Page 64 of Temporary Vows

I wanted to call Skylar, but I stopped myself because I knew she’d tell me to accept the deal.

She means well, and everything she’s ever done for me has come from a place of love, but this decision needs to be mine. Mine without anyone in my ear, swaying me one way or the other. That’s another reason I’m heading to see Jack.

Besides, he should know what’s happening regardless. He’s my brother.

And maybe some small part of me still wants him to do something to help me. I guess that’s just the tired part of me hoping. But it’s time to face reality. Jack couldn’t save me when I needed him most, so he won’t be able to help me now. Even if he could, it isn’t fair to expect him, or anyone else, to rescue me. I got myself into this mess. I have to be the one to get out of it.

I let out a haggard breath and slow the car for a red light. I’m not far from Jack’s place. Another five minutes, and I’ll be there.

I’m not sure what I’m going to say to him yet, but I’m more worried about myself.

Dorian has truly thrown me for a loop. He hasn’t even been back in my life for a full week.

And maybe his offer and terms hit harder because of how I used to feel about him. It isn’t supposed to be easy hearing that the guy you obsessed over your entire life will never love you.

The old me would have been crushed.

And maybe some small part of her still is.

It’s foolish.

What’s worse is that I used to put Dorian on a pedestal. No one came close to him. For a long time, I only dated men I knew I’d never be serious about. It took years after the business went under for me to finally move on.

Accepting his offer would feel like going backwards.

Even if it isn’t.

The lights change, and I drive on.

Minutes later, I pull up outside Jack’s building. I cut the engine and drag the hood of my sweatshirt over my head, trying to hide the bruises on my cheek.

I get out of the car and make my way inside. Carefully, I climb the stairs, each step pulling at the aches in my body.

By the time I reach the second floor, my chest feels tight in a way that has nothing to do with bruises, just the dread of having to confront my brother about the man who used to be his best friend.

I stop outside Jack’s apartment, stare at the door for a moment, then ring the bell.

A few seconds pass before I hear his heavy footsteps on the other side.

The door opens, and Jack stands there looking like he’s only just dragged himself out of bed. His hair is a mess, his T-shirt creased, his expression heavy with sleep.

He’s about to say something. Then he sees my face.

Everything in him snaps into focus.

“Jesus. What happened to you?” He steps closer, eyes wide with panic.

My throat tightens, but I force the words out. “Marcus. Marcus got to me.”

Jack’s expression darkens instantly. “What the hell?” He steps back, then looks me over again like he can’t quite believe what he’s seeing. “Oh God, Elodie.”

He takes my hand. Leads me inside and closes the door. Then he turns me around to look me over.

The moment the hood falls back, he sees the extent of the bruises on my face, and his hand flies to his mouth.

“What happened, Elodie? What the fuck happened? Why did he do this?”

Tears sting my eyes when I think back to Marcus’ cruelty. “I was late with the payment, so he decided to punish me, demand the balance in full, and then some.”