Billionaire Matchmaker Book Two: Undone (Billionaire BBW Erotic Romance) (4 page)

A part of me wanted to give him another chance and start
over. I thought I could even understand why he acted the way he did. I knew he
was a very private person, and if I had sold his story to the tabloids, he
would have every right to be angry at me. But another part of me was still so
hurt and angry; too much damage had already been done to our relationship.

Just thinking about everything brought on a headache. I
rubbed the bridge of my nose to ease some of the pain, but the pounding in my
head wasn’t going away. I had vision of a future full of headaches as long as
things between Jake and I were still so unsettled.

I rolled my eyes as the delivery man came by the office to
drop off a large bouquet of flowers. It was the third delivery we’d had of flowers
that day alone. Every single day of the past two weeks, I had gotten deliveries
of flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals; you name it, sent to my office and
apartment.

Though Jake had left my office sad and dejected, he hadn’t
given up hope of winning me back, it seemed. He only redoubled his efforts. I
still wasn’t taking his calls, and he knew better than to come by the office
again since Allison threatened to toss him out on his ass if he did, so he took
to sending me gifts. My office looked more like a florist’s shop then it did a
matchmaking service.

“What should I do with these?” Allison asked, holding up a
bouquet of red roses she had just signed for.

I waved my hand in front of me pointing out all the other
bouquets. “Put it anywhere there’s room, I guess.”

She emptied out a small trash can and tossed the bouquet
inside it before placing it on top of our copy machine.

“Do you think you should put that there?” I asked,
skeptically.

“That’s the only free space left, unless you want me to put
it on your desk,” she replied.

I looked in front of me on my desk where there were already
two bouquets, one of white orchids and another of hydrangeas, and shook my
head.

“Leave it there,” I said.

“Ugh I swear if we get another bouquet, I’m going to refuse
to sign for it,” she grumbled. “Can’t that guy take a hint? Like really?
Sending flowers every single day, multiple times a day for the past two weeks
is just nuts. ”

“I guess not.”

“Meanwhile, he’s spending a small fortune on these flowers
and gifts, and it’s all going to waste. Some people just have more money than
sense,” she continued.

I smiled at her, though inside I had to admit my attitude
was softening towards him. It wasn’t the gifts and flowers that were winning me
over, but the fact that he was so determined to win me back. Even after I
refused his calls and ignored him, he still wanted me bad enough to send me
something every day.

I knew it was juvenile, but I couldn’t help the way I felt.
I didn’t know yet when I’d be able to see him without being reminded of our
past, but I could tell my anger was slowly fading as my life continued to get
back to normal.

“You think I should call him?” I blurted out thoughtlessly.

Allison looked at me like I had just confessed to an
interest in hunting endangered animals. “You’re joking right?”

“Um...yeah...kinda. I don’t know,” I replied flustered. “I
think I might be able to forgive him. Not yet, but sometime in the future. It’s
hard to stay mad at him.”

“I just have two words for you,” she cautioned. “Jude
Marshall. You remember how you always gave him second and third and fourth
chances, and look where that got you.”

“That was more than two words.”

I frowned at her even though I could see her point and even
agree with it. I had always had a soft heart and couldn’t hold grudges for very
long. That was probably why guys thought they could take advantage of me. I
knew Allison was right, but I didn’t want to believe it.

“I’m serious Chloe,” she said. “You shouldn’t just go
running back to him like nothing ever happened. It’ll just make him think he
can buy your love. At least make him sweat a little. I mean honestly, Chloe,
for being a successful matchmaker, you sure break all the rules in your own
relationships.”

“The story of my life,” I agreed, sadly.

“Yeah, well, you need to take responsibility for it too.
Don’t you always tell the girls they need to teach a guy to treat them how they
want to be treated? You need to take your own advice.”

Allison was right again. I hated it when she was right,
especially when it clashed with my own opinions.

“I don’t like you very much right now,” I said, making a
face at her.

“It’s ok, I love you too.”

Allison had given me a lot to think about. I knew I
shouldn’t just jump and forgive Jake so quickly, especially after the ordeal he
put me through. My problem was figuring out when exactly I should let him know
that my feelings were less set against him. And would it be too late by then?
Would he have been so discouraged by my lack of response and encouragement that
he’d give up or move on?

“By the way, speaking of Jude,” Allison cut in, recalling my
attention, “have you heard from him again?”

“No actually. I haven’t heard from him since that phone call
two weeks ago.”

“Good. If he knows what’s good for him, he’ll steer clear of
you and especially me. I won’t be afraid to kick his ass,” Allison said
menacingly.

“Let’s hope for his sake, he stays away,” I laughed. “You’ve
already compiled a long list of people whose asses you’re going to kick.”

“Damn straight. I still think you should have reported him
to the cops”.

“That’s water under the bridge,” I replied. “It’s already
over and the damage has been done. I just want to get on with my life and
forget Jude was ever a part of it.”

“I hope that happens too.”

Jude had been the last thing on my mind these last few weeks
with Jake taking up prime real estate in my thoughts. I barely spared a thought
for him or our strange phone conversation.

A bouquet of flowers was waiting for me in front of my
apartment when I got home that night. The beautiful bunch of red peonies was
placed on my doorstep. I picked up the vase and sniffed in the fragrant scent
before glancing at the note attached.

“Just thinking about you.”

-JP

I couldn’t help the grin that tugged at my lips. Jake never
sent the same bouquet or flower twice, and finally he got it right. They were
my favorite flowers.

Moving the vase to one arm, I dug in my purse for my keys
and opened my door. It had been a long day at work and I was glad to be home. I
was looking forward to slipping on my comfortable fleece pajamas and vegging
out in front of the TV with a tub of ice cream

My apartment was dark since I had to work late at the office.
I navigated to the kitchen in the dark and placed the bouquet on the countertop
when I felt a strange sense of foreboding. The skin on the back of my neck
pricked up and my heart began to race. I gave my head a tiny shake trying to
clear the negative vibe I was feeling, and reached for the light switch and
flipped it on.

A moment later I heard footsteps walking towards the
kitchen. It was coming from the living room. I froze in fear for what felt like
hours. Everything seemed to move in slow motion.

There was an intruder in my house.
The realization
sent a jolt of adrenaline through me. I had to think fast. My eyes darted
around the kitchen looking for some weapon or thing to protect myself. My eyes
land on a block of knives across the kitchen on the countertop next to the
doorway. I tried to make my way towards it when I was stopped in my tracks.

“I’ve been waiting for you.” The voice sounded very
familiar, though I had never heard it sound so menacing before. Jude stood in
the kitchen, blocking the doorway and the block of knives.

I was shocked at his appearance. He looked unrecognizable.
His hair was long and shaggy and hung over his brows just past his eyes. He had
a scruffy beard that covered his normally boyish appearance. What was most
shocking were the large bruises that covered his cheek and under his eye and
the cut on his lower lip. Jude had always prided himself on dressing nice, but
right now he looked unhinged.

“W-What are you doing here?” I asked. My eyes continued to
scan the kitchen looking for an exit or another weapon.

He smiled at me, distorting his face into a grotesque sneer.
“I’ve come for payback.”

“Payback for what?” I asked unsteadily.

“Don’t try to act all innocent, you bitch,” he spat out.
“It’s all your fault.”

I flinched back at his harsh tone. “I don’t what you’re
talking about. I didn’t do anything.”

“You won’t trick me like you did that asshole Jake Powers. I
know you for the lying whore you really are!” he yelled.

“Jude, calm down please. I didn’t trick you, I swear. I
don’t have any idea what you’re talking about,” I pleaded.

“Oh yeah? You didn’t get your boyfriend to send those goons
to beat me up? You didn’t have him set me up for drug possession?” he asked
sarcastically.

“No! I didn’t I swear!”

“I don’t believe you, bitch!”

“No Jude, I swear I didn’t tell him to do anything. I’m not
even talking to him anymore.”

“Then who did those flowers come from?” he asked, looking at
the red peonies on the countertop.

My mouth went wide in fear. Jude had a triumphant gleam in
his eyes as he looked back from the flowers to my face.

“Got nothing to say now, bitch? You’re caught in another of
your lies!”

“It’s not like that Jude. He sent them to me, but...but I’ve
refused to see him. He’s just trying to win me back,” I blurted out.

“Trying to win you back? You think you’re hot shit now that
you’ve got Jake Powers wrapped around your finger. What does that asshole see
in you, I wonder?” Jude looked me up and down with a twisted sneer on his face
as he crept closer. I shivered involuntarily and felt like I had just been
violated.

“Wh-what are you doing?” I asked, backing away from him.

“You always were a good little fuck, Chloe, but I never knew
you were that good. Maybe I’m missing out on something and should sample the
goods again,” he said menacingly.

“Get back, Jude, if you know what’s good for you,” I said. I
tried to sound commanding, but my voice sounded shaky and fearful.

He laughed at me but it didn’t reach his eyes. “What are you
going to do, Chloe?”

I backed up as he moved closer, until I reached the
countertop. My hands were behind me frantically searching for anything I could
use to protect myself. My fingers closed around a pair of shears and I clenched
them in a fist behind my back.

“You don’t want to do this Jude,” I said, eying him
frantically.

He moved faster than I expected and closed the distance
between us in a snap. His hands closed around my upper arms in a painful grip.
He pulled me closer to him and forced his lips on mine. I could smell the
alcohol on his breath and screwed my mouth shut and closed my eyes in disgust.
I struggled to bring the shears up between us and made a move to stab him with
it.

Jude saw what I was trying to do and his face grew angrier
as he arched chest back to avoid my swing. He grabbed my wrist as I extended my
arm and squeezed tightly. I let out a loud whimper as he twisted my wrist and
the shears dropped to the floor in a loud clack.

My heart was racing as it pounded in my chest. I knew I had
to fight with everything I had. It felt as if time slowed down in that moment
and everything was moving in slow motion.

Jude was momentarily distracted as he looked at the ground
where the shears fell. I knew this was my opportunity. Turning my head back, I
saw a sauce pot on the stove within my reach. I grabbed it and swung with all
my might. The loud clunk let me know that I had hit my mark, but it looked like
little damage had been done. It only made him angrier.

“You bitch!” he shouted. “You’re going to pay for that!”

He stood there scowling at me before he brought his hand
back and smacked me across the face. I cried out at the blow, my eyes watering
at the excruciating pain. I brought my hand up to cup the injured cheek,
wincing as I did so.

Jude still held on to my wrist and he pulled me closer to
him. I clawed at his face trying to gouge his eyes out, but he grabbed my free
hand and held it in a tight grasp. He moved his head forward trying to kiss me
again but I turned my head away as I stomped on his foot with my heel. He
yelped and let go of my arms as he hopped on one foot.

I took the opportunity to run away from him. I knew there
was no way I would win in a head to head fight. My legs felt like jelly but I
forced myself to put one foot in front of the other. I was at the door when my
head jerked back as he grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked. I lost my
balance and fell to the floor.

Before I knew it Jude had closed the distance and was on top
of me. His legs straddled me as he pinned my wrists over my head with one hand.
I tried to buck up and topple him, but he held firm.

“You should just relax and enjoy this, Chloe,” he sneered.
“You know you want it.”

“Never!” I yelled. “Get off me! Help! Help!” I screamed at
the top of my lungs hoping against hope that some would hear me. Jude smirked
down at me before closing his hand over my mouth.

“No one can hear you,” he laughed. “Oh I like it when you
fight. This is going to be so much fun.” He moved his free hand to his waist
and undid his belt buckle. I continued to thrash under him moving my hips from
side to side, fighting as hard as I could.

Tears flowed down my cheeks as I thought about what Jude was
going to do to me. My eyes were closed and I screamed with all my might, when
suddenly I felt his weight lift off me. I heard a loud grunt and then felt soft
gentle hands caressing my face.

“Are you all right?”

My eyes flew open to see Jake kneeling by me, concern
wrinkling his brow.

“Oh Jake!” I sobbed throwing myself at his chest. Feelings
of relief and gratitude overwhelmed me as the tears streamed down my face. I
didn’t care how I looked or sounded as the sobs wracked my body. He held me
tightly against his chest gently stroking my hair and back.

“Shh darling, it’s ok. You’re safe now,” he said, his voice
trembling.

I held on to him like my life depended on it, feeling so
safe and secure in his arms. I don’t know how long we stayed like that, but our
embrace was interrupted by a groan.

I looked to where the noise came from and saw Jude crumpled
on the floor and beginning to stir. Seeing him still in my apartment sent a
jolt of fright through me and I instinctively grabbed onto Jake, holding him
tighter.

“He won’t hurt you ever again,” Jake said.

He gently placed my hands on my lap and stood up. I gazed up
at him and was shocked at the look of pure fury he directed at Jude’s inert
form. He strode forward towards Jude, never taking his eyes off him. Jake
kicked him in the gut which elicited a loud groan from him. Jude curled up in a
fetal position and wrapped his arms around his chest.

“Get up you piece of shit!” Jake’s voice was low and
commanding. There was an undeniable hint of malice that colored his voice. I
was glad that I wasn’t Jude at that moment. “You’re going to wish you were dead
after I get through with you.”

Jake knelt down by Jude and grabbed him by his shirt and
flattened him on his back. He raised his arm and started raining down blow
after blow on Jude’s face. The loud crunch followed by the flow of blood from
Jude’s nose let me know Jake had broken it. Jude was trying to protect himself
by holding his hands up over his face, but Jake was precise and deadly with
each punch. He looked like a man possessed.

“Jake! Jake! Enough!” I shouted trying to get his attention.
“You’re going to kill him.” Not that I’d be sorry to see Jude dead, I just
didn’t want Jake to be the one to do it. I didn’t need that on his conscience.

He paused his arm mid-air and looked back at me. “Please,” I
said. “Let the police deal with him.”

Jake gave me a short nod and lowered his arm.

“Today’s your lucky day,” he said down at Jude’s cowering
form. Jake reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his cell phone.

“Come up. I need you to take the trash out,” he said.

Jake returned the phone to his pocked and glowered down at
Jude. He grabbed Jude’s shirt holding him up in a sitting position.

“If you ever contact Chloe again, or even speak her name, I
will kill you. That’s a promise.” He spoke the words so softly, but with such
conviction, I knew he meant it. I shivered at the savage tone in his voice. He
released Jude, a look of disgust crossing his face before taking out a
handkerchief and wiping the blood off his hands.

I had scooted as far away from them as I could, my back dug
against handle of my kitchen cabinet. I wrapped my arms around my knees and
rocked back and forth, still in a state of shock over what happened.

A noise in my living room drew my attention to the door. A
moment later, a large man loomed over us taking in the scene. He looked like a
giant and stood at least 7 feet tall. He was heavy set and wore a thick black
goatee, and had black flames tattooed on his bald head. He looked me over
quickly and appraisingly before turning his attention to Jake.

“Get him out of here,” Jake said to him.

“What do you want me to do with him?”

“Do your worst, but don’t kill him,” Jake said.

The man smiled slowly, showing two shiny gold front teeth.
“Yes sir.”

The man lifted Jude over his shoulder easily and walked with
him out the kitchen. My eyes were wide as followed his retreating back.

“Who was that?” I asked in awe.

“That was Carl,” Jake answered.

“He’s huge.”

Jake laughed. “Yes, he is.”

I turned my head to look at Jake, and couldn’t help but
smile. It was so silly, being in awe of a large man after what I’d just been
through, but it felt good. My smile soon turned to a laugh and before I knew
it, Jake and I were both laughing hysterically.

Tears streaked down my face as I fought to gain my
composure, but every time I looked at Jake, I broke out into more laughter. I
wiped my eyes as I finally began to calm down, the weight of what just happened
finally hitting me hard. Jake noticed my change in demeanor and he closed the
distance and was by my side in an instant and held me in his arms.

“Are you all right, Chloe?” he asked, concerned.

I couldn’t speak. I felt a lump form in my throat as my eyes
grew misty again, so I just nodded. Jake held me tightly against him, my head
resting on his chests as he kissed the top of my head.

“You won’t have to worry about him ever again. I won’t let
him hurt you,” he promised.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, inhaling in the
scent of him. It was comforting having him there, holding me; I felt like
nothing could harm me.

“Shhh sweetheart, it’s going to be ok.”

I drew my head back and looked up at him when I finally felt
in control of myself. “Why are you here? I mean, I’m glad you are, but how did
you know?” I asked.

Jake released a heavy sigh and ran his hand across his jaw.
“Ever since I found out it was him who sold my story to the tabloids, I’ve been
having him followed,” Jake confessed. “When my investigators told me he was at
your apartment, I rushed over.”

“Did you think he would hurt me? Is that why you had him
followed?” I asked.

Jake’s eyes hardened as he stared ahead of him, his hands
clenched in a fist at his side.

“I suspected he might. He’s had a history of this type of
behavior,” he finally said when he was able to reign in his temper.

“Really? Jude seemed so harmless. How come I never knew?” I
was shocked at Jake’s disclosure.