Chapter 019

**~Michelle~**

I kept tossing on the bed, feeling uncomfortable. The night felt endless. I'd even taken a shower after I'd returned home, something to scrub away the unease prickling under my skin.

I remained in bed, staring at the ceiling, waiting for something—anything. I hated to admit the fact that I'd listened closely, hoping to hear Jaxon's door creak open, but there was nothing. 

Morning wasn’t any better. The silence was still there, thick and heavy. Even as I got ready for work, I wasn’t sure how I’d face the day. 

Yesterday’s events still played like a loop in my head even though I tried pushing it to the back of my mind. Things like that lingered for a long time, even if we didn't want them to.

My thoughts drifted to Jake, and my mood soured even more. It was just three weeks.

Three weeks of tolerating Jake, staying professional, and getting the project done. That’s all I had to do. 

Lucky enough, there wasn't anything creepy and odd, at least there was no note, text or flowers from my stalker. And I hope he loses interest in me and moves on… to his next victim or whatever.

On getting to the office, I felt odd even though everything was in place and everyone moved about like every other day. I took a few steps forward, trying to chase away the feeling, when I saw Jack moving towards me, his movement curt and precise. 

But that wasn't what got my attention, it was the expression on his face. No smile, nothing. Just...blank.

"Michelle," he said, his tone clipped. "Can we talk?" He asked as he got to me. I gave a nod and followed him to a quiet corner with fewer people. My chest tightened with unease. 

“Jack, what's going on?” I asked, not like this version of him, not a little bit. Jack wasn’t one to hide his feelings, and the tension lining his brows told me this wasn’t going to be good.

"Jake’s here," he said, voice low but sharp. I blinked. Already? Hughes got him here that fast? A jab went through my chest and I noticed Jack watching me eager for a reaction.

He and Jake never got along, even when we dated, when Jake and I broke up... It got really worse because Jake had... Well.

"I know," I gestured with my hands and Jack raised a brow. “Hughes, told me we were going to be working together on the new device,” I said softly, as Jack's eyes widened in disbelief.

“What? You would be working with Jake... Together? Why don't I know about this?” he pinned me with a look that felt very much like betrayal.

I pinched the bridge of my nose as I shook my head.

“Because of this exact same reason, Jack. I don't want you doing anything unwarranted or, better still, skip coming to work,” I muttered, and he shook his head.

“Unwarranted? The fuck it is unwarranted. Whatever Jake gets, he had it coming.” he let out a loose breath and stared at me. “He broke you, Mich, stole your designs, and now he's back?”

I know right, it's ridiculous but... Hughes. It was the reminder I needed to start looking for other companies to work for. Because, of course, I can't keep doing this.

"Don't tell me, you will both get back together,” he asked, and I stared at him like he'd lost his mind.

“For God's sake, no. This is just professional okay, there's nothing attached and I won't let him get to me for the second time,” I said, my mind wandered to the text he'd sent me a few days ago.

Jack remained silent for a while, before running his hand through his hair.

“Promise you will let me know if he disturbs you,” he said, his voice firm. I nodded. I liked the protective part of Jack, but it could get dangerous when indulged.

"Promise,” I muttered, and he stared at me for a second, before mumbling something under his breath and walking away.

I stayed rooted to the spot, staring after Jack. Well, the man could be stubborn. I finally turned to leave, when I nearly collided with someone.

*Jake*.

Our eyes met and his lighted up, as he brushed a hand down his front. He looked as fake as he'd always looked. With a crooked nose that I'd once found perfect and eyes that were light blue.

Thinking about it now, I think my preference has changed.

"Morning," he said, his smile as fake as the gel holding his hair in place.

"Jake," I muttered, my tone flat. I wasn't going to indulge him and act like we were okay. He embarrassed, mocked and disgraced me.

His smile fell, and he instantly looked sober, staring at me with those eyes I'd once loved.

“Michelle, I —”

"What do you want?" I asked, stepping around him.

“I just want to talk, I mean...” he started, and I stared at him down the length of my nose, even though we were almost at the same height.

“And that's one thing I don't have the time for,” I took a step forward. “We're both here to work, not talk. Stick to that,” I said, brushing past him. A thought occurred to me, and I glanced at him from over my shoulder.

"And yeah, I'll need your sketch by noon,” with that I was already sauntering off. I could feel his eyes boring into my back.

Well, it was going to be a long three weeks.