Page 68 of Beautifully Ruined
Even play fighting, he got to understand that I’m strong and know how to fight.
But that’s neither here nor there.
He pours himself another drink with a dash of defiance.
I nod at him. “Drink up, Jack. I need to go out.”
“For what?”
“It’s a work emergency.” And I stop myself before adding, ‘something you wouldn’t know about’.
He gives a snort. “You work in IT. You’re not a brain surgeon. I’m sure whoever’s calling can be without their WIFI for a few more minutes.”
I could laugh at Jack, at his idiocy. But him not having a clue is not idiocy. Because I never told him what I really do. It’s not for most people, and if I’m honest, Violet shouldn’t know, either.
Jack…Jack’s belief my job is turn it off and turn it back on again is something I’ve perpetuated, and him being less than curious has worked in my favor.
He’s no idiot. He’s just complacent.
Which is worse.
And something I’m to blame for as well.
But I’m not fixing it now.
“There are more things to the IT world than that, Jack. Consider me the brain surgeon of that world.”
I grab a hoodie hanging on a hook near the front door, and the move and what it is isn’t lost on him.
I pull it on and then go back and put the bottle of whiskey away.
Jack’s eyes narrow. “This isn’t over.”
“It is for now, Jack. Come on, it’s late, and I have to go.”
He downs his drink then stalks out of the kitchen area, almost running into Violet as she comes out of the guest room, her robe pulled tight about her.
He glares extra daggers her way, before leaving, slamming the door.
She looks over at me, shaking.
I frown. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” She laughs a little, and nods. “The whole point of sex in public, is the thrill of getting caught, right?”
I hate that she had to go through it, but I won’t push her right now. “Right. I guess we nailed it?”
“It’s not really how I planned on Jack finding out about us, but… In a way, I’m glad he knows now.”
I go to her and take her in my arms. “Jack’s ego is hurt more than anything. I do think he knows what he’s lost, but…he didn’t act heartbroken.”
“The love wasn’t there for a long time.”
I kiss Vi soft and long and slow.
She’s sweet and there’s a hint of regret that fades as the kiss continues, the sweetness starts to melt into need and desire, and I break the kiss before I lose whatever self-discipline I have and drag her off to bed.
“I’m sorry to do this now, but I need to go out for a bit.”
