Billionaires with Benefits

150 150. Puzzles from the Past

Clara opened her eyes slowly. She almost screamed when she found herself in the arms of a man. He’s not a complete stranger anymore. They spend a hot night together in a sober state.

She didn’t know how many times last night they did it. Her body ached. The clothes were scattered underneath, making her reluctant to put them back on. However, she couldn’t be spoiled and picky in other people’s homes.

It was then, Clara realized that she had slept with men other than Dave. Maybe worse. Dave committed it in a drunken state. While she did it in a fully conscious state. Was there still any point in maintaining the current relationship? Did she still deserve to say love to Dave?

No! Love was not a problem between them. She and Dave loved each other. The problems that unfold were not so trivial. Many things prevented her from holding Dave’s hand. Not love, not also the blessing of their parents. She just didn’t want to be burdened with guilt all the time. The guilt that always reminded her of Lea’s presence.

However, there was something else that was currently making her uneasy. Why did she dream about that time again? Why was she reminded again of the past she wanted so badly to forget? Why was she reminded again of the jade-eyed man she had been with that night, six years ago? Was it because his eyes were so similar to Samuel’s?

Clara was wondering, were Jade and Samuel the same person? Unfortunately, when she tried to remember Jade’s face, Clara couldn’t remember at all. He was handsome. But she forgot the details.

Clara turned to the man who was snoring softly next to her. It was very difficult to move when his arms hugged her. His arms were too big and heavy. Much more muscular than Jade’s arms. His skin was also darker, opposite to Jade’s pale skin.

It could be, Jade did get the muscles due to very hard training. It could also be that he got a tan because he was exposed to a lot of sunlight.

Curious, Clara lifted Samuel’s heavy arms aside so she could sit up. She then opened the blanket to check the part that usually leaves a triangular shape when sunbathing. However, just as Clara was about to sit up, Samuel pulled her back into his arms.

.....

“Don’t go!” Samuel murmured with his eyes closed. “This time, don’t leave me!”

Clara was imprisoned again in Samuel’s warm embrace. Her head fell back into Samuel’s muscular shoulder. Very comfortable cushion, the most comfortable in the world.

“Hey, Sam! It’s already morning,” Clara whispered.

“Five more minutes!” whispered Samuel as he kissed Clara’s forehead.

Soft snoring came from Samuel’s lips again, blowing hot and soft air on Clara’s forehead.

“Sam, where did you get such beautiful light brown skin?” asked Clara softly. She decided to just ask instead of peeking at Samuel’s underwear area like a pervert.

Samuel who was half asleep replied, “What’s wrong?”

“I’m just curious,” Clara said as she moved her fingers randomly across Samuel’s chest.

“I sunbathed a lot while touring around Europe. Just wanted to be different from my cousin. I’m annoyed because I’m often mistaken for him,” said Samuel in a lazy hoarse voice.

Clara smiled at Samuel’s childlike answer. Her eyes fell on Samuel’s nipples. She then brought her thumbs there, fiddling with them gently.

“Are you starting to tease me again?” whispered Samuel. “You want to do it again?” Samuel’s eyes opened, welcoming Clara with his deep green eyes.

The man then brought his body above Clara, sheltering her gallantly. “I will be happy to have you as breakfast.”

Clara laughed heartily. For her, Samuel was like a machine. Made her have to drain her energy overnight. Now, was he ready to do it again?

Suddenly, Clara thought back to a conversation she had with Abigail six years ago.

‘Jeez, is he a machine?’

‘Last night was his last night before he went to Europe.’

Wait. Where did she hear the name of Samuel? Was he the guy her friend, Rosie, was after when she was in college? He was Samuel. He was a pianist. If he really was that Samuel, then he should know Rosie.

“Sam! Did you come to Rosie’s party six years ago?” asked Clara, stopping Samuel’s hands from starting to play with her nipple.

“Rosie?” asked Samuel confused.

“Before you left for Europe, did you attend Rosie’s birthday party?” Clara asked, demanding an answer.

Samuel fell silent. He seemed to think of something. “Albert’s cousin? They invited me to play the piano on his cousin’s birthday.”

Clara felt a lump in her throat. It turned out that it was true, he was Samuel, the handsome pianist that Rosie had targeted.

“What is it?” asked Samuel again when he saw Clara pensive. The stimulus didn’t work. The sucking on the nipple that should have made her twitch, was completely ignored.

“Did you … have a bad incident back then?” Clara asked again.

Samuel laughed lightly. “That’s right, that damn girl was planning bad things for me. She put drugs in my drink and intended to set me up. Luckily I was able to get away from her. There was an incident that made me leave the party earlier ….”

Samuel paused. His face tightened. He then lost his passion as well. The man then sat up straight, away from Clara. There was a wound on his face that could not be conveyed.

“What’s that?”

“I … spent the night with a girl. It was the most beautiful night of my entire life.”

Clara’s heart sank. She locked eyes with Samuel.

Samuel smiled bitterly. “I asked her out on a date. However, she chose to live the fate decided by her family.”

Clara’s face stiffened, she wanted to say something, but couldn’t. Her lips were trembling, she couldn’t control it.

Samuel continued his story, “She made me happy overnight, then broke my heart instantly in the morning.”