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And in return, you’re going to give me anything I want…maybe more.
Chapter 9
Emmie
It had been two days since we returned to Jude’s house after the wedding, I didn’t see him much. He left for the club late Sunday night and didn’t return until the morning on Monday. He slept for a few hours, had dinner with me and Cassie, and then left for the club again that night. The same thing happened on Tuesday.
I wasn’t exactly sure why he wanted me here, but for now, I had food and a place to sleep. I also didn’t have to worry about anyone coming after me looking for a debt I couldn’t repay.
I took a bottle of water from the kitchen and headed up the back staircase. There were so many rooms in this house, and I hadn’t learned to navigate them yet. I mainly stuck to the kitchen and my room. This morning, I walked to the stables to visit the horses. They were happy to see me.
As I reached the guest room, I ran into Cassie and Bristol in the hallway. Cassie carried a backpack as she and her friend giggled. Did they even know how lucky they were? It wasn’t right for me to judge them, but they seemed to have everything. I didn’t know much about Bristol, but she came from money too. I could tell by her clothes, hair, and makeup. She also drove a brand new Jeep. It was difficult not to judge.
“There’s the new houseguest.” Bristol smirked when she came toward me. “Spending a quiet night in?” She glanced at my tank top and pajama bottoms. “It’s eight o’clock and you’re ready for bed?”
“I wanted to be comfortable.”
“So, you don’t sleep in Jude’s room?” Bristol asked.
“I sleep in the guest room.”
“Why? If you two are a thing.”
“You don’t have to explain anything to her.” Cassie rolled her eyes. “As nauseating as it is for me, you have something she wants.”
“I’m just as legal as Emmie is. Why is it so revolting that I long to be your stepmom?” Bristol playfully shoved Cassie’s arm. “You don’t have a brother, so we can’t be sisters.”
“You want to marry Jude?” I asked.
“Not exactly.” Bristol laughed. “I don’t think he’s the marrying type, but there are other things I definitely want to do with him.”
“Give it up,” Cassie said. “If you saw the way he looked at Emmie at my cousin’s wedding, you would know you don’t have a chance.”
“Oh, no, we’re not… Jude and I aren’t together.” I gripped the water bottle because I wasn’t comfortable talking about this to the daughter of the man who paid a half of a million dollars for me. “It’s not like that.”
“Tell us what it is like,” Bristol said. “I’d love to know how you managed to move into the mansion after sleeping in the barn.”
“Bristol,” Cassie said. “Leave her alone, and stay out of my dad’s business.”
“It’s okay.” I leaned against the bedroom door, remembering all the snooty girls who wouldn’t give me the time of day in high school. But this wasn’t high school. I didn’t have to stand here and take it. “Obviously, Jude sees something he likes. Something he hasn’t seen before.”
“Hmm…” Bristol looked me over. “You’re young and sexy. I just didn’t see Jude going for someone so naive. Unless of course, that’s all an act and you’re more conniving than I gave you credit for. In which case, that’s brilliant. Maybe wecanbe friends.”
I don’t think so, mean girl.
“We’re heading to Bristol’s house for a sleepover,” Cassie said. “My dad knows where I’ll be, so you don’t have to mention it to him.”
“But he doesn’t know who you’ll be with.” Bristol pressed her finger to her lips. “Cassie’s got a hot date, and I’m her cover.”
“Bristol, seriously?” Cassie shook her head. “You don’t have to announce it.”
“What? You said Emmie is cool.”
“I am.” I nodded. “Just be careful, okay?”
“You don’t need to be in a position that will make my dad mad if he finds out I’m seeing Josh.”
“I don’t need any more details,” I said. “The less I know, the better.”
