Page 65 of Casualties

"Morgan and I work for the owner.I swear nothing like last night has ever happened."He sighs, but continues."Denny owns the main club, Sanctuary, and the attachment club you were at was Sanctuary Upstairs.It's a members-only sex club.When people apply to become potential members, Morgan and I perform extensive background checks to clear them.Denny will ask us from time to time to dig deeper into their backgrounds, looking for anything he can use as blackmail.Before you ask, I'm not sure of the reason, I've never asked."He doesn't break eye contact, and I know he's telling the whole truth.

"This was what you were warning me away from when you said you do bad things?You work for a sex club owner, and—" My mouth closes, not wanting to finish that sentence.I wait with baited breath to hear what he has to say.

"Yes, I'm a member of Sanctuary Upstairs,” he says slowly.He doesn’t drop his head or make any excuses.“It's been a way for me to explore with women experienced in what I like."

"What do you like?"

"Control."

"Do you use the club regularly?"I ask, not really wanting the answer.I'm trying to look unbothered, but picturing Ace with other women makes me feral.I've always wanted to be the one he explores with.

"I haven't used the club for sexual reasons since before you got to town."I search his emerald eyes for any hint of dishonesty.When I don't find it, I unintentionally sigh with relief.So does that mean he hasn't had sex in four months?

"That's, um, wow.How come?"

"Do you really need me to answer that?It's you, princess.It's always been you.I made the wrong choice in letting you go.Morgan will eventually get over it, we've been friends for far too long to end it over me being with the woman I love—whether it's his little sister or not."A glint of light touches his eyes.My insides dance in excitement at the words I've always wanted to hear.

He chooses me.

* * *

TWO WEEKS LATER

Telling Ace everything that happened over the last three months with Jackson took a weight off my shoulders that I didn’t know I was carrying.I won't lie and say what Jackson did doesn't affect me, it does, but I'm choosing to move on.I refuse to dwell on the past.What happened to me was horrendous, but I made it out safely.Not everyone is that lucky in an attempted sexual assault.

I never found my phone, and felt I needed a new number anyway.When Ace and I left for home the next day, he took me to the store to buy a new one.Everyone flooded me with questions about Jackson.I chose to keep the details to myself—with the exception of Ace and Cass.All I said to everyone else was that Jackson and I mutually decided our relationship had run its course, giving away nothing more.

Every year on New Year's Eve, the Maddoxes and Cassie come over for dinner and cocktails.The fireplace blazes with red and orange flames, warming the family room where we’re all gathered.We’ve been playing Liverpool Rummy for hours now, and our parents have bowed out of this last game since they’re leaving soon.

“Last hand, bit—” Mom smacks Morgan upside the head before he can finish the sentence.

“Morgan Copeland, so help me God.”I can’t help but laugh as she scolds him.

“Sorry, Mom.Didn’t know you were there.”

“Ooo…Momo said a bad word,” I tease, grinning.

“Shut it, Mini Copeland.”He launches a piece of popcorn at my face, his grin spreading wider.

“Alright kids, we’re leaving.Please behave yourselves, and call if you need us,” my dad’s thunderous voice echoes through the room.

A friend of theirs throws a party every year on New Year’s; they started attending when we became teenagers.They hang with us during the day, then check into the hotel the party is hosted at.Morgan and Ace were ecstatic the first year they did that, figuring they could go party with their friends.When they realized Cass and I were going to be home alone, they stayed, and now every year the four of us spend the holiday together.

“Dad, I’m pretty sure we should be saying that to you.”Morgan smirks, leaning back in his chair.“We’re just your innocent kids, playing card games and watching movies.You’re the ones heading out to party.”

“Alright, let's go, we are already pushing fashionably late.Happy New Year kids, we love you!”My mom ushers my dad and the Maddoxes out the door.Once we hear the lock click, the game resumes.

Ace has barely left my side since we got back, and when he's not with me, Cassie is here.She’s been sleeping over every night since we got home.My brother knows something bad must have happened for Ace and Cass to coddle me like they have been.He doesn't know the details of what happened back in Boise—I didn't want him to act irrationally toward Jackson.I know he deserves anything my brother and Ace would do to him, but they don't need to get into trouble.Jackson is the son of a well-connected, wealthy man, and that's why I chose to not press charges.Despite having witnesses other than Ace, I'm sure his dad would manage to get him out of any legal trouble, so as not to harm their family image.

I haven't heard from Jackson since leaving Boise, most likely due to my new number.I'm not mad at that, I hope I never have to see him again.

The other day, I overheard a phone call I shouldn't have that Ace and Morgan were on with their boss Denny:

“Hey Boss Man, what’s the word?”Morgan asks.

“Boys, it’s a shitstorm here.Three women ODed from drugs they were dealt at the club.”

“Oh shit!”Morgan says with shock in his voice.I know Ace isn’t surprised, he was there.

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