Jax felt a sting from Ruan's words, his face growing hot with defensiveness. ''I truly care Ruan,''he said sounding sincere. '' I know that you might see me as someone who is in it for money like everyone else, and I won't lie because the benefits are nice. Not everyone can afford the lifestyle that comes with a celebrity like you.'' he paused for a moment before continuing. ''you can call me names, say I'm just another yes man. Still, I am telling you, Ruan, I care because this trip is for you, and since we are going to be stuck together for six months, that is 183 days, I need to make sure that we get along.'' He heaved a deep sigh as his eyes met Ruan's obsidian eyes.
He knew that Ruan was talking out of experience when he responded, and he already knew how the celebrity world was and how everything usually didn't seem as it was. Even though he was curious about what had happened, he didn't dare ask because it was none of his business.
''We got along fine a few days ago,'' he continued. '' I just don't want you to cut me off because I need to make sure the six months we will be spending together will be productive.''
''you sound like we are going on our honeymoon,'' Ruan responded, and Jax felt his cheek heating up and knew it was turning red.
How could he have said Something like that?
He cleared his throat and looked away, pretending to stare outside the window. His heart was racing rapidly, and this was happening because Ruan had just mentioned one word, which made him wonder what would happen if he touched him, bringing him back to the moment they both had in the little corner of the office.
Jax could have sworn that he would return his kiss if he had tried to kiss him that day. he groaned, adjusted on his seat, and almost let out a loud sigh but held it back and instead clenched his fist, remembering the promise that he had made.
He had agreed to take this job without having any relationship, and he knew the consequences of going against the contract. Also, Ruan was out of his league. There was no way he would ever think of him like that.
''Did I say something wrong?'' Ruan asked him.
''huh?'' Jax sounded shocked as he turned to face him. He had forgotten that they were both talking.
Ruan chuckled. ''you are an interesting guy, Jax,'' he said and folded his arms. ''look, I don't have anything against you or your job, but please don't put my hopes up acting as if you truly care about me if you don't because…'' he paused and looked away. ''Acting like you care about me is not…''
''I am not acting,'' Jax interrupted him. ''I truly care, and I want this to be a success.'' He told him.
''Forget it,'' Ruan responded. ''just do your job as my manager, and before you know it, the six months will be over.''
Jax's expression softened. He knew Something must have happened to him in the past, Something that made him not trust anyone, and it piqued his attention. ''What are you afraid of?''
''wha…'' Ruan stuttered at first but cleared his throat before he continued talking. ''what are you saying?''
Jax uncrossed his legs and smiled at him. '' I know what you must have endured in the past might make you not trust anyone, but I am not going to pressure you to say anything, Ruan, since it is not part of my job, but we are going to be together for six months, and…''
Ruan interrupted him. ''stop making it sound as if we are dating.''
Jax frowned at him even though his words made him feel the flutter in his heart again. Dating? As if that could happen.
''That is not what I meant, Ruan,'' he explained. ''I know I am your manager, but to make this work, I want you to leave back whatever you experience in Spectra City behind and have fun on Azure Island. Focus on relaxing and having fun. See it as vacation and getting your life back on track.''
Ruan frowned at him, and then his frown slowly turned into a smile. ''fun?'' he chuckled. ''And what will you be having on the island?''
''my duty is to…''
Ruan scoffed. ''I don't care about your duty. Since you want me to forget my life back here in Spectra City, I want you to forget that you are my manager. Let us have fun together.''
Jax raised his eyes brow in confusion, which made Ruan chuckle. ''what?''
''your expression,'' Ruan chuckled again. ''Don't worry, I am not going to do anything to you,'' he said and leaned forward. '' unless you want it,'' he winked at him.
Jax frowned, then cleared his throat and looked away, pretending he hadn't heard him. He was glad that at least he was talking back to him and not scowling like he did when he entered the plane.
''so what do you say? Just us, on Azure island, having the times of our lives.''
''it's supposed to be your time, and I need to report back to the company.''
Ruan frowned at the mention of the company. '' no one said you shouldn't report the therapy session. You proposed the fun, and now, I am asking that you join me. I mean, it is going to be whatever happens in Azure Island stays In Azure Island.''
''Isn't that for Vegas?''
Ruan shrugged his shoulder. '' As long as the words fit, I will use them, so what do you say, Jax? Let's have fun or not?''
Jax stared at him momentarily and thought about the fun they were supposed to have. He knew Ruan was talking about Something different, but his mind thought about Something else. He wondered what kind of fun he was referring to, but since it was the only way to get him to talk to him, trust him, and not scowl at him, he was ready to have that fun.
Six months would be a long time, and he wanted it to be productive for both of them.
''fun,'' Jax finally spoke up after a few seconds of silence. ''let's see how it goes.''
Ruan's lips curved in a smile. ''I hope it will be worth it.''