The Forgotten Heiress novel Chapter 51

"With you, nothing is simple." She retorted and after taking a fortifying breath, added. "No, my answer is no."

"I see." He said slowly. "And why not?"

"I have a date with someone else. You can join the list, but I warn you, it's a long wait." It was reckless reply and she knew but she couldn't help it.

The silence from the other side was eerie and Jessica looked at the phone, wondering if he'd hung up.

"If that's a joke, it's not a funny one."

"Am I laughing?"

"Cancel whatever plan you had. Tonight you spend it with me."

"I don't think so. And before you try to go Alpha or Mate on me, you need to know that you can't make me do something I don't want to."

"Watch me." he warned and hung up on her.

She looked down at the phone and a shiver of trepidation ran up her spine. She silently handed the phone back to Axel and headed back to the store floor. They followed her silently, shaking their heads at her folly.

"Did you call him?" The girls asked.

"Did you say yes?"

"No." Her clipped tone brought the girls up short.

She didn't want to talk about it. She didn't want to think about it. She didn't need anyone to tell her what an idiot she was. She already knew. She refused to show any fear but deep down inside she knew she was in deep trouble.

They looked like they wanted to say something else but they got the silent message and dispersed to work around the store, speaking in hushed tones and every now and then sending sideways glances her way. Jessica ignored them, went to the checkout desk and because it was a slow Sunday afternoon, leaned on the counter to stare out into space.

The rest of the day dragged on uneventfully and she could have sworn that the hands on the clock moved slower than usual. And every minute that Nick didn't show up, her fear abated; until she was sure he had decided to respect her wishes.