After a moment’s hesitation, she whispers, “Jameson Shore.”
I commit the name to memory, already making plans to have Akio look up the son of a bitch so I can track him down myself. “Who was he?”
“My dad’s business partner at one point. He came over a lot when I was younger. His hands always ended up touching me in some way when he would walk past. It started off small at first. A hand on the shoulder, then the next time it would move to my lower back. It got so bad that he once just straight up palmed my ass. I never said anything.” She shrugs. “I didn’t even know what I would tell my parents or if they’d believe me. But one night, he and my dad had too much to drink, and he stayed the night in one of the guest rooms.”
My chest pumps faster with my heavy breaths. I do not fucking like where she’s going with this. Especially as her eyes glaze over like she’s reliving the horrors of that night.
“I-I woke up to a hand over my mouth, and another up my shirt. His hot breath on my face. He was so much bigger than me, so much stronger that I could hardly move. I couldn’t stop him when he peeled my underwear off or when he reached for his belt.” She blinks rapidly, and a tear tracks down her cheek. I lean in without thinking, capturing the salty drop with my lips, surprising myself with the intimate action. It must shock her too because it jars her back to the present. Fallon swipes at her face with the back of her hand. “Thankfully, I got away and… He just disappeared after that.”
My eyes narrow. “He disappeared?”
Fallon turns away from me. “Yeah, I guess. Never saw him or heard him mentioned after that, but whatever. Good riddance.” She tilts her head toward the hall. “Ready to show me some drills?”
I know a change in subject when it’s lobbed at my face. She’s done talking about this, and I don’t blame her. Doesn’t matter anyway because now that I have a name, I’m far from done with Jameson Shore.
Grabbing my water bottle, I give her a nod. “Sure, Poison. Lead the way.”
Chapter 20
Fallon
The tempting scent of steak guides me downstairs and into the kitchen. There, on the counter, rests a platter displaying several thick-cut ribeyes, still steaming from the grill. As I lean in to savor the aroma, I’m abruptly thumped on the forehead.
Jerking up and rubbing the offended spot, I glare at Matteo. “Ow.”
He looks at his hand, slightly confused as to what just happened.Was that playful?He gives a slight shake of his head, and I hide my grin. “They need to rest. Go sit, we’ll bring the food over.”
Apparently my stomach blinds me to my surroundings, since I bypassed Akio at the table and was completely oblivious to the presence of both Declan and Ms. T in the kitchen. The housekeeper shakes her head with a smile when I push away from the counter. I flounce over to my seat and give Akio a grin as he pours me a glass of wine.
“Such a sucker.” Declan turns his smirk on me, inclining his head in greeting. “Poison.”
The way he rumbles his nickname for me instantly sends my mind back to that day in the gym, his hand in my pants, making me come undone at his touch. Heat rushes to my cheeks.
“I am not a sucker, I am a gentleman. You should try it rather than calling her mean names.” Akio’s easy confidence pulls me into his orbit, and I have no interest in being let go.
“She loves it. Don’t you, Poison?”
“I would love to drink my wine and eat my steak in peace. Thankyouverymuch.” The last comes out in a rush as Matteo and Ms. T come to the table with trays of steak, grilled veggies, homemade rolls and saffron rice.
“I’ll get the plates.” I jump up to help and get a warm feeling from the approving nod Ms. T throws my way. For some reason, what she thinks of me matters.Hello mommy issues, welcome to the party. Have a seat between Daddy issues and red flag attractions.
“Sit down, Poison.” Declan rolls his eyes, as he makes his way to the table behind the others with plates and cutlery in his hands.
“Excuse me, Declan Huxley?” Ms. T’s eyes drill into him.
Looking chastised he mutters, “Sit down,please,Poison.” His eyebrows raise in question toward the motherly figure as he awaits her response. She nods, finding his words acceptable.
Plates are filled and there is a comfort in the clattering of dishes.Feels like home. That thought leaves me reeling because the truth is, the last time I really felt this was before mom disappeared. Between Ms. T running the show like a mother hen, the easy banter, and the way they’ve let me into their world, it's no wonder I’m feeling this way. The only thing missing is Quinn.
A twinge of guilt hits me as I think of my best friend. I have no idea what she’s up to, but if I know her, she hasn’t given up. And here I am enjoying a family style dinner as if I don’t have a care in the world.
“Okay, boys.” Ms. T’s Jersey accent jerks me from my thoughts. “I’m heading out.”
Matteo takes his seat after filling his plate. It didn’t escape my notice that he was the one who also fixed mine, silently placing it in front of me. “Why don't you stay and have dinner with us? I made plenty.”
“Thank you, but no thank you.” She dances her shoulders. “I have a hot date tonight.”
The guys all freeze in shock as I chuckle and call after her, “Have fun, Ms. T. Don’t forget condoms.” Teo drops his fork, and Declan chokes on his bite of steak while Akio slaps his back, looking decidedly uncomfortable.
