Chapter 3

Everything was set.

I brought my boy toy to the café downstairs from James's office, timing it for when he'd get off work.

While I was coaching the handsome boy on his lines, I kept nervously glancing at the door.

If James lost it, he could actually kill someone.

Relax, man. If he really went off, I would be the first one to get knocked out right in front of the handsome boy.

The handsome boy saw my look of utter resignation and turned pale with fear.

Finally, that familiar Rolls-Royce pulled up outside.

I shot the handsome boy a look, grabbed his arm, and rushed out of the café.

"Let go of me. We're never going to happen," I screamed at the top of my lungs.

The handsome boy was totally in character, clinging to my wrist. "Olivia, I can't live without you. He can't make you happy. Come away with me."

That was not bad, but the lines were a little cheesy.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted James stepping out of his Rolls-Royce, giving us that signature icy stare.

Here he came. My heart was about to jump out of my chest, and I struggled harder.

"No. I love him. Leave me alone," I shouted.

In my plan, James should get over here. He would bust us. If he didn't hurry, I was seriously running out of things to say.

James was closing in on us. But instead of the explosive anger I was bracing for, his face was scarily calm.

The calmer he looked, the more freaked out I got.

The handsome boy was clearly unsettled by James's energy. His hand trembled as he held onto me.

James stopped right in front of us. He didn't look at me. His gaze zeroed in on the handsome boy. "Let go."

He just said two words. The handsome boy shuddered in fear and instantly released my wrist.

I quickly moved aside, ready to face judgment.

I believed he was about to call me shameless and kick me out.

But James didn't spare me a glance. He looked at the handsome boy and said, "Do you really want to leave with her?"

The handsome boy looked like he was about to cry. "No, Mr. Sterling, this is all a misunderstanding."

James smirked, but his smile was colder than the winter wind.

He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "Hello, Mr. Lawrence. About your new movie, I don't think the lead actor is suitable."

The handsome boy's face drained of all color in an instant. "Please, Mr. Sterling. I was wrong. I swear. It won't happen again."

James hung up the phone and looked at me. I was so scared, my knees nearly buckled.

Without saying a word, he picked me up bridal style and put me in the car.

The door slammed shut, sealing us off from the outside world.

The tension inside the car was so suffocating that I could barely breathe. I shrank into the corner, not daring to say a word.

Oh god, I was really screwed this time. Was he actually going to toss me in the river and make me disappear?

Suddenly, he leaned in, pinning me down against the seat. "So, is this what you wanted? To see me get jealous over you?"

There was a touch of hurt in his voice, almost hidden.

Seriously? Jealousy? Was that what he was freaking out about?

"Olivia, you don't have to pull stunts like this." He grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him, and then his lips claimed mine, hot, punishing, and possessive.

"If you want me to lose my mind over you, say the word," he said.

I was so dazed from his kiss that my head was a mess. I couldn't think straight.

This man was completely crazy. There was nothing that could save him.

*****

If playing hardball didn't work, I'd have to switch to the sweet act. I decided to make a run for it.

I secretly used a new SIM card to book a flight to a southern island.

When I packed, I only grabbed some cash and a few simple clothes.

I could say goodbye to James, that crazy bastard.

Once I got to the island, I would keep a low profile, pick up some random jobs, and never look back.

To avoid raising any suspicion, I acted all sweet and innocent the night before. I smiled sweetly and played the perfect obedient girlfriend.

He totally fell for it, his eyes practically dripping with tenderness as he looked at me.

He should smile while he could. Tomorrow, he wouldn't be able to grin anymore.