Chapter 141: haughty.
Kissing her, leaving her completely lost, as always, Alessandra's eyes were a sign that desire awaited them. She lacked the strength to look up, her gaze trailing upwards hesitantly, as she bit her lip. She could feel Billy's fingers gently brushing against her legs in delicate, lingering touches.
His touch danced over her skin, shadows of love tracing a rhythm meant only for them. Surely, they were made for one another—intertwined lovers.
The charm of passion lies in its unforgettable nature. It begins with a spark that spreads into a flame, burning bright in a moment of robust and hedonistic abandon. There are no promises. It was just another extraordinary night of passion. He held her by the back, romantic and unhurried, with a balance of ambiguous intentions.
-Ah, fantastic. - she murmured, her voice unsteady, her body glistening with sweat, filled with a swarm of desire.
-I'm leaving tomorrow morning. - Alessandra said, resting against Billy's chest. She lay naked atop him, the sound of old jazz from the 70s filling the room. The "bu du bam" rhythm resonated as they adjusted to their quiet conversation after a magnificent night beneath the sheets.
-I know, my love, - Billy replied. - But we'll see each other again. I'll escape to find you when I have time, or you can come to me. You know I always have space for you, even more so now. It doesn't matter when; just call me.-
-I like that... I thought you'd be something else, though. Pathetic, maybe. You know, the kind of man who hurts women for fun, doing whatever he wants with his life and everyone else's, ignoring feelings. - Alessandra said, sometimes misunderstanding the situation. Even so, she couldn't resist the magnetic charm of the man who had led both her and Jessica to indulge in an exorbitant desire.
-I always do what I want. To hell with anyone who tries to stop me! But I'd never hurt a woman, much less a beautiful lady like you. We'll always speak honestly. - Billy answered with a chuckle that she felt vibrating in her ears as she leaned against his heart.
-Don't be silly. I know who you are. These past days have shown me the kind of man you are now and the one you'll become. You do what needs to be done, face situations head-on, never lie, and prefer early disappointment over long-lasting deceit. - Alessandra said, turning to face him, green meeting brown. She shifted her body to sit atop his hips, drawing closer as her arms rested on his shoulders, her gaze fixed on him.
-You need a lot of love. - Alessandra whispered, kissing him tenderly. Her actions spoke of care, a feeling that had grown stronger with time. She couldn't help but pamper him in every way she could, even if it seemed insufficient.
-We all need it! Come here, hug me. - Billy replied, his request met with a radiant smile from Alessandra. She kissed him again in silence, pulling the covers tighter around their bodies. The walls were cold, and the weather, even in summer, carried a chill.
-When I was a little girl, I dreamed of a prince charming, a man who would rescue me. I liked a few romantic novels, but as I grew, I saw the true nature of men. They always told me I was beautiful, whispering empty promises. One wanted me to marry him, promising I wouldn't have to lift a finger—he'd give me everything. He was kind and loyal, and he married last year. Another offered me lots of money and a house big enough to fit ten of my childhood homes. Then there was a player who swore he'd dedicate all his goals to me. - Alessandra said.
-Pity for them. - Billy remarked. - Did any of them tempt you? -
-None ever did. I always have doubts, but the one thing I'm sure of is what I don't want. The rest is just a fleeting liberation. Right now, many would give their lives for me, and die just for a glance at my wristwatch. -
-My mother always said that no matter how much you offer, it may never be enough when someone has it. Promises can be as empty as feelings. Love tends to be... strange. - Billy murmured, his thoughts wandering to a blonde woman who had once carried his child. But for now, he played dumb about the promise he had once envisioned, knowing the other person had moved on. When you're not invited to their life anymore, what else is there to do?
...
Alessandra left that morning, playful and teasing, as they enjoyed the sunrise. Billy's back still burned slightly, despite Mr. G's careful moisturizing and cleaning of his skin. There was an undeniable discomfort.
-I suppose this must be something important. - Billy muttered, commenting on the old man's insistence on dragging him out for lunch in the middle of London. It seemed like the topic might be taboo or a lesson meant to prepare him for the uncomfortable words that would follow.
The press lingered just two meters from the glass, with people watching closely. Billy wore yellow-tinted sunglasses, his blond hair brushed over his forehead, the sides shaved clean. The piercing in his nose shone, and his earring remained in place.
-How can I help you? - the waitress asked, suggestively leaving her blouse slightly unbuttoned, her red lips parting in an ambiguous flirtation.
Billy didn't like her side-eyed glances.
-I'll take a special, with lemonade and a little extra syrup. - he replied, closing the menu. Jerry raised an eyebrow but stayed silent, ordering tea for himself. Pancakes were his choice, enjoying both breakfast and lunch simultaneously. He loved these American-style restaurants.
-You're right, but this benefits us both. Don't you want your acting career to reach new heights? We now have the means. - Jerry said, sipping his tea. - The idea is simple. We'll pull your participation from the awards. -
Speaking in hushed tones, his eyes glimmering with honesty, Jerry leaned closer, ensuring his words resonated.
-We're skipping the Grammys. They don't want you there. They want you to ignore the entire event. Of course, don't forget to keep this secret. Payment will be transferred to your account, along with favors from two film companies you'll soon want to work with. This will open doors to more roles. - Jerry explained.
-You're bribing me with more roles? - Billy asked, shaking his head.
-And money—enough to recover everything the label has taken from you in recent years. You already have plenty of awards. Unfortunately, this album is fantastic, but they'd rather pay for you to stay out. They're offering at least... - Jerry handed Billy a check. He scanned the numbers, eyebrows raising at the sum. Ideas began to swirl about what he could do with that kind of money.
-Deposit it in my Swiss bank account. I'll accept the money as long as you secure the role I've been craving or invest in my movie. I want to create a film. - Billy said, surprised by the value placed on a Grammy.
-No more to discuss. - Jerry replied, pleased with Billy's quick agreement. Still, there was a hint of something left unsaid, a fleeting logic in Billy's desires. The young man craved more than money or entertainment; something he kept hidden.
-I'm afraid there's more to it, Billy. - Jerry pressed.
-There's nothing else to say. I just have a few small plans in mind! - Billy shot back. After the tour, he thought, maybe he'd bring a few beautiful women backstage to his dressing room.
-So, I have to ask—if they're willing to pay so much, it must mean I'm certain to win. - Billy remarked.
-It does. That's why all you need to do is ignore the rest. None of it matters. - Jerry concluded