Page 72 of Bourbon Truths
“What’s the catch?” she asked, not buying it.
How did I go about this without making Jett seem like a total creep? He wasn’t. He just liked sex, like I did. Nothing wrong with a healthy libido. I understood Jett’s reasoning for being monogamous with the girls. His mom had passed from AIDS. She was very cautious, but he wanted to please the girls as well. That’s why he offered them the chance to go up to the Bourbon room with him, his playroom.
“If you’re a Jett Girl, you’re required to keep yourself for Jett and Jett alone. Outside relationships are not permitted, and you must submit to Jett.”
“Submit?”
“Yes, submit to him.”
Yup, I’d scared her. I could see it in her eyes, but she was trying to put on a good show for me, show me how tough she was. I was a little excited that she was freaked out because honestly, that meant I might possibly have a chance with her, even though I had no room for a relationship in my life.
She contemplated what she was going to say and then said, “Man, this Jett guy must be one ugly fuck if he has to spend thousands of dollars ‘saving’ women just to get a little ass. Doesn’t he know there are willing prostitutes on every corner who would only charge him a hundred dollars to suck his dick?”
She had it all wrong, but damn it if I was going to correct her. I was a selfish bastard. I wanted her.
“Well, that’s a nice little, uh, establishment you’ve got going on there, but I have to say… not interested.”
I mentally fist pumped as my phone vibrated in my pocket. I knew who it was. Jett was checking in to see how the meeting was going. My conscience battled with me. Even though I wanted Goldie, at least for a night, she needed Jett more than she needed me. Jett would be able to give her everything she needed for a second chance in life. I couldn’t give her anything.
With regret, I said, “Don’t be an idiot, Goldie. You and I both know you don’t have a choice in the matter.”
She spat back quickly, fire in her eyes. “That’s where you’re wrong. I do have a choice. I have a little more self-respect than whoring myself out at some creepy man’s brothel so I don’t have to live sad paycheck to sad paycheck.”
Time to drop the bomb. “Is that why you get paid for sex by Rex Titan?”
My words smacked her in the face. Rex Titan, also known as Jett’s arch nemesis, paid Goldie occasionally for sex. It was an act of desperation on her part, to help make ends meet. For Rex, it was a way to fulfill the needs his wife ignored. Rex was a sick man, someone Jett and I kept tabs on but refused to acquaint ourselves with.
She pointed at me. “You’re a sick fuck, you know that? Get another hobby and stop stalking innocent girls. Fucking creep.”
I liked everything about this woman, from her gorgeous body to her filthy mouth.
“The offer stands until midnight, Goldie.”
“You can take your offer and shove it up your dick hole. See ya, psycho.” She took off.
I hadn’t expected anything less from her.
Chapter Twenty-One
My Present…
For the last week, I’d worked my body ragged, getting ready for the opening of Justice. After I returned to the community center, I assessed what needed to be done and was surprised to see that in my absence, the girls had stepped up. The center was ready to open to the public, and the only thing that needed a final once-over was the Haze Room. Naturally, the girls left that to me.
If I was going to spend most of my time in the room teaching, I wanted it organized to my liking. I moved bleachers and bins around and added more equipment, along with chalkboards and more mats.
It was nine in the morning, and the center was set to open in half an hour. I wasn’t sure if I was ready. I was still reeling from my demons, trying to overcome the ache in my chest I’d been living for years. Could a damaged soul try to save another damaged soul? Was that even possible?
“Looks good,” Jett said as he walked in and surveyed my changes. “I’m proud of you, Kace.”
“For what?” I asked, wondering what he could possibly be proud of. This center had been his idea. We used his money to create a safe haven. He’d been the mastermind, and I was the follower.
“For putting your reservations on hold and helping develop this center with me. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“The girls did a lot.”
“With your guidance,” Jett added. “Don’t discredit what you were able to accomplish here. Accept the compliment and be proud of yourself.”
It pained me, but I nodded and accepted Jett’s commendation. “Thanks, man.”
