There’s a beat of silence. “She asked where you were and I said you’d left. She did not ask any more questions.”
My jaw tightens. “Thanks.”
I pocket my phone. Does J remember what happened this morning or not?
Memories rise like ghosts to haunt me.
J’s pliant lips under mine.
Her hands roaming my body.
The way she groaned when I touched her.
And then her eyes rolling back in her head as her watch screamed.
Temptation leads to death.
Hers in particular.
I should be happy about that.
But while I don’t know what happiness feels like exactly, I know it’s not this.
While we were holding hands this morning, J kept saying that I wasn’t “real,” and it seemed like she thought she was dreaming. It’s probably for the best that she doesn’t remember why she had to be rushed to the hospital. I’m not going to make her any wiser.
I quicken my pace to catch up with Zane and Dutch.
Zane arches a brow. “Who was that?”
“Martina.”
“What’s up?” Dutch asks, concerned. Martina is like a second mother to us.
“Nothing. I just wanted to check in.”
Zane snorts. “Since when do you check in with Martina?”
“Martina’s with Jinx,” Dutch says simply.
Zane laughs and slings an arm over my shoulder. “Why did you leave her behind if you were only going to worry about her?”
My lips tighten.
Pulling me closer, Zane wiggles his eyebrows. “Did something happen between you two last night?”
My pulse quickens.
He wouldn’t know, would he? J and I weren’tthatloud last night.
“Think about it.” Zane smirks. “She slept with you for one night and immediately had to be rushed to the hospital. So, you either tried to kill her or… you two… you know.” He makes two fists and bumps them together.
I shrug him off, hoping that not answering will free me from their suspicions.
“His ears are red,” Dutch points out.
“No wonder he chartered the private jet and got the hell out of town. He can’t control himself around her, so he doesn’t want to be in the same state,” Zane guesses.
“Screw off,” I grumble.
