Page 31 of Dangerous Curves

Diamonique scoffs. “Consider yourself lucky. She would only be a bitch to you because you took attention away from her. Normally, when she’s around I’m not allowed to sit around and just talk with Jaxx like we did tonight. Poppy is even cruel to his sister, who is the sweetest person ever.”

Jaxx has always been super protective of Kosi so to hear that Poppy can be mean to her shocks me. “And he’s okay with that?”

“No, not at all actually but the last time we all got together it was a BBQ at Gary’s house.Gary owns Star Eliteanyways he cooked for us and had a big get together on Memorial Day. It was so kind of him and we were allowed to bring guests with us. Well, Jaxx had already asked his sister because Poppy wasn’t supposed to be in town. However, she showed up unannounced and just expected Jaxx to be at her beck and call. It pisses me off just thinking about it.” Diamonique rolls her eyes. “So, Jaxx just brought both his sister and Poppy. The whole time Poppy makes these underhanded comments towards his sister and every other girl there. Finally, Jaxx told her that was enough and asked her to leave. Let me tell you, that was the wrong thing to say. She flew off the handle. I mean, straight up crazy kind of rage. Jaxx was so embarrassed he just ended up leaving and he hasn’t really shown up at an event since. I was shocked to see him on the list tonight, but then I realized you were someone completely different.”

My heart breaks for Jaxx. He deserves so much better than that. I had my difficult moments but I never would have done something like that to him. It makes me feel like maybe Poppy and Ronin should get together. “I’ve known Jaxx a long time and if it’s one thing he is…it’s loyal.”

“Yes he is. I also know who you are.” Diamonique smiles at me while tilting her head.

Her words shock me. There’s no way she knows who I am unless she has me confused with someone else. “Excuse me?”

She laughs. “You’re the girl who has always had his heart. Jaxx doesn’t drink much, but when he does, all his secrets come out. One night, we drank too much and he told me all about the girl he loved and how he walked away and it bit him in the ass. That’s you, right?”

I sigh and look away. Guilt fills my gut. “Yeah, that’s me.”

“I’m glad to see the two of you trying to work it out. It’s not my business, but he deserves to be happy and I may not know you, but something tells me you deserve it, too.” She stands up. “I hope I see you again and that we become friends.”

I notice Jaxx heading our way so I stand up as well. “Is it silly if I already consider us friends?”

“No girl! I was secretly doing that too,” she tells me with excitement, as she comes around and hugs me.

Jaxx clears his throat. “Could I have my girl back now?”

Diamonique rolls her eyes. “If you must. I’ll see you soon.” She winks at me before sauntering across the room catching the attention of every guy, except one. Jaxx’s eyes are on me when I look back at him.

I reach my hand out for him. He takes it and pulls me into him. “Let’s go, Romeo. This Juliet needs some sleep.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he tells me, as we make our way through the club. I slide into the backseat of the car. The car ride is quiet, but it’s comfortable. I keep my head resting on Jaxx’s shoulder while thinking of what to do next and how to handle everything from here.

Twenty-Eight

Kenndrix

You know how you can get this weird sixth sense sometimes, like something is about to happen? Yeah, I get that the moment we pull up along the sidewalk of The Benjamin. It’s overwhelming causing my anxiety to kick into high gear. Jaxx takes my hand to help me out of the car and we head inside. The moment we step inside the lobby I can’t shake the feeling that someone is watching me. I scan the area and my eyes land on him. The source of my unease...Ronin. He sits in one of the oversized chairs in the lobby. His look is furious. I stop which causes Jaxx to look back at me. “What’s wrong?” he asks. I can’t find my voice, but he follows my line of sight and spots Ronin as well. Every muscle in his body noticeably tenses and the grip on my hand tightens. His jaw ticks with frustration and his calm blue eyes turn stormy. “Do you want me to handle this?”

I shake my head. “No, this is something I have to do. Go ahead and head up to the room. I’ll be up in a bit.”

“Are you sure?” he asks. Concern for me covers every feature he has. It reminds me of why I love him so much.

“Yeah, I’m sure. He deserves an explanation. I really should have dealt with it yesterday. I was silly and selfish to think I could put it off.”

Jaxx nods his head. “If you need me, I’ll just be a call away.”

I muster up the best smile I can. “I know. I’ll see you in a few.” Jaxx wants to pull me into him and I want that, too, but he refrains from the action. I’m thankful because this situation is bad enough without adding that public display of affection on Ronin, too. The lobby is mostly deserted. The silence is deafening as I cross the tiled floor. The only sound the click of my heels with every step I take. Ronin stands as I approach. “Hi,” I say, once I’m close. It’s the worst possible thing to say at this moment, but I have nothing else to give.

He raises his eyebrows. “Hi? That’s what you’re going to say right now?”

“No, but it seemed like a good start to me.”

His hazel eyes are angry. “Not to me. I want to know what the hell is going on.”

I take a seat in the chair across from him. “I feel things between us have never really been good. We’ve never actually developed a relationship. It’s almost like we’ve been stuck in the dating stage for the last six months.”

“So, you cheat on me?”

Guilt eats at me and causes my stomach to churn. “Yes, technically I did, but something tells me that this is one of the situations where the pot calls the kettle black.”

“I’ve never understood those silly American analogies.” He glares at me, clearly angry.

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