I race to the bedroom. Brody’s lit candles around the bed. There’s a pack of condoms lying atop the sheets. Next to it is Persia’s CMC uniform and a set of red lingerie, all laid out for me. He was going to have me wear all of it. Without contemplating what might have happened, I scoop up Persia’s uniform and go to leave the room. After a moment of consideration, I turn back and grab the box of condoms too and push everything into my bag.
When I go back out into the main living area, Dalton hovers over Brody. Neither man says a word.
‘You done?’ Dalton asks me.
‘I’m done.’
Dalton backs away from Brody. ‘Just like I said,’ he says to him, before he takes me by the elbow and ushers me out the door. I don’t look back.
The same elevator is ready and waiting to take us back down.
Dalton checks his phone. ‘They’re downstairs in the lot,’ he says, punching the button for the basement.
‘You didn’t lay a finger on him,’ I say once the doors have closed.
Dalton takes a moment to respond. ‘Didn’t need to,’ he sniffs. ‘I break a finger… that’s my season over. Plus, he ain’t worth the punch.’
I press my lips together. ‘What did you say to him? When I went to the bedroom?’
‘I told him to watch his back. Because the moment my NFL career is over, his ass is grass.’
‘I’m sure he’ll sleep well tonight.’
‘You get any more messages from him…’
‘You and Jake will be the first to know. I promise.’
Dalton shifts his stance. ‘Okay, maybe don’t tell Jake. I’m not sure I’ll be able to hold him back for a second time.’
When the doors to the elevator open, we’re in the basement parking lot. I recognize it from before. When we emerge, I see Jake in the distance, waiting for me by the pickup, a hopeful smile appearing on his face when he sees me.
I walk quickly toward him and before I know it, he’s swept me into his arms. The relief is almost overwhelming. His lips are soft and warm and welcoming – everything I want and need – and I cling to him.
He pulls back and searches my face. ‘Everything alright?’ he asks. ‘How did it go? You were quicker than I expected.’
While he’s still talking, I nod my head furiously. ‘Dalton didn’t even need to touch him. He was terrified.’
Jake’s attention flits to Dalton, who has moved up behind me. ‘Good. Can’t thank you enough, Cap.’
Ally has come over too and tucked herself into Dalton’s side. He gives a shrug. ‘Yeah, well, didn’t wanna break a nail,’ he says. ‘Now get outta here, both of yous.’
We say our goodbyes and head for the pickup.
On the route home, I tell Jake everything that took place, except for the part about Dalton telling me I had his running back’s heart in my hands.
Nearing Temptation Heights, he goes quiet.
‘Maybe drop me a couple of blocks from my place?’ I suggest quietly.
He blows out his cheeks, and I know he doesn’t like it.
‘Guess we can’t have people keep seeing this truck in my driveway,’ I add solemnly.
‘I know,’ he responds.
I know Temptation like the back of my hand. I grew up in this dog-eared neighborhood. Rode my bike around these tired roads.
‘Take the next left,’ I say to Jake.
