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Chapter 23
Emmie
The chilly December air swept across my face and burned my cheeks, but I wanted to get in a quick visit with the horses before Jude came home for dinner. It was just going to be the two of us tonight. Grace went to visit her family, and Cassie was staying at her mom’s house.
Jude wanted to order takeout from a new Italian restaurant where his friend was the chef. I looked forward to eating dinner and then sitting in the family room by the tree. That was my new favorite spot in the house. I liked turning off all the lights except for the tree and the glow of the fireplace. Of all the things Jude had given me these past few months, a home for Christmas was something I would cherish the most.
When I entered the stables, I couldn’t help but smile. All of the stalls were decorated with fresh garland and white lights. Each horse had their own stocking attached to their stall.
Anthony.I smiled. He had been busy today.
“Hello, friends.” I walked past each of them, petting them gently. “I can’t stay long tonight, but I wanted to say hi.”
“Isn’t that sweet.” Josh stepped out of the shadows. “Do they ever answer you back?”
“I didn’t realize you were still here,” I said. “Cassie isn’t around.”
“Rich people.” He laughed. “They decorate for the horses.”
“It’s pretty.” I rubbed Macy’s neck. “I need to get back to the house.”
“You’re the mistress of the estate now, aren’t you?” He stood in front of the area that led to the door. “I guess I should thank you.”
“For what?”
“Cassie told me that you put in a good word on Thanksgiving.”
“I said I didn’t see the harm in you having dinner with us.” I didn’t want the holiday to be ruined. “It was Jude’s decision.”
“Jude let me know exactly how he felt about me before dinner when he ordered me to his study like he was some fucking gangster. Telling me if I hurt his daughter he would make me suffer.”
“Then don’t hurt her.” I didn’t get why Cassie was still with him. I couldn’t see the appeal.
“Cassie is not innocent,” he said. “She calls the shots when it comes to us. I’m not the only guy she’s with.”
“If you know that, why are you with her?”
“Why do you think?”
“Never mind.” I didn’t want to hear about their sex life.
“Aside from the obvious, if I’m with her, I have a better shot of climbing the ladder and getting into Jude’s club. If I can get a job there, I’ll be set.” He shrugged. “The longer I’m with Cassie, the better. I just have to prove myself with these horses.”
“Well, good luck with all of that.” I tried to walk past him. “I have to get back to the house.”
“What do you think will happen to you when Jude is done with you?”
“I don’t think about that.”
“You should,” he said. “I told you before, people like them don’t have use for people like us for very long. Once we fulfill their purpose they kick us to the curb. That’s why I’m trying to prove myself. I can be an asset to Jude, but he doesn’t see it yet.”
“I’m sure if you’re as determined as you say you are, he’ll see it and move you to the club.” I didn’t want to be involved in Jude’s business. If Cassie and Josh ended up together, maybe Jude would bring Josh to the club, but it sounded as if Cassie was losing interest.
“You should tell him to hire me.”
“What? Cassie has more influence than I do.”
“Sweetie, you’re the one sucking his cock. You hold all the cards.”
