“I know. I know. But I have this feeling that something's not quite right. I can’t shake it.”
“You’ve always had great instincts, but don’t let your trial make you suddenly question yourself.”
Is that what I’m doing? Is this assignment going to shit because I don’t trust myself? Or is my gut correct in telling me I’m missing something?
I don’t voice the questions and thoughts rolling through my head, but I do admit something to Gray, needing to tell someone. Someone has to be on my side. “I haven’t told Dec yet, but technically Owen fired me. This is supposed to be my last night.”
“Shit, Nova. But you don’t have the evidence, do you?”
“No. I’m going to get it tonight, though. I have to.”
There’s a long silence on the other end.
“Gray?” I ask, concerned.
“You should tell Dec.”
Oh.Of course. I should have known he didn’t really trust my judgment after what happened in Italy, even if he said the opposite.
“I’m about to call him. Don’t worry.”
“I trust you, Nova, but I’m concerned about the trial. This assignment has to be by the books.”
“I know.”
His career is on the line, too, and I feel like shit for what I’m about to do, but hopefully by sinking myself, he can further throw me under the bus and blame me for everything. He doesn’t even have to accuse me. Itisme. All of it is my fault. Hopefully, the judge will see that.
Gray pulls me out of my thoughts. “Niki will be by with your comm later today. I’ll see you at the gala.”
“Yeah, ok. See you there.”
When he hangs up, I slam my fist into the wall next to the fridge. The sheetrock shatters and pain spreads across my knuckles.
I feel the blood—I reopened the scabs on my knuckles, but I can’t seem to find the energy to care.
It’s so much less than I deserve.
“Red. I’m shocked,” Jax says with a smile when I open the door later that evening.
“Don’t be a dick,” Evan says, pushing past both of us. “You look stunning, Nova. You always do. I hold to my previous opinion. You’re definitely the only girl I’d fuck.”
Jax feigns surprise. “I’m sure that’s meant to be a compliment, but somehow it doesn't sound like one.”
I offer a small smile. Evan’s comment was one-hundred percent in jest.
Evan waves off Jax and motions for me to spin around so he can get a good look at my dress. Jax is right, though. Red seems to be the only color that I wear other than black. I chose a tight-fitting, satin, red dress with a plunging neckline and a low back. It falls to the floor and has a thigh-high slit on the right side. Aside from the cut, it is relatively simple.
When I make a complete turn, I find Evan scowling at me.
“What? Did I get something on it?” I ask, concerned.
Evan laughs. “No. I was just thinking if you were going for subtle with that dress, you are going to be sorely disappointed.” I scrunch my nose, and Evan steps closer to flick it. “You look beautiful, Nova. Unfortunately, you could wear a T-shirt and people would still look at you.”
This time, I scowl, and it makes Evan howl with laughter.
“Ignore him. He’s just jealous there is someone who looks better than him,” Jax whispers in my ear.
“I heard that!” Evan hollers as he heads to the kitchen.
