I kiss him under those lights like tonight is all I have.
When he finally lets go, he smiles. “I’m going to get another drink. You want anything?”
I shake my head. “No, I’m good, thanks.”
I already feel dizzy enough from the champagne, this man, that kiss…
I take a deep breath and head for the exit. I need to breathe. I need air.
Making my way through the building, the shadows covet me. I push through the crowd in the main lobby bar area until I’m outside. I sigh, breathing deeply as the cool air kisses my skin. Walking along the sidewalk, I find my way along the walkway and bridge over the water. I stop, looking out at the sea and close my eyes.
“Whatever he’s paying you, I’ll double it.”
I freeze, not wanting to open my eyes so I don’t have to look at him, but I can’t help myself.
I turn to see Garrett, standing there in his suit, looking dapper as fuck.
I hate it.
“He’s not paying me,” I say, but we both know it’s a lie. Garrett laughs. “And as far as we’re concerned, I will never work with you again,” I say. “Ever.”
Garrett comes to stand beside me, and I tense.
“Awww Jake, baby, come on. It wasn’t that bad.” He reaches out to touch me, and I smack his hand away.
“Don’t touch me,” I bite.
Garrett grasps my neck. He pulls on it, forcing my face close to his.
“What’s wrong? Did the little cockslut get cold feet over being caught?”
I push him off me and he stumbles.
“Fuck off, Garrett,” I warn.
“Or what? You think you have the upperhand here, sweetheart? News flash: you don’t. You think you’re so much better than me. But you’re not.”
“I am better. Than you,” I say, but the shakiness in my voice does not help my case one bit.
He throws his glass onto the ground, shattering it to pieces. He lunges for me, and I barely have a moment to think. He wrapshis hand around my neck, and it’s harsh. It hurts. I scratch at his hands as he presses his body against mine.
“All I have to do is say the word,” he bites. “All I have to do is tell Daddy Everett his son hired a fucking prostitute to pretend be his boy toy so he could get the job and he’s done.”
I can barely breathe as I push and fight against him, trying to knee him in the groin, but he’s too heavy.
“Get your hands off him, Garrett!” I hear someone’s voice, but it’s not Aaron’s. I panic.
“Jake!” Aaron’s voice filters in and a moment later I feel strong arms around me.
Garrett laughs as someone pulls him back.
“What the fuck were you thinking?” Rob says as Aaron pulls me into his arms.
“You okay, baby?” Aaron asks, looking me over as I cough. I can’t speak through the coughing fit, but I want to tell him the truth.
“Don’t act like you care about the little slut, Aaron. You’re not fooling anyone,” Garrett spits.
“What?” Aaron bites, just as Tony says, “Garrett, you’re drunk. Rob, get him out of here.”
