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“Yes, Madame,” I say, forcing my voice not to crack.
“That’s not how I want you to treat what’s mine. You should pleasure what’s mine. You should value what’s mine. Never think or talk bad about what’s mine. Understand?”
My molars grind as I stare at a spot on the wall. My eyes close because I’m starting to feel their sting.
Carefully, I reply. “Yes, Madame.”
Rule #14: Never let your guard down.
Eden
“Can I have another dollar, Mama?” Jack sprints up to where I sit on the bench at the edge of the arcade.
“Of course, buddy,” I reply, digging into my pocket for another dollar. He takes the bill and bolts over to the token machine.
My eyes scan the entrance again. It’s ten minutes past seven, and I’m starting to think he’s not coming. He never replied after I told him where I wanted to meet.
This is so wrong of me, using a client to entertain my kid—especially considering that sub was also someone I cared for so much. Maybe even loved.
I know the power I still have over Clay, and I know this is crazy, but I would do anything for my son. I trust Clay. He won’t hurt my son, and Jack deserves to have as many people in his life as he wants. It’s my job to keep him safe. So this is my only option.
I’m doing my good deed with Jade, so I shouldn’t feel so bad. Of course, Clay doesn’t know that part, and he never will, but I can rest easy knowing I’m helping their relationship.
“Mama, look who’s here!” Jack shrieks from the basketball machine.
My head snaps up, and my gaze connects with Clay as he crosses the room toward where Jack and I are. His expression is solemn as he stares at me. Then he looks at my son, and his face lights up with a smile. He waves to him as Jack sprints to meet him halfway.
“Hey, remember me?” Jack says with excitement, hanging on Clay’s arm.
With a laugh, he replies, “Duh. Of course, I remember you. I’ve been asking your mom all week if we could meet at the arcade.” He nods toward me, and I shoot him a tight smile as I mouth the words,thank you.
“Can we go play, Mama?” Jack says, looking at me.
“Of course, buddy.” I reach into my pocket to pull out more money, but Clay waves at me to stop. “I got it.” Then he pulls a twenty out of his wallet and hands it to Jack, who runs off to the token machine.
Clay pauses near me for a moment. Our eyes meet in a heated, tense glance as I cross my arms in front of myself.
“Thanks for doing this,” I whisper.
With a cold expression, he says, “I’m not doing it for you.” I glance toward my son again and swallow down my guilt. “He’s a cool kid. Only wish I knew about him sooner.”
I shift my gaze back to his face. “Clay—”
“Come on, guy!” Jack calls from the blaster game.
Clay laughs as he leaves me to follow Jack. “My name is Clay,” he tells him as Clay picks up the other orange blaster.
For the next hour and a half, those two don’t stop. They bounce from machine to machine as I watch. The entire time, Clay never looks burdened or bothered by the seven-year-old. In fact, he laughs right along with him, and it makes me feel very strange inside.
The only other man I’ve seen with my son is Ronan. And while he loves Jack, the chemistry between them is different. Ronan treats him like the nephew he never had. He spoils him and protects him but never reallyplayswith him.
Watching Jack with Clay, I start to feel less and less guilty about orchestrating this. They’re clearly both having a good time.
After they’re done playing video games, Jack runs over to show me his collection of tickets, pulling them out of his pockets in tiny folded bundles.
“Let’s go get you a prize then,” Clay says, knocking him playfully on the shoulder.
“I’m hungry,” Jack complains, rubbing his stomach. “Can we get pizza?”
