Page 89 of Unexpectedly You

Not being there for one another doesn’t sit well with either of us, but Arianna was and is the priority, so it’s happening.

Haden threatened Kai with bodily harm if even a hair on my head is hurt, and Kai looked for his friend’s support, but Shine pretended not to hear him.

My nerves come to the surface now that I’m so close to facing Dick. Not knowing whether Jeremy is going to be there is unsettling. I’m not sure if I want him to be there, so I know where he is, or if I want him to not be there and be safe somewhere else.

I called and called but never got a reply. I’m not sure if I’m more angry at him or worried for him.

“Can we check that we’re connected?”

Someone must have answered, because Shine nods, and then replies, probably remembering that people can’t see him. “Okay.”

I look at him, wondering what Kai and Shine have in common to be such close friends. The corner of my lips curve at the memories of Kai losing his cool for the first time since I met him.

Kai was ordering Shine to let him come with us, while the other man kept saying no, without even sweating.

I wish Haden was there to witness it, but he was gone before they arrived.

“Do you have the money?”

I pat my pocket, wondering how Haden managed to get all this money in such a short time. “Yes, I do.”

“Okay, let’s go through this again.”

“I go in, give him the money, and walk out.” I hope it’s going to be that easy, but knowing Dick, it won’t be.

“Great. We just need him to talk, so let him talk.”

“Okay.”

“Good. When you’re ready…”

I am ready. I want this done, because it means I can go back to Haden.

“I’m good to go.”

I exit the car a few blocks away from Jeremy’s and my place. I’ve already told Dick that I’ll be there today with the money. I made sure to tell him Jeremy had to be there. No reply from him, but knowing Dick, he’s going to be there.

“Jay?” Shine stops me, and I turn around. “You’re very brave.”

“I’m not. I’m just someone protecting his family.” With a nod, I walk away. When I’m close, I fake a dejected behaviour. I don’t want Dick thinking something is off.

I use my key to enter the apartment, and I’m not surprised when I find the weasel there.

“What are you doing here?” I say looking around, hoping to see Jeremy.

“I was waiting for my favourite piece of arse.” He stands and I take a step back, involuntarily reverting back to my usual behaviour.

I hate it, but it works in my favour, because it makes Dick more confident of having me under his control.

Jerr, where the heck are you?

Dick is standing near the kitchen, leaning on the counter and looking like he doesn’t have any troubles in life. His dark hair ispulled back with so much gel it shines in the light, as if it’s full of grease. His lips sport a self-satisfied grin, showing his black and ruined teeth, and making my stomach revolt in disgust.

I really hope I won’t have to go as far as to let him touch me. I don’t want anyone but Haden to touch me. His touch makes me fly, makes me free, and makes me whole.

He looks at me like he always does, with those eyes that undress me every single time.

I push my revulsion deep inside and instead pretend to be nervous, the way Dick likes it.