Page 24

When I move around the open door to the bedroom, I find Jessica's cheeks flaming red.

“Take it back.”

“Um, no?” I say, shooting a confused look to Trey. “Is she serious?”

Instead of responding, Trey covers up his amused grin with a fist to his lips.

“Anyway,” I say, moving on from the sidetracked conversation, “I get where you're coming from, and I agree. Trey and I do need to be ultra-cautious now that the whole charade is public.”

Jessica's eyes go wide. “Please don't tell me you still think you can get out of this. Your mother will castrate you and ruin me.” Taking a step closer, she wraps her thin fingers around his bare bicep.

I fight against the annoyed grumble building in my chest at the sight of her touching him. Fucking hell, why didn't he put a shirt on while I was in the shower?

But she does have a point.

“I'll do what I have to do,” Trey says before I can. He meets my gaze. “But like Randi said, you know where my heart lies, and it's not with you, Jessica.”

I wish I was the type of person who can feel victorious in the crestfallen look that takes over Jessica’s face, but I'm not. Even though she's trying to finagle my sexy agent into her grasp, I still can't rejoice in her obvious sadness.

“I need to go,” I mutter. Digging into the back pocket of my jeans, I find a hair tie and quickly whip my hair up into a messy bun. I take a quick glance at my watch and cringe at the time. “Guess you'll be by in a couple hours for your shift?”

Trey nods. “Wouldn't miss it.”

Jessica pouts. “I don't like how much time you two spend together. I'm not getting a fair chance.”

“Who are you, and what have you done with the real Jessica?” I narrow my eyes and move to stand directly in front of her, poking a finger into her bony shoulder. “It seems real.”

“I am real,” she blurts. “And stop touching me.”

“What happened last night after I left?” I scan her from head to toe, attempting to find the answer. I thought Jessica was still my friend through all this mess, but now I'm not so sure.

“Nothing,” Jessica says quickly and averts her gaze. “I just realized he's what I want for my forever, and I'm willing to fight for that.”

“Even though your engagement is based on his lying-ass mother and a backhanded deal you made with her? Great way to start a budding relationship.” I fail to keep the snark out of my tone, because let's be honest, this is dumb. What does she actually think she’ll accomplish? Trey is mine. Period.

“I'm willing to fight for him, for our future,” Jessica states, gripping Trey's arm tighter and squaring her shoulders.

A grimace mars Trey's handsome face as he glances between us.

I need a drink for this crazy show.

“Good luck to you, then, because so am I.” The coarse rug digs into my bare heels as I turn to face Trey. The rough scruff scratches my palms as I cup his cheeks and bring his lips down to meet my own for a deep goodbye kiss.

Petty?

Sure.

Warranted?

Hell. Fucking. Yes.

If Jessica wants to play. I'll play.

* * *

“This is ridiculous,” Champ mutters under his breath as he stretches his arms high over his head. The edge of his Dryfit T-shirt inches higher, exposing the pale, hairy stomach underneath. Quickly I look away and try to find anything else to focus on. Shouldn't be difficult since the core of my alpha team surrounds me all decked out in running gear.

I do agree with Champ, however. This is a bit ridiculous. Last week when I reached out to Sam telling him I’d reconsidered the situation and decided to help the DOJ investigate Kyle, he suggested we get together somewhere private to discuss our options.