Page 100 of Tease
“Joey doesn’t look the same, Jared. No hair, no eyebrows, totally devoid of any emotion. He called Sarah and me ‘dolls,’ and told me that he’s known as the ‘Collector.’”
“It’s okay, baby. Carter and his men will find Joey—and the man he works for,” he closes his eyes tightly, “and make them pay for what happened.”
“Okay… But I promise, I always took precautions to make sure I hid my identity and my location, or so I thought. At first—when we first got to Chicago—I only started posting content on TEASE because I heard I could make good money. I sold photos and videos of me, naked or half-naked, and doing…things.” I pause to see his reaction, to see if there’s disgust or judgment written on his face. I see nothing but love and adoration. “And Inevermet up with any of the buyers, I swear…”
“I believe you.” Jared rubs soothing circles on my knees.
“But I haven’t posted anything since you and I got back together.”
“It’s okay. You did what you had to do.” His hands go to my face, holding me still, as he kisses me. Jared sucks on my bottom lip before releasing it. “I already knew, when you got taken. It was Mathew who gave you up.”
“What the fuck?”
“It’s a long story that we don’t have to talk about right now. Just know that you’re safe. And you don’t ever have to worry about money. I’ve got you, always.”
I start to laugh, nodding my head. “That’s the thing. I haven’t had to sell photos for a long time. I used the money I made, which was a good amount, and gave it to a financial guy Carter hooked me up with. I’m not hurting for money.”
He kisses my dried-up tears. “Good to know. Sounds like we’re both good then.”
“Oh, yeah?” I kiss the tip of his nose. “You wouldn’t have to cage fight anymore?”
“Uhm, no, actually. The inheritance I got from my grandpa went into stocks that did pretty well, so we’re set for life, Dimples. I only ever did the cage fighting gig as a release... and to find you, of course.”
“Wow.” I smile against his lips. “What will we do now?”
“Whatever we want.” Jared lifts me up, letting me straddle him.
“Wait, I don’t have any of my stuff. Purse, wallet, cell phone… Has Brittney been worried? Does she even know?”
Before I can continue to ramble on, Jared puts a finger to my lips.
“Beau told her you and Ajani went on a trip as a surprise getaway; no phones allowed. She doesn’t know a thing about what’s happened.”
I suck on his finger, then release it with a pop. “I love you, so fucking much.”
“I love you too, Dimples. Always and forever.” Jared grabs my wrist and kisses the inside of it.
Relaxing my back against the headboard, I look into those emerald green eyes. “It was Joey who sent me those sunflowers. He’d done other things too. But I never connected the dots.
“That motherfucker.” Jared stands up and goes to the side table, picks up his phone, and starts dialing someone.
I hear Beau’s voice answer.
CHAPTER 69
KC
Today is the day we have our family video chat. Thankfully, Jared not only grabbed my clothes but also my laptop when he packed me a bag from my place. I’m waiting at the kitchen table, laptop on. My little brother’s face pops onto the screen first.
“Hey, big sis. Look at you finally on time for once!” Travey looks at his watch and smiles at me.
“Yeah, it happens sometimes I guess.” I take a sip of my coffee, and the dark circles under Travey’s eyes catch my attention. “Hey, are you okay? You look tired.”
He rubs his face. “Yes. Just been burning the candle at both ends. That pre-med life ain’t easy.”
“Did you tell Mom and Dad yet, about your plan to come to Chicago for med school?”
Travey shakes his head. “No, not yet.”
