Page 49 of Frankie and the Fed

“I didn’t know he was here. And we’re not together.”

“So, can I have him? He looks so good. I want to lick him all over.” Jenny looks like she’s ready to undress right now on the floor. I don’t know her well enough to know if it’s the alcohol talking or if that’s how she always acts, but her words cause my stomach to clench. He’s not mine, but I can’t see him with someone else, either.

Claire laughs. “You think? Do you have eyes? You saw them dancing? He wouldn’t look at you even if you were naked, Jenny. And besides, you don’t even know who he is.”

“What does it matter who he is? You saw what he looks like. I’m ready for a man like him to fuck me however he wants, whenever he wants,” Jenny moans. Her voice is a little slurred, and I guess she’s pretty drunk.

I still haven’t decided what I think about her, especially with this lightness that doesn’t come naturally to me. But this is what my psychologist wanted for me. He wanted me to spend time with girls my age and experience real and uncomplicated life. So why do I feel like I don’t belong? My lifeiscomplicated. I can’t just erase everything I’ve been through.

“It’s Ethan Wolf,” Claire tells Jenny, and she glances around as if his name would make everyone stare at us, but no one hears. It’s too noisy in here.

“Ethan Wolf?” she whispers back, and it makes me laugh. You’d be lucky to hear someone scream in here unless they were standing right next to you.

“It’s a long story,” I say. “And right now, I prefer to dance.”

She gives up and nods, and I drag her back to the dance floor.

CHAPTER21

Ethan

Although this lawsuit is bad news, it’s also given me the perfect excuse to come to San Francisco to pursue her. I intend to do everything I can so Ayala understands that we are meant to be together.

I hired someone, so I could see what she was doing at all times. Yes, it’s creepy. Yes, it’s a little crazy. But I have to know she’s safe, and I have to find a way to fit into her daily plans.

When her tracker sent me an update yesterday that she went out to a club, the first thing I did was go there myself. I didn’t want to disturb her at work, and I couldn’t disturb her at the psychologist’s office. But at a club? Sure. It’s the perfect place to show my presence. I want her to know I’m here.

The dancing was a slight drift on my part. I planned to watch from a distance and exchange a few words, but I just can’t control myself when she’s so near.

I want to take her on a date. A real one.

I hesitate before pressing the Call button. I have never been so afraid of rejection.

“Hey,” I say as she answers the phone.

“Ethan?”

“Yes.”

“What do you want?”

“I want you to know that I still love you.”

“Why did you come to the club yesterday?”

“So you’d realize I’m here, and I’m waiting for you.”

“But you left.”

Does she sound disappointed, or are my hopes giving me false illusions?

“I didn’t leave. I’m here. I’ll be here and wait until you’re ready.”

“I love you too.” I hear a sigh from her side. “But that’s not enough.”

“I know. I messed up badly. Please let me prove myself again. Prove that I’ll never betray your trust again.”

She doesn’t respond.