Jack corners the table and drags a stool over to perch on the end. “Guardian then, you’re staying with him, aren’t you?”
“Yes, but—” My phone buzzes again, this time with a ring. I open my bag and cancel the call, then read his text.
If you’re still at work, can you bring some milk and bread home?
Home. He is my home and I don’t even want to be here. With a deep intake of breath, I stand. “I need to go.”
Jesse doesn’t budge. “You just got here.” His hands slide up my thighs, over my black work trousers. “Sit down, drink your drink. We can hang out for a bit.”
“I can’t. I need to go. Can you let me pass, please?”
“Come on, Letty, have a bit of fun with us,” Jack says.
One glance between the two of them and I know the fun he's talking about. It’s not me. I don’t want to be shared or passed around like a toy or a joint, like Kane said.
Marie gives him a death glare.
Jesse stands in front of me. “We’ll go some place, just the two of us?” His fingers trail the length of my arms over my jacket, but it’s enough to make the hairs prickle on my neck.
“No thanks, Jesse. I’m not interested. I need to go.”
His jaw tightens, giving his brother a sideways glance.
Marie smiles like she’s enjoying the show. “Just let her go back to her crazy dad before he comes here looking for her. That guy gives me the creeps.”
“Shut the fuck up, Marie.” Jesse warns her with a scowl.
She stands opposite him, with her hand on her cocked hip. “Awe is Jesse grumpy because his plan isn’t working.” Her lip pouts, mocking him.
Fingers tight on the strap of my bag, my mind swirls, remembering Kane’s words about the guys wanting to get back at him. “What plan?” I choke out the words with a dry throat.
Jesse stares at Marie with a locked jaw.
She rolls her eyes. “The plan to get in your knickers, of course.”
My phone buzzes again and I pull it out to see Kane’s name dance across the screen. “It’s my crazy dad. Are you going to let me pass, or shall I tell him to come and get me?”
“Guys, stop being jerks and let her go,” Lucy says with a yawn.
Jesse steps aside, and I walk to the exit without looking back. I tap the green button as I step through the door. “Sup?” I hold my breath, waiting for a lecture.
“Did you get my message? I thought you finished work at 3pm.”
“I did, but it’s okay. I’ll pick up some milk and bread. Anything else?”
“Where are you, Vi?”
He must know. I left the tracking app on my phone for his own peace of mind. Besides, I have nothing to hide from him. Until now. Is it a trick question to see if I will lie or tell the truth?
“Vi?”
I open the mini and sit behind the wheel. “Don’t get mad, okay?” I cringe. “Lucy asked me to hang out after work, and she took me to a cafe by the lake.”
A growl sounds on the other end of the phone. “What did I tell you?”
“I didn’t know, okay?” My voice wobbles. “I didn’t know they were gonna be here and I’ve just left.”
“Are you all right?”
