The five-star-inspired house stood proudly in the middle of the most beautiful street on Fifth Avenue. That house was Jeddah's. Surrounded by flowers so carefully chosen, they looked like a tribute to nature itself. Just because the man loved a cool, serene environment. Not because he was as pure as nature. At least, not in people's eyes.
To some, the man was a devil. To others, an angel.
You see, Jeddah had a foundation no one knew about. No one even knew he owned it. He lived like the most wanted - or most unwanted - douchebag of all time. But in truth, he was a lover boy. A lover of life. A lover of nature. A side of him no one ever saw.
It was a cold night. Jeddah had just closed another major investment with Stanford Co. It was worth celebrating. He dialed Sterling's number, but the pounding music in the background said everything: Sterling wasn't going to be available tonight.
So, he had a warm shower, put on his favorite silk pajamas, and collapsed onto the bed like a sack of money. He heaved a sigh of satisfaction - the scent of wealth hung in the air. He laughed. Then paused.
It would be nice to have someone next to him.
He considered calling someone, but he never picked a girl twice. That was his rule - golden rule. Playboy 101. His mind wandered to Stacey - his situationship. He winced. Definitely not Stacey. Calling Stacey was like opening Pandora's box. She'd show up, sure - but she'd never leave. She'd bring a thousand excuses and a few threats for good measure. Stacey was never an option.
He took a deep breath. Inhaled the scent of his expensive shower gel and luxury shampoo. It should've been enough. Should've satisfied him. But it didn't.
Then it hit him - Jasmine.
God, he needed the smell of jasmine in his bed. Not the artificial one, not from a market bottle. The real one. The one that clung to her skin like a spell. The one that made him dizzy. The one that smelled like danger and peace at the same time.
He didn't need jasmine.
He needed her.
The girl who smelled like jasmine. The only scent in the world that intoxicated him. That made him lose his cool. That made him want to stay in bed all day, forget about deals and deadlines, and just be.
But where would he ever find her?
He sat up. The bar.
Why hadn't he thought of that? Maybe she was a regular. Maybe she had gone back looking for him. Any girl who touched him once always wanted more - at least, that's what he told himself. This night might just be his lucky one.
He stood. Clapped once. Sat again.
Why am I acting this way? Excited over a girl. A woman. You're losing your cool, Jenna. You're losing your steez.
He shuddered.
But if it means her coming to my bed again... If it means that smell wrapped around my sheets... Then yes, I'd lose my cool a thousand times.
But what would he even say to her?
Should he pretend he didn't come looking for her? Or go straight to the point - tell her he wanted her home? She had been all over him the last time. Maybe she was into it. But then again... she didn't seem like the type to just follow a man home. And she had left.
She had left him.
Booked a room. Took what she wanted. And disappeared the next morning.
That reality hit harder than expected.
She did to him what he'd done to countless others.
What's the difference? he thought bitterly. I don't let them stay the night, but I don't abandon them on a hotel bed either.
Then again, it's his house. He can't leave.
Checkmate.
He exhaled sharply and stepped into his king-sized walk-in closet. Picked an outfit. Sprayed his most expensive cologne - the one that screamed confidence and desire. Picked up his car keys, paused, and then strapped on his $1.9 million wristwatch.
What was he going to do when he saw her?
He waved off the question.
He'd think about it on the way.
Whether he returned home alone, with someone else, or with Jasmine herself - that all depended on how well he played his game tonight.
And tonight?
He was bringing his A-game.
He smiled. Wickedly.
Loud music hit Jeddah's ears as he walked toward the back door. He always preferred entering this way - no drama, no unnecessary attention. The bouncers already knew him. Around here, he was popular. Money made sure of that.
He exchanged a knowing glance with the bouncer by the door and stepped inside. His eyes instinctively drifted to the exact spot he had first seen Jasmine. The memory played like a movie in his head. He shook it off. Tonight wasn't about memories. He was here for her.
As he walked into the bar, "Favourite Girl" by Darko, featuring Rema played in the background. He scanned the room. No sign of her - not that he was looking too hard. At least, not yet.
He made his way to the counter. The bartender didn't need to ask; he brought Jeddah's usual. A brief exchange of pleasantries, then a sip. As Jeddah turned back to look around again-
"A glass of margarita, please."
The voice was soft, almost drowned by the music. But the scent that followed - jasmine. His heart paused. He turned toward the voice and the scent, unsure if his mind was playing tricks on him.
It was her. Or someone like her.
Before he could fully piece it together, she turned to him, smile playing at the edge of her lips, eyes dancing with something between flirtation and recognition.
"Hi, I'm Luna," she said, extending her hand.
He dropped his glass and glanced at the bartender - curious to see his reaction. The man simply smirked. Jeddah matched it with that signature smile of his - the one that always got him into trouble.
"It's you!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief. "Oh my God, it's really you. I didn't know your name... I didn't know where to find you."
His thoughts stalled. She was looking for me?
He almost told her he had been searching for her too. Almost.
"Well... you found me," he replied, his lips curling slightly as he took another sip.
They skipped formalities and dived into conversation, letting the drinks flow. The topics made no sense - nothing deep, nothing memorable. But Jeddah didn't care. She was what he wanted. Again. And he was going to have her.
Something felt... off. Rushed, maybe. But his thoughts were no longer in charge. His body had taken over.
She leaned in while he was distracted, texting Sterling - about to tell him he found the girl. But Luna was already on him. Her body pressed against his, her hands tracing his chest, his beard, his... nipples.
Jeddah inhaled sharply. She was more aggressive than before. Gone was the soft, polite girl he remembered. This version of her was hungry. Wild.
Still, he tried to stay gentlemanly, respectful - even though his body screamed otherwise.
And then she said it.
"Let's go to your house."
Not a suggestion. A command.
He didn't hesitate. "Okay."
Her hand slid down from his chest to his waistline. He caught her hand. "We're going to my place, right?"
She nodded.
They left. Her heels clicked with urgency. She spotted his car. "Is that your ride?" she asked, then added with a sly grin, "Wow." She didn't wait for a response.
The door flung open. They stumbled in like two people possessed - kissing, grabbing, undressing between breaths. Jeddah tried to catch his breath, but everything felt... surreal. Like he was drugged. Like nothing was real.
She shoved him onto the bed. Hard. His head nearly hit the bed frame.
She was on him. Saying things. Nasty things. Filthy. Things he'd never heard a woman say to him before.
He tried to remember the girl from the first night - soft-spoken, graceful, slightly mysterious. This wasn't her. But the scent of jasmine was back in his sheets, and he didn't want to think anymore.
It lasted all night.
By morning, he turned and saw her sleeping beside him. Peaceful. Flawless. Like nothing had happened.
He wanted to wake her. Ask a thousand questions. But he let her rest. Took a long shower, hoping she'd be awake by the time he came out.
She wasn't.
How could she always vanish after nights like this? How could someone sleep so soundly and leave like a ghost the next day?
He decided not to wait around. He texted his chef to prepare something for her. Then, needing clarity, he stepped out for a jog.
As soon as the door closed behind him, Luna opened her eyes. She had been awake the entire time.
She picked up her phone and dialed.
"He just left. For a jog or something," she whispered.
"That's new. And you're still in his bed? I knew there was something different about that girl," came the voice from the other end.
"You don't have to play along. Just follow the plan and get your ass out of that house. Now."
Luna hesitated.
"Or stay. Make him comfortable. Make him fall. That's what you're being paid to do."
The call ended.
She stared at the ceiling, a thousand thoughts running through her mind. Do people really joke around like this? she wondered. Her heart skipped when she remembered his face.
Meanwhile, Jedha jogged past a woman in blue. Tight, flattering sportswear. Killer body. He reminded himself of the woman waiting in his bed.
No more girls.
His mind laughed. You wish.
He passed her, then stopped, turned around, and jogged backward with a smirk.
"You're putting that body to good use, girl. Love what I'm seeing."
She raised her head.
Their eyes met.
You.
He froze.
She froze.
"Are you following me now?" she asked, alarmed.
He laughed - that stupid, sexy laugh of his. The one she hated.
"You wish."
He continued walking.
"You better turn around before you hit a tree and die," she muttered.
He raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
She rolled her eyes. This weekend just got worse.
"So... what are you doing here?" he asked casually. "You guys got a branch here or something?"
"None of your business." She didn't even look at him.
"Well, technically it is. It's my estate."
She stopped walking.
There it was. That look women gave him when they found out he was rich.
But she wasn't impressed.
"Your estate and you don't know who moves in here? Use your money better. Maybe fix your nightclub's lights too."
He laughed.
"Okay. I'm just gonna leave you alone now."
"Good." Her voice was sharp.
"I'll be seeing you around. Nice butt."
She scowled.
"If I see you again, I swear I'll move out." she shouted after him.
He was already way ahead.