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CHAPTER SIX

JASPER

I suck in a cool breath of air as my feet pound the cracked pavement. That should help lower my body temperature a degree or two. Goddamn. I was two seconds away from initiating a whole house orgy right there in the living room.

Memories from that night run through my mind, like they have every day since. The haunted show and the party after. Falin and that prick scare actor all over each other, until I took care of him. She’ll never know, of course. I crave the way relief washed over me the moment he passed out, his eyes rolling back in his head and his body slumped against the cold dirt.

Then I had her to myself.

Her lips were fucking lethal. I’d trade my last breath for another moment lost in her kiss. The way she molded against my body, the needy moans that spilled from her. Hell, I’d never been so gone for a woman before. Every ounce of suffocating pain evaporated while she was in my arms. I could breathe, could imagine a happy ending to my dumpster fire of a life.

Until the moment that absolutely wrecked me.

We crash onto the couch side by side, my body hanging off the edge. I feel so fucking incredible. And not just from the pills and the booze. It’s Falin. The whirlwind who barreled into our lives and became the only woman I can think about. I’m finally going to feel her warm skin against mine. Finally going to sink into her. Claim her. I’ve wanted her since I laid eyes on her. Even more since she opened her smart mouth.

She scrambles closer, lifting her dress and grinding against my hard cock. “Fuckkk,” I groan. Her fake vampire teeth graze against my neck as she nibbles and sucks. I need to slow down or I’m going to come in my pants.

I roll, flipping her onto her back, and make my way down her perfect body. I’ll admit, I’m wobbly. This isn’t my best, but I won’t let this opportunity go.

“This pussy is mine,” I say, hiking her skirt up and gliding my palm over her black fishnets.

“Wait—” She pushes up onto her elbows and gazes at me with a look of pure, unfiltered emotion. Her glassy eyes bore into mine and I swear her lip trembles.

“You okay?” I ask. Please God, let her say yes.

“I just need to—It’s just been so long since I could actually trust someone, y’know? Like, the kinda trust where you don’t have to check their phone or wonder why they’re not answering...”

I sit back on my knees, listening. What the hell could I say to that?

“God, I’ve just been hurt so much. Too much. And I just… Is it stupid that I just want someone good? Just like… Just a genuinely good person?”

She rubs her eyes and snorts a laugh while I stare, dumbfounded.

“You’re… You’re good, Jasper. You’re actually good. Like, deep-down good. Not fake-good. Real good. And I don’t… I don’t usually say stuff like this cause it’s scary but… the drinks and you kissed me, and you’re just… You’re just good.”

She flops back on the couch and pulls her skirt up higher. “M’kay, my pussy is all yours.”

I blink more times than I could count. Is there moisture in my eyes? What the ever loving fuck? It feels like someone dumped a bucket of ice cold water over my head.

I clear my throat. “Uh, be right back. Bathroom.”

She singsongs something as I book it down the hall, holding onto the wall for balance. When I stare at myself in the mirror, I don’t even recognize the man looking back at me. Dark puffy bags under his eyes. Sallow skin, scruffy facial hair. Smile nowhere to be seen. What good does Falin see in me? I’m not that guy. The one to keep. I’ve never been him.

I splash cold water on my face and groan. “Fuck, I’m going to regret this.”

Turning, I head back to the living room, ready to tell Falin all the reasons why she shouldn’t trust me. Why I’m not the guy she thinks I am. But she’s curled onto her side, eyes closed, and lips parted while soft breaths escape them.

I grab a blanket from the other side of the couch, cover her, and turn to head into my room when her soft voice pulls me back.

“Stay,” she whispers.

I fight with myself for a moment before finally giving in and sliding against her on the couch.

We haven’t talked about that night since. What is there to say? She opened up to me, told me exactly what she needed, and I ran. Well, only in the metaphorical sense. But still, I can’t get her out of my head. I crave her more than those fucking pills and that’s saying something.

My skin is tight, like it’s stretched over a body it doesn’t belong on. I run a hand through my hair and open the door to the deli down the block from our place. The clerk nods his head at me while I step around a mother and little kid browsing the candy rack. I go immediately to the sweets section, grabbing a pack of cookies and a fucking Twinkie. Sugar has helped with the cravings, although I don’t know what’s worse for my body. I head down the aisle and grab a Monster from the cold case before getting in line to pay.

“Hey, man,” the clerk says. “That all?”

“Yeah.” He rings me up and I grab my wallet, remembering how long it’s been since I actually took a paying job.

“Fifteen seventy-two,” he says. I hesitate and hand him the credit card I swiped from one of those pricks at Blake’s house. So far it hasn’t been flagged, but I’ve been waiting.

After I pay, I head outside, immediately stuffing my face. The sweetness hits my tongue, sending the pleasure signals I needed straight to my brain. I wonder what Falin’s doing right now. And what’s the deal with that party invitation?

We’ll have to go, even though I’m not in the mood to deal with a bunch of rich assholes. But it could lead us to my sister.

A girl passes by with the same long chestnut hair as Bailey, and I stare for an extra second. It’s become a habit, especially since moving here. I see her face everywhere. It’s maddening. There’s little reminders no matter where I go. Her favorite song playing at a gas station. Someone wearing a shirt I swear she had. A hint of the body spray she used to overload herself with when she was in middle school.

I can’t catch a break. Bailey’s gone and the ghost of her won’t let me forget it.

Leon swears she’s still alive. Says he’d bet his life on it. Damon agrees, but not as intensely as Leon. I think he’s just trying to keep me from losing my shit.

I don’t know what to believe. I’m lost, and finding answers is the only thing keeping me going. What else is there anymore?

The sound of a door shutting pulls my attention. It’s Falin leaving our place. She changed from her leggings into a black skirt and it looks like she straightened her hair out. “Where are you going, Trouble?” I say to myself.

I watch her cross the street, her eyes locked on her phone screen. Whatever messages she’s reading have stolen all her focus. I follow her, keeping just enough distance between us to remain unseen. My heart drums against my ribs. What can I say? I live for moments like this. Hunting my prey. Not that Falin is truly prey, but she’s giving me exactly the chase I crave.

She slows, her steps stopping once she reaches a shitty bar called Night Shift. Why the hell is she going there at two o’clock in the afternoon?

I hang back for a few minutes, giving her time to get settled, before heading inside. The place is narrow, but long with sticky floors and cracked stools crowded around a wooden bar. Falin’s perched on a stool at the very end of the bar, phone in hand, texting.

I have a few options here. There’s the Damon way—slinking back into the shadows to wait and watch. I’ve never been one for the shadows though. I make my way down the bar, past a few blue collar looking guys nursing their beers, and pull out the stool next to Falin.

She looks up from her phone and an instant frown lines her lips. “What are you doing here?”

“Thought I’d get myself a beer.” I signal to the bartender, a smoke show with long legs and glossy dark hair. If I were myself… or I guess my old self, I’d have her number before I left here. I flash her a smile and watch her cheeks blush. “How’s it going today?”

“Not too bad. What can I get you?” She fiddles with the rag in her hand.

“I’ll take a beer, whatever you have on tap.” I turn to Falin. “What would you like?”

She purses her lips. “I’m not here with him.”

The bartender darts her gaze between us. “Oh, okay. I’ll go get your beer.”

“That wasn’t very nice,” I say, purposely irritating her.

She sighs and picks her phone back up, ignoring my needling. “You should go, Jasper.”

“But our date just started.” The bartender picks that moment to slide a beer in front of me. I nod and thank her, taking a long sip. “Now that’s delicious. You should get one.”

Falin ignores me, tapping her heel against the barstool. She’s got her phone in her hands again and is furiously typing. I crane my neck slightly to get a peek at who she’s texting, but she catches me. “Can you take a hint? Wait, I forgot, you only have two brain cells left.”

I clutch my chest. “That was mean. Truly. I’m hurt.”

She finally turns and meets my eyes. “Come on, I’m serious. You need to leave.”

Her pleading tone has me concerned. Could she be in trouble? Is this part of the job? Maybe the guys sent her to meet with someone and didn’t want to tell me. That has to be it. They’re shutting me out again. Well, I’m not moving a fucking muscle. If Falin’s getting herself into some kind of trouble, she needs me here.

“What did they ask you to do?” I scan her face for any changes. That’s right, I’m onto you guys.

She scrunches her brows. “What?”

I shake my head. Leon must have told her to keep it from me. I squeeze my fist around my glass. I don’t know if I should be hurt or pissed. They all know I’m a mess right now. There’s no doubt in my mind.

I’ll prove that I can handle our shit.

Just then, the door opens, letting light into the dim space. I look over to see a guy lift his sunglasses on top of his head as he comes inside. He immediately looks out of place with his shiny dress shoes and perfectly tailored suit, covered by a long tan trench coat. I even get a whiff of cologne—the kind I’ve only ever smelled on testers at the mall.

Falin squirms in the stool beside me and I instantly know—this must be the guy. I don’t recognize him as one of Orlov’s dudes from the warehouse, but he has the same air about him.

“Follow my lead,” I say to Falin under my breath.

“What?”

Mr. Suit stalks toward us, a sly grin lining his lips. I sit up straight, pushing my chest out. If he wants to talk to Falin, he’s gotta get through me.

“Jasper, you need to leave now,” she hisses through clenched teeth, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Falin?” Suit asks as he reaches us. His smirk lifts into a full grin, showing off expensive-looking, stark-white veneers.

“Who are you?” I ask in my most menacing tone.

“Am I interrupting something?”

I move to stand but she grips my bad shoulder, digging her long nails in, and pushes me down. If I wasn’t so distracted trying to figure out this sketchy guy, I’d be incredibly turned on right now. Ah, who am I kidding? I’m always half-mast when Falin’s around.

“Not at all.” Standing, she adjusts her skirt and squeezes herself between our stools. I reach my arm out, effectively blocking her. She lets out an unamused laugh. “Give me one sec to talk to my friend here. Meet you outside.”

Suit’s smile falters and he checks his watch. “Okay, but make it quick. I only have fifteen minutes left on my lunch break.”

“I thought you were a CEO?” she asks, her brows narrowed in that fierce expression I’ve grown to obsess over.

He clears his throat. “I meant between meetings. I have a meeting with, uh, China soon.”

Even my bullshit detector is on red alert. She gives him a hard look and sighs. “Just wait outside, Jake. I’ll be right there.”

Once Jake is out of earshot, she lets her grip loosen. I rub my shoulder. “Damn, that’s gonna leave a mark.” I raise a brow and add, “Not that I’m complaining.”

If looks could kill, I’d be a pile of brittle bones.

She rubs her temples with the tips of her fingers, letting loose a long sigh. “Are you determined to interfere with every single guy I try to meet?”

I stare at her, blinking, as my jaw practically unhinges. “This was a hook-up?” Pointing out the door, I laugh. “You and that dude? Are you serious?”

She shoves my shoulders hard enough to knock me off-kilter and pushes past me. “And what’s wrong with him, huh?” Her voice grows louder. “He has a cock and I bet he knows how to use it.”

I laugh. “Right? Because mind-blowing sex is going to happen during his ten minute lunch break from his ‘CEO job.’ The dude has probably never made a woman come in his life. Jesus, Falin, I thought you were meeting someone for…” I lower my voice. “For the job.”

“Why would you think that?” Her arms cross against her chest, pushing her tits together. I can’t help but stare. Did I say half-mast? I’m dangerously close to a fully up the flagpole situation. “My eyes are up here!”

I blink and meet her stormy gaze. “I don’t know. What else would you be doing?”

“Wow. So you think the only life I have has to involve you and the guys? Classic narcissist.” She checks the time on her phone. “Jake has a few more minutes and I intend to fully use them. Do not follow me.”

I grab her arm. “The hell you will. You think I’m gonna let you screw that lying piece of shit? Think again, sweetheart.”

“You don’t own me. I decide who I fuck, not you.” Her tone is full of venom as she struggles to pull from my grip.

The bartender, who until this second I’d forgotten existed, clears her throat. “Is everything okay?”

“No,” Falin says.

“Yes,” I say.

“Um, I think you two should leave,” she says tentatively. “I don’t need any trouble here. It’s only my first week.”

“I was just leaving,” Falin says, digging her nails into my hand.

“If she’s leaving, I am too,” I say.

“The fuck you are.” She glances in the direction of the door as Jake sticks his head in. “I’m coming, Jake.”

I chuckle. “That’s the only time he’s ever heard that phrase.” That earns me a punch to the gut.

Okay, I’ll take it.

“Why are you doing this?” Her tone softens but is still full of contempt.

Here’s where I can come right out and say any number of the reasons why I can’t let her hook-up with another person. None of which have anything to do with me trying to control her.

I like you. More than like… but I’m fucking terrified of hurting you. I’m not the “good guy” you think I am. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anyone or anything. I can’t look at you without wanting to sling you over my shoulder and drag you into my bed.

I struggle to find the right words as my mouth opens and closes uselessly. “I—uh?—”

Before I can let out a coherent thought, Jake’s head pokes back through the doorway. “Hey, um, I gotta get going. Hit me up later.”

Her face falls, but only for a moment. I catch it though and I don’t know if I want to kick myself or pat myself on the back now that I’ve effectively gotten rid of Suit. “Yeah, okay,” she calls out to his retreating head.

“I’m sorry?” There’s no way in hell I sound sincere. By the evil glare I get, I know she doesn’t buy my apology. “What can I do?”

“Nothing. You’ve done more than enough already. Let’s just go home so I can take out my frustrations on my keyboard.”

“You can take your frustrations out on me.” I don’t mean for my words to drip with innuendo. They just naturally do when I’m talking to her.

She sizes me up, leaving me wondering what’s going on inside her head.