Page 107 of A Dirty Business
I moved my arm away, continuing out of the room. “Don’t. Just, don’t. Not this time.”
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
JESS
Knock, knock.
The knocking was soft and cautious. That was my first indicator of who was on the other side, but I checked to make sure. It was Trace.
I sighed, opening the door and stepping back so he could come inside. “You waited a whole day. I’m impressed.” I closed the door, hit the locks, and checked my phone. It was off. It’d been off since I got home, which was after I’d had to inform Leo what had gone on. He needed a heads-up because I didn’t know what was being said on the streets anymore.
“It’s been put out that the order was wrong.”
“How’d you get that done? Once things are out, they’re out.”
“Ashton did it. He has his ways.”
I shook my head, moving to the kitchen. “The damage was done. My team leader knows. My partner. Organized crime got a heads-up.”
His gaze sharpened as he was watching me in the kitchen. “Organized crime?”
“How do you think I found where your sister was?”
His mouth tightened. “You think that was smart?”
“No, Trace! No, but what do you expect me to do? For you to cover it up? Hide her from me?”
“You think I’d do that? To you?”
“Yes. She’s blood. At the end of the day, you’re always going to pick blood. Even if it’s not good for you, you pick who was there in the beginning.” My voice cut out. Visions of my mom blasted me, the night Bear had told me I could step back, that he’d handle it from there.
I was losing it. “I’ve lost everything. Everything. The only thing I had left is my career. You’re threatening to take that away. You don’t get it—”
“I do get it! What do you think I’m trying to do? I stayed away from you. Ihavestayed away, or I’ve tried, but this last time, I was gone. I was out from you. Ashton was going to take care of the club on the nights you’re there, but we see how that worked out.” He sounded so frustrated. “I physically ache every goddamn fucking day for you, but you’re right. I am toxic for you, so I tried to stay away, but not tonight. I have to be here. I—if there’s any questions where my loyalty lies, you took my sister hostage. Didn’t matter if she wasn’t aware of it or not, but you did, and I’m here.I’m here, Jess.”
I was a fucking dichotomy.
Hard. Soft.
Angry. Hurting.
Jaded and wanting to have hope?
It was him. “You’re messing with my mind.”
“I’m not trying to, I swear to god. I’m just as messed up.”
But I was back in the studio, that night when he’d shown up.
How he’d touched me.
Kissed me.
I could feel him against me again. His hands on me. Tasting me. When he lifted me up on the counter, when he filled me.
I was remembering every moment between us, and my body was heating again.
I wanted him, but I couldn’t have him.What the hell do I do, then?
