Hot & Cold.

{POV: Jess} -------

Sitting idly across Erin at the table, who's currently immersed in work on her laptop. I just couldn't figure her out recently.

She's hot and cold all the time. She doesn't talk to me for the whole day, avoiding me with every chance she gets. Then wants to sleep in my arms when night comes.

I asked her what's wrong and she brushed it off saying she's busy or has some drafts to finalise for a potentiel business associate.

I can tell she's avoiding whatever she's feeling. It won't be long until she cracks under the pressure she's putting on herself trying to avoid talking about this.

Before Erin and I met I thoroughly studied her.

No I wasn't stalking her...

Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night.

I'm serious.. I wasn't stalking her, I just had a great interest and I pursued it discreetly until I was ready to confront my interest as more than fascination.

Hmm... seems stalkery to me.

Shut up, you're distracting me from my point.

Which is what exactly?

I'm just going to ignore you.

You can't, dummy..

"*sigh* I can't believe I'm arguing with my idiot self." I murmured to exasperated.

"Why would you be doing that?" Erin took her eyes off her laptop and questioned me with a raised eyebrow.

"No reason.."

"Alright then." She went back to typing away on the keyboard, occasionally glancing at an open folder next to her checking it's contents.

Sighing softly I held my head in my palm under my chin. I watched her focused on the screen infront of her.

Erin looked up from her screen to lock her green-storm grey eyes with mine. I was hoping she'll start a conversation but..

Her phone ran and she immediately picked it up when she saw the caller ID... Sebastian, that prick.

Watching her talking on the phone, she looked irritated and a frown formed on her face, she sighed in defeat and agreed to whatever Sebastian said to her.

"Who's up for shopping?" She looked at me with fake enthusiasm.

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Erin drove down into the underground parking lot of the nearest mall. Exiting the car, we headed for the elevator.

She's dressed in black skinny jeans and a white fitted button up shirt with the top two buttons left open. Her black hair slightly curled falling lusciously upon her shoulders.

You get my point, she looks gorgeous. So why do we need to go shopping?

Ask her yourself, duh.

Whatever, just shush.

"Uhm, Erin?"

She walked into the elevator and pressed the up button, then looked at me waiting for me to continue.

"Why are we going shopping?" I asked unsure.

"I need a dress for the upcoming event at work, you're coming with as my plus one." She looked away as she said the last part a little nervously.

I replied with an 'oh' and we spotted a boutique soon after walking a while.

Immediately Erin asked for one formal dress and whatever the shop assistant recommend for me.

After browsing the lady whose nametag read 'Sasha' can back with a few dresses for Erin to try on and a suit combo for me.

Why lady?! I hate blazers! Don't make me Erin please, I don't want to wear it.

I internally shouted at them but kept my face calm to not cause a scene for acting like a spoiled kid.

Erin ignored my pouting face and went into one of the change rooms. I waited for her to finish so I could try my selections on.

Walking out in a sleeveless dark blue gown that hugged her body perfectly, it had a long lacey 'V' down her front exposing just enough to still be modest. It reached down til just below her ankles, enough for it not to drag on the floor. Wearing black high heels made her a little taller, but still shy of my height.

"Wow." Those were the only words I could manage as Erin checked the dress for any needed adjustments.

"Wow indeed." I looked to my left to see the shop assistant Sasha openly checking Erin out.

I cleared my throat snapping her out of her gawking. She looked apologetically at me and I just glared at her.

"She's mine." I whispered only for her to hear. Sasha took two steps back and nodded frantically without a word.

I smiled triumphantly and turned to Erin, who was glaring hard at me.

Uh oh, she must've seen that... hehehe.

"Would you like to share what you said?" Erin posed it as a question but I knew she was making a demand.

"Uh, no not really... I'd rather just try on the outfit." I could not repeat what I said to her, she'd go crazy.

She just glared at me for a few seconds then went to look at my outfit. Inspecting it carefully she shook her head.

I questioned her as to why. She said we had to match since I was her plus one and there were important people attending the event.

After hunting the store I came out dressed in black slacks with a navy blue design on each of the sides, a formal white shirt, a dark blue blazer lined with black embroidery at the hem.

Although I disliked blazers, this one wasn't bad. I looked at Erin for her approval on the clothing. She nodded an approval. We paid for the clothing and left.

Erin abruptly stopped while we were walking back. I held the bags and looked at her in question.

"Food, I'm starving." She rushed to a nearby restaurant leaving me to follow her. I guess we are having dinner here then.

-------

"So what's this event thingy about?" I asked Erin who was strumming her guiter lazily, she does it to relax when she's stressed.

See, I told you she'd crack soon.

"Its a semi formal event where multiple big businesses such as Shaw Industries gather and 'mingle', but its more of something businessmen organise to make connections with high ranking officials in other businesses. I have to attend because I am the CEO of the 2nd best company in our sector."

She answered me in a bored manner, as if she'd rather not attend, which I understand why.

We spent the next few hours talking about her work and other things until she dozed off on the couch with her guitar seated next to her.

Preparing myself to carry her to bed I was interrupted by a knock on the door.

On the other side of the door stood Natasha, who obviously didn't look happy to see me.

"She's asleep, I suggest coming back another time." I told her start off the bat, standing my ground.

She ignored me and stepped into the kitchen, pouring two glasses of wine. I looked at her and the door, she shrugged.

"What do you want?" I tried to ask her nicely, but I couldn't, I was tired and wanted to sleep but she's interrupting that.

"I suggest you leave, before you cause more harm to Erin." She took a sip of the scarlet coloured liquid. At least she's not throwing punches at me.

"No, I promised her that I'd never leave her again, and I'm keeping that promise." I took the other glass of wine and drank a bit before looking at her.

"She was fine without you coming back and messing her up again, so you're going to leave, I'll make you if I have to." She stood firm behind the counter.

"Even if it's against Erin's wishes?" I gave her a side glance.

"Yes, it's for her own good, you're bad for her." Natasha's voice got higher with anger laced on her words.

"You'd be willing to hurt her just to get rid of me?"

"Yes." Natasha's voice held no hesitation. I raised my eyebrow at her.

"That's pretty cruel to do that to your best friend, Natasha"

"So was leaving her to die, Jess."

My heart squeezed at what she said. I can push it to the back of my mind. I can blame it on K. I can make countless excuses, but I know that its my fault, all of it.

"I'm not leaving her, not this time. You'll have to eliminate me first before I break my promise."

I gulped down the wine and set down the glass. I walked over to the door and gestured for her to go.

"Its getting late, you should go."

She stopped in the doorway before saying.

"You're the reason your parents died too y'know."

Closing the door I repeated what she said in my head.

How does she know about my parents? Do I know her from the Organisation? No way, I knew everyone there. But... whatever I need sleep.

I left Erin in her bed and after trying to escape she woke up only to drag me back to her bedroom.

She slept peacefully in my arms. I smiled at how cute she looked. I kissed her forehead and closed my eyes.

Nothing....

I guess no sleep for me tonight, thanks a lot Natasha....

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End chapter Twelve