Forced Marriage: Escaping Her Monster

Jerlina looked at herself in the mirror. Wearing the expensive earring and the dress, she looked different even in her own eyes. She looked attractive and regal. 

Guess you get what you pay for!

She thought TJ would be ready by now and was about to open the door when she heard a knock at the door.

She opened the door, and there he was - the glorious wolf, standing in front of her with just a towel tied around his waist.

Is he a nudist?

"Help me choose my suit," he leaned at her and she saw his face turning from a playful smirk to awe.

"You look pretty, Jerlina," he said taking a couple of steps back to have a good look at her.

"Step aside," she walked past him towards his room. 

She certainly didn't want to hear his compliment, but he seemed so genuine and it gave a weird feeling in her heart. 

She is his secretary anyway and it is not wrong to choose his suit. And she wanted to get away from him.

"Stay here," she pointed her finger at him and he nodded with a grin. She went inside his room she was stunned to see the array of tailored suits he has in that big closet. Plus he had his usual outfits of plaid shirts and jeans. 

He has a lot of clothes.

She chose one set for him with a blue tie to match his eyes and waited outside.

"How do I look? I just have to fix the tie," he came out with a bang and Jerlina gave a thumbs-up signal with a smile.

He didn't look bad... He must have taken after his mother.

"Thanks," he grinned. He was pretty happy she is being extremely nice to him the entire day. 

"I am your secretary after all," she didn't want him to misunderstand and walked to the stairs and he walked beside her.

Seeing him struggling to do the knot in his tie as they walked down the stairs, Jerlina offered to help him.

Standing in the same stair, it was hard for her to reach his neck and he stood in the next step. He was still taller than her, but he bent a little. She tied the knot as it was she who helps Gerry with his tie. Out of habit, she patted the jacket to make sure there is no lint sticking out.

"Thanks," he said after she finished and his warm breath fell on her face. He was so close to her that she could smell his shampoo. 

She suddenly remembered the dream she had and her heart skipped a beat seeing his lips glistening as he wetted them. He didn't have thin lips but they were very... sexy. And his voice wasn't grating for her anymore. It was deep and mesmerizing.

She subconsciously took a step back forgetting she is standing on the stairs. She yelped as she tripped and braced for impact.

"Careful," his strong arm wrapped around her waist and stopped her fall. She ended up resting on his chest as he pulled her closer to him. Her heart pounded and she could feel his heart racing too. His big hand gently rubbed her back.

The position they were in reminded her of that day as he touched her after pulling her out from her car totaled by him. 

What was I getting flustered for? He is the man who killed my baby!

Her heart froze and with a long breath, she got out of his embrace. "It's getting late," she said as she walked down the stairs passing him.

Jeremy looked at his empty hand. His heart was still pounding thinking of the warmth in his chest. He thought he can put a hold on his feelings, but it seems like he cannot.

But if she wants to act as his secretary, that is much better than running away from him, right? He can maintain this status quo between them and when the time comes he can... he should let her go.

They reached the Club and they were welcomed politely and brought to the restaurant. Jerlina was not that surprised to see the empty restaurant with all the tables marked as 'Reserved'. TJ walked beside her with his hand on her lower back, but she was too nervous to think about anything else.

I am going to meet The Volkonsky!

She heard footsteps behind them and before she turned, she was pulled back by TJ and she saw the old man's cane striking TJ right at his shin.

Okay... what is this about?

"Grandpa, hi!"

"Mike?" as if the hit did nothing, TJ spoke with a smile.

Jerlina looked at the man standing beside the old man. He looked very familiar. It took her some time to recognize him. 

Mikhail Volkonsky!

She watched TJ going for a hug, but Mikhail went for a bow. It seemed odd for her. She wanted to have a good look at Mikhail, but her view was obscured by the broad back of TJ.

She didn't mind. If it was years back, she'd be jumping in joy and trying to find a paper to get his autograph, but now she didn't feel the need.

Mikhail tried to have a good look at his friend's wife, but he wasn't allowed to by his said friend and he glared at him. 

Jeremy, who was surprised by Mikhail's presence, couldn't shrug off the image of Jerlina blushing as she spoke about Mikhail. He didn't want to see her blushing in front of Mikhail. No one can see that adorable face of hers.

Alexander Volkonsky noticed the little interation between the youngsters and it was comedic for him.

"You bum can clean up well!" the old man went for another hit. Jerlina stepped to the front and he stopped from hitting her.

"Hello, Mr. Volkonsky. I am Jerlina Hopkins." She held out her hand for a handshake. 

"Grandpa, my wife," TJ wrapped his arm around her shoulder. The old man paused from hitting TJ and through her peripheral vision she could see Mikhail holding back his laughter.

"Well... she cleans up well..." he said taking a good look at her from head to toe. Engaging in small talks, they slowly walked to the table.

"Thank you for stopping him from hitting me," Jeremy whispered in her ear as he pulled the chair for her to sit.

She nodded with a smile and took the seat. Judging by the way he reacted, it must be something pretty common. She was surprised to know this part of TJ where he gets hit for no reason by an old man.

Well... seems like he's not a monster...

The five course lunch was served and Jerlina had no trouble following the table etiquettes. For some reason, her Uncle Pat taught her everything when she was little.

She knew she was observed by the old man and she didn't mind getting scrutinized. It only meant he cared for TJ that much.

Everyone who knows TJ adores him as if he is a treasure. He must be so lucky.