Loving Madeline

Charlotte's POV",

"What have I done?" I asked myself as I touched my lips, which swelled after sharing a mind-blowing kiss with the hot chef. I was leaning at the back frame of my bedroom door, trying to control the loud beating of my heart.

I knew it was a mistake, but it felt so right to kiss him back. He looked so hot that I could no longer fight back the urge to taste his full lips. I could still feel the taste of Jack's lips on my mouth and smell his intoxicating scent that stuck in my body and made my entire body feel so weak.

"You have to get a grip on yourself, Charlotte," I added after I let out a heavy sigh and made my way to the bathroom. I immediately discarded my clothing since I was so eager to take a cold bath to control my nerves.

I wanted to dip into the tub, but I got lazy; I turned on the shower knob and felt the cold water sprayed into my body. I relaxed a little, but I couldn't stop thinking about the hot kisses I had shared with Jack.

I smiled as I lathered my body with body wash, and I couldn't stop feeling thrilled that he kissed me. I hate to admit it, but I love how Jack kissed me even if I told him it didn't mean anything; in reality, it meant more to me.

Jack doesn't need to know I enjoyed his kisses, and I was dying to have him kiss me once again, but I know I have to stop my craziness and forget about him. He was only my guest, and I only helped him, and that is all; I don't need to crave his touch and kisses.

I put on my nightgown and blew dry my hair; I was looking at my reflection in the mirror, and I couldn't stop trailing the contour of my lips with my fingers as I thought of how wonderful it was to be in Jack's arms.

I kept turning on my bed and found it hard to sleep as I tried to shut him off my mind. It was one of the best nights of my life, but I felt terrified. After all, I knew Jack was leaving tomorrow because I couldn't allow him to stay.

I woke up the following morning with swollen eyes, and my back hurt because of my lack of sleep. I groaned as I got up from bed, and I hated thinking I had to wake up early because of Jack.

I need to tell him to leave early so that I can have my peace. Even if my mind was driving me crazy and I couldn't forget about the kiss we shared last night, I should stop thinking g about him, or else I will be the one to suffer the effect of his departure.

I was shocked and felt so irritated that I found him in my kitchen cooking breakfast for me. I don't want him to play nice because I know I will get swayed by his actions, and I will be more attached to him.

I couldn't stop myself from scanning Jack's handsome face down to his toned body, and when I raised my head, my eyes lingered on his lips, and I wanted to kiss him again and feel his mouth on mine.

I admit, he looked so handsome and hot as he cooked in front of me, and I envied him because he seemed so peaceful and happy with what he was doing. I feel so ashamed that I have nothing to be proud of because, as of now, I still don't know what I should do with my life.

I am broke, and last night, I spent my entire night thinking about him until I fell asleep, even if I should figure out what I should do to have money and sustain my daily needs.

The hot chef seemed unaffected by the hurtful words I threw at him, and I know he was trying to ignore my words, even if it hurt his ego, and I admire his patience.

I knew he was hurt when I told him the kisses we shared last night meant nothing to me, but he kept smiling at me, and I hated him for making my heart flutters.

"You know what? Nothing will happen if you keep staring at your plate; you better eat breakfast before the food gets cold, Charlotte." Jack said as I stared at my food for a long time.

"I promise you, you will miss my cooking," he added, and I grimaced.

"Don't be so full of yourself, chef, I came from a wealthy family, and you know we got chefs in our kitchen from our country, Europe and Asia, and we even have a Japanese cook," I responded, and he only smirked at me.

"I knew, but I am different from them, and you know that," he proudly responded, and I took my first bite of the food on my plate, and I was so lost for words; Jack is the best chef, but I couldn't tell him that to boost his ego.

I continued eating my breakfast, trying to hide that I was enjoying my meal. I felt so full after eating everything Jack put on my plate while he was watching me the entire time, which made me conscious.

"Thank you for the food, Jack, the bread was terrific, and I must admit the Mediterranean vegetable salad and the dressing was perfect," I said after I wiped my mouth with the table napkin and his face lit up; my heart felt so warm that my compliment made him so happy.

"Thank you, princess, your compliment means so much to me," he responded, and his nickname for me made me feel so special, and even if I told him to stop calling me that, I couldn't deny I love the way he called me princess; if felt like music in my ears.

"Jack, I am sorry, but I can't let you stay for another day; you need to leave this house." I firmly said, and I could see the disappointment on his face that he was trying to hide with his beautiful smile.

"I know, Charlotte," he answered and avoided my gaze and continued eating his food without saying another word. He cleaned the table while I was stealing glances at him.

Jack excused himself and went straight to his room, and I was left in the dining hall feeling like an idiot. I wanted him to stay, but my mind told me it wasn't a good idea. I got up and took the stairs two steps at a time, and I was panting as I reached the door of the master's bedroom.

I was standing in front of the door, and how many times I attempted to knock, but in the end, I chickened out since I knew I wouldn't allow him to stay; I retreated and went to the living room.

I was restless as I waited for Jack, and it felt like an eternity before he came down with a suitcase in his hand.

"I think I should go now; I could say you wanted me to disappear right away," he said with sadness in his voice.

"I can't let you stay, and you know that, Jack," I answered as I got up from the sofa, trying my best to look unaffected that he was leaving.

"You don't need to walk me outside, Charlotte. Don't worry; I will not forget to close the main door." He responded without looking at me, and I felt hurt.

"You can't dictate to me what to do, chef, besides I want to make sure no Bulgars can get inside the house," I replied as I walked ahead of him, and I could hear him following behind me, dragging his luggage.

"Goodbye, Charlotte," he said when we reached the front porch as he towered over me, and Jack's intoxicating scent was driving me crazy.

"Goodbye, Jack," I replied.

"Thank you so much for the warm accommodation; staying here in your manor was one of the best experiences I had ever had in my life; you made it more meaningful, Charlotte," he added as he searched my eyes.

When Jack's eyes shifted to my lips, my face turned bright red right away, and I averted his intense gaze since I didn't want to throw myself at him and make myself look like a fool.

"You are welcome, Jack, and I am sorry if I can't say you are welcome to come back since it would be impossible. I hope you find the peace you have been looking for here in Barcelonia." I responded.

"I am sure there are many apartments you can rent in the town center, and I hope you will find a way to mend your broken heart." I declared, and his smile made my knees feel weak.

"You know what is funny?" He asked, and I shook my head.

"I couldn't believe I would be more brokenhearted after I met you here; you looked so beautiful and hot, and saying goodbye to you was harder than I thought," he added, and his words made me blush.

"Come on, Jack, don't make me believe with your flowery words," I replied right away.

"I am telling you the truth, Charlotte, but I am not asking you to believe me, and those kisses we shared meant so much to me." He answered before he walked away from me.

I didn't move an inch since the very moment Jack left me; I was watching his figure getting smaller while I was leaning on the wall, wishing I had enough courage to tell him. I felt the same way too.

But I am Charlotte Divenson. I was expected to marry someone from the elite society from the moment I turned eighteen; and even if I became an outcast, I should never forget who I was; no matter how intense the kisses I shared with Jack and how good it felt to be in his arms; we just couldn't be together. It was a mistake that I kissed him back.