Calvin's shock remains but he smiles after a moment. "I knew the truth would come out," he says confidently. "I know Rose adores you. That bastard general though… I'm sorry, boss, but he's fucking with you."
"Yes," I admit, taking a deep breath. "He is playing me for a fool and I have given him every reason to think something like that is possible. I am sorry. Ethan was quick to help me see sense."
"Ethan?!" Calvin's brows lift. "Shouldn't he be?—"
"In the hospital? Yes. My stupidity drew him out, but he is being cared for and on his way back. Calvin…" Hesitation catches my words for a moment and I meet his eyes, but before I can further my apology, he suddenly surges forward and pulls me into a tight hug.
"Buy me a new car and we're even, okay?"
Despite the guilt sharpening in my gut, I nod and laugh. "Understood. First, let us get you to the doctor."
Calvin leads the way out of the cells and I follow, but as we reach the foyer, my phone buzzes violently in my pocket. I wave Calvin on to the doctor while I answer.
"Hello?"
"Boss," comes Ethan's voice. "I've got bad news."
"Ethan? What the fuck are you doing calling me? You're supposed to be on your way back to the hospital."
"Fuck that," Ethan grunts. "I'm still upstairs with the doc, but this is urgent."
My stomach sinks. "Tell me."
"My team finished auditing the club you had doubts about. Not only are half the new girls addicts, but at least five of them are also underage."
Anger ignites like a flame in my gut and the ridges of the phone cut into my hand. "Fuck. Who was it? Who the fuck approved their hiring?"
27
ROSE
"I wish you could come in with me." My fingers lace with Kon's, and I map out the weaving shadows between our fingers with my eyes as we sit in the car.
"Is something wrong?" Kon's brow curls together and a slight hint of worry flashes in his eyes when I look up to meet them.
"No. I've just been enjoying spending time together, that's all."
Kon's face softens with a smile and he leans across the armrest.
His fingers curl around my chin and lightly guide me closer for a soft, long kiss. We've fucked every night since Kon's apology, but it's not enough.
I'm not pregnant.
This meeting with Mathew will go one of two ways and a lurch in my heart sends a chill skittering down my spine. If it goes south, this might be the last time I see Kon.
"I enjoy spending time with you too," Kon murmurs against my lips. "If you need, I can reschedule?—"
"No." I quickly cut him off and gaze into his eyes. "You have a mess to fix, I understand. You'd just be bored anyway."
"I could never," Kon replies and he kisses me once more. As he leans away, he eyes Calvin who rests in the front seat, and then Ethan who refused to sit out of this despite his condition. "Take care of her."
"I will," Calvin promises.
I squeeze Kon's hand, then climb out of the car and remain on the sidewalk under the midday sun until the car pulls away and vanishes down the street. Then I turn to Calvin and wince slightly.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
The bruises on Calvin's face from Kon's beating have faded a little, but not enough to completely hide the damage done.
