Chapter

Chapter Five

I turned around and stared at him in surprise. What? I didn't even realize that he was near us. But by his question I was sure that he hadn't heard Henry and me talking. I could only imagine what ruckus that would create.

"Well Jessica?" Michael prodded, placing emphasis on my name.

"I don't know what you are talking about," I stated, proud that my voice hadn't faltered and I didn't sound as shaky as I felt on the inside. Something about this man intrigued me, warned me. He let out a dangerous vibe, but he had a certain vulnerability to him.

"Don't play coy, Jessica," he frowned. "You obviously have to have an ulterior motive to date my brother. So what is it?"

"And what's so wrong with your brother?" I asked, hoping and praying that he wouldn't say something like 'Henry is gay' or something.

"Girls don't usually fall for Henry," he said, and I caught it. The complete arrogance in his voice. He thought that Henry wasn't good enough and girls didn't fall for him. I wanted to smack him. He had really crossed a line this time.

"Right," I gritted out, "Cause they're too busy falling at your feet. But I'm not one of them, Mr. Perez. Henry is such an amazing man," I stated, proud of my best friend. "He has the most compassionate heart, is hilarious, sits with me even when I'm at my worst and you know what, the list is endless." Then I added as an afterthought, "The fact that he's drop dead gorgeous is the cherry on the top."

Michael looked surprised by my outburst. He didn't seem to care that he had just insulted his brother. He seemed to care that I said all that about Henry and meant every word of it.

"You've managed to catch me by surprise two times in just a few hours Jessica." Michael smirked, "First with the slap and now this. So you really have no intention of stealing my brother's money?"

I frowned at him, "It might interest you to know that I didn't even know who your dad was or about Henry's lineage until your mom visited a couple months ago and asked me the same question. And as for your completely and utterly inappropriate question, no. I make enough for myself."

"And what do you?"

I gritted my teeth, sure that I would have to go to the dentist at this rate. "I wasn't aware this is was an interrogation. I'm quite tired now, so if you don't mind, I would like to rest."

"Are you brushing me off?!" Michael exclaimed, as though the mere thought appalled him.

"Yes," I spoke slowly as though speaking to a child, "Don't expect every single person to fall at your feet."

He looked so surprised and I suppressed a giggle. It was obvious he wasn't used to being brushed off or to receiving such blunt answers. His beautiful face was scrunched up, and a part of my mind told me how cute he looked like that. That hit me like a bucket of cold water. Cute? Michael Perez? Yes, I definitely needed some rest.

"Okay then," Michael said slowly as if still processing it, "I'll leave you to it."

I closed the door after Michael left, and it felt like a big load of rocks had been taken off my shoulders. I put my suitcase down and snuggled into the comfortable bed, sleep taking me instantly.

I woke up to consistently knocking on my door. I groaned and got up, opening the door to see a grinning Henry standing there. "What?" I growled.

He laughed, "Tea time baby. Perks of being from a family like this."

I frowned, "If your trying to make me jealous it isn't working. I'm actually happy that my parents didn't keep me constantly depressed."

He mock glared before his eyes went somewhere else. He bent down and I stared at him in horror. Was he going to kiss me? Instead, he pushed me into the bed room and locked the door. He placed a finger on my lips and nodded at the closed door. It was only then that I heard the footsteps and a curse. Michael.

"Shit!" I exclaimed, "I thought that you were going to kiss me!"

The look on Henry's face was so comical that I burst out laughing. He looked horrified at the thought. He looked as if his dog died or he ate a sock. "Oh hell no! I already told you sista, I know I'm irresistible but I don't swing that way!"

I gave him a dirty look. As I tamed my hair and and put on some make up, Michael's words came into my mind. I had to warn Henry that his brother really didn't believe that we were going out. We had to act more convincing. Martha was already eating out of our palms and I still had to meet Henry's dad.

"Seriously Jess, today!" Henry complained.

I gave him the bird and he chuckled. He took my hand in his and I felt funny. But I had to do this. We walked down the stairs, laughing as Henry talked about planning our wedding. Both of us knew what a fat chance that was.

I froze as Martha and Michael gazed at us with interest and a blush covered my cheeks. Henry seemed to notice my discomfort and his haze snapped to his family. "Guys, stop staring at her like that. Sarà spaventarla via. (You will scare her away)"

I gave Henry a dirty look not really liking that he spoke in Italian, knowing that I didn't understand.

"Oh, sorry darling, " Martha said. "Come on and sit down. Collie was just about to serve tea."

Unfortunately I was seated next to Michael and Henry sat on my other side. My body was suddenly on hyper alert. I was aware of how close we were sitting. If any of us moved one inch towards the other, we would be touching each other. His musky, different scent caught my fancy and I wanted more.

"So Jess, how's the business at the café going?" Martha asked.

I smiled, "Great! Thankfully I had enough time to wrap up everything after Henry told me that we would be coming here."

"Café?" Michael asked.

"Yeah," Henry said. "Jess owns Kings. Its an amazing café. You should try it next time you come to London."

"So you started it all on your own?" Michael asked, his face showing sudden interest.

I nodded. "I had enough saved up after college and I worked in a corporate company for a year till I had enough and then built my café. She's my baby."

"And--" Before Michael could continue what he was saying, my phone rang. I gave him an apologetic look and took my phone out of my jeans.

"I'm sorry, I have to take this." I said.