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My insides dip.
I’m not quite sure what I’m hearing.
“Sure, just so we both know what we are dealing with. I continue to work Nik and once I’m paid, I’m yours. But you have to back off. I can’t be distracted. You want Nik hurt and I’ll hurt him, baby. For you, I’ll do anything. ” No mistaking it. That’s my girl.
It can’t be.
No.
No.
Fuck no.
This can’t be happening.
Chapter Twenty-Six
The great misunderstanding of 2013
Uncle Jerm wouldn’t let me leave the warehouse he calls the factory until I had some coffee and breakfast with him. I’m glad he persuaded me. I probably would’ve passed out half way to The White Rabbit from exhaustion.
Upon departing, Uncle Jerm pulled me into a warm hug and told me, “You saved my life, Tina, which means I owe you. Big. If you need anything from this old man, just call. ” He gives me his business card and I slip it into my purse.
Which brings us to now. I stand out front of The White Rabbit.
My heart races and my stomach knots.
I’m going to have to tell Nik everything. And he is not going to like it. My previous experiences tell me I should be honest with Nik but I am petrified of what his reaction might be. I close my eyes and breathe deep.
Nik will understand. He has to.
I compose myself as much as I can and make my way to Nik’s office. Just before I get there I’m greeted by a mad looking Max. He puts his hand up and says, “Don’t go in there, Tina. ”
My feet stomp past him and I respond urgently, “Don’t try to stop me this time, Max. I have to see Nik right now. I don’t care if he’s busy and hiding out. This is priority. It’s important. ” And I barge into Nik’s office.
Nik sits behind his desk staring into nothing. I approach and he stands up. Half way there I smile and say, “Hey, honey. ”
His eyes turn cold and he says, “Nik loves me, O. He’ll give me anything and everything I want. I just have to hook him a little more. ”
My face pales and my heart clenches.
He’s already heard the CD. Which means Uncle Jerm sent it over.
I begin, “I…”
But Nik cuts me off with a quiet, “Stop. ” He looks hurt. I never wanted to hurt him. I thought he’d understand why I thought I had to do this.
He continues just as quietly, “Never thought I’d be one of those schmuks. I thought I did a good job of protecting myself from women like you. ” There is a fist around my heart and it squeezes tight. He goes on, “But you…You really got in there. With my family and friends, too. You went the whole nine yards. ” He laughs acidly. “Who the fuck sends candy to a guy?!”
I do.
My heart is breaking. Nik thinks I played him.
I try to explain, “Please, Nik. Let me exp…”
He cuts me off with a hard, “No. ”
My face bunches and I start crying. I hyperventilate, cover my cheeks with my hands and yell, “Let me explain!”
