“For fuck’s sake, let me do something,” I growl, holding her close. “You want to deal with Tony yourself, fine, but let me help. If he is as bad as you say, do you really think staying home alone is a smart move?”
She doesn’t answer. I kiss behind her ear and she smiles, turning her head to meet my mouth. I trudge my thumb over her lip as I caress her face. My cock hardens as her body moves against mine, and I groan.
“Okay,” she agrees. “Fine. We’ll stay here.”
“Good.” My lips press against hers, our tongues entwining in a deep kiss. I stand up and extend my hand. I’m determined to make the most of our alone time tonight. She smiles, getting to her feet, her lips meeting mine.
I wrap my arms around her waist as we backtrack into the bedroom. I reach behind her and lower the zipper of her dress. It falls down over her smooth curves and into a heap on the floor. My fingers move over her stomach, her skin so creamy and white; a stark contrast to her lacy black underwear and bra.
“Come here.” I move back on the bed and she crawls over me, her hair falling around her shoulders.
She leans forward and kisses me, her body slowly grinding against mine. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier what was going on.”
“It’s okay. I mean, it would’ve saved us both a whole lot of hassle if you had, but I get it.” She smiles at me, and I tilt her head so her lips meet mine. “You know you can trust me, right?”
She nods and nuzzles closer to me. I tickle the back of her neck as I listen to the sound of her heart beating against my chest. A moment ago I couldn’t wait to feel myself inside her; now all I want to do is protect her. I’m not sure from what yet, but she’s holding back. I just wish she felt she could fully trust me.
I switch on the television mounted on the wall we are facing and stroke her hair. I have so many questions I still need answers to, but now isn’t the time. She looks tired, like she hasn’t slept properly in days. A pang of guilt hits me, because I know my behavior wouldn’t have helped the situation.
“I’m glad you’re here,” I murmur.
“Me too.”
Chapter Seven
Scarlett
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
I’m sitting in Penny’s kitchen, cradling a cup of coffee in my hand. Jake is busy playing with Max, oblivious to anything outside the world of Transformers. I smile, glad he hasn’t caught on that anything is bothering me. He’s a pretty switched-on kid.
“I’m fine. I just need to figure out how to get rid of him.”
Penny hesitates before responding. “I know someone who got some help in getting rid of her ex.”
“You know I can’t go to the police. Not with what he has on me. I can’t risk losing Jake.” My voice is low. I don’t need to elaborate, because she knows everything. I don’t even know why she’s bringing up going to the police.
“I don’t mean the cops, Scar. I’m talking about making him go away. Permanently.”
I gasp. There is no way she could be suggesting what I think she is. But her expression says everything. How does my middle-class, perfect best friend even know about shit like this? I want to laugh, but I don’t, because she’s serious.
“I could never do that, Pen. I don’t think I could live with myself if I...if I had him killed.” I whisper the last five words.
Penny’s eyes widen and she laughs as she reaches over to slap me. “Scar! I was talking about having someone scare him off, not have him killed. What am I, insane? No, all I’m talking about is giving him a taste of his own medicine. He’s been blackmailing you for years. One ‘chat’ with this guy, and you’ll never hear from that scumbag again. Trust me.”
“I don’t know...” I hesitate and my voice trails off. Just thinking about it scares the crap out of me.
“Just think about it, Scar.” She reaches across the table, taking my hand. Her eyes are filled with worry. “How else are you going to get rid of him for good? He’s like a bad case of herpes. You think he’s gone and then he shows up again.”
“Penny! Just . . . yuck.” I cover my face with my hands and sigh.
“You know what I mean. So you get the cash together and pay him off again. You know he’ll be back.”
She is right. As much as I don’t want to admit it, I know she’s right.
I glance over at Jake and wonder how far I’ll go to protect him.
“He can stay here, Scar. He’s happy here and he’s safe.”