Page 19 of Chief

I can give him everything he needs, but first and foremost, he needs totrustme. That’s the only way this will work. He can love me or hate me, that I don’t care about.

I need him totrustme. The rest will fall into place.

I stop for gas in Plant City. When I finish filling the tank, I find him staring out the windshield at the darkness.

“Penny for your thoughts,” I say.

“I can’t believe we got out of there so easily. I honestly think she liked you.”

“Well, we’ll have to come up with another excuse for the next time, to get us out of there early,” I fib.

That makes him turn. “Next time?”

“Yeah. Next time she summons you. You don’t think I’m letting you go back there alone, do you?”

Right now, he doesn’t need to know that I’m not ever letting him go back there.

He stares at me, those beautiful green eyes looking dark and wounded in this light, just a hair too bright, the tears threatening to reappear.

“Thank you,” he whispers.

“Hey, no man left behind. I mean that.” I grin. “Maybe next time wewilllet Susa come with us. Would’ve been a hoot watching her playing with some of those snooty stuffed shirts who thought they were big-shots.”

He finally laughs. “I was thinking that, too.”

“I’m going to need your mom’s number, though.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to text her another apology.”

“Um, why?”

I shrug. “We set it up so that she feels socially obligated to invite your roommate to future events.” In reality, I want to stroke her ego and pull her attention from Owen. I don’t need her forcing my hand too soon.

“Sonofabitch, I think that would actually work on her.”

“Of course it will. Narcissists love to think they’re so unpredictable, when the truth is, you can practically set a clock by them.”

It’s after ten when we return to the dorm. While Owen’s in the bathroom, I text Susa.

Home. Awake?

She must have been waiting for my text, because she replies almost immediately.

Yes, Sir.

I tap out my reply. I have a plan, but I need her to go along with it.

She’s a cunt, worse than I thought, but I know what we need to do now. I’ll give you details tmrw night. You still going to Tllhsee on Owen’s bd wknd?

I need Owen hooked deep in her heart for this to work. I know she’s attracted to him, even if she wants me more.

My plan leaves no one behind. Now, having met his mother, I see the clearest way though that wilderness so we all can get what we want and need.

Yes, Sir. Why?

I want the house for the wknd. I have a plan, but need privacy and 2 nights w/him.