Chapter 7

“WELL, when is the right time, may I ask?” he asked, laughing.

“I’ll know when it’s the right time. I just don’t want to feel pressured or anything.”

Bullet shook his head because clearly, they are not on the same boat when it comes to the topic. Is sex really that complicated for women? Because for him and probably for men in general, sex is sex. Whenever there’s an opportunity, they’re gonna grab it without even thinking.

“If I could only do something to get even, I certainly would.” Astrid frowned as if she was really considering the thought.

“Do it. Maybe once he finds out that you’ve found someone else, he’d be jealous and-“

“And then there’s a chance that he’ll take me back?” she interjected.

“Well, it depends, really. If he still loves you, of course he’ll come back,” he commented. And then he intently looked at her. “Wait, are you telling me that you’re still willing to take that man back despite the fact that he cheated on you?”

“I know, I know, I am a fool.” She sniffed and frowned. She took a tissue out of her bag and blew her nose into it. “Come on, everybody’s been a fool in love even once in their lives.”

“Not me,” he laughed in response. “It’s just love anyway.”

“You’re just saying that because maybe you haven’t really fallen in love yet.”

“I’m saying that because I am not stupid. Why should I waste my time, my effort and my life on something that I know would never last? Love is just for the weak, Astrid.”

“Well, I beg to differ, Mr. Ortega. Love is not for the weak. Only those who can love are strong because they continue on loving even though they know that they’ll be hurt in the end.”

“Wow. Now it’s confirmed. You are drunk.”

“Oh yeah, I’m so drunk with love and I’m this close to going crazy,” she replied dramatically, with her fingers using a pinching motion. “And I’m this close in considering your suggestion to make him jealous. The problem is, it’s not easy to find a man who’s willing to pretend to be my...wait -” and then she looked at him. “Would you be willing to be my pretend boyfriend?”

“The question is, are you willing to face the consequences?” He asked slyly.

“Consequences?”

“If we pretend to be in a relationship, we’ve got to be...you know, we have to do the things that couples usually do like I may need to hold your hand...hug you...”

“And kiss me? I don’t care but I just have to warn you though. I’m a really good kisser so you’ve got to control yourself and not fall in love with me.”

Bullet wasn’t sure whether she’s just kiddng but he’s certain that she’s drunk. He shook his head and just laughed at her.

“You don’t believe me?”

“Hey, I’m not judging you or anything but it’s hard for me to believe in something that I haven’t experienced first-hand.”

“Oh, so you’re telling me that you need proof?”

Astrid winked at him and smiled. Even before he could answer, she suddenly grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him closer. She stared into his eyes and when she touched his nape, his heartbeat doubled. He should be used to this and he should take advantage of this kind of situation but with Astrid, everything seemed new to him.

“Astrid...” Three inches, two, one. He had to close his eyes and wait for the touch of her soft lips.

“Bullet...” she whispered across his mouth. He could already feel her hot breath and smell its sweetness. “I’m really sleepy.”

Astrid suddenly backed out, which left him hanging, feeling like an idiot. She lay down and covered herself with the thick blanket as if nothing happened.

“Good night, Bullet,” she whispered softly after yawing.

Bullet quickly stood up and turned around. He walked away and went to the kitchen and got himself a bottle of beer before sitting on the couch next to the bed. He’s still shaking his head as he watched Astrid sleep.

If the situation was different, if it was a different woman, he would not waste his time sitting there and drinking beer. But it was Astrid, the woman who loathes men like her. It was Astrid, who, at first glance fascinated him and it was Astrid who’s now holding her driver’s licence.

Suddenly, he wanted to bang his head on the wall out of regret. Why did he even consider giving his license to her in exchange of his promise that he’d behave himself?

Bullet emptied the beer can and stood up. He was about to turn off the lamp but he was transfixed when Astrid suddenly turned. She was facing him now, her lips were half open and her hair, disheveled. She looked like an innocent angel and a sultry goddess combined. He was mesmerized by her charm, wit and natural beauty and he’s certain that he’ll be in huge trouble if he let himself stay in this room together with this woman even for just a bit longer...

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