Chapter 90: Cannot Do
While Francis was showering, Jennifer listened to the muffled sound of running water from the bathroom, feeling irritated. They'd barely spoken at tonight's party, yet Francis could act like nothing happened and come home ready to jump her. Weren't he and Aurora rekindling their old flame? Why didn't he just spend the night at Aurora's place? Was it because he respected Aurora too much and didn't want to seem too eager, so he held back and came home to her instead? The thought made Jennifer feel a bit sick.
Soon, Francis came back from his shower. Jennifer was leaning against the headboard, absentmindedly flipping through a magazine. He sat on the edge of the bed, pulled the magazine from her hands, gripped her shoulders, and kissed her deeply. Water was still dripping from his hair, the cold droplets soaking the front of her clothes and making her shiver slightly. The familiar scent of his body wash gave her a sense of security. He was a good kisser and knew all her sensitive spots. Soon Jennifer's breathing grew heavier, and she began responding to him passionately.
Francis panted as he untied the sash at her waist and peeled off her outer robe. She was wearing a silk pajama set today—a light purple slip dress underneath with decorative lace cutouts at the chest. Her nipples had already hardened beneath the lace, looking especially cute. Francis played with and licked them through the thin fabric, making Jennifer let out sweet moans. Her skin was smooth, feeling even better than silk, seeming to draw Francis's hands in and make him reluctant to let go. He teased Jennifer until her whole body flushed red and she trembled, begging for mercy, while one hand slipped under the covers toward her thigh.
Just as he hooked the edge of her underwear, Jennifer suddenly grabbed his hand. "No, not there."
Francis lightly pecked her flushed lips, his voice husky as he asked, "You're clearly turned on too, why not?" His hand didn't stop, continuing to caress her inner thigh.
But Jennifer was firm this time. She pressed down on his hand with extra force, her legs tightly closed, her voice trembling as she said, "I got my period, so we really can't." She'd only discovered when she got home that her period had come early, which was partly why her emotions had been all over the place today—the hormones were affecting her, and her physical discomfort wasn't entirely an excuse.
"What did you say?" Francis didn't quite believe her, but his movements stopped.
Jennifer repeated herself. "I got my period. I'm bleeding. Do you understand?"
Francis stared into her eyes, as if trying to tell whether this was an excuse. He got up somewhat irritably and wiped his face. If it was true, they naturally couldn't continue. But his desire had already been aroused, so he suddenly threw back the covers and grabbed her dress, pushing it up. Jennifer was startled by his action and struggled in panic. "Francis, are you crazy?"
Francis pinned her down and growled, "Stop moving!" He pulled aside her underwear and saw the faint traces of blood. It was true. His movements froze.
Jennifer pushed his hand away and covered herself with her dress, her face red with anger. "Francis, you pervert!"
Francis knelt on the bed, looking down at her. "If you got your period, why didn't you say so earlier?"
Jennifer turned her head away huffily. "I forgot. How was I supposed to know you'd suddenly get horny?" He was actually blaming her! Though she had indeed deliberately let him tease her, only telling him at the last moment that they couldn't do it. But if he hadn't come home ready to jump her, she wouldn't have had this chance to get back at him.
Francis hooked her chin, saying through gritted teeth, "You're my woman. If I don't get horny for you, who should I get horny for?" His desire had no outlet, and it was uncomfortable holding back.
"Well, I can't today anyway, and I can't for the next few days either." Jennifer's tone was a bit smug. He'd made her miserable all evening, so she was going to keep him from sleeping well, too.
"You're ruthless." Francis snorted coldly, went to the bathroom for a cold shower, then slept in the study that night. He'd never been able to control himself around Jennifer's body. Having finally suppressed his desire, he was afraid sleeping with Jennifer would arouse him again.
Jennifer lay alone in bed, listening to him shower, then listening to him open the door and go into the study. She tossed and turned for a long time before falling asleep. Her mind wandered through many thoughts. When they'd first gotten together, Francis had said once he got tired of her, he'd naturally let her go. Maybe now was the time to end this unhealthy relationship. With Aurora back, he'd surely lose interest in Jennifer soon. Rather than wait for his patience to run out, it would be better for Jennifer to bring it up herself—at least she could exit with some dignity. Jennifer decided to talk to Francis about this the next day.
But Francis didn't come home the next day. When she called to ask, Casey answered. He said Francis was on a business trip and wouldn't be back for three to five days. Jennifer felt relieved. That was fine—she'd talk to him when he got back.
During those days, Francis didn't contact her, and Jennifer didn't contact him either. She was busy with the studio renovation. Ever since she'd lost her temper at the construction site that time, the workers treated her much more respectfully and no longer ignored her opinions. Sandra even privately praised her, saying she seemed easygoing but could be tough when needed. Jennifer laughed awkwardly. "Sandra, you've invested most of your savings in this studio, too. Even if not for myself, I can't let you lose money. Thinking about that, those words just came out naturally."
Sandra praised her a bit more, then mentioned that a friend had a batch of gemstones for sale and asked if Jennifer wanted to buy them. Jennifer was discussing it with her when Mia called. She walked aside to take the call.
Mia's voice was a bit hoarse, and she asked urgently, "Jennifer, have you seen the latest entertainment news? Why did Francis go to Solaris without you and take Aurora instead? Everyone's been saying Francis and Aurora have rekindled their romance. What are you going to do if they get back together?" She'd once thought Francis would be Jennifer's future, but who knew he wouldn't even keep up the act as long as Eugene had!
Jennifer frowned slightly, but her tone was casual. "I haven't seen it, but it doesn't matter. He and I were only ever a temporary thing anyway. He can be with whoever he wants. It's better he didn't take me—I'm busy with the shop anyway."
Mia couldn't help laughing. "Jennifer, you really do have the attitude of a career woman now. Since you're so calm about relationships, I won't say more."
After hanging up, Jennifer was a bit lost in thought. She wasn't completely indifferent—the tough talk was just to keep herself from looking pathetic. Going to Solaris together—had they planned that?