Love and Obsession

By Joanna Jay

Everything happens for a reason. If we never make mistakes, we never get to learn.
Gina Black, along with her beloved John Smith, with whom she has been friends for a
whole decade since school —and never broke up since —, moves to New York,
where John’s aunt has a job for them. In New York, Gina, who is a girl full of
insecurities and fears, will soon believe that she can be loved in a different way, since
William, after they meet unexpectedly, wins her heart. A mysterious, handsome,
charming and great musician. His mesmerizing blue eyes make oceans ashamed of
their color. The girl becomes a woman in his hands, without even suspecting his dark
side. She gets hurt, but she always returns to him. She is fighting for him.

She even kills for him...
Will their love be finally fulfilled?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joanna Jay
• Release date: Jan 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9786188552524

Joanna Jay

Joanna Jay was born in September 1992. She is a new author of romantic and dramanovels.In 2015 she started writing her first book of the series Love and Obsession.In 2019 she decided to publish it and that was when she became a self-publisher bystudying and searching what needs to be done in order to realize it.In 2021 her first book of the series Love and Obsession was published. It is availablein platforms on the internet in electronic form but also printed form as well.Today the novel Love and Obsession is available in Greek and English while itstranslation into Spanish and in more languages is under way.The second part of the series Love and Obsession is expected.

Book preview

Joanna Jay

LOVE AND OBSESSION

Novel

1st Part

Athens

Thanks to Zoe, Aggeliki, Chrysanthi, Anna-Maria, Dimitra, Adriana and Maria for their time and all our amazing collaboration. A very special thanks to my dear friend Adriana, who encouraged me to write the book and, finally, I’m forever indebted to the kind-hearted Manos for the support and help in finding collaborators.

Dedicated to Jack…

ORIGINAL TITLE: LOVE, PASSION AND OBSESSION

BOOK TITLE: LOVE AND OBSESSION

AUTHOR: Joanna Jay

PROOFREADING & TRANSLATION: Aggeliki Gkika, Chrysanthi Partsanaki,

Anna Maria Chatzistylianou (www.afterwords.gr)

COVER PHOTO: Dimitra Karakouli,

Adriana Karakouli, Joanna Jay

COVER COMPOSITION & PAGE LAYOUT:

Maria Mavraki (www.impression.gr)

2023 • ISBN: 978-618-85525-2-4

Copyright © 2021 Joanna Jay (Ioanna Sarakatsanou)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other requests, write to the publisher at the address below. Any references to historical events, real people or real places are used fictiously. Names, characters and places are products of the author’s imagination.

E-mail: [e-mail]

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

It's been years. Too many years...

I always thought I was mature enough for my age, regardless whether I could succeed or not; deep inside me, I knew who I was and what I wanted.

Without realizing it, everything took a different path, when he came into my life... I loved him the moment I met him. I fell in love with him the moment I saw him.

Thank you for coming into my life. Without you and everything we have been through together, I would never have understood the most important thing in life that gives life; love. The one and only love...

I know that, deep inside, you know it too.

Be always well. I'm sorry and ... goodbye.

Gina Black

Chapter 1

The figure of a man is approaching. His dirty hands seal my mouth and my body paralyzes instantly. I struggle in vain to break loose. I hardly breath, I get the feeling the air is getting less and less. My lungs need oxygen. With my remaining strength, I kick him, hoping to hit him in the groin. I fail. My lungs need oxygen. HELP!

After another nightmare, I take a deep breath stretching out in bed. A while later, I manage to open my suitcase and smile, sweaty, out of my achievement. Now I can fit in this shirt I forgot to take. How could I forget it? It is the first shirt I got as a gift, designed by the best fashion designer and my close friend, John Smith.

John and I have been friends since high school. We met in our city, in San Diego, we got along and fortunately we never fell in love. I think I have found my soul mate in him. My philosophy is that two people don't need to be a couple to have a strong and special bond. After all, a friendship can be very strong; a special one! We have been living together for the last five years. We are inseparable. At first, my mother had some... objections. Then she started seeing John as the brother I never had. Over the years, they loved each other very much. She now considers him as my protector.

Now, John and I are getting ready for the big step; we're moving to the dreamy New York city. The city with the bright lights that never sleeps. John's aunt, Margaret Ross, has been living there with her son for the past decade. She is a very successful woman. She works as a general manager at a company that has made amazing strides in recent years, and she has collaborated with a number of people of the elite circles; the notorious WAW Kingdom.

Two jobs are waiting for us in this company. Margaret is a good friend of the owner and, as his right-hand assistant, approved our applications a month ago. I will initially take on a small post, most likely as an assistant at some office. I haven’t been informed yet. John, however, will work as a photographer. He may be a designer by profession, but he has a talent in photography! He preferred to take a position where he could be confident in himself before entering the deep and magical world of design, as he says, along with the stress that haunts him every time he is on to something. In addition, as a photographer in this company, he has the opportunity to travel and be around beautiful models, which gives him the opportunity to enjoy superficial pleasures...

Damn it! The suitcase won’t close! I sit on it and try to zip it up.

John!, I yell while trying to zip it one more time…

Oh! I fell down! Ouch!

John hears my voice and in no time, he is standing at the door of my room. His brown hair is accentuated by the light in my room, and his gray eyes stand out. He is in a pair of gray sweatpants and on top... well nothing on top. Speaking of which, John is no wuss. He has a slim and sculpted body that drives all girls crazy, combined with his really beautiful face. He has a straight nose, well-made eyebrows and strong angles. And he is tall.

I inherited a lot of great qualities from my mother, but also a bad one; her big height. Of course, compared to John, I'm about two inches shorter and I can say that he is one of the few people who are taller than me. The thing is, I love high heels. I don't often wear them too high. But surely half of my closet is full of shoes of many kinds, with a heel up to three inches. I know I look like a horse, but I'm still a woman. And shoes are almost every woman's soft spot.

You know... John says playfully. You can use a third suitcase for your clothes, apart from them.

I don't want to! Come on, help me zip it up! I say as I get up from the floor and John gets closer. His abs look impressive in every movement, as do his hands. I wonder why I never fell in love with him. He has what we call the whole package. But maybe life wanted us to be just friends to stand the test of time. Relationships and romances are problematic. Somehow a crack occurs and everything falls apart.

John closes the suitcase with deft moves. Well, honey, I'm going to bed. Set the alarm, he tells me and winks at me while leaving.

When did I say goodnight to John, when did we find ourselves in the cool Newark Liberty airport, I didn't even realize it. The flight was wonderful. I was traveling by plane for the first time at the age of 24. I was nervous at first, but I relaxed immediately. The flight attendants were smiling and seemed to be enjoying their work in their very elegant suits. I soon fell asleep and now I'm here. With my body stiff from sitting and my eyes tired although I slept, I finally see through my half-open lashes the city where I dreamed of living since I was a kid. The city I have seen in so many movies; that I have read about in so many books. Goodbye, San Diego! I feel overjoyed! I have my best friend and a wonderful job waiting for me – I hope so... and all this in New York; the glamorous city where so many people's dreams come true.

John used to live here until his sixteen years of age. After his parents' accident, he moved to the apartment next to mine and went to the school where we met. We have been inseparable ever since! I love him! Now one might ask how there can be a friendship between a woman and a man. I don’t know. But it is a miracle that I have him in my life.

Gina, I'm going to buy a bottle of water, is there anything you need? John asks me, leaving his suitcase down.

A carton of juice would be perfect I say and lick my dry lips.

Cherry? he asks about the flavor and I nod.

As my feet move on the airport's tarmac, a light breeze brings my long black hair to my face. I have to leave the handle of the suitcase to remove them. The moment I struggle with the many hairs tangled on my face, a very tall man with blond disheveled hair and shaved temples walks past me with his dog, which, although small, makes me lose my balance out of fear and make a step back. The suitcase gets tangled in my legs and I suddenly collapse like a sack of potatoes in front of him.

The man is wearing combat boots, black jeans and a red plaid shirt, which – judging from the two or three things John taught me over the years – I could say that they seem to cost a fortune, despite their simplicity. At least for the average person. He gives me his hand, helping me to get up. At this point, I see a tattoo with various bouncing notes dancing with lyrics. His fingers are long, beautiful, neat. He squeezes me tightly and pulls me carefully and steadily upwards. I gulp, terrified by the dog, while he holds it tightly with his other hand on the opposite side.

Are you ok? His voice got me shaking like a leaf, making me look up straight into his eyes. Usually, even in casual encounters I avoid direct eye contact with people, especially with strangers. Oh ...!

For a few seconds, I go rigid, staring at two unknown eyes, but I'm not ashamed to look at them. For some unknown reason, I can't even take my eyes off his. Two dark blue eyes, like the deep blue ocean, stare at me. His gaze makes me feel helpless in front of him. His eyelids do not move for a few endless seconds, nor do mine. He asks me something. I try to focus.

I'm fi… I stutter. What the hell! I'm fine, I'm just scared of dogs… I manage to say and take a deep breath to pull myself together.

The air is filled with a men's seductive perfume. It’s his own scent. Light, discreet, just enchanting. In a man, hands and smell are among the first things I notice. And he is doing well in both; very well. I take a chance to scan the rest of his face. Fine features, with rough edges. An inconspicuous beard and a delicate nose, with well-shaped eyebrows which complete perfectly the symmetry of his face, a face better than a model's; sweet and brutal at the same time.

You shouldn't.

He smiles faintly and I can feel his eyes scanning me persistently; like he was trying to burn me with his eyes. I can't stand it and I turn my gaze down. I lift my suitcase and move a lock of my hair behind my ear. I look at him for a moment shaking my head. His dog is persistent; it hugs his leg, and he bends over. He takes it in his arms and gives it a big kiss.

Come on, boy. Let’s go he mutters tenderly.

His lips are wet and his voice is addictive. He glances at me and in a fraction of a second I lose sight of him. His beautiful face leaves my field of view, giving me the opportunity to enjoy his general figure from behind. His body is not bulky, but instead it looks thin and slightly tight. He seems to be the opposite of a shredded kind of guy, like those with abs, wide shoulders and slender legs. There is a very good symmetry. The weight of his dog doesn't seem to affect his steady walking style; his sweet dog.

I wouldn't take my eyes off of him, if it wasn't for some guy - probably a driver, judging by his attire- who opens the door for him, and he and his dog get into an impressive, huge, black car. The driver takes the suitcase and places it in the trunk, while the charming blonde guy casts an electrifying look at me before closing the door. He catches me staring at him and I feel my cheeks turn into the color of the juice I was about to drink. I bite my lips and smile, as I turn around, trying to remove my stupid smile. This city is much better than I expected! Bring it on, New York!

What’s going on here? asks John as he is approaching and I can’t understand what he is referring to.

You were supposed to watch my suitcase, not to throw it down. You clumsy girl! His suitcase, as one of mine, are thrown on the ground. I didn't notice it, but how could I...

You grumpy! I blow him a raspberry and take my juice from his hand. Thanks!

Throughout our ride in the yellow cab, I remain silent. I can't help it but thinking about the blond man with the piercing blue eyes. When he looked at me, I felt for a moment that… he wanted to talk to me. It turned out it was all in my mind. He took his dog and he walked away from me in record time. I don't know if I've ever seen a more handsome man in my life. One could say that he has a feminine beauty. Not in the sense of gay, of course. He still has masculine, delicate features and there was something shinning on him. Of course, maybe it was because of the sunlight…

But what does all this matter? These men are not for girls like me. They like shapely and brainless models who can be conquered without much effort. And here there is a great variety of gorgeous women. I wonder if there are other handsome guys in Manhattan. Maybe men here are more good-looking than in San Diego. Not that they weren't any handsome guys there either. It's just that they weren't that impressive. Because he was truly impressive! He was so good-looking that I would happily choose to spend the night dreaming of him.

This is MY room! John shouts as he knows the house well enough to catch the best and obviously larger bedroom in the house. The apartment given to us by John's cousin, Tom, is just splendid. A huge glass window in the living room, overlooking huge skyscrapers, with long gray curtains. The furniture and the overall decorative approach of the place seems to have been done by a specialist. A house better than those seen in magazines. Expensive devices in the surrounding area, amplifiers, electric guitars, headphones, microphones, lighting with various settings and so much more.

Tom, John's cousin, has been a great musician since he was a teenager. We were classmates years ago in San Diego. His parents separated at some point and then his father and Tom rented the apartment next to the apartment block where I lived. After graduating high-school, Tom moved to New York with his mother, Margaret, and has been performing in a band he formed himself showing his talent as a musician.

Well, I think you should take this bedroom; it’s next to mine... It has a huge storage space for your many clothes, and even more for your accessories. It also has something extra that I asked my aunt to bring for you.

I look at him perplexed and follow him as he head towards inside. The room, twice as big as mine, with dark red walls and dark brown furniture, creates a wonderful combination. In the window I see a painting canvas and I immediately understand.

Oh, John! You're the best friend I could ever have! With a smile from ear to ear, I crash on my single bed with the gray covers.

It will be cold at night. There are warm blankets in the closet, towels and everything else you need. Aunt Margaret arranged everything.

Your aunt, John, is a treasure. He smiles and brings me the suitcase I left in front of the door.

Sleep, take a bath and we'll talk later. Do you mind if I leave you alone? I get up abruptly and I squint. Is he up to something or does it seem to me?

Don't look at me like that. I promised my aunt to go to the company early, it's the show today.

Aha! I yawn.

The exotic blond guy with the blue eyes grabs my hand and lifts me up to the air. His eyes get lost in mine and suddenly our lips come together in a passionate kiss. His hands slide over my body and he lifts me up with his both hands, leading me to his limousine. The kiss becomes more passionate, and my hands touch his sturdy naked body under the plaid shirt. The blond angel, full of sin, licks his lips and mutters to me how much he wants me. His eyes look at me furiously, as his hand travels over my body, rubbing my stimulated nipple over my red silk dress. Now his lips open and with his sharp teeth he slips into the sensitive skin of my neck and... the phone rings. And it shatters my dream… Damn!

With my mind blurred, without being aware of place and time, I open my eyes. The phone rings persistently next to my bed and I have to pick it up. I answer hoarsely.

My dear Gina, can you come to the show? I am asked in a sweet tone by the feminine and mature voice of John's aunt Margaret.

What… what? Did anything happen?

Yes. I need you. Immediately. I've arranged a taxi to ring your bell and bring you here so you won’t get lost. Please don't say no to me.

I grab my hair and remove it from my face as I lean on one of my elbows, face down, on the soft bed that I still have a hard time leaving.

Yes, of course, Margaret… I answer even more hoarsely and discreetly clear my throat to ask, When do I have to be there?

In half an hour ... Will you make it, my dear?

Em ... I look at the watch in my hand. Okay. See you there I hang up the phone and crash on the pillow. Going there is the least I can do for this woman who basically welcomes me into her life with open arms.

I’m not wearing any make up, ungainly, disheveled, drowsy and I don’t have time to fix the slightest thing. I quickly take a three-minute hot shower. I put on my ballerina shoes and a pair of black leggings paired with a white long blouse. A little mascara and lip gloss. That's the only thing I could do! The bell rings, I grab my keys, cell phone and set off.

An enormous building with a huge metallic entrance towers before me. I raise my eyes in amazement to observe all its extent. People come and go. Even ordinary workers, carrying various things, are perfectly clothed. I enter a little hesitant. I don't remember the floor, but I ask a guard next to the double entrance.

I assume you are heading to the ninth floor. He smiles. He is an impressive guard, in his uniform, holding his radio and with piercing blue eyes. Although I recently saw the most impressive eyes I have ever seen in my life.

Thanks! I answer and head to the elevator. The heavy metal door opens and I enter. There’s a mirror in the background and I hum the lyrics of Perfect Illusion by Lady Gaga which is heard softly on the speakers as I look myself in the mirror trying to spruce up a little. In the way I was prepared I’m sure I would look ridiculous in the fashion world, but it doesn't matter.

The first thing I see is the WAW Kingdom brand name in capital letters, the name of the company run by John's aunt. The owner, as I heard from John, will attend the show today. I would like to thank him for giving me the opportunity to join one of the many departments that exist, despite my limited experience. To be precise, I worked for a small girls' magazine for a year, answering readers' questions. Although this is not related to the subject of my studies, I hope to be able to work here in a similar position in the magazine.

John sees me and with a gesture he indicates me to go to the door on the right... He looks so glamorous and relaxed! I wish I had so much energy. Now I see him flirting with a model. She is a tall, blonde woman, with straight, long hair and endless exposed legs.

Gina! Margaret's sweet characteristic voice greets me, and I reciprocate waving my hand in the air. She smiles at me and caresses my arm. I'm sorry for such a short notice, but a model fainted. John immediately suggested you. Damn. Oh, John Smith, you are so screwed! I look at myself to make her see that I am completely out of it.

Don't worry, my dear. Danny Martin, our designer, will transform you instantly. The runway starts in two hours, you have plenty of time she reassures me, while the designer he mentioned approaches us. He is bold, charming, with white, horn-rimmed glasses and a white shirt, with the front buttons open. I suspect he's a bit ... gay? I probably have to get used to it. In such a big city, I have to be open-minded.

Who is this beauty here? Please, Margaret, tell me she's the girl we're waiting for, because I'm going crazy! he says in a slightly agitated voice and looks at her intently.

It's her, relax. The girl is gorgeous, as you can see, she smiles and I feel my cheeks getting red.

Danny scans me from top to bottom and suddenly pulls me softly by the hand, and I follow him to the dressing room, which is filled with the many - literally many - and very impressive models. Tall, shapely girls, blondes, redheads, brunettes, as with other, extraterrestrial hair colors, with gorgeous bodies, are getting dressed with other people's help. Dresses and all clothes look extreme. Arianna Grande, The Weekend, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and other famous singers fit the occasion and put us all in their rhythms through the speakers. The items of the collection have vivid hues of specific colors, while the designs are somewhat revealing and provocative, but not to the extent that they can be considered lewd and get stuck in the shop windows.

Eva, take Gina. I want you to put the same fiery red of the dress on her lips. She is brunette and her white skin is ideal. Tell Russell to give her the two-piece dress that was intended for the model who didn't show up, change her makeup and tell Vick to fix Russell's hairstyle, it's too much on her shoulders and I don't like it. And then tell her to fix Gina's hair here.

Danny points at me taking a deep breath, after having implemented the orders for the premiere, addressing to the person in charge for the models and oversees all the preparations, as once John had explained to me, when we were watching a movie, that this is what is done in such cases. Eva, a makeup artist, hairdresser and Danny's assistant, is a very sweet blonde girl, with short hair, thin, with plump lips. As soon as they informed the other model, I felt a look of hatred piercing me. Is she pissed off because I will wear the red dress? Maybe, because there isn’t anything like it here.

It feels like time has stopped. I can’t stand it anymore. I sit on the chair for almost an hour, while Eva and another, thin - somewhat unpleasant- man with very strong edges, do my makeup and hair. The voices around me have driven me crazy. Everyone is talking non-stop. Others feel anxious about a simple catwalk, and others are cool and probably more experienced judging by their relaxed attitude. The male models are few and flirting discreetly with the girls, while they themselves seem more than ready.

Here's the dress John arrives with a dark red dress in his hands, looking in my eyes. You are awesome! Finally, my best friend, a familiar person.

Oh, John, why did you get me into this? I whisper smiling at him. Thank you I add.

No matter how much I grumble, a part of me is happy for being a model in a New York’s catwalk especially at such age. Well, now I'm thinking like forty-year-old.

I’m out of my mind.

May I help you? he asks me. I was countless times his model when he was designing his clothes. And the truth is that his clothes are just as impressive as these ones here. Too bad he chose to work as a photographer at this stage.

Yes I answer, and he helps me to wear this VERY impressive dress. The top is a black strapless, with black lace under the breast up to the waist, and then follows a dark red fabric in a straight line. There is a long slit in the left foot, and the set is combined with a heavy necklace, somewhat large, in dark silver, combined with high heels in the same shade.

When I look at myself in the full-length mirror, my eyes are rolling. Never in my life had I ever seen myself so... impressive. Luckily for me, my nails are painted in an impressive, dark red color and match perfectly. My hair falls long to my waist, all straight. I can’t help it but smiling, and John, equally impressed, pokes me. I grab him straight by his shoulder so I won’t fall.

Hey, big guy, be careful! he tells me, and I giggle and I put my foot in my high heel more firmly. It's a shame we are best friends. If I had met you today, I would have fallen in love with you, he jokes, and the blonde girl who was with him previously calls him.

Honey, I'm going to Nati. If you need me, I’ll be around; I'm not going anywhere, he winks beckoning me. Nati has a wonderful bust, of which my friend was probably very impressed.

In the next half hour, tensions are rising. I have a headache. I am alone. Nobody talks to me. I sit as if I am grounded in a corner, waiting for all this turmoil to end so that we would begin. I'm very bored and I don't have anything to do. I have no idea where my cell phone and clothes might be. John took them without telling me anything.

Let me take a look at you says Margaret who takes Danny and together they check their models one by one, before reaching me.

I like her! Danny says decisively to Margaret and watches me with his hand on his chin. Can you walk on such high heels? he asks me.

I can.

The catwalk is a bit slippery, but don't worry, you're mine. Even if something goes wrong, I am here, Margaret whispers in my ear reassuringly. I liked her from the very first time she came to San Diego to visit her nephew John, and her son Tom, my neighbor in the apartment building where I lived.

Danny is scolding a model who, without realizing it, is sitting on the tail of a dress. Margaret is standing near me. I have the feeling that she is standing there to keep me relaxed. The headlights bathe the catwalk with plenty of white light. The company's name, WAW Kingdom, reads on a black background behind this huge circular catwalk, which I have to go through. Twice! When my turn comes, John reassures me with his gaze from the front seats, down, on the right side of the catwalk. I take a deep breath and start walking gracefully. The catwalk is really slippery. But no, I'm not afraid! Now I will enjoy it and just keep walking!

Come on, Gina! Just a bit left! I feel all eyes on me, but in a strange way, something clicks inside me and I don't feel embarrassed. On the contrary, I feel so beautiful; full of confidence. I can barely hold my joy as I move on, complete the catwalk and come back with a big smile in the dressing rooms, from the catwalk exit. I made it! I didn't lower my gaze to look anyone but John. I have such a strange feeling.

Some girls look at me with an ironic attitude as if to say Look at the rookie! She used her connections and she is proud of it. But I really don't care in the slightest about what a bunch of strangers might say. I've learned from an early age not to be influenced by people's comments and looks. And it seems that this is in my favor because my indifference each time neutralizes them successfully.

I look at the models coming out. I don't know when my turn will come again. I enjoy watching the amazing clothes and I’m waiting. My second catwalk seemed faster than the first. But not so impressive as I went out in line with the other models, without me being the center of attention.

In my aunt's office, on the top floor. I didn't want you to waste time until you find it, John tells me, putting his hand in his pocket and handing me the key. He immediately understood what I needed and took care of everything. Here you go. You will enter the office with the M.R. tag - his aunt's initials.

Too bad I have to let go of the dress, I've fallen in love with it!, I grumble a little. So, you are staying at the party, I assume?

Why do you ask since you know the answer? he tells me raising his eyebrow and looks at the models standing further away. A red mark of lipstick on his neck answers all my questions.

Go for it, I tell him winking at

Reviews for Love and Obsession

[alex68ve · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It keeps you interested the whole time you read it, clearly a woman's book!
A lot of sex! So hoot!
Gina is very insecure at first but she also has her charm with the whole confused demeanor she gives off. William is a scumbag with a lot of psychological..
I can say that I was excited by the book and I'm curious how it ended so what will happen next

[Jo S. Gregersta · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I looove William!!! SOOO much! I want to read the 2nd!!! SOON PLZZZ

[Alex · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have read the greek edition, and it was interesting