True Love
(Book 3) – Chapter 100

Jean sat at the table clenching his jaw… he felt like standing up and tearing the head off the a*****e who thought he had rights over Zoé. Although he shouldn’t say much either, since he didn’t have any rights over the brunette either.

Another show had started, and a few minutes later Zoé came out of the dressing room with that outfit that showed almost everything. Why did that fact bother him? That’s how he knew her. The girl came out, and all at once started to work, as she knew that area was their tables, and walked in the direction of the two of them.

They were the only ones away from the pack of idiots who looked like teenagers, Jean was relieved to see her approach them.

-It’s so strange to see them here! I assume you’re not celebrating that boy’s farewell. The brunette blurts out out of nowhere.

-The truth is, we don’t know that jerk.

-Sure. The same as always? He asks since every night they ordered the same drink.

-Yes. He answers seriously.

When she turns around, Jean grabs her by the wrist, stands up and takes her to a corner.

-Why did you touch that man?

-It’s my job! She answers, looking at him seriously.

-You never touch anyone, why did you touch him?

-What’s wrong with you? -She lets go abruptly.

-Did you like it?

-And if so, what? -I remind you that I’m a stripper.

-I thought you were different! She suddenly blurts out.

Zoé’s heart suddenly skips a beat at those words… He thought that? Why? Zoé’s frown became more noticeable as she saw Jean turn away from her.

The brunette blinked quickly, realising that she had been left alone… the blond led the way to the exit and behind him followed his brother. What had happened? she wondered.

-What the hell did you say to that guy? Her friend Maya was standing next to her.

-I don’t know, but I think he’s pissed.

-Why?

-I… no… the girl didn’t know what to say, even she didn’t understand what happened.

Fortunately for Zoé, she had run fast that night… but even though she had undone that horrible suit, taking off the heaviness of her body, she couldn’t stop thinking about that stalker Frenchman. His sudden departure did disconcert her, usually she always stayed until closing time.

She grabbed her bag, and left the bar in the company of her friend.

-What a night! It’s freezing. The brunette said, rubbing her hands together.

-Yes. We need warmer clothes.

-We need everything Zoé… first we need to move, yesterday I noticed that a damn mouse bit my shoe.

-I’m so sorry.

-It doesn’t matter! -What do you plan to do with that money? You haven’t touched it.

-I’m sorry I’m being so selfish with you, I feel like I’m exploiting you. -What do you mean?

-What do you say? Her friend pushes her in a playful way.

They were both still walking through the desolate streets of France.

-It’s OK… you don’t have to apologise for everything.

-We should use that money!

-Do what you think it’s right to do.

-Yes.

The girls were about to cross a bridge when suddenly a car blocked their way. They stopped abruptly and watched as some of the guys got out, the same guys from the stag club. Including the groom.

-Girls! But we’ve been looking for you.

-We’re not working anymore, gentlemen! Zoé says to them.

-For extra money, I’m sure we are.

-I’m sorry guys, but our work is done.

-You’re coming with us. The young man tells them, but his tone sounds more like an order than a request.

The friends glance sideways at each other, ready to run in the opposite direction. But then two cars stop behind them, slamming on their brakes, and they thought they were in trouble now.

But to their surprise, the ones getting out were Jean and Adrien… from the look on their faces they were angry. They walked and stopped in front of the two of them.

-The party is over guys! Jean Pierre says to them.

-Who the hell are you? The groom was the one who spoke, taking a step towards them.

-They are the guys who hung themselves at the party. A friend of the groom whispers to him.

-The intruders.

-You’d better leave. Adrien orders them.

The brothers cross their arms and impose their authority on the uncles. When they realised that they were not going to give in, and that they were ready to go the violent way, they backed off. They got into the car and drove off.

Zoé bit the flesh of her lips, just looking at Jean’s broad back as they defended them. He made her so uncomfortable. Turning around was like an assault on her weak heart.

-Are they all right? Adrien finally asks the two of them.

-Yes. -Yes. -Answers Maya. -Those guys were crazy. They wanted us to go swear with them.

-I understand. We can take them. If you want!

Jean didn’t say anything, he just looked at Zoé with those fixed and cold eyes… he was still angry. She didn’t have anything to say to him either, what could she say?

-Well, we’ll take them, that’s all. Besides, it’s too late for two pretty girls to walk alone. Jean you…

-I’m going home! You take them, I’ll meet you there.

He walks past both of them to get into the car and drive off.

That’s when Zoé’s heart felt something called pain… but it wasn’t the typical pain she felt for years. It was something else. Why were her eyes stinging? And why was she biting her lips hard?

-Zoé, are you okay? Maya touched her shoulder.

-Y-yeah… let’s go, I’m tired.

-Then let’s go! Adrien says to them.

Jean’s frown was getting more and more furrowed… he squeezed the steering wheel of the car hard, why the f**k was he so pissed off? He couldn’t believe what Zoé had said back to him (What if I like her?) Why the f**k did that bother him?

She was what she was… a prostitute… a stripper. She stripped for others, although she’d never really gone out naked as such. Not like the others, she and her friend always performed their shows in lingerie. But still…

He couldn’t bear to stay at the bar that night, not to watch her get off or touch that a*****e… but he couldn’t sit still and go home without waiting to see her leave and get to his street in good health. That’s why he and his brother stayed behind to follow them.

And although Adrien offered to give them both a ride, he didn’t accept. Fortunately, by following them, they could see that they were in trouble with those assholes. If they hadn’t been around, maybe… he shook his head and hit the steering wheel.

He wanted to take her home, he wanted to know personally that she had arrived safely. He wanted to k**s her goodbye… he wanted… he wanted… he wanted so badly. And that wasn’t right. He sped up the car, he needed a f*****g drink.

[…]

Adrien parked the car in front of the girls’ flats.

-Well, here they are. He tells them with a smile.

-Thank you! I’ll go up first. Zoé says getting out of the car.

-I’ll follow her too.

-Maya! He grabs her wrist. -Do you want to go out with me tomorrow? It’s Saturday and I don’t work.

The girl half-smiles, hoping that the darkness inside the car will cover the blushes on her cheeks.

-Yes. I’d like that.

-I’ll pick you up at nine.

-All right! She smiles like an idiot at the end.

Adrien walks up to her leaving a chaste k**s on her lips, which totally threw her off.

-Good night Miss Maya!

-Good… good night.

She hurries out of the car and almost runs into the building. Adrien sees her get lost on the stairs and starts the car. Just to get a call, which he was already expecting.

-Did you leave them?

-Yes. I’m coming home.

-I’ll wait for you at mine!

-As you wish.

Zoé left her bag on the sofa, along with her shoes. She walks in her socks to the bedroom to take a bath and try to sleep. When her friend enters the flat with an idiot face.

-What’s that face?

-She kissed me.

-Really?

-Yes. And it was so sweet. She says leaning back against the door with her eyes closed and a witty smile on her lips.

-Maya?

-What?

-Should I be worried?

The brunette’s eyes widen and her smile fades immediately. She looks at her friend and blinks.

-I think I like Adrien. She blurts out just like that, biting her lips and with a guilty expression.

-Maya, I don’t want to break your heart or be the bad guy, but… He’s rich and powerful. He doesn’t get married, and he doesn’t mix with strippers. Other than that, he thinks you’re a prostitute.

-But Adrien is…

-He’s just like all the clients who go to the club and they’re all looking for the same thing, we don’t know if they’re both married with a bunch of kids waiting for them at home.

-Both of them? He’s arching an eyebrow. -I thought we were only talking about one brother. But I think your little head is thinking more along the lines of the older one. Do you even care?