, he leaned in to kiss me.

I turned my head away.

"We're both adults, it was just a fling. Don't tell me Mr. Collins has gotten addicted?"

Jack Collins pressed his forehead against mine.

"What, didn't I satisfy you last night? Left you unsatisfied?"

I laughed helplessly: "Jack, don't you understand? I don't like the feeling of sex without love."

"Who says I don't love you?"

"Knock knock—" "Knock knock—"

Just as Jack Collins finished speaking and I thought I must have heard wrong, staring at him in shock with wide eyes, loud banging came from the door.