Afraid to Love ep 14-17

Episode 14

“What happened to your lip?”

Oh, the bruise she had while washing him out of her. She’d used make up to hide it till it heals. Was it still visible? No one had questioned her about it, he didn’t this morning, why now?

“Its nothing, just an injury.” she lied. She fought within herself between telling him the truth or not. He cared, to ask about it.

“It isn’t so obvious. But are you sure you are okay? How did you get it? Come, sit.”

She shuffled to the bed and sat beside him, meeting his gaze. “You’re going to be a great journalist.”

“Why is that?”

“You’re a good questionnaire.”

He giggled. “That’s with only those I care about.”

She shook her head. “Come off it. I know you do hate me. Its for your father.”

He ignored her remark.
“Purity, I know you are a good girl. My father convinced me. You are really good. Don’t know why you insulted me back then.”

She beamed. She could see his face. He was staring at her with horror after she had said very embarrassing words to him. He’d hated her since then. And her too.

“You tried taking advantage of me.” she explained quietly.

He was slightly dazed. “Me? I never did! I just, you know,” he shrugged. “There was an ant crawling on your lap. I tried to get it off without letting you know. If I had told you, you’d have shrieked and you know the rest. I considered that a favour for you.”

Her eyes were wide with shock. “I didn’t know you were trying to help me. As you left, the ant stung me.”

Laughing, he said, “You deserved it. I had actually prayed for it to bite you.”

“And it did. I was wearing shorts. And for a boy to touch my laps, I didn’t like it. It was going to lead to something else.”

“How did you know? You were only seven then?”

“Right. My mum always taught me everything early enough. I learn fast.”

“Oh, I see. I’m sorry, would have told you. Your words and actions made me hate you.”

“Same here. My hate is stronger.”

“Do you still hate me?”

“I don’t know. Do you?”

“I don’t anymore. We’ve understood why all that happened.”

“Yeah.” she let out a breath.

He reached for her hand. As he touched them, he felt electric sensations. She snatched her hands immediately. Those sensations reminded him of the first kiss they shared.

“Don’t touch me without my notice, next time!” she snapped.

He grinned at her. “Did you feel it too?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.”

“Liar.”

She rolled her eyes. Folded her arms.

“Purity, I want to take you out.”

“I decided we’ll just see your papa and then I’ll return home.”

“That’s not what we agreed on.”

“I changed my mind!”

“Its not fair. Come on!”

She remained silent. Pursed her lips and kept looking at her feet.

“Are you scared of me?”

He hit the nail on the head. She was actually scared of him, all men except her papa and maybe his. Then, her brothers.
“Oh, why would I be scared of you?”

His eyes were all over her, scanning her. Concern and worry written over it. “Then dine with me. I want to take you out.”

“Nope. Lets go see papa.” she disagreed.

He scanned her more. “You dressed so pretty for me. Why not let me show you off tonight?”

She grinned. “Who gave you the guts to say I dressed for you?”

“You did. Look at you. You just didn’t dress like you’re going to visit a sick man. You’re dressed like you’re going on a date. And you barely dress this way.” he remarked.

“How come you know such about me?”

He had kinda told her what she kept to herself. Just her papa ad mama knew. They must have told both Edwin and Emily. Emily, when she was alive. Edwin had probably told his son.

“Forget about that. Are we going out? That’s what I came here for. Am I not looking cute?” he winked at her.

She was beginning to like him. She nodded.

He grinned with delight. He hauled himself off the bed and attempted to help her. She swatted his hands.

“Ouch! That’s hurts.”

“Serves you right.”

After saying goodbye to her parents, they both strolled out of the mansion. Purity tucked her arms under Jeremy’s. She was too tired to walk. He gracefully assisted her.

When they got to his car, he helped her climb in. As he got in, he didn’t turn the engine on. He just peered at her.

Purity was beginning to feel uncomfortable. She started sweating. She wasn’t used to being stared at the way he was doing now.
“Please stop. Why are we not moving?”

“I have a surprise for you.” he tilted himself to the back seat of the car and pulled something out. He handed it to her.

“What is this?” she took it from him. She didn’t hesitate to unwrap it. When she was done, she couldn’t believe her eyes. He had given her a new phone. Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge! Tears welled up in her eyes. “Thanks.”

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Episode 15

“Did you enjoy the meal?” Jeremy questioned Purity, walking her to his car.

She nodded in affirmation.

They continued the walk in silence.

They were walking side by side.

Purity, on a date with Jeremy. It was actually her first. They didn’t go out as lovers but friends, getting to know each other. She had been very shy while they were eating. She’d never been shy eating with the opposite s-x. Countless number of times, she had talked over meals with different clients, negotiating businesses and offering deals. That’s her only special. But when it came to other things outside the world of business, it was all new to her. She couldn’t look Jeremy in the eye.

She had stolen glances at Jeremy, he ate confidently, talked confidently, even smiled confidently at her. To her, she felt he must have had lots of dates with different women. No wonder he was so good at it. Considering his looks, women would surely drool over him and want him for themselves. She really hadn’t though of women falling does men. It really didn’t exist to her. Why now?

Jeremy had winked at her while watching her sip her glass of wine. She caught him doing so and her heartbeat increased. So many fireworks exploded in it. She simple felt special. The thought of him winking at another lady got her jealous. Purity, you never get jealous.

While she had kept pondering over what she had felt during the meal, she never knew they had gotten to the car; till Jeremy firmly gripped her arm. That feeling came again. She shot him a grave look.

Jeremy read it immediately and released her arm.
“No thank you?”

“For defying my orders?” she retorted.

He looked at her with surprise. “I didn’t know what you were thinking about while we were moving to my car. But I know you’d have walked past it and bumped into that crash can if I hadn’t stopped you.”

I had been thinking about you! She pushed those thoughts aside. “You could have warned me, shouted my name or something.”

He chuckled. “And get you to jump out of your skin? Then you’ll lash me with ugly words? Nope.”

She sighed. “I give up.”

He pushed himself closer. “Purity say thank you. I helped you.”

She made a face. “I don’t usually thank people for the things they do for me. They’re supposed to do it. I’m a princess!”

“Not here!” Jeremy objected. “You are a princess at your home and father’s company.”

She scowled.

“We are not leaving this place till you say ‘thank you’. You should learn to appreciate what others do. And let me correct you. You’re wrong when you say people are supposed to help you. They do it out of kindness and love, you can’t force them. And when they do so, show that you appreciate by saying ‘thank you’. It’ll want them to do more.”

His words made sense. It touched her. She really never appreciated what people did for her. She did in her heart but never showed it. She was a princess and its the duty of others to worship the ground she walked on without thanking them. No one dared to questioned her about it. Just her papa. And now, Jeremy Broderick. Her father was right. He’s the only man that could tame her.
“Aren’t you scared of me?” she enquired.

He smiled. “Why should I?”

She twisted her lips. “Cause everyone else is. Men and women don’t lecture me the way you just did and you insulted me. Calling me ungrateful?”

“Are you grateful?” he didn’t wait for an answer. “Ever since that day you rained curses on me, I had vowed never to be scared of women or let them manipulate my life. You were the first to do that. And hopefully, you’ll remain the last. Now, say, ‘thank you’.” He ordered.

She smiled wryly. “And if I don’t?”

“I’ll make sure you walk home.” he threatened.

She giggled. “Ha! Over my dead body.”

“Try me.”

His face warned her. There was no smile on it. Those hazel eyes were filled with fury. One more wrong then, he’d do something disastrous to her, something terrible. Like he’d done the previous night- kiss her. What was wrong with this man? Why is he trying to teach her manners? Not that she didn’t know them, she did but never practised. She wasn’t giving up without a fight.

“I am Purity Theodore. You know that right? You know who I am? I can ruin you with a snap of my fingers, like this!” she snapped her fingers.

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Episode 16

Jeremy continued glowering at the pretty witch bluffing. He thought they were going to get along. What the hell was wrong with her? He’d asked her to say ‘thank you’ for what he’d done. Instead of doing that, she’s here, bluffing. Saying she can ruin him. She’d forgotten he was a Broderick- mightier and richer than the Theodore’s. His glowering face turned to a mocking laugh.

Why was he laughing? Purity lost her courage at once. Ah, her father’s enterprise needed help, the Broderick’s were willing to help only if she married their son. They were powerful. That was it! She said the wrong thing to the wrong guy. He had won. Stupid me, she cursed herself. Her pride. Her pride.

“Darling, I’m waiting for you to ruin me. Please do.” he winked at her again.

The same thing happened. Her heart simply exploded. Dancing with happiness. She blushed fiercely. “Oh, shut up!” she barked trying to hide her feelings.

In a blink, he grasped her arm and forced her near him. Very close. He held her tightly. Purity tried to make him leave her. She fought and fought till she got to understand that it was pointless. Jeremy was stronger.

She was panting. “Release me at once!” her voice was weak, she was weak too. This man had exhausted her. What sort of devil is he?

Her command made him tighten his hold on her.

She regretted that.

What was she scared of? He smiled evily when he recalled that she had pleaded with him not to kiss her at her office.
“Do you want to walk home, tired?”

“No.” she replied weakly.

He smiled. “Good. Do you want to share another kiss with me?”

Her silver eyes widened with shock. Her heartbeat increasing. She was somewhat excited and shocked. A part of her wanted to say yes, the other part violently resisted the temptation. She had wanted to act with the former but not vigor for that. She found herself resting her head on his chest.
“No, I’ll bruise my lip.” she confessed.

“Then say ‘thank you’.”

“Th-th- Thank you.” The words were strange to her lips. She usually said thank you whenever she felt like. And now she didn’t. She’d lost. Surprisingly, she didn’t feel defeated, she felt good and relieved. Wow. This was strange. She grinned to herself.

Yay! Jeremy had won! For a minute, he had just wanted to push her into the car and zoom off. He had gotten tired of the fight. He tried the very last thing on his mind and it worked. Thank the heavens. He had to admit, he loved her guts, but the bad manners, he hated. He grinned like a champion. “You’re welcome, my lady.” He freed her, using the remote control, he unlocked the doors of the vehicle. He swiftly opened the door of the passenger’s seat. She hauled herself in.
He shut it, jogged to the other side, opened the door and got in. They both fastened their seat belts and soon, were moving.
*
*
*
“What hospital is your dad in?” Purity broke the unending silence. They hadn’t said a word to each other after Jeremy had succeeded in making her thank him. She really didn’t see the need of doing that. She’d just been quiet, looking out the window. The route they were taking was unfamiliar and she wasn’t sure it led to a hospital.

“Was in Saint Maria’s,” he answered without looking at her. He focused on the road ahead.

“I don’t think this road leads there.” She was looking around this time, both back and front and out the window; peering into the road. “Wait a minute, did you just say ‘was’?”

“Yeah. I did. He was discharged this evening. He’s home, that’s where we’re going.” He refused turning his head to face her. He could feel her eyes over him. He was sure he’s receiving deadly stares. He chuckled within him.

“Why didn’t you let me know?” she queried.

“Um… It was, uh, kinda like a surprise?”

She sighed. “Visiting me in my bedroom, getting the latest cell phone for me, taking me out for dinner is enough surprise for a night. Don’t you think so?”

He shook his head. “Its not. One more.”

“Oh, and I forgot to add. The unexpected visit at my office? The scene you put up. You were actually struggling with my secretary? And you told her we’re engaged. D--n it, Jeremy. I’ve got enough surprises already.”

He chuckled silently. “Lets see my papa and it’ll be over.”

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Episode 17

“Okay.” she concurred.

“We’re here,” he announced grinning.

Purity raised her head. The car was in front of a gate. A huge iron gate painted black. It was possible to see through the gate because it was like iron bars separated from one another. She looked from her left to right, they were actually secluded among trees in one of New York’s most exclusive streets.
Jeremy honked the horn of the car. She watched as the gate opened mechanically. She was awed by that. The little house close to the gate should belong to the security guard. He had used a security camera to see Jeremy on the outside then pressed buttons on a remote to open the gate. She’d seen something like that but didn’t know Jeremy had one. He was stinkingly rich. She noticed he wasn’t proud of it. She that had little compared to him was always blabbing about her father’s wealth.

As they drove past the gate, she saw two golden images of arced angels on both sides of the gate. The gate shut the same way it opened. Light shown from their eyes, electric bulbs. The compound was wide and spacious. The mansion stood at the face end of the compound. It was really huge, painted white and blue. It had turrets, a order, balconies, screened-in front porch.

Jeremy drove to the garage. There were already four different cars parked. His vehicle joined them. He died the engine down and opened his door, closed it behind him. He went to the other side, for Purity. He pushed the door open and helped her down. Her stilleto touched the inter locked brick ground making clanking noises as she walked. She fed her eyes once more. The compound smelt of money. She could see a gazebo at a garden, right from the mansion they were heading to. In the middle was a pool. Next to it were waters flying in the air, water falls. A little round pole situated there. It watered the carpet grass in that area and alone gave beauty to the premises. Trees were planted a little farther from the grasses and pool. Their branches danced to the tune of the night’s cool breeze. Electric bulbs around the branches, filling it with exceptional beauty. That night, the moon was full which added to its flourecence. Purity was humbled by what she saw.

As they got to the front door, Jeremy pressed numbers on a key pad hung by the side of the door.

He really didn’t have to use the bell, Purity thought. It was his home. The door steps were decorated with Hibsicus and rose flowers. The scent filled the air, she sniffed in some.

Jeremy watched her while waiting for the door to unlock itself. He smiled. “Do you like what you see?”

She was jolted back to reality. “Um…yeah. I’m impressed. You’ve got a nice place.” she complimented.

“You should be thanking my dad.”

A light sound came from the door and Jeremy turned the door knob. He pushed the door open. “After you,” he gestured.

She obediently walked in. She was greeted by a flight of stairs. The stair case was grand. The floor was marble. She heard some clanking behind her and seconds later, Jeremy was besides her. He held out his arm, “Lets go.”

She took it and they began ascending the stairs together. Everything looked opulent from the gleaming marble floors covered in beautiful throw rugs to the thin light and transparent curtains billowing like mist on the walls.

The furnishing were old but had a story to tell, a very fascinating one. They had to be antiques with what looked like hand carved workmanship.

Each area of the room melting into the the beauty of the next with some delicate settees next to more heavy book cases and fire place that melted with the walls that appeared to be actually used.