Chapter 16 Complicated Feelings
BELLA
I stared at him, my heart heavy with disbelief. Why would he want to announce our marriage? I’d wanted it to stay a secret, to keep it hidden from everyone. It was better that way dating David, of all people, came with complications. This was exactly the kind of stunt he’d pull.
“Fine, I’ll come with you,” I muttered, my voice laced with irritation. Without waiting for his response, I spun on my heel and headed to my room, slamming the door behind me. My hands were trembling as I tossed clothes into a bag, each movement rough and frustrated.
In the car, I stared out the window, my mind racing, already planning how I’d slip away as soon as David left me at the camp. But suddenly, the car slowed, and I noticed David signaling the driver to stop. Confused, I glanced at him as the car came to a halt.
“You can get out,” he said, his voice calm, too calm.
My brows knitted together. “But… I’ll have to walk an hour to get there,” I protested, the disbelief thick in my voice.
He just shrugged, the faintest hint of a smirk on his face. “You didn’t want anyone to know we were together, right? So get out and walk.”
I felt the heat rise in my cheeks, anger bubbling under my skin. Without another word, I threw open the door, stepping out and slamming it shut with all the strength I had. I barely glanced back as the car pulled away, leaving me standing alone on the dusty road. My chest was tight, rage searing through me. I hated him.
DAVID
She wanted distance? Fine. I watched her slam the car door, her anger sharp in the way she moved. Did she expect me to beg her to stay? No, that wasn’t Bella. She’d never back down.
When I reached the camp, I settled in, observing as my employees mingled and enjoyed the day. But even as time passed, my gaze kept drifting toward the road. Then, finally, she appeared, walking with a friend, her laughter floating across the distance as she shot me a bold middle finger. I couldn’t help the smirk tugging at my lips this woman had fire.
But then, my gaze landed on a man standing too close to her, his eyes lingering on her face. Instantly, my amusement vanished. I signaled for my assistant, never taking my eyes off them.
“Who’s that?” I asked, nodding toward the man next to Bella.
“That’s James, one of your top employees. He… seems to have a thing for her,” my assistant replied cautiously.
I felt my jaw clench. And just then, I saw James reach out, brushing a strand of her hair aside with a look that was far too familiar. A cold surge of anger tightened in my chest. Who does he think he is?
“Gather everyone,” I ordered, voice low. My gaze never wavered as James laughed at something Bella said, his posture casual, completely unaware of the line he was crossing.
When everyone was gathered, I felt a sense of satisfaction seeing Bella’s gaze flicker nervously toward me. My eyes narrowed as I addressed the group.
“Welcome, everyone. This weekend, I want you all to have a good time, get inspired. By the end, I’ll split you into teams one will work on a billionaire romance, the other, a mafia romance. The winning script will be turned into a movie.” My gaze didn’t leave her, my words laced with a warning only she would understand.
“James,” I said, my tone sharper, turning the crowd’s attention toward him. “Did you catch all of that?”
His eyes darted to mine, his posture stiffening. “Yes, sir.”
I let the silence hang, his nervousness satisfying in a way I hadn’t expected.
BELLA
“He’s jealous, you know,” Elowen whispered, nudging me playfully.
I crossed my arms, the irritation still simmering. “Why would he be jealous? He’s the one driving me crazy,” I muttered, casting a sidelong glance in David’s direction.
Elowen smirked. “Well, he was practically shooting daggers at James just now. The way he looked at him… let’s just say, it wasn’t friendly.”
I scoffed, though her words left a small spark of doubt. “He doesn’t even care that I exist,” I mumbled, though the feeling was half-hearted.
“Think what you want, but I’ve seen the way he watches you.” She gave me a pointed look. “And if I were you, I’d keep some distance from James. For your own good.”
Just then, David’s assistant approached, his gaze darting between Elowen and me. “Mr. Copperfield would like to see you,” he said, his voice careful.
I felt a flicker of unease as I glanced toward David. He was watching me, his expression unreadable but intense. I gave Elowen a look as I walked away, trying to ignore her playful wink.
Inside, the door barely closed before David cornered me, his presence all-consuming. “Who is he to you?” His voice was low, dangerous, and he was close too close, the space between us charged.
“Who?” I managed, struggling to sound nonchalant as my pulse raced.
“Don’t play dumb. You know I’m talking about James,” he said, each word pointed, his gaze boring into me.
“He’s a colleague,” I replied, barely managing to keep my voice steady. My defiance faltered as his expression darkened.
“You don’t get to see anyone else.” His tone softened, but the intensity in his eyes only grew. In an instant, his mouth was on mine, his kiss possessive, claiming, leaving me breathless.
He pulled back slightly, his hand tracing my jaw. “You’re mine, Bella. Only mine.”
David’s lips were fierce and demanding, and despite my resolve to resist him, I felt my walls crumble as he held me against the wall. Every nerve in my body buzzed with his touch, making it impossible to pull away. I wanted to hate him I really did but his touch had a way of undoing me.
Just as I felt myself completely lost in the moment, there was a loud knock at the door.
The sound jolted us both, breaking the spell between us. I froze, heart pounding, suddenly aware of the intensity in David’s eyes. His expression shifted, his gaze hardening as if he, too, was snapped back to reality.
"Who’s there?" he called out, his voice taut with irritation.
Silence.
My heart drummed faster as I glanced up at him, searching his face. A flicker of something darker crossed his expression—possessiveness, maybe even jealousy. He didn't release his hold on me, his body pressing closer as he kept his eyes fixed on the door.
Another knock. This time, louder.
I felt a chill down my spine. Whoever was outside wasn’t going away, and I suddenly wondered if my moment with David had come at a cost.
“Stay here,” he murmured, his tone laced with warning. “Don’t open that door. I’ll handle this.”