“Oh yeah, although I’m more excited about those. A gift.”
“You’ve given me enough already,” I argue. “How am I ever supposed to give you any sort of gift. It’s an impossibility.”
“You’ve already given me more than you realize.”
“So, you say,” I counter. Even if I’m confident the things Riley Astor says are truth, more time needs to pass before I really embrace the emotions behind his promises. From rags and street life to riches beyond all comparison takes settling into. With Callie out of my life in any meaningful way, I’m left with PACHA, the A Team, and Jesse and Riley. I’m inundated with those accustomed to this wealth and lifestyle.
“What I say goes, or haven’t you noticed?” Riley chuckles a low rumble.
“Will Reggie know where to take me and what time tomorrow?” I ask.
“He will, but I’ll text you the details now that you’re a texting woman.” He says it with pride, not sarcasm.
“I’m getting there,” I say. “Don’t give me too much credit.”
“You don’t get enough. Your life changed completely, and you’ve handled it with grace and courage.” You don’t need courage when you have copious amounts of money to solve any problem you face. You also don’t need it when someone like Jesse takes matters into his own hands regularly.
“I appreciate you saying that,” I whisper.
We’re standing in front of Jesse’s apartment door now. “I’m at the apartment. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I mean everything I say. Can’t wait.” Riley clicks off the call and I’m left trying to process all that he’s said while not displaying emotions on my face for Jesse to see. Reggie unlocks and opens the door and I walk in alone. Jesse is obviously home because there are random dishes and clothes here and there, and the cleaning people haven’t been in to tidy up. I grab a water from the fridge and head to my room without seeing him. Instead of seeking him out, I pack like I am never returning. There’s not much I leave behind, honestly. I pack like I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone or if I’m ever coming back. I bring everything that I can.
“Heading somewhere?” Jesse says, leaning casually against the doorframe. He gives the definition to darkening a doorway. “Heading somewhere for a while?” he adds.
“I thought you knew,” I say, trying out ambivalence. “Riley is sending for me tomorrow. He mentioned you were heading out as well. We’re all heading to Mexico, I guess.”
“He didn’t tell me you were going, no.” He steps into the room. Freshly showered and full of fury, his face gives away nothing. “I wonder why.”
I clear my throat. “He just told me,” I offer. “Like less than thirty minutes ago.”
“Drew, it takes days to plan a flight. He just told you, but he knew days ago you were going to Mexico. Why do you think he didn’t tell me?”
“Jesse,” I whisper. “I barely know which way is up. I don’t know why he didn’t tell you. He assumed you knew if you were also leaving, that I’d want to as well.”
“Astors don’t assume. You should know that by now.”
We’re standing face to face, and he’s close enough to reach out and touch me. “So, it’s one of two things. He wants you for himself, which I would have called bullshit any other time, or he’s hiding something from me, and you know what it is.” The threat in his words is evident.
Swallowing hard, I recall all the self-defense I know. When I was hooking, it was always go for the eyes and balls. Oh, and be in shape enough to run far and fast. I don’t know why he sets my hackles up, after countless times before when he’s seemed threatening. I assumed he’d never hurt me after what he’s done for me. I overestimated his loyalty. “I… I… don’t know anything. I promise, Jesse. He’s your brother. Why would you think this way?”
“Brothers are always only one fight away from mortal enemies.”
I wince. “How can that be true? He loves you.”
At the word love, he balks. “Love doesn’t exist here. It’s loyalty bound by business. You’d do well to remember that if you continue on the path you’re headed.” My stomach churns, and I wonder how it works if Jesse hurts me. Is Reggie bound to him or me? Am I merely a plaything he’ll dispose of when Jesse is through with me? Riley would surely take his brother’s side over mine. I’m new here. Love or not.
“I understand,” I reply. In my fear, I give him what he wants. “Riley told me he’s fallen for me. That he’s attached to me in a way he’s never been in the past.” I rationalize this truth will be easier to digest than Jesse, assuming Riley is hiding something I’m keeping from him. “He has feelings for me, Jesse. I mentioned you were being cold, and that’s why he stopped telling you things about our relationship. Because our relationship is the opposite of that.”
“Relationship?” He smiles meanly, taking my waist and pulling it toward him. “I’m fucking you too. How can you possibly think you’re anything but a plaything? Men don’t share things they’re attached to.” He’s right, and a pit of dread settles in my stomach. If Riley gives, Jesse takes. My traitorous body responds to his touch. “Men don’t fall for harlots. They catch and release after rehabilitating them. Riley never intended to keep Destiny.” He says my former name like a disgusting curse.
I push off his chest, offended. “You’re the one who placed me in this situation, so you don’t get to call me a harlot.” I shock us both with my confidence. “My name isn’t Destiny, either.”
Jesse flashes white teeth. “You love this. That feeling of having the upper hand for once in your godforsaken life?” I want to kiss him and smack him at the same time. “Accept the fact that I am the one who placed you here means that you’ll never have the upper hand. No matter how good your dick sucking is.” Jesse grabs my crotch and pulls me to him. My core throbs, a dirty traitor, marking me for what I really am. A woman who wants a man no matter the circumstance.
I tremble, and all the false bravado I possessed diminishes. What does it take to be a woman who is feared and revered? How much time needs to pass? Amy had a past, and she’s untouchable now. I want that. “Are you going to hurt me?”
He lifts one brow. “Still with that? You think I want to hurt you?”