Page 56

The country club. She has an event there and wanted Jensen to join her.

She’s going to parade him around like they’re a happy couple, cuddling and kissing freely, as if they’re in love. The only person who truly loves him is me, and I’ll be at home, locked away, unable to show my true emotions, too scared I’ll force him away again.

Working my fingers over the buttons, I know what I have to do. I have to act like his actions aren’t breaking my heart. Something I’ve become accustomed to, though, lately, it seems to hurt more and more.

Maybe it’s because we’ve become physical?

Me: Okay.

I throw the sheets back and skulk into the bathroom in a lame attempt to push away the conversation. What started off as a good morning is quickly turning into a nightmare.

My phone pings in my hand, but I ignore it as I slide my panties down and sit on the toilet to pee. I peer down at the stickiness left over in my panties and almost want to cry at the waste of his seed leaving me.

He’s slipping away. Desperation hits me square in the chest as a lone tear rolls down my face. God, I need this to work. I want him tied to me forever. Need him to be.

My phone rings, and Jensen’s handsome face flashes on the screen, so I almost drop it as I fumble to press the answer button.

His face fills the screen, and he drags a hand over his head and swallows. “Hey, are you okay?”

I chew on my bottom lip and try my best to hide the disappointment at his absence. “Yeah.”

He tilts his head. “You went quiet on me. You’re pissed I’m out all night.” This is why I love him. Jensen knows me better than I know myself. He always has.

“Disappointed, I guess.” I shrug.

He nods.

“You’re going to the country club,” I blurt out.

He blows out a deep breath. “Baby, I know this is hard on you. But I need to keep Amanda sweet.”

“I know,” I whisper, and I hear the hurt in my voice despite trying to disguise it.

“I just… Amanda says you take her to The Basement, and I’ve heard things about what happens there.” I hate the vulnerability in my tone, but I can’t help it.

Jensen moves and then closes a door.

He shakes his head. “Listen to me, Immie. You’re my girl. In every way possible. You.”

My breath hitches and my heart soars at the confidence in his words.

“I want you, Little Nightmare. I want you in my bed, suckling on my cock. I want you. But Amanda knows too much about my life, and while a contract to dissolve our marriage is being drawn up, I need to keep her satisfied.”

I grimace. Satisfied. Great.

“I’m not going to sleep with her,” he snaps. “I don’t want her hands on me.”

“She wants her hands on you,” I counter.

“She wants her hands on any fucker, and I’ll gladly pass her off. Don’t you worry about me. I can handle Amanda.”

Or I could simply handle her for him.

I swallow back the retort dancing on the tip of my tongue.

He clears his throat. “What are your plans this morning?”

“I’m going to have breakfast, followed by a swim and shower. Then I might see if Fern is free later.”