Page 55 of Ripple Effect

“It’s just Logan.” She swallows audibly, the sound reverberating down the line and hitting me square in the chest. “We got into an argument, and now he won’t leave.”

“Won’t leave? Are you still at your apartment?” My mind races, piecing together fragments of her hurried explanation.

“Yep, and he’s outside ... I locked myself in with Gracie.” The quiver in her voice sends a rush of adrenaline flooding through my veins. “I just want to get in my car and come back to you, to Bentley, but I can’t ...”

I don’t hesitate, don’t ponder, don’t question. It doesn’t matter that I’m not supposed to leave my bed, that I’m not supposed to stress. That I’m one more fuckup from potential dire consequences.

“I’ll be there as fast as I can,” I tell her.

Because Daisy’s in trouble. She’s asking for my help. And already, I know I’d go to any lengths, push myself to any limits, just to be the one she leans on.

* * *

I parkmy Jeep in front of Daisy’s apartment building, my hands steady on the steering wheel before I cut the engine. Silence fills the air, wrapping around me like a thick blanket. I take a few calming breaths before I step out and make my way toward her building.

But as I approach the front entrance, I instantly spot Logan, and it sets my nerves on edge. He’s lingering there, his form outlined in the soft morning light. A rush of frustration washes over me, and I have to rub my temples to stay settled.

“Seriously, man?” I say as I approach him, working to steady my voice. “What are you still doing here? It’s pretty obvious that Daisy wants you to leave.”

Logan looks me up and down, his expression one of irritation and disbelief. “Oh, of course, it’s you. This is just rich.”

“You have some sort of problem with me?”

“No,” he says, the sarcasm thick in his voice. “Just wondering how much she’s paying you.”

I pause, thrown off by his comment. “Paying ... me? And what do you propose she’s paying me for?”

“I think we both know well enough.” He narrows his eyes, scrubs a hand over his chin. “I know what you do. I know who you are.”

“Do you now?”

“Everett Rain ring any bells?”

I cross my arms over my chest, cocking one petulant brow. “Oh, are you a fan or something?”

“Hell no, but I asked around about you after our little run-in at the café. It wasn’t until last week that a friend of mine put two and two together.” He tugs at the hemline of his Dayton Baseball T-shirt, visibly uncomfortable. “That’s why I was trying to call Daisy the other night, to warn her about you. I guess she already fucking knew about it, though, didn’t she?”

“Okay, so you know that I’m a sex worker, and you think Daisy’s paying me to ... what exactly?”

“Paying you to fuck her, obviously.”

His accusation barrels into me, and it’s like the ground has been ripped from beneath my feet. I shake my head at him, fully incredulous. “If you seriously think that, then you’ve gone off the fucking deep end, man.”

“So, you deny it?”

“Listen,” I snap, my patience running thin. “I don’t know what’s gotten into that screwed-up head of yours, but you must be truly unhinged if you’re the kind of guy who’d cheat on Daisy. So, let me just set the record straight for you. Daisy’s not paying me for shit. I would get on my fucking knees in front of her, worship the ground she walked on, just for a chance to have a single taste.”

He scoffs, something loud and heavy that grinds on my nerves. “Such fucking bullshit.”

“You don’t have to believe me,” I say, standing my ground. “Daisy has nothing to prove to you. But you should know that she’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.”

“The only reason she even gave you the time of day is because I fucked her off,” he retorts. “And good on me because I had no idea she’d be the type to sleep with a fucking prostitute.”

At this, I can’t help but grit my teeth. But instead of losing my temper, I opt for a warning. “I strongly suggest you leave before I make you leave.”

He huffs, turning on his heel. “Whatever. It’s not worth it anymore.”

“You have no right to stand out here and spew your bullshit. No right to make Daisy feel like she’s anything less than perfect,” I say. “So, get the fuck out of here, and don’t come back.”

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