Page 31 of Body of Trust

I’m almost in when the steel back door of the club comes flying open and slams against the brick wall.

Jesse grunts as he flies over the stair railing and lands at Rocco’s feet. His fist is quick in the perpetrator’s face as he pummels Rocco with sharp and swift jabs. Over and over, Jesse unleashes a fury of violence on Rocco’s face and body. The man doesn’t stand a chance.

I’m panting, gripping my chest as tears well up in my eyes.

Rocco is on the ground, holding his stomach in pain. Blood spits from his mouth. The sounds from his throat are like that of a wounded animal.

Jesse wraps his arms around me. “Are you okay?”

I nod. “I think so.”

His hands are running up and down my arms and then to my waist as he checks for injuries before holding me tightly to him. “It’s official. You’re not allowed out of my sight again.”

“I thought Rocco was a friend.” My words are staggered.

Jesse pulls me back to the club. “He’s playing both sides. Has been for some time.”

We’re back inside, and Sienna is standing by the wall near the restroom.

“Where the hell did you go?” she asks us. Her jaw drops at the sight of me. “What happened to you?”

“She’ll explain later.” Jesse pulls the two of us through the club.

One of Sienna’s bodyguards is standing nearby.

Jesse doesn’t have a chance to hide himself as he turns to Sienna. “You and Amelia need to get home—and fast. Have your bodyguards bring you back.”

She doesn’t argue and agrees to what he said.

He whispers to me, “I’d take you home, but I need to clean up this mess.”

I don’t understand. “You said you’d never leave me.”

“I won’t.” He slides a matchbook into the palm of my hand. “I’ll be right behind you.”

I nod and walk away from him. Sienna and I are escorted out of the club by one of her guards. Their car is outside the entrance, and in moments, we’re whisked away.

“What happened in there?” she asks when we’re on the highway.

The two bodyguards don’t budge, but I’m keenly aware that they listen to everything we say. I’m also glad she hasn’t brought up Jesse’s name. They saw Jesse and are probably wondering who he was. I don’t want them hearing me tell her how he pummeled a family associate to the ground.

I think quick. “I don’t usually drink gin and tonics. It didn’t agree with me, and I got very sick.”

Sienna pouts. “Your poor tummy.” Her voice and mannerisms say she’s worried, but her eyes lift up to mine, asking if I’m full of shit.

I smile and give her a nod, letting her know that everything’s cool.

When we get back, she passes out on my bed, still in her dress. I remove her shoes and put the blanket over her.

I change and then look out the window. Sienna’s bodyguards are parked in the lot. Outside the lot, on the street near another building, is a white car. It shouldn’t seem out of place, but to me, it sticks out like a sore thumb.

The driver’s door opens, and Jesse appears like a white knight on a dark evening, watching me from below. He’s looking up toward my window, and I sigh in relief, knowing he’s nearby.

I glance down at the matchbook he slid into my hand tonight. I open the flap. Inside is seven numbers. His number. I want to call it, but I’m certain he gave this to me for emergencies only.

I pray I won’t have to use it.

Chapter Eight