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“Phoenix, it’s no secret that I have feelings for you. I’d like to be able to make plans for us, but I need to know where your head is.”
“My head? Sean, you could have asked. That’s the normal way to find out what’s in someone’s head.”
Jackal is watching us from across the way. I sweep my hair in front of my face and turn my head away from him. I’m hoping Sean doesn’t notice the way my skin flushes when the topic of Jackal comes up.
“Sean, listen…” I try to arrange my words before I spit them out. “I value our friendship,” I say. “You know that, right?”
“Are you breaking up with me before we’ve even started going out?”
I take his hand. I want to shake him.
“I don’t want to ruin what we have. And I am a very, very bad girlfriend. Ask Lex.”
I decide to do what I do best, which isevade.
“I was drunk that night. Very drunk,” I tell him coyly. “And I quickly came to my senses.”
He looks surprised and slightly disappointed. “So...you don’t want him?”
I shake my head and step away from him, looking at his expression over my shoulder. “Let’s not let that dinner go to waste.”
He smiles and tilts his head to the side. “First time I’ve ever heard you make food a priority.”
I hold up my glass. “Touché.”
He laughs harder and then motions for everyone to follow him to the table. A tall candelabra sits in the middle of a round table, so tall that when we sit, we can still see each other underneath the flickering candlelight. Greenery surrounds the base and each place setting has a little rose attached to the place cards. My name is between Sean and Jackal. I swallow the unease, hoping Jackal will behave himself and not cause Sean to be any more suspicious than he already is. I need him to trust me if I want to get to the Red Region. My guilt for using Sean has subsided in light of this entire night. It seems I’m not the only conniving one at the table.
I lean forward to see who is seated next to Jackal, my nerves grating when it’s the most attractive of Sean’s dinner guests, a statuesque woman with blond hair to her waist and boobs out to the Purple Region. Sean is very attentive, attempting conversation with me, while all I can do is eavesdrop on Jackal and blondie.
Jackal suddenly yelps and when I look over, the girl’s hand is cupping his balls. He looks at me, wide-eyed, and I pick up my glass and guzzle.
Halfway through dinner, Jackal’s Silverbook alerts him to an urgent message. I see his face drop as he reads it before he stands to his feet. The woman jumps up too, possibly thinking he’s going to fuck her right here, but he holds up a hand and it stops her from coming any closer.
“I’m so sorry—” He holds up his Silverbook. “I’ve just received word that there’s an emergency. I’m needed back at the compound.”
Sean sets his napkin on the table and stands up. “Is there anything I can help you with?” he asks.
Jackal is already shaking his head.
“Thank you for dinner. Ladies…” He looks around to those of us seated at the table, offering a little bow.
Sean offers Jackal his hand. “No apologies necessary. Good luck with whatever it is.” He sounds sincere, probably because he no longer thinks Jackal is a threat.
I thought it was an act, but Jackal’s anxiousness is convincing.
“Jackal, are you okay?” As soon as the words are out, I put my hand over my mouth.
Jackal shakes his head, his eyes worried. “I have to go.”
Sean’s eyes narrow and my heart starts thumping. He can see right through both of us. He looks at me and his mouth tightens.
“If your driver is not out there yet, please take mine.”
Jackal backs away gratefully when Sean finally sits back down, thanks him, wishes everyone a good night, and bolts. He barely looked my way. I let out a long breath and tuck into my food, plotting my escape. I’m not sure what to think about Jackal leaving. I hope it was all a ruse to escape grabby hands, but I’m concerned. It’s uneventful without him—the party falls flat. As I tell Sean good night, I kiss him on each cheek.
“If it’s not too late to change my mind, I’d like to go to the summit with you,” I tell him.
His eyes warm. “I’d love nothing more.” He comes in for another kiss, but I pretend to not realize it and open the door, making my quick escape.
