25
ANTON
Lev strolls into my study with his hands in his pockets. He was on Jessa’s security team this morning. I know Chris won’t hurt her, but that doesn’t mean I trust him. And there is always Marina to look out for.
I put my pen down. “How was it?”
In answer, Lev just gives me a long, low whistle.
Frowning, I stand up. “What happened?”
“I can’t be sure. I was mainly lip reading. But I’m pretty sure he declared his feelings for her.”
“What did she say?”
“Well, she didn’t tell me explicitly. But according to the vibe I was getting, she turned him down flat and stomped on his heart, spat and pissed on the pieces, then set it all on fire for good measure.”
I nod in grim satisfaction. “Good.”
“I wouldn’t say that.” Lev fixes me with a sharp expression. “She may not be in love with the guy, but she definitely loves him, you know what I mean? It was hard on her.”
I suppress a sigh. “Where is she now?”
“In her room. Or your room, I’m assuming. She made a beeline straight upstairs as soon as the car had mostly come to a complete stop.”
“And Chris?”
“Left in a huff,” Lev says. “I’d say it looked like the end of their friendship. Unless she decides she’s going to leave you.”
“Which is not going to happen,” I growl.
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because I won’t let it.”
“This is real then,” he says. “You and her.”
I don’t say anything, but my silence is answer enough.
“Have you told her that?”
“Do I need to? She’s made her decision.”
“Doesn’t mean she knows where you stand,” he says. “Not in so many words, at least.”
I shake my head in dismay. “I never pictured myself as this guy. The one who says the right things. Who fucking cares and shit.”
Lev laughs. Not a drop of sympathy for me, that bastard. “Time to learn,” he says.
I point to the door. “Get out.”
Still laughing, Lev leaves my office. I walk around my desk, more than disinterested in getting back to work.
I’m not sure if Jessa needs some time alone or not, but I can’t wait any longer before I see her. It was hard enough letting her out of the house without me while Marina is still at large.
When I walk into my room, Jessa is lying catatonic on the bed. She’s staring out the windows, her eyes glazed with tears.
“Jessa.”