Lies and Desires (48)

Joe and I were in a fancy restaurant that he loved, but I hated it.

I didn't care, though, I just want him to give me answers.

He had almost finished his second beer when he set it down on the table and looked at me with a blissful expression.

My opportunity to finally speak...

"So... you, Leo, and Bella are doing well at work, right?"

That's a provocative question, and I have a feeling he'll catch on right away.

"Why this sudden question, Ellie?" He asked gently.

"Well... I just wanted to know if your company is doing well. I see how much effort you guys put into it." I said.

Something must have happened at work between them, and I can't shake the feeling it wasn't ANYTHING friendly.

Joe smiled, pleased by my words.

"Of course, Ellie. Leo and I are working our asses off."

"What about Bella...?" I finally asked trying to sound more confident than I felt.

My legs were tapping nervously under the table.

Joe's expression suddenly sparkled with mischief.

"There's something you need to know about her about that."

Shit. Finally.

"Go on." I urged him, my heart racing.

Joe finished drinking his beer while this wait felt like a slow torture to me, but I forced myself to breathe and stay calm.

He had a serious look on his face, but there was a sly sparkle in his eyes that showed he was amused.

"We had a fight, Ellie. A fucking huge fight, with a lot of swearing from her."

I froze.

"How is that... why?" I urged him once again.

"I didn't tell you that she is working at the company owned by Leo and me because of this fight. If I had told you, you would have never wanted to spend those three days alone with her, Ellie..."

He was somehow amused by his own words.

Like the hell?! So he manipulated me on that too?!

The fucking REALIZATION hit me.

"What happened, Joe?" I almost begged him.

"You see... she's such an arrogant person. She is so fucking ambitious that she feels she should be running the business."

No. NO and no, that's NOT TRUE.

Bella is NOT like that.

Not even the slightest.

She is NOT materialistic nor selfish.

She was willing to give up THAT job for... ME.

With my thoughts consumed, I was a storm of agitation.

Joe continued to talk with an innocent grin.

"So I gently told her to back off since she is just an employee in my company. As I said that... she completely lost her control, cursing and accusing me of being a bad person and a bad boss. She fucking dragged me into her anger, Ellie... I tried to find solutions... but she just didn't want to hear me..."

I DON'T believe a single word he is saying.

I don't believe him not just because he is clearly struggling to tell me his story, BUT because I know perfectly well that Bella doesn't react this way unless someone has provoked her heavily or something even more serious has happened...

And that second thought really worries me.

Joe continued:

"She just kept getting louder, and twisted it all around. Fuck–" He rolled his eyes.

Despite his smug smile, there's an underlying tension in his expression

"And fuck– I can't just fire her because she is Leo's girlfriend." He concluded, frustrated by that.

I took a deep breath, trying to regain my composure.

"How did it even start?" I demanded, trying to get to the root of the situation.

His expression was upset now and he was sweating.

"Because, Ellie—" He paused trying to find words.

"She made it all about her and I couldn't take it anymore with her attitude."

He doesn't have a single clue about what he's talking about regarding Bella.

And shit, this makes me sick.

"So, what did you do, Joe?" I asked him once again, trying to provoke him into telling me MORE about it and maybe the TRUTH.

His patience becoming thin with each passing second.

"Ellie, can't you hear me?! I didn't do anything wrong, she fucking lost her shit out of nowhere!" He exclaimed.

Liar. He wouldn't tell me anyway.

SO he thinks it's a good idea blaming it ALL on her. But he doesn't stand a chance.

I leaned over my chair, crossing my arms, holding in the most painful emotions.

"I see... looks like you've been through a lot of shit lately, Joe." I tried to mask my sarcasm with a serious tone.

I was just lying.

Fucking lying.

He smirked pleasantly, "Yes, Ellie, I'm so glad you recognize that. See? That's better." His tone softening.

He traced his finger along his lips with a satisfied expression.

"We are on the same page, right, Ellie?"

I bit my lip, feeling the familiar weight of guilt pressing down on my chest. "...Sure."

Fuck NO, we're not.

"Well, then be a good girl." He whispered.

Let's see if I'm going to be the good girl.

~

I rushed impatiently to finish dinner; I didn't even eat that much, but Joe didn't notice it.

The need of see Bella was becoming insatiable and all-consuming.

This desire was beyond my control.

"Where did you say this party is?" I urged him as we walked out of the restaurant.

"I'll lead us. We should go too." Joe smirked.

Strange, that for once he agrees on something that I also want to do.

The party was in the resort's garden, outdoors.

People were dancing, and everyone was already drunk, or at least had a bottle of beer in hand.

I had no clue where Bella was, there was too much confusion, the music was loud and the lights were flashing.

I made my way through the crowd, almost running, not giving a damn if Joe was behind me.

I was caught up in the chaos, moving impatiently, as I can't find peace until I find her.

Suddenly... I lifted my gaze... and time itself seemed to freeze.

There Bella was.

Her red hair cascaded down her bare shoulders like a fiery waterfall, soft and slightly wavy.

And the way she moved—confident, attractive —made my heart race.

But the part that made me breathless was her dress...

Bella was wearing a beautiful dress, in a forest green color.

It was made of silk and fell softly to her feet, perfectly accentuating the curves of her perfect body.

It felt like the whole damn world paused to appreciate the sight of her in that breathtaking dress.

She is too beautiful. She is too fucking hot.

She was dancing sinuously, surrounded by people.

It was as she was moving effortlessly, while her gaze was lost at some undefined point.

I couldn't take my eyes off of her, but she hadn't realized I was watching her.

Unable to resist, I took a step closer, the distance was far too unbearable now.

I made my way through the crowd, but people kept pushing back and forth.

As I was staring at her, Bella suddenly turned her gaze in my direction, and in that crowded place... she spotted me.

She is always going to find me, I don't know how...

Our eyes locked and the world vanished.

I wanted to try to deny reality, but this is undeniable. I just can't help it.

Suddenly she breathed heavily, her chest rising and falling uncontrollably, her red lips slightly parted, both for deep breaths and surprise.

My legs were shaking, and I didn't even knowing if I was breathing or not.

"Ellie!!" Joe called me. "I've been calling you for five minutes! Let's keep walking!"

Couldn't agree more for once.

He wanted my hand, but I refused to give it as I pushed myself toward the center where she was.

As I walked, I could feel Bella's gaze fixed stubbornly on me.

She didn't move an inch, demanding my attention with her gaze and her irregular breath.

I took a step, I took another step, till she was finally standing in front of me.

Someone pushed me... and I found myself dangerously close to her body—so close that I noticed she was slightly sweaty on the temples... and along her neckline...

The memory of her wet body on mine hit my mind.

I felt a surge of heat.

The corners of her lips lifted gently and teasing, it was a subtle curve.

Barely visible, but enough.

Oh my God, was that a smile?

Our eyes lingered, intensely and painfully, as Bella slowly shifted her gaze between my body and my eyes.

I feel like she's undressing me with her gaze...

The air felt heavy with desires and conflict, making it difficult for both of us to breathe.

Joe suddenly stepped in front of me, closing in on me, and the tension built up.

As Bella caught sight of him, her expression hardened instantly.

Her eyes burned, and I could see the jealousy.

She frozed, but then again started to dance on her own, like no one was watching her.

Although... she knew too well that I was watching her.

She knew.

The silky green dress stuck to her body, and in that moment... I realized... she wasn't wearing a bra...

WHY WOULD SHE?!

HOLY FUCK.

As she moved, her full breast spilled tempting from the slides, her nipples barely visible beneath the fabric.

My tension grew like a GODDAMN fire.

Too hot to hold.

Bella poured herself into her sensual dance, her eyes sparkled with a hint of defiance and hurt, all because she saw me with him.

I was... out of breath.

Joe stood directly in my path with a smug smile of his face, clearly trying to catch my attention.

He closed the space between me and Bella and my frustration raised.

My eyes kept looking over his shoulder, I dared to push him away, but he grabbed my hips, blocking my view completely as he tried to impress me.

Fuck. I was stuck between him and the rest of the crowd, barely able to move.

Leo got in the way, and Joe said something to him I couldn't understand.

"Kid! Leo and I want a beer! Let's get a table!" Joe shouted in my ear, his face was already red.

I was finally able to see behind him, but when I turned... Bella was no longer there.

SHIT. NO, PLEASE.

I stopped. Joe pulled my hand, but I stood still where I was.

"What are you doing?"

"I have to go to the bathroom. You get your beer with Leo; I'll catch up later."

"Sure?" He said, but he seemed unbothered.

"One hundred percent."

I have to find her.

A/N

I want to see a bunch of negative comments for Joe, please. 🫡

Like he is just a fucking liar and nothing else.

And I'll tell you next chapter will be very VERY IMPORTANT for Ellie and Bella!!!

Finally... the confrontation.

🫠🥹😫🔥