Loved

Hunter’s p. o. v.

———————

” Good morning Mr Hunter” Cheryn was the first to acknowledge my presence as I walked into the kitchen.

” Morning Hunter” next was Edward, he greeted as he side steps me to leave.

I nodded to the both and carefully took my steps into the area.

But they weren’t the only ones here.

Iris and her kid were seated at the opposite side of the counter. And Iris made no efforts to even try looking in my direction.

Thank goodness she’s given up.

I took my stand on the other end of the table piece, across from the family duo and opened up a plate kept aside for me.

As soon as I sat, Iris rushed up to grab something from the refrigerator.

My eyes stealthily following her movements as she stood and walked.

She was dressed in a figure hugging suit pants and a button up sleeved shirt.

Her derriere swaying slowly and I cursed myself for actually finding it fascinating.

Hmmm.. I’ve actually always found every females figure fascinating.

I was busy watching her that I never noticed someone was calling me till a bottle cork hit me on the chest.

“Pshhht” the little voice called for me and I take it that she doesn’t want her Mom to see.

I lifted a brow to show her that she has my attention.

” Good morning”she said in a very hushed manner that will almost be compared to only mouthing the words.

At least the kid didn’t pick respect from her mother.

I winked at her with a smile on my face and she giggled.

Our interaction ended as soon as her mom returned with a juice box.

She gave the both of us odd looks, clearly suspecting something but I just picked at my pancakes not looking up anymore.

I was actually glad for the little distraction but once it was over my mind wandered once more.

Ever since last night, I’ve been thinking of a way to connect with soldo to get an extension on the deadline he’s given.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

I never told Chance of the deadline cause he’d secretly go and involve the police but I’m sure I’d be dead before they can do a thing.

Soldo had sent a letter, but it gave away nothing. Not even a vast location of where he is. I’d just wake up and see a message on my doorstep.

And I know it isn’t him who’s delivering them. He’s got spies. Which means I’m basically being watched closer than I think.

After a fucking twelve years.

Yeah, I started drugs early. Probably around nine or ten years. Back then it felt good.

God, remembering those days make me cringe.

I glanced round for a glass of water to ease the burning sensation in my chest when I caught Iris staring at me.

Not the admiration kind of stare, rather the questioning type. The kind that looks like she’s trying to read your soul.

Even after she knew I caught her staring she doesn’t turn away. She keeps on scrutinizing my every bit.

Iris was never one to try threading my path, she always preferred being classified with anything that doesn’t involve me.

Now I’m giving her the space she all so wanted and it looks like she’s pissed off. Like I’m still the bad guy for giving her what she wants.

Her space. I gave her.

Mason. Same

Respect and individual decisions. I still gave.

So she should stop making me feel like a fucking predator.

I lifted a brow at her cause she was still studying me. And her response didn’t come quickly.

It took her at least ten seconds to break the eye contact.

Now it was my turn to scrutinize.

” Louie let’s go” she cooed to her kid as she helped her down from the stool.

After adjusting the girl’s uniform and strapping on her backpack, she took Louisa’s hand in hers and started her leave.

But turned back just at the door to say ” Good morning Mr McConnell”

She didn’t wait for a reply as she walked out.

I only watched her leave. As usual, I have no interest in replying her greetings.

I was still staring when someone cleared their throat to bring me back.

Cheryn was still here.

I laughed at the momentary display and Cheryn actually joined me too.

Iris is truly an enigma.

————————————

Iris p. o. v.

” Why would you call me here?” Mason asked as he approached where I was standing.

We were at the beach, I had thought over Mrs Phoebe’s advice and I needed to talk to him.

The beach was the first place he took me to when we hung out. No music, no flowers.

Just the two of us standing by the shore, holding hands and getting to know more about each other.

And I think that was the day I accepted him into my life without him even asking me to date him.

I had never been so willing to let anyone into my life but him. He was so plain and free hearted. His spirit was just so warm and lively that it cuddled up my own soul.

I came to the beach a few hours ago after Louisa was back from school, to ensure I could entrust her in Claudette’s care before leaving.

No.. I’m not like all those cliche. series where they come down to the water side to think cause the sound of waves and ocean breezecalms their mind.

I only came here cause this is the most private place I believe I could stay on my own without being disturbed.

I only wanted to breathe an air that isn’t full of drama. The actual fresh air and I did.

After staying here for three hours and enjoying a cone of ice cream with crackers later on, I called Mason to come join me.

I’m pretty sure the time should be around a few minutes to ten at night but let me surprise you. I wasn’t alone.

The beach had a few couples, possibly only four but at least I wasn’t alone.

I called Mason not more than eight minutes ago and he’s already here.

” Hey” I looked up at him and tapped the sand beside me so he could join me sitting.

” Uhmm.. okay” he said confusedly and sat.

I chuckled at his behavior before resting my head on his shoulder and watching the waves and tides slap against each other under the moonlight.

” Jules? Are you okay?”

Was I okay?

Honestly, no. Life has got a way to make you feel bad when you want to feel good.

I thought the end of Hunter would be the beginning of my happiness but no, it will be the beginning of my unending sorrow because he means too much to those who mean the world to me.

Especially Louisa.

She may not know he’s her father but I’m sure she will never forgive me if she finds out I rid her of the opportunity to know him.

I’m doing this for everyone. Not only myself.

” Mason?” I called out.

” Yes?”

” You know I care about you right? Like a lot” I intertwined our fingers and used my thumb to trace circles on the back of his thumb.

” Yeah, I do” he sighed.

” So you know that I will never willingly do anything to hurt you”

” Uhun”

” But do you trust me on that?”

” Jules where are you heading with this?”

” Do you trust me?” I lifted my head from his shoulder to look him in his light blue orbs.

He ran his left hand down his face and sighed, before nodding in response to my question.

” Then I think we should really pull apart for Hunter’s sake of the deal”

” What!? I’ve already told him we’re going under radar”

” Mason going under radar won’t help. You’re a stalked personality in the business world, in one way or the other we’ll get caught”

” That’s why you want to end things?”

” I’m not ending anything. It’s just for this deal to pass up and we can be together again”

” You’re letting a business deal come between us?”

” No. I’m making a temporary compromise for a business deal. And I want you to do the same”

” What if I don’t want to?”

” Do you trust me?”

He looked me in the eyes, I could see hurt hidden underneath the confusion and it ached my heart terribly.

” Yes, yes I do”

” Then understand when I say it’s for our own good. We’ll still talk to each other on phone. Anytime you feel like just hit me up”

” Jules-”

” Mason please”

“Arrgh… Fine”

A smile danced on my lips as I wrapped my arms around his neck to pull him down for a kiss.

It was slow and simple, not much movements or exploring.

It was a kiss that easily said.

I’m doing this just for you.