? There you go again...? he murmured against my neck, his breath igniting every nerve in my body. ?Playing the innocent mouse, when really, you're a cunning little fox begging for release. ?
Sophie Cruz, a compassionate and skilled physical the...
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(Theme Song of the Chapter: Bad Things - Mgk, Camila Cabello)
Sophie◆Cruz
THE CHANDELIER'S OVERHEAD casted a soft, golden light across the ballroom, making the entire scene look like something out of a dream. But it was anything but a dream, as Earl's eyes were glued to my cleavage—you'd think I had eyes on my breasts.
I was vexed and couldn't believe that my choices had led me right to this moment. When I accepted Aiden's offer, I thought it would be my escape from Earl, along with the benefit of making more money than I could ever dream of at Vitality Rehab & Wellness. Yet here was the old man, right in front of me.
"What brings you here?" I asked, feigning genuine interest as I fiddled with the strands of my hair tucked behind my ear.
Earl winked before his eyes scanned the gallery, eventually landing on Aiden, who was sipping his drink and conversing with a man several feet away.
"I could ask you the same thing. You came here with Mr. Accardi? How do you know him?" he asked, a hint of jealousy lacing his voice.
"He is my client," I said slowly, mentally kicking myself for how ridiculous that sounded.
I had always preached to Earl about boundaries, and here I was, allowing Aiden to entangle me in whatever this was.
Earl gave me a look, subtle scorn in his eyes. "I thought you didn't go on dates with clients."
I swallowed before shooting him a playful smile. "Just not the married ones."
Earl erupted in heavy laughter, and I watched him nervously. He tilted his head back, his laughs becoming snorts, and I found myself wanting to flee right then and there.
My body froze as his hand suddenly reached out and touched my shoulder, massaging it with his fingers. I looked at him, not even attempting to hide the sheer horror on my face. I turned to where I had last seen Aiden, only to find he was nowhere to be found.
Where the hell did he go?
"You are too cute," Earl said. "You're lucky I love the chase."
"How long are you planning to stick around? I heard there is an afterparty." I lied.
Did Galas even have after parties?
Earl furrowed his brows before humming to himself. "Really? Well that's too bad. I actually have to leave very soon. I have an early flight." He explained.
"Oh?" I muttered in both relief and curiosity. "Where to?"
"Calabria, Italy. You know for business and a bit of gettaway. Just for a couple days to really get to enjoy the italian countryside."
I nodded to myself growing more bored in the conversation. "Well, I hope you have a safe flight." I granted him a forced smile.
He licks his lips taking me in once more. "It will be the longest 4 days..." He mumbled, almost to himself.
