The Foreigner

By AC JADE

Jasmine Lao is an exotic thirty-year-old virgin from The Philippines. She has been married to her career as a healthcare professional, saving lives day in and day out. But she’s become bored…wanting something new and exciting.

Steven Gates is strikingly handsome and knows what he wants. The owner of The Gates Energy dropped into Jasmine’s office for an appointment and the moment they met, the mutual attraction was undeniable. However, Steven is married… and he could have cancer.

Nigel Gates, the globetrotting identical twin brother of Steven sees Jasmine as a precious flower sent from heaven. He is determined to win her heart and to take her with him to the ends of the earth.

Jasmine finds herself entangled in an unexpected love affair involving intense passion, deception, and loss at the hands of the Gates brothers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AC JADE
• Release date: Dec 25, 2016
• ISBN: 9781540148377

AC JADE

AC JADE is an emerging author of contemporary/erotic romance. She was born and raised in the Island of The Philippines. She is a true romantic at heart. Her passion for traveling and exploring made her write her first novel. AC JADE loves to write steamy romantic stories with the emotional roller coaster that leads to happy ever after ending. Her sizzling stories will get you hook intellectually, emotionally and physically. Her greatest dream is to travel across 7,107 Islands in the Philippines.   You can follow her on: Facebook.com/AC JADE Instagram: authoracjade Twitter:@authoracjade http://www.authoracjade.com

Book preview

Introduction

It concerns us to know the purposes we seek in life, for then, like archers aiming at a definite mark, we shall be more likely to attain what we desire.– Aristotle

Prologue

Three Years Ago…

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Navigating downtown Houston was a struggle, especially to a person like me who doesn’t know how to read a map. Yup, the map and I were not the best of friends. I was lost. I had my route all planned out to go to the hospital to ensure on my first day of work I would know exactly where to go and where to park. However, I missed my turn to go home. I caught a glimpse of a bookstore up ahead simply called, The Bookstore. They could help me, I thought, but it appeared so fancy to be a bookstore from the outside. It looked like a hotel. I pulled in at the front. Curiosity took over when a valet wearing a black silk mask opened my tiny Fiat 500 Turbo door and handed me a mask.

He instructed me to put it on, in Spanish. I don’t speak Spanish, and I didn’t understand what he said except that he was waving the mask in my face. I wanted to ask him for directions, but I was afraid that he would answer me in Spanish. He waved an intricately designed mask at me that was different from his. It had a lot of delicate Swarovski crystals intricately glued and pieced together. I was afraid to touch it, yet I was very curious about what was going on. Luckily, I had put in my contacts. Otherwise, well, a mask and my glasses would not be pretty together.

He told me to leave the car key in the ignition and that no phones were allowed. He suggested taking my wallet and leaving the rest in my car. His body language was enough for me to understand the whole thing. But at first, I thought he was joking and my second thought was that this was a robbery. I glanced at his masked face, waiting for a second, to see if he would pull a gun or something, but he was serious. A car sounded its horn behind me, so I moved because I was holding up traffic.

I adjusted the mask so I could see better, and took my wallet. I stepped out of the car, and the summer breeze blew my above-the-knee white-silk summer dress. I had matched it with high heels to show my long legs. I tried to wear business casual to meet my employer to go over some details of my new job, but after struggling with what to put on, I ended up wearing something inappropriate in the business world.

Once I stepped into the front door of The Bookstore, I was greeted right away by a beautiful woman wearing a mask similar to mine. She could have been a model; she was pretty with blonde hair and blue eyes. I took in my surroundings. It felt like I was in a hotel and not a bookstore. The lady smiled and ushered me to her desk.

"I think I’m lost. The sign outside says The Bookstore," I said. She smiled again, but her eyes were on her computer, and she was tapping something on the keyboard as if she was in a hurry. She ignored me yet continued to smile prettily. I looked around, but I didn’t see any books in the reception area. There was another dark glass door, but I couldn’t see what was inside. I was curious. I looked up to find myself on the CCTV screen. The phone rang on her desk, and she picked it up in one motion.

Yes, sir, the receptionist said. She had no name tag, odd. I couldn’t even call her by name. She glanced at me when she hung up the phone.

I’m sorry, miss, but is this place a bookstore or a hotel? I just need your help with some directions, I asked, interrupting whatever she was doing because I didn’t have all day to stand in front of her. It was past five in the afternoon. I would have a hard time getting back to my apartment once it got dark. I just seemed to have no common sense when it comes to following driving directions. I was more curious to solve the mystery of The Bookstore rather than seek directions right, yet.

Yes, it is. Here are the rules in this bookstore, she handed me a brochure to read. I didn’t plan to be a member, but my curiosity overrode. When done, I signed the agreement form, but I didn’t bother to read the fine print. She didn’t ask any information besides my birth date, which she told me to enter on the computer screen. She gave me a platinum card with random numbers and bar codes, with a chip. Your membership is good for a year, and you have to renew it annually. You must follow all the rules at all times. Do you want me to go over the rules with you? she asked.

No need, I got it. How much? I asked.

It’s all been taken care of, she smiled again.

Oh. It’s free? I asked curiously with my arched brows.

No, it’s not free, but someone has already taken care of it for you. Just make sure that you dress appropriately every time you come here, she said, gazing at my dress, not at my red face. I felt the blood flowing all the way to my head and boiling in my brain. I followed her gaze all the way down to my toes, and then I looked up to see her polished looking dress, simple yet sophisticated for a bookstore receptionist. Just so you know, she added.

Sure, and give my thanks to whoever took care of my fee, I said. I was very curious about who waived my fee.

I paused to ask her if I could enter through the glass door, but she had already gotten up to open the door for me. My eyes were wide open under the mask. I was stunned to see tons of books all crisp and hardbound neatly arranged from floor to ceiling. The atmosphere was very different. People were elegantly dressed with their masks on, courtesy of the valet gentleman. I felt like I was out of place, although my dress was not that bad. I dismissed my insecurities about dressing appropriately. Besides, I came accidentally, so it was not like I knew what the rules were. It was an odd bookstore to dress up so nicely, not to mention the masks.

I switched my focus and decided to find a book, something that was interesting to read. It was not a typical bookstore where you could find the different genre sections, which made me very curious. It had just books all over. To top it all off, the music in the air was very sensual, and the lights were slightly dimmed, so it felt very relaxing and romantic. Erotic was the word I thought of. I walked around, slowly touching the hardbound books with my fingertips wishing to have them all in my house. It would be a great collection. Then it occurred to me that all the books had erotic titles. I read them carefully peeking at the prints: The Life of the Lord of Perfect Satisfaction, The Foolish Woman’s Story, The Carnal Prayer Mat. My heart jumped out of my chest, and I gasped out loud. I took my hand across my mouth hoping that no one heard me. It was in the rules to be as quiet as possible.

Some people were sitting on the couch, reading quietly. The concept was very fascinating. The place was filled with elegant seating areas, ample space for everyone. I dared to grab one book and found a private place to sit down. The sensual music and the erotic books were something that I’d never experienced before in a bookstore. It was so odd and so uncomfortable. Thank God for the mask; no one would ever recognize me.

I began reading. The story was disturbing, frightening to some level. I hadn’t read anything so erotic and wild. I paused and took a deep breath. It was not a typical bookstore that people go to on a daily basis with their kids in tow. The rules and the weird hours should have clued me in, yet my curiosity was telling me to keep reading and taking in the experience.

My throat hurt for needing something to drink, so I stood up to find something: coffee or water or something stronger. As I approached the corner, a staff member in an impeccable three-piece suit without a nametag walked up with a mask on his face. The man looked too dazzling to be working in The Bookstore.

Courtesy to our first-time members, he said as he extended his hand in my direction with a glass of champagne. I hesitantly accepted it and then our thumbs brushed lightly. A high-voltage spark ran intermittently throughout my body. I twitched at the insane feeling I’d never experienced in all my thirty years. I wasn’t breathing. He stared at me for a moment. I couldn’t seem to figure him out. It was quite dark where he stood. He was under the dark shadow. His lips seductively moved a little, and he attempted a courteous bow and left.

I was having second thoughts about drinking the champagne. I knew I shouldn’t accept drinks from a stranger, but he worked there, right? He was wearing polished clothing, and in fact, he looked so damn hot in his dark navy, tailored suit. Was it navy or black? Who cared? I noted his tight ass when he turned and left me standing there confused, staring at the full glass of champagne. I didn’t even have a chance to thank him. Oh well, I was thirsty. I took a sip like a lady. I went back to my seat and read some more. I paused and contemplated the zap of energy I felt when we touched. I tried to ignore it.

Time passed. I arrived home very late, got lost on the way, but I made it safely. I wondered who waived my fee. I needed to go back there again.

Three months later, I discovered that there was a private lounge in The Bookstore where people interpreted the books they were reading through dance. The lady who sat next to me was trying to make a conversation. She was very bubbly. She and I just clicked like that although I barely knew her. Sometimes others shushed us because we got carried away.

We talked in low tones about our interests, and though we were not supposed to be sharing private information, we did it anyway. She turned out to be a nurse whom I worked with. I had never noticed her at work. At first, I worried that she would tell people what I did in my spare time, but I decided I could trust her. Her interest in contemporary dance got me hooked, and my gut instinct told me that she was a trustworthy person. Her name was Amber.

Chapter 1

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Jasmine, phone call for you, Davey called from the nurses’ station to my office.

Can you take care of it, please? I ordered.

He wants to talk to the lady with an accent, he replied. I know that I don’t pronounce a few things the way they aren’t meant to be pronounced, big deal. People shouldn’t make fun of my accent. I shook my head and smiled. I wondered if Davey made up the story or was it his way of making jokes. I rolled my eyes. Can you transfer it, please?

As soon as my extension rang, I picked it up. Hello, this is Jasmine. May I help you? I said politely.

Hello Jasmine, this is Steven. Do you remember me? You left me a voicemail, he asked with excitement.

Yes, sir. Dr. Lim can see you tomorrow at one o’clock. Would that be the best time for you? I asked.

I guess I can do that, he answered with his thick voice.

Okay, sounds good. We will see you tomorrow at one o’clock. I hung up and got on with my tasks.

Working in-between phone calls and paperwork, I missed lunch. It was nearly five o’clock. So focused on work, I hardly remembered if I used the bathroom or not.

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I survived Monday.

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The sun was still above the horizon when I walked out of the building. Its color was inviting and energizing. It was the type of weather I loved. I turned the radio on as I drove down the main highway. I drive and sing privately in my own car. I sang so horribly that my great, great, grandmother would probably rise from her grave just to tell me to shut up. Still, it was fun to sing along with my favorite song. Joy rides lower my stress level.

The next thing I knew, I was in my designated parking spot. The thirty-story apartment building was ideally located by the bay. They called it, The Palms. Each unit has its own view over the bay, except mine was not as great as the others. The whole place was rightly kept and properly maintained. It had a swimming pool, a gym, and twenty-four-hour security. The location was ridiculously perfect, and the rent fit in my budget, kind of. The Palms were close to everything; restaurants, grocery stores, shopping mall, the marina, and parks.

As soon as the elevator arrived on my floor, I heard my phone beep. It was a Facebook group message from my best friends Pearl and Hyacinth. It was six in the morning in the Philippines, and they already messaged me. I replied that we would have to Skype in an hour after my run.

I showered fast and got comfy in my stretchy pants after my run and made a quick dinner. I sat on the barstool in front of my laptop and video chatted with my friends. You can’t beat college friends. We talked about current events in my country and some nonsense issues. They envied my courage, determination, and strong will because I was living my dreams. My American dreams, whatever they may be. On the other hand, I envied their married lives and was glad that they found love and happiness.

After chatting with them, I spent time dreaming about the mysterious man at The Bookstore. I lay in my bed thinking about going back because it had been a while since I went there. I used to dance there as often as I could and read erotic books, three years ago. It became my guilty pleasure. I was addicted. It became my habit almost every weekend, Friday and Saturday were reserved. I felt happy when I got to dance. It was my retreat after a long, stressful day at work. I had found my sanctuary.

I hugged my pillow thinking about the man behind the shadow.

I stood tall in position, waiting for the music. I was very nervous as I smoothed the knee-high peach, silk dress with Japanese cherry blossom petals on the front and around the hem. I didn’t know what to expect. I glanced at the well-dressed crowd with masks on their faces. There were more men than I realized. Amongst them was the mysterious man behind the shadow. He fixed his mask, then placed his hands in his pockets and glanced at the ceiling as if he was praying.

Dreaming of You was in the air. I hadn’t picked the song, someone else had. The staff had asked if I had a preference for sensual music and I said no. I wasn’t prepared and didn’t know that I could pick one. Whoever picked the music seemed like he’d known my taste as if it was our secret language. It seemed like the song was written entirely for me. Did he pick the music?

I was a little unsteady on my heels, but I began swaying my hips, and that was when he looked at me. He stood tall and determined to find out what I could do. I was so shy at first, but then I gave the best I had. I whirled around with my hair behind me and glanced at him to see if he was still there. I’d noticed that he’d never taken his eyes off me. So I bit my bottom lip and tugged at the hem of my dress, slowly stroking my body to show off my thighs and drag my hands all the way up to my face seductively. I never took my eyes off him as I swayed my hips from side to side, then I lowered my body to the floor.

I raised my legs, one at a time taking my shoes and tossing them to the side. I went to a crawl and on my knees, reached my hands towards him as if I was taking him to my own bed. I had my hands on my chest as I went rolling on the floor. I had my hands all over my body thinking and feeling as if it was his crawling underneath my dress. I was on my back lifting my head up, glancing at him. I had my hands spread to my sides to support my upper body while my legs were crossed and exposed to him not caring that I had an audience in front of me.

I reached my hand again towards him, biting my lip, and I slowly stood up and spun like a ballerina. I placed my hands on my chest as I swayed my hips from side to side, and then I took my hands to the side of my head for support with my eyes closed feeling him from the distance, absent-mindedly luring him with my body. I felt him so close yet so far.

I executed the most alluring move that only should be done in private behind closed doors. I reached the hem of my dress and took it off revealing my lingerie. I heard the audience gasp, holding their breath. I was sure they had seen my tattoos. I tossed my dress to the floor in front of me and rotated on my toes taking a moment to split my legs up in the air. I landed smoothly on my feet and bent my spine backward with toes supporting my weight while my heels were up. I had one hand on my ankle for support as I reached for my dress as if it was him I was trying to get. I saw him watching me. I went down to my knees hugging my dress to my chest as if it was him. I had purposely taken my dress off so he could see my body entirely. I was an open book for him.

My chest was pounding so hard, I’d forgotten that I was truly in my own bed hugging the damn pillow with perspiration on my forehead. God, I remembered him taking his fingers to his lips and smoothing his scruffy jaw.

There were nights when I sensed the gentleman I’d met from the dark shadows watching me dance, but I couldn’t see his face. I kept dancing for as long as my feet would carry me just so I would meet the mysterious man again, but it never happened.

Days, weeks, and months passed, and I soon realized he was gone. I kept hoping that he would return for just one more night so I could introduce myself to him.

There was no point in me going back there now because the handsome stranger in the perfect suit was no longer there. He was my sole inspiration and the single reason why I danced. My