Page 84 of Jake's Angel

When Gabe pulls back out of the hug and turns to introduce her to some people, I watch Avery morph right before my eyes.

She straightens her shoulders, puts her chin up, and offers a well-practiced smile. She’s putting on a show for everyone,but why?She doesn’t have to please anyone here. But the mask she’s currently wearing seems so natural to her, like she’s lived with it for a long time. I find I don’t like it. The prim and proper persona in front of me is not my Angel.

Sadie and Jayde have gone off to the bar with Jinx. They’re all staring and laughing. I have no idea what those girls are up to, but whatever it is, you can be sure nothing good will come of it. Mom grabs Avery away from Gabe and takes her to see some ol’ladies.

Hawk saunters to me, putting his arm over my shoulders. “How’s our girl getting along with all the attention?” He asks.

“Our girl?” My eyebrows furrow at his question. He throws his hands up in surrender.

“Sorry, brother, didn’t realize it was likethat.”

“Like what?” I know what he means. Just because we’ve shared two hot as fuck kisses, I’ve seen her face when she comes, and I’ve thought about bedding her every moment since the first time our lips touched, I have no desire to makeany womanmy ol’ lady—not even the feisty little one with all the right curves over there.

Fucking liar.

I grab a beer from the cooler by the door, pop the top, and take a drink. “She’s not my type. Too high maintenance dealing with a rich girl. I like a one-night jizz and jet, you know that.”

I don’t know why I’m lying to him. Avery doesn’t give off the spoiled little rich girl vibe. She’s the complete opposite of what I would expect someone coming from that much wealth and prestige to be like. I still spewed the bullshit as if it were the truth. If I had Avery in my bed, there’s no way I would want to hit it and quit it. I’d mark the girl and make her mine.

Fucking hell. I’m fucked.

“I don’t know, man. She seems to be pretty into you. All the fire she’s spitting your way and the looks.” He smiles, pointing his beer bottle toward me as he continues, “Did you see her dress? Damn, I wish there was a little less to it, but even so, she looks fucking edible in it!”

I try to keep the growl from escaping as I listen to Hawk go on and on about what he would like to do to her body.

Of course, I saw her in the dress. I drove her here. I spent the whole drive trying to convince my cock we couldn’t get her out of it. I’m keeping my distance, so I won’t try.

I let out a frustrated breath before answering him. “Nah, man, she’s just a job. I’m just babysitting, like Prez asked me to.” Hawk makes a face, telling me there’s someone behind me. When I turn around and find Avery there with those emerald eyes flared in hurt and anger, I know she heard what I just said.Fuck!

Just like she did a moment ago with Gabe, I watch as her face morphs into the publicly acceptable persona. The mask is back in place and in full effect. She will not let no one see what hearing my words has done to hurt her. But it’s too late. I already saw it.

Shit!Way to go, dumbass.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

AVERY

Don’t letthem see it. Never let anyone see they have the power to hurt you.

I knew better than to believe Jake was any different from any other male in my life. They all manipulate you. Lie to you. Make you feel something genuine, then rip it all away.

Gramps. Adopted me. Took care of me. Then abandoned me for his work, leaving me with that retched woman and her merciless ‘yes man.’

My father, Gabe. He gave me away. Let others believe I was dead, under the guise of what was best forme. When it was actually what was best forhimand his precious club.

Mackknewabout all of it and never said a word. He watched me grow up believing my mother was a whore, and I was a fucking mistake. One that my grandmother wanted to eradicate but settled for humiliating and abusing foryears.

And then there’s Jake.

The boy who carried so much guilt over not being able to protect me. The man I gave my firstrealkiss to the hallway of adiner. The man I allowed to get me off beside my mother’s grave. I still can’t believe I let things go as far as they did,wherethey did. But I wanted him, and I thought he wanted me.

My mistake.Fool me once.

I put up my best Avery West, granddaughter of Eleanor and Russell West, debutant of Baron’s Edge, bullshit pageant queen smile and look at Hawk, and then around the yard like I’m searching for someone, but not making eye contact with anyone.

I can do this.I’ve spent years of my life perfecting the act of being happy in a place full of people I can’t stand.

Jake reaches out and grabs my arm. I glance back and forth between his hand on my arm and his face, but I don’t pull away.

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