Chapter 5

Lola

I gasped loudly, causing the naked lady grinding on his cock to halt.

Zane pushed her away hurriedly, covering his thighs in shame with the duvet while she gawked at him in surprise.

"Babe, what are you doing?" She queried him.

I surprised myself by chuckling. Laughing came to me easily every time I was in a situation I couldn't fathom. This was one of those situations because I couldn't believe that my boyfriend of three years could cheat on me.

Zane sent her a scowl, but did he think it could wipe away the pain he just caused me?

"Is this why you couldn't make it to my father's burial?" I questioned.

He sprang to his feet and then crumbled on his knees while the bitch stared at us like a moron. I didn't pay much attention to her.

"No, Lola, I said I wasn't in town and you know that. Umm... she... I was..." He stuttered which further annoyed me.

My patience level reached its limit. "Shut up, Zane! You don't have a conscience and I regret dating you. How dare you hurt me like this? You're supposed to be my source of strength in my darkest times, yet you busy yourself with other women,"

"It's not like that, Lola, I can explain. Whatever happened was a mistake, and I've been horny for a long time. How can I have a girlfriend who doesn't want me to make love to her? Isn't that selfish?" He retorted, slowly rising to his feet.

My lips parted at his audacity. "Don't turn this against me, Zane. We had an agreement before we started dating that we'd do it when I'm ready. You've been aware of my challenges these past few years with my late dad. You knew how hard my life has been, yet you stayed. Why didn't you break up with me since you couldn't bear dating me without sex?"

"Wait, you've never fucked her? Boy, Zane, that's low," The whore chattered.

He glared long and hard at her, instantly, the smile died on her face. "Get out of my room, cunt. I don't want to see you again,"

I took that moment as my cue to leave too. I couldn't imagine staying in the same place with him without bashing his head against the wall.

"I'll leave too. It's over between us," I spun around, veering out of the room.

He chased after me, pulling my hand. "Please don't leave, Lola, let me make this work,"

I paused on my step, shoving my middle finger at his face. "You disgust me, Zane. You should know that by now,"

He was too stunned to speak so I used it to my advantage. My legs ran as far as it could carry me as I wanted to forget the sharp pain of betrayal I felt in my chest.

I'd heard several stories about cheating partners from my classmates, read it in books, watched it on TV, but never did I believe it could happen to me in real life.

Loneliness had finally become my companion. My dad was gone, my mother couldn't stand me-the feeling was mutual, my boyfriend was a cheating bastard, and Rowan... I didn't want to think about him.

Walking absentmindedly on the street, my mind raced, pondering who to call. I had no friend besides Reid whom I knew would be busy with class.

He'd come to me without hesitation if I called, but of what use would he be? His presence would distract me, but it wouldn't heal the ache in my heart. I wouldn't call him.

But then my phone rang and he was the caller. I was torn between ignoring the call and answering it, but I ended up choosing the latter, sobbing profusely before I could even make out a word.

"Jeez, Lola! Are you alright? Where are you?" his voice brimmed with concern.

"Zane cheated on me. I caught him sleeping with another girl when I went to visit him," I narrated the ordeal while walking mindlessly on the road.

It was surprising that a vehicle hadn't run me over.

"Where are you now? I'll come get you," he said with a note of urgency.

"Okay," Wiping the hot, annoying tears that ran down my cheeks, I shared my live location with him and ended the call.

I didn't expect to be this hurt, considering that I'd been lusting after Rowan for some days now, but my heart felt like it was about to explode from the pain.

Several thoughts fleeted into my mind, half of them were filled with self-blame. Maybe he wasn't completely at fault for cheating because I'd constantly denied him of sex.

However, we made out a lot. I just couldn't see him being the first guy to take my v-card. I also couldn't deny that my attraction toward him was weak. Whenever we kissed, I did it for duty sake, not because my body yearned for him.

Maybe it was best that we broke up so that I wouldn't have to deal with the guilt of cheating.

I was drawn away from my thoughts by the honk of Reid's car. He parked by the curb and marched furiously toward me.

"We're going to him. How dare he treat you that way?" he raged.

I stood up, leaning against his chest. Everything I had to say was already said, I just wanted to lay on my bed and sleep the pain out.

"There's no need for that. Just take me home," my voice was akin to a whisper.

"Are you sure? I could take you to the beach, get you ice cream while we talk about it," he offered, running his fingers through my hair.

I shook my head. "Thank you, but I don't want to go anywhere else. I don't even want to talk about it,"

"Okay. I'll take you home, maybe I could see your new guardian. Is he hot?" He teased me playfully.

"You'll see that for yourself when you take me home and stop asking questions," I bit my lip while fighting off a smile.

He placed his arm on my shoulder as we headed to the car. "You're smiling, so I'm going to believe that he's handsome."

I didn't reply as we got in and drove off. Halfway through the drive, my eyelids became heavy. I leaned on the head rest, allowing the soft melody of the R&B playing in the car to lull me to sleep.

A tap on my shoulder jeered me up from my sleep, my eyes opening to Rowan's house.

"Your guardian is wealthy," Reid stated.

"I guess so. I don't even know what he does for a living, but I'm guessing he's a businessman. Let's go in," I urged him.

The house was silent when we entered but seeing the laptop on the center table informed me that he was around, contrary to my wish.

"Rowan, I'm home. Where are you?" I shouted, sparing a glance at Reid. "Please, sit and make yourself comfortable,"

His footsteps crunched down the stairs, his alluring body clad in a black single and grey pants. Just the distraction I needed.

"You're back already," his calm voice felt like a buttery caress on my skin.

"Yes, I am. Meet my friend, Reid," I turned to Reid who was already up on his feet with a scowl on his face and glare directed at Rowan.

"Is he your new guardian?" He grunted.

I'd never seen him that way before.

"Yes, he is. Do you know him?" my gaze flew from him to Rowan whose face had softened with sadness and a bit of embarrassment.

He gulped, his eyes watering a bit which spiked my confusion. "Reid," he muttered.

"Reid, Rowan. Do you know each other? What's going on here?" I queried, tired of the suspense.

"He's my father,"

"He's my son." They chorused simultaneously.

Chapter 6

Rowan

I hadn't seen him in a long time, nine years precisely. Our relationship turned sour the day his mother died. He was only ten, but I could remember how he looked at me the evening I informed him about his mother's death.

It was as though he'd seen it for himself and didn't want to believe my side of the story, and when he turned eighteen, he moved out of the house. He cut me off completely, didn't return my calls or even use the money I put away in his trust fund even though he was old enough to use it.

Seeing him again brought back an ache I'd managed to ignore after so many years, and as if that wasn't enough, he was friends with the only girl that only her presence ignited a thousand sparks in my heart.

"I need to leave," he picked up his bag.

Not wanting him to leave so hurriedly, I stepped in front of him. "Reid, it's been five years now. Aren't you happy to see me? You haven't been here before, why don't you sit with your friend while I make you guys lunch? You must be starving,"

"Yeah, you should, Reid. Rowan is a very good cook," she injected which I was grateful for even though it was obvious she had a lot of questions.

"Don't worry about me, Lola. I have an appointment to catch up with in the next thirty minutes. I'll call you," he replied Lola, completely airing me.

He was already at the door before I could further convince him.

I crashed onto the sofa, my palms clasped together while I fought the tears that threatened to pour down my cheeks.

"What was that about? Reid is your son?" she probed.

"Apparently," I replied quietly.

A dry chuckle exited her lips. "I'd have said that this was the biggest joke of the century, but it's not," she sat beside me. "I know that this is a family issue, but why does Reid hate you? He's the sweetest person I know, but the version of him I saw right now scares me. What went wrong?"

"Like you said, it's a family matter that will take care of itself. You should go and freshen up. I'll make us lunch," I deflected.

She sighed loudly. "Why do you like to run away from challenges? You didn't seem that way when you saved me from that loser at the club,"

"Stop it, Lola! Why can't you understand that I don't feel like talking to you or being with you? Why do you keep pushing? Are you so hungry for love that you've lost your dignity?" I barked at her, but instantly regretted it when her face turned gloomy.

Tremors rolled out of her body, her breath shaky and then ragged. She lowered her lashes whilst slowly unfolding into a standing position.

"I'm so sorry for being unable to mind my business. You won't have to be bothered by my presence again," her voice croaked.

"Lola, I'm sorry. I..."

She dashed off to her room before I could properly apologize to her. I should have ran after her but for some reason, my feet stayed glued to the floor. I was elated that she was concerned about me, but my principles couldn't allow me to act on my feelings.

From the first time I met her in the club, something shifted within me. There was this overpowering urge to possess her, consume everything about her, but she was drunk that night and that fact prevailed when logic failed me.

Controlling myself that night seemed harder than building my business empire, but she made it easier for me when she slept off. Then fate brought us together again in the most cruel way possible, and ever since, I was at a loss of what to do whenever I came into the same space with her.

The words I said to her were horrible, but I didn't mean them. Reid's coming had me rattled and like she said, I was used to running away from my problems. However, if I wanted to let my intrusive thoughts win, I'd have kissed her which would have escalated into what we'd regret.

Feeling ashamed of myself, I willed my body into the kitchen, lining my pots and ingredients on the counter. Cooking was one thing that came easily to me whenever I felt upset, and from what I noticed recently, she liked my food.

I decided to prepare grilled cheeseburger with fries and went straight to work. While stirring the fries, I wondered what she would be doing. She'd stormed out of the living room, her eyes heavy with tears. My heart ached with guilt knowing that two people were hurt by my actions.

The cheeseburger and fries were ready some minutes later so I plated her meal and took it to her.

My fist met with the wooden frame of the door in one gentle knock. "Lola, I made lunch. Come have it," I urged her.

She didn't respond which further increased my anxiety.

I knocked again, this time with a greater intensity and purpose. Even though she was hurt, I couldn't let her starve all day.

"Lola," I called with more resolve. "I'm not leaving this place until you answer me,"

The door creaked open, her head poking through the door. She snatched the plate from me and before I could say anything, she slammed the door shut. I felt a bit disappointed but couldn't argue because I deserved whatever silent treatment I got.

My phone rang, Lyra's name appearing on the screen. With reluctance, I swiped to the right and clicked on the loudspeaker button.

"Hi, baby," she said enthusiastically.

"Good afternoon," I greeted casually and returned to the living room.

"You didn't come to the office today again. Why?" she inquired.

I shrugged. "Because I'm the boss and I can work from home. Is anything the matter?"

"No, I just wanted to check on you, besides, I miss you,"

I did a mental eyeroll. "We fucked yesterday, besides, Lola isn't feeling too well. I can't leave the house right now,"

Her sigh was loud, a bit dissatisfied. "Well, I can come over if you can't come to mine,"

"No!" I said a bit too quickly. "Don't forget our agreement, Lyra. We can only meet twice a week. We can't exceed that,"

"I know, I'm just a bit addicted to your cock. Don't forget to step into the office tomorrow. We have a meeting with Mr Michael before 12," she reminded me.

"Okay. Have a nice day," I ended the call before she could say anything else.

~~~~

Evening came by quickly with another meal in hand for Lola. Just like she did in the afternoon, she ignored my attempts to reach out to her so I entered her room. It was empty, her floral scent lingering on. I dropped the plate of lasagna and grilled chicken on her study table and went in search of her.

I took a cursory stroll around the house, wandering from the patio to the little garden until I heard flaps of water from the pool with a crop of red hair floating on the surface.

With my curiosity piqued, I drew closer. "Lola,"

Her head swivelled upward quickly as she glanced at me. She swam to the edge of the pool, climbing out gracefully.

My gaze trailed from her face to every inch of her slender body that was barely covered by the black and white polka dot bikini she wore. I took it all in; the way the straps of the thong sat on her wide hips, disappearing into the crack between her ass.

Her breasts were merely hidden by the scanty fabric of her bra. I wanted to lay my face between her cleavage all night while making her scream with pleasure, but my desires seemed far from reach.

She picked up her towel and dabbed her body with it while my eyes continued to ravage her. I dug my hands into my pockets, suppressing the urge to have her close to me. My lower member couldn't stop growing hard at the gorgeous sight of her.

"Why are you here, Rowan? Shouldn't you be resting inside?" she asked nonchalantly.

"No, I couldn't rest. I have been looking for you." I admitted.