Page 73 of Jackpot Joker

“I really am, Pen. I think…” I take a deep breath as I try to come to terms with what I’m about to say. “I think I may actually be falling for him.”

“What the fuck?” Penny says, and I cringe when I remember who I’m speaking to and instinctively apologize.

“I’m sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?”

“Umm, because it sounded like you were pissed.”

She laughs. “I’m not pissed, I’m shocked. You were adamant that this man drove you insane and was off-limits. Now you’re telling me you’re falling for him?”

“I know,” I groan. “It’s crazy. He’s crazy. He drives me crazy. But he makes me happy, too. He makes me feel safe. Protected. Cared for. Do you believe in soulmates, Pen? Like one person in this world was created to be your person?”

“Umm,” Penny says, and I curse myself again.

“Shit, sorry. Ignore me. We can talk about something else.”

Penny laughs again. “Stop it. Just because I didn’t get my happily ever after doesn’t mean I don’t want you to have yours.”

“Really?”

Penny laughs. “Oh my gosh, do you really think I’m that against love? I want to hear about how you feel, and I want to know what it was that changed your mind and made you jump his bones.”

A nervous laugh escapes me as I think about how my decision to fuck Dario was because I saw him squeeze the life out of a man who called me a bitch. I don’t think my bestie is quite ready for that story.

“You know,” I tell my best friend, “your happily ever after could still be out there.”

“Yeah.” She sighs. “Maybe, someday.”

I’m about to open my mouth when a door clicks shut, and my body tenses.

“Penny,” I whisper. “I have to go.”

She begins to protest, but I hang up the phone and try to decide whether getting out of the tub or sinking down into it and hiding is the best idea. Before I can fully create the pros and cons list in my head, the bathroom door opens, and I let out a small squeal.

“Merde,” a deep voice I know curses. “Fuck, Jaz. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

My body instantly relaxes at the sound of Dario’s voice, and I smile over at him. It’s weird how a look I used to see as weakness has become a permanent fixture when he’s around. “I was just startled. The last time I found a man in the bathroom with me, it wasn’t the man I wanted.”

As Dario walks over to stand beside me, I blow out a breath, hating the power Todd has over me right now. “Have you found him yet?” I ask, hopeful.

Dario shakes his head, growing serious. “No, but we will. I promise. And when we do, you will never have to worry about Todd Delaney again.”

I nod, knowing he’s telling me the truth. I have a feeling Luca could find anybody. “What will happen when you do find him?”

“I will make him pay for scaring you.”

Dario’s face is scrunched with concern, and I hate that I haven’t seen his bright smile all day. I wish there was something I could do to show him that I’m okay. That I know I’m safe when he’s with me.

An idea crosses my mind. “Speaking of paying,” my voice takes on a sultry tone. “I need to pay you for allowing me to stay here last night.”

Carefully, I twist my body around in the now tepid water, sparse of bubbles, pulling my knees under me so I’m sitting against them. I mentally reward myself for only sloshing the sides of the tub and not spilling any water.

“You don’t have to pay me for any… fuck.” Dario’s voice cuts off with a moan as my hand reaches up and cups his cock through his thin, linen pants.

“You’ve given me so much, Dario. I want to give you something, too.” I lick my lips and watch his pupils blow.

When I run my fingers up toward the button, he grips my wrist. “You don’t have to do this, Jasmine. You don’t owe me anything.”