We say our byes, and I take my phone out of my pocket while walking to the elevators. I only have nine percent battery left. My phone is going to die before I get back to the loft.Fucktastic.
Two missed calls and three messages from an unknown number catch my attention. Checking them first, I realize those are from Soph’s boss at Warm’n’Cool. They apologize profusely and tell me that she’s no longer their employee.
Well, shit. For a moment, I sympathize with Soph, who’s currently both injured and unemployed, but then I remember what she did. She can only blame herself for the poor choices that led her here.
Trying to focus on anything else, I play my cousin King’s message next and stop to process what he’s saying to me.
“I was thinking something over with Angel and Big O after your ex sent me a long-ass drunk text saying she never wants to see you again. And that's putting her messagemildly...I agree that you two can’t work together, but I know you need help with the orders and other things. So, what if I offer Soph that job?—”
No fucking way. He’s out of his mind!
“—I know you aren’t too happy about my suggestion, but hear me out. It would begood for you to have thehelp ASAP. This way, Soph can pay off what she owes you by helping us while also paying for therepairs. She needs a job that she can do with her left arm in a sling. I heard she didn’t break any bones, which is a miracle, so her healing process will be pretty quick. Think about it.”
What the actual fuck is wrong with everyone? Did I wake up in an alternate universe? It is the only logical explanation for everything that has happened. And why do I feel like I will regret the moment I walked into that bar even more?
Ignoring my cousin’s voicemail, I keep walking through the quiet hallway. Reaching room 709, I gently knock and open the door. Soph turns my way in bed, and her eyes get darker when she sees me.That’s how it’s going to be, huh?
“Well, if it isn’t the woman who destroyed one of the last positive things in my life. How are you doing? Feeling sore after hitting that pavement with my bike?”
“Stop it, Jax. You know I could have died.”
“I do, and I’m pleased you didn’t. It still doesn’t erase the fact that you crashed Isla.”
“Not on purpose!”
“Fuck, I'm so mad and can't give a shit right now if you did it on purpose or not!” Soph looks like she could cry any moment, so I continue. “You should be relieved that I have connections to get her fixed in no time. But of course, we can’t forget that you acted like a brat when you stole it.”
She looks away and uses the sleeve of her hospital gown to wipe her eyes. I can barely hear her mumbling. “You’ve no idea what you are talking about, Jackass. So leave. Right fuckingnow.”
Sarcasm colors my voice as I move closer to her bed. “Youknow what? Me leaving would be too easy…so I’m staying for a while longer.”
“To do what?”
I try my best to keep my voice even. “I think we should talk,Sophia.”
“I only have one thing to say—it starts withkissand ends withmy ass,” she says, still looking the other way.
This woman is something else. I’ve no idea what she has against me. “Darling Sophia, if you didn’t guess it already, you’re stuck with me. I’m sorry to tell you that I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. We’re stuck with each other because my cousin King, who owns the tattoo shop I manage, devised a plan for you to pay off all the damage you cost me.”
She turns and looks at me curiously, so I nod and continue. “You see, my ex was our receptionist, but she isn’t coming back for obvious reasons. We need someone to greet customers, manage our time schedules, check the paperwork, and do other administrative tasks. King suggested thatyoutake the job to even out the score.”
“But how does that benefit you personally?”
“Didn’t you listen to a word I said?” I huff out before continuing. “I need a new employee, and you need a way to pay me back. Then there’s the fact that your old job will not be there anymore. I’m not pressing charges, but your boss wasn’t too pleased with your actions when they called and texted me to apologize.”
Soph’s mouth opens and closes. The fire burns in her eyes brighter, and her eyes fill with tears again. “I hate you.”
I let out a humorless laugh. “Oh, but darling, you could never hate me. Think about it—you need a job, and I need someone who isn’t a total airhead. You’ll be fine with the role even if your decision-making skills leave a lot for improvement.”
“Is that supposed to be a compliment?”
“I guess so.” I take my business card out of my old, taped black leather wallet. “Here’s my card. Let me know what you think once you get out of here. Based on your injuries, it shouldn’t take too long until you’re ready to work again. But take your time to heal.”
Shit, it sounds like I care. But I don’t. Even if those beautiful brown eyes pull me in, I can’t be into the woman who did what Soph did. No way in hell. That’s not how this works. “And Sophia, when you start working for me, you can bet I’ll keep you in line. One wrong move and I’ll?—”
“Oh, wow. You really are a jackass. Just leave me alone to think.” Soph hisses through her closed teeth.
“Don’t think too hard with that reckless brain of yours. I bet you don’t want to do more damage.” I tell her before I leave the room, cackling.
