Chapter 12 – Ben

I had four conference calls, three meetings, signed two deals and fucked one intern on my office desk, and Jessica was still the only thing on my mind.

I had stopped getting excited about just talking and flirting with a woman at the age of seventeen when I learned what seduction and fucking were all about, but for the first time in over two decades, it did it for me. Getting to know Jessica, flirting with her on my living room floor and getting caught up in her beauty and innocence had aroused me more than Vanessa’s pussy and I wanted more.

Desperate to see her again, I rescheduled a business dinner with my new CFO and headed home. For some reason I can’t fathom, I stopped at a local pizza place and ordered two large pies to go. Maybe she would have to study again, and I wanted to be ready to keep her company the right way.

As I parked my car, I realized that both Pam’s and Jessica’s cars were parked in our garage and felt my excitement dwindle a bit at the thought of having to share my night with my wife as well. Since there was nothing I could do about it, I checked myself in the mirror, and after assuring that my hair was perfect and my tie was straight, I grabbed the pizzas and stepped out of my car.

Loud, annoying yelling was the first thing I noticed when I walked through the front door. Living alone for most of my life, my existence was a peaceful one and, most of the time, the only sound that ever echoed in my home was music playing in the background. I liked it that way and, for that reason, an instant frown formed between my eyes as I followed the sound all the way to my kitchen.

The closer I got, the louder and clearer their angry words became. Then, once I was almost at the end of the hallway, Pam barked something that made me stop walking.

“I thought that phase of your life was over, Jessica. That boy isn’t good for you, and you know it.”

My nostrils flared with an anger I could barely control. Rationally, I knew I had absolutely no right to feel the way I did, but I didn’t really care. I wanted Jessica more than I had wanted anyone in a long time and though I couldn’t have her, that desire still made her mine.

A groan echoed towards me, and Jessica’s voice followed. “Oh, my god, mom. Can you just not meddle? It’s my life, and I’m an adult. Those two things assure that I can do and see whoever I want, whenever I want.”

Even more peeved by those words, I forced my feet to move again just as Pam started arguing that despite Jessica’s adulthood, her decision to go out for dinner and drinks with her ex was childish and stupid. In total agreement with my wife, I filled my lungs, straightened my back, and wore my commanding, powerful CEO expression as I made my way into the kitchen.

“What the fucking hell is this godawful screaming in my house?” I demanded, making it crystal clear how annoyed I was.

At my presence, both mother and daughter turned to look at me. Instantly, my eyes zoomed into Jessica who was wearing a pair of dark wash jeans that hugged her curvy hips and toned legs in ways that should be illegal. Her juicy cleavage was on full display thanks to the plunging neckline of her white boho top, and her face had a light coating of makeup that highlighted her natural beauty. It was without a doubt a date-worthy look, and I hated to see her dressed up like that for another man.

She pulled in a deep breath when our gazes met. The angry intensity in my eyes made Jessica visibly flinch under my stare, and the corners of my lips tugged upward just a little bit at her reaction. Her mouth opened as if she was getting ready to say something, but before any words came out, I turned my attention to Pam.

Unlike her daughter, Pam was clean faced, wearing lounging clothes and with an angry fire in her eyes that almost matched mine. With her hands on her hips, she said, “I’m sorry about the yelling, Ben. I didn’t realize we were so loud, but my daughter is being impossible, and I got carried away.”

Jessica groaned at her mother’s words, but I just ignored her as I placed the pizzas over the counter and waved a hand at my wife’s apology. “I don’t want apologies, I want to know what’s happening.”

“My ex-boyfriend is in town and invited me out for drinks and something to eat,” Jessica blurted out before her mother could say anything. I turned my eyes to her once more and received a challenging glance as she continued, “I said yes—not that it concerns either of you since I’m a freaking adult.”

I clenched my teeth and pulled a long and deep breath to calm the need I suddenly felt to spank her. The idea of my hand slapping her naked round ass was arousing, but not enough to completely subside the anger I felt at that moment.

“You may be an adult, but what you do is absolutely our concern,” I explained in a calm and purposely condescending voice. “You’re Pam’s daughter, living under my roof and I’m the one paying for your education. For those reasons, you need to respect your mother, the house’s rules and honor the investment I’m making in your future.”

A spark of outraged fire glowed in Jessica’s eyes at my words, but I didn’t back down or looked away from her. Instead, I stood beside her mother and continued to stare deep into her eyes challenging her anger and stubbornness with my own.

“So, you’re saying that because you’re paying for stuff and my mom doesn’t like Trey, I don’t get to have a life. Is that it?” There was disdain for both her mother and me as she asked the question.

Deep down, I wanted to say that it wasn’t right. That she could have a life as long as it didn’t involve another man meddling with what was mine. But I knew I couldn’t say that, especially in front of Pam, so instead I pulled in a deep breath and prepared myself to give her another good—and acceptable—explanation as to why she couldn’t leave with Trey.

However, before a word came out of my mouth, the doorbell rang. Jessica looked behind me and took a step toward the arch leading into the hallway, but I stepped in front of her.

“We have a butler in this house,” I informed in a cold and firm tone. Then, narrowing my eyes at her, I added, “And you don’t walk out on me.”

Her chest bounced with heavy breaths as our silent staring match continued. With each passing second, my desire to grab her by the neck and kiss her lips grew and, despite Pam’s presence, I almost gave in. Luckily, before I had a chance to do something I would certainly regret, Geoffrey walked in to announce Trey Mulligan.

Finally, Jessica looked away from my eyes and smiled as she walked around me. “Hey, Trey,” she brazenly greeted, and my hands balled up into fists.

I turned around just in time to see Jessica—my Jessica—wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him on the cheek. My blood boiled and my hands closed so tightly my knuckles grew white and cold.

My problem with him wasn’t just the sweet greeting he had gotten from the woman I desired. It wasn’t even the moronic smile on his lips or the fact that he had chosen to wear a t-shirt, jeans, and Chucks to a date. No, my problem was that I simply couldn’t understand what the hell she was doing with him. There was no way a boy like that would ever be good enough or able to satisfy her as well as I could.

“Hi, Ms. Carlisle,” he greeted in a cocky voice.

Pam let out an audible sigh, and when I stole a glance sideways to look at her, her lips were pressed together in the grimmest of smiles. “Hello, Trey. Hope you’re doing well.”

I rolled my eyes at her politeness and interrupted the chit-chat.

“She’s Mrs. Walker now, and I’m her husband, Benjamin Walker,” I said as I walked in his direction and extended a hand. The confident smile slipped right off his lips at my approach, and I reveled in the feeling of superiority his reaction brought me.

The boy cleared his throat and placed his cold palm in mine. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know. Nice to meet you, Sir.”

At least he was properly addressing me. It would have been tough for me to allow him to keep his teeth in his mouth had he called me by my given name. Through the corner of my eyes, I saw the annoyed look Jessica was giving me, and the knowledge that I was affecting her made my lips curl into a smile as I squeezed his hand with all of my strength.

“I wouldn’t say that it’s nice to meet you, but since I have, let me make some things clear,” I started while still squeezing his fingers and received dirty looks from Jessica and Pam who had suddenly materialized beside me. Not fazed by them one bit, I continued, “I’m new at this parenting thing, but Pam and Jessica mean a lot to me. I won’t have anyone mess up their lives or hurt them. Is that clear?”

Trey pulled in a long breath and nodded. At his unsatisfactory reply, I tightened my grip a bit more, and though he visibly winced, he also answered with words. “Yes, sir.”

“Good,” I said finally releasing my hold on him. He covered his right hand with his left and massaged the pain away as I added, “Since it’s a weeknight and Jessica has classes tomorrow, I expect her back here and you gone by ten-thirty.”

“What?” Jessica protested with loathing in her eyes. “You’re not my father, Ben. You can’t give me stupid rules like that.”

I raised a brow and tilted my head. “Of course, I can. My house, my rules.”

Jessica groaned and asked her mother for help, but before Pam could say anything, Trey grabbed her hand and said, “It’s fine, bab—” he cut the pet name short and, after clearing his throat, said “Jess. It’s early. We have plenty time to talk. Let’s just go.”

She gave me another snarky glare, then turned around and vanished down the hall. After wishing Pam and I a good evening, Trey disappeared behind her.

Although I still hated the fact that Jessica was going out with another man, knowing I had Trey’s fear and respect made me relax a bit. I knew that he would think a hundred times before laying a hand on her, which would allow me just enough time to figure out how to make her mine without losing my deal with Pam in the process.

Once I heard the front door close, I let out a long breath and turned to look at my wife. To my surprise, she had her arms crossed, lips pursed and a pissed off arched brow on her face. Knowing for a fact that the expression had something to do with me, I reminded myself why I had stayed unmarried for so long and once more cursed my father for forcing me to take a wife.