Page 92 of Shamed
I want to argue with her that she doesn’t know Mase like I do, but that would probably only add to her case that there’s more between us.
“Anyway, all I was saying is that whatever has made this change in you . . . it’s a good thing. And you shouldn’t let it go.” After a lingering glance, she turns around and leaves me alone in the bathroom.
If only it were that easy.
The cut on my arm chooses that moment to start stinging, reminding me why I was in here in the first place.
Jacob. Remember Jacob.
Idoremember him.
Only, Mase’s presence seems to overshadow everything, bumping the negative thoughts to the background whenever we’re together.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Mase
Ishouldn’t be here.
Every part of me knows that.
Yet I still find myself entering behind a group of sleazy-looking men, because I seem to have lost my damn control overmyself.
Control is something I learned to possess as a necessity a long time ago. But that control has been tested more than ever over these past few weeks: stretched, bent, and beaten by things that would be considered normal by others.
Not me.
Jayne has been staying with me for a month now, and we’ve fallen into a routine of sorts.
Most mornings, we eat breakfast together with Lulu as our entertainment, then in the afternoons, Jayne comes to the gym to continue building her strength and confidence before going to work. If I’m not with a client, I join her for the workout. Then, after I’m done for the evening, I go home to find dinner waiting for me in the microwave.
On Fridays, when she’s off, she comes for the self-defense class, then we leave together, stopping to pick up dinner on the way home.
On the surface, it looks smooth, like unconventional domesticated bliss.
But underneath, there are raging torrents of contaminated water, dark and poisonous. We both have pasts and issues that are always present, simmering just below the calm—only she doesn’t know about mine.
I had offered to keep Lulu for an extra week while my neighbors settled back in from their trip, just so we had her as anextra barrier in the apartment. Plus, she’s been keeping me company in the evenings until Jayne’s done with work.
Unfortunately, I had to return her today, and since I didn’t work, I was alone with my thoughts for far too long.
Now I’m here because my apartment was too fucking empty with both girls gone.
And while we have been getting closer, I can tell Jayne’s been keeping an emotional distance ever since we picked up more of her stuff from her apartment a couple of weeks ago, and I don’t like it.
Selecting a seat similar to the last time I was here, I settle in with my drink and scan the crowd, muscles tight.
It’s busy tonight, filled with people of all categories: teenagers who were let in by the lax security, men whose wives are at home with their kids, old men trying to cling to their youth, and women who are curious about either the workers or the work.
I haven’t seen Jayne yet, but it’s just a matter of time.
“Well, hello there.” An unfamiliar red-headed woman sits her ass on the armrest of my chair, her fingers dancing up my bicep and shoulder. “Were you waiting for me to come along and dance for you, baby?”
Just like last time, I don’t even entertain the idea. “I’m fine, thank you.” I smile at her, taking a sip of my drink.
“That you are.” She runs her gaze over my black dress shirt and slacks. “But I could make you feel a whole lot better.” Tugging on my collar, she licks her lips, making me wonder if it’s just a dance she’s offering. “What do you say?”
I shift my head back, gently lifting her hand off me. “No, I’m just enjoying the show.” I dip my head to the stage. “But I’m sure there are plenty of people here who would love your attention.”
