Obsessed

"I want to drown in the taste of you, Ivy, in the feeling of you."

I feel lightheaded. The scent of him permeates every one of my pores, overwhelming my senses. As much as I know I should push him away and run out the door, I don't move. All my body wants in this moment is his. I close my eyes, hoping to find some balance. I'm greeted with the mental image of him ripping my dress off and taking me on the spot.

"You're...you're...drunk." I manage to stammer out.

An enthusiastic laugh escapes his lips. "I'm not drunk."

"So you're always this direct with women you barely know?" I feel the strength returning to my legs now. I'm certain I can stand my own ground as long as he doesn't push his body closer to mine.

"I'm always this direct with women I want to fuck."

"I...." my voice trails as he runs his tongue over my lower lip.

The doorknob rattles violently. "Ivy, are you in there?"

It startles Jax who pulls back, his hands freeing my wrists.

I stumble forward feeling dizzy and disoriented.

"Ivy? Open the door!"

"I'm here, Liz. Give me a minute." I reach to hold the edge of the sink to steady myself.

Jax stands motionless, his eyes fixed on the doorknob.

"I need to go," I mumble under my breath. I skim my hands over my dress before I open the door slightly, slip out and close it. I don't want Liz to realize I'm not alone.

"You look flush, sugar." Liz brushes her hand across my forehead. "Are you fevered?"

"I'm fine." I start walking down the hallway, determined to move Liz away from the door before Jax emerges. I'm stopped when I almost run right into Brighton.

"Liz? Ivy?" A look of genuine concern washes over his face. "You both disappeared. Is everything alright?"

"I'm fine. We're fine," I say breathlessly.

"She's not fine. She doesn't feel well." Liz continues with a noticeable slur in her speech, "I should take her home."

"No, Liz, that's not necessary," I say, trying to regain my composure. "I can get there myself."

"Nonsense," Brighton interjects. "I'll have a driver take you."

I nod in agreement as I turn around to look at the restroom door. It's still closed.

Chapter 5

"Thank you. I can make it up on my own," I say to the burly driver Brighton assigned to drive me back to my apartment.

"Are you sure, Ma'am?" His face shows concern as he closes the car door behind me. "Mr. Beck said you weren't well and I should see you to the door."

I place my hand on his shoulder, pointing to the front door of my building with the other. "There's the door, we both see it."

He smiles. "Yes, Ma'am."

I watch him get back in the car and drive away. I breathe a sigh of relief. My mind keeps playing the encounter with Jax over and over again. I'm still feeling a lingering breathlessness from his boldness. His brazen words made me feel as though he'd take me against the wall in the locked restroom if Liz hadn't interrupted us. Those thoughts are sprinkled with images of the woman he'd left with the night before. That was a line I didn't want to cross. I absentmindedly press the elevator button for the third floor after exchanging niceties with Oliver.

I'm met with a rush of cool air as I enter my apartment. "The open window," I say out loud. I put my keys on the foyer table as I rush down the hallway to my bedroom to shut the window. I shiver and decide a hot shower will not only warm my body but help clear my mind. The door buzzer interrupts my thoughts of the soothing water washing away the guilt that's pressing on the corners of my conscience.

"Hello?" I ask hesitantly into the intercom.