Page 40 of Rake

“Hey, Gene,” I say. “What’s going on?”

He asks me what I thought he would. I look over at Sasha’s house again.

“You know me—I see a beautiful woman and I can’t help myself. We’ve been together for a little while, though. She’s amazing. Name’s Sasha Saunders.”

Gene thanks me for the details and hangs up. I head back home to finish up that whisky.

11

Sasha

Iwatch Finn’s ridiculous car drive off. I’d been insane to let my guard down with him earlier. But he has these moments of genuine openness that I find difficult to resist.

I’d been right earlier, though, when I thought I’d been missing something. He was letting me leave because he had another ace up his sleeve. This ridiculous gala. He’d bring me to his father and let him intimidate me.

We’ll see about that.

I’m going to make my own plans for the gala.

Benjamin walks with me toward the stairs.

“That guy toss you to the curb already?” my father bellows from his chair. “Too bad. Maybe if you did something with your hair.”

“Look who’s talking,”Benjamin whispers, helping me climb up to the second floor. “You okay?”

“I am.”I’m not really fine, but I can’t have that conversation with my brother. I do need to warn him about Finn, though. “Listen, Benjamin, Finn is a complicated guy.”

“He’s rich as fuck, that’s for sure.”

“Yes and no. He’s the son of the casino owner, James Carney.”

Benjamin freezes. “What?”

“Yeah.”

“He told me you fell outside of his building.”

“I did.” Technically it’s the truth. I don’t want to lie to Benjamin, but I also don’t want to give him information that puts him in danger. He doesn’t need to know about P.J. “His father is still mad about the union.”

“Boo fucking hoo.” Benjamin slicks a hand through his blond hair. “I’m still mad his goons beat the shit out of my sister. No wonder he told me he could help me find the assholes who did it.”

“Please don’t.” I grab his arm. “Let’s just get the hell out of here in one piece, please?”

He doesn’t look convinced.

“He’s dangerous.”

“Then why are you going out with him on Thursday?” Benjamin folds his arms over his chest. I look up at him. When did my baby brother get so tall?

“I have to. For work. We’ll be in a public space.” I finish the sentence with a big yawn.

He stares at me. He’s too young to be dealing with all this.

So are you, Sasha.

Dr. Smith’s kindness unleashed a wave of anguish I’m not equipped to deal with. I just want to sleep. My brother seems to get this, and he sighs.

“Get some rest. I’ll order a pizza.”

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