Page 4 of Escape

She was so perfect, even if she didn’t think so. But I would show her. I’d make her believe it.

As she tried on the different dresses, twirling around in the mirror, I grew closer and closer to my release. I imagined cupping all the parts of her body in my hands, squeezing until her curves spilled from between my fingers. Kissing away the frustrated crease between her brows. Whispering how perfect she was in her ears until she believed me.

The last dress she tried on was white with frilly lace decorating the edges. It hung off of her shoulders, exposing her chest and neck perfectly. I had to bite my lips to the point of breaking skin to hold back the groan growing in my throat as a smile spread across her face.

She had found one she liked. She was happy and seeing my girl happy was enough to push me over the edge.

Just as I was about to come apart, my phone rang loudly from my pocket. Jasmine’s head snapped towards the wall I was leaning against. I ripped my hand from my pants and launched myself across the small dressing room until my back slammed against the opposing wall. I snatched the phone from my pocket and pressed it to my ear.

“What?!” I hissed as quietly as I could.

“Well, hello to you, too.” The other voice mocked. “Why are you breathing so heavily? Are you in a compromising position, K?” She laughed.

“Shut up, Nik.” I swiped a hand over my face as I carefully crept back to the crack in the wall. “What do you have for me?”

“Some interesting finds.”

I could hear the clicking of the tech genius’s keyboard through the speaker as I watched Jasmine slip her shoes back on and walk out of the dressing room.

“Fuck,” I whispered, devastated that I missed the rest of the show.

“What? Do you not want to hear it?”

“Sorry.” I quickly buttoned my pants, wiped my damp fingers over the fabric and sat up, giving Nik my full attention. “I’m listening, what’s up?”

“Well, this fucking dickhead got the whole thing covered up and thrown out the window. Sending you some shots now.”

A second later, my phone pinged with a picture message. I shook my head as I looked it over.

“Of course,” I sighed. “Useless piece of shit is well connected, but he won’t get away with it. Will you email me over the case photos and whatever else you can find?”

“Will do. Quinn closed on the high school and Ez’s team is almost finished with the modifications. Everything's looking perfect and functional. Simone is good for ride service. Nova confirmed for pick up and clean up.”

“Thanks, Nik. I owe you.”

“My girls and I are thinking of some tatts soon, I’ll let you know.”

“You got it, talk soon.”

I walked out of the dressing room and spotted Jasmine at the register. It pained me to see her pulling out her own money to pay. Once she was with me again, all the pretty purses I’d buy her would simply be for holding her books, makeup and my wallet when I didn’t have pockets.

The cashier was bagging up the white dress as Jasmine placed a pair of matching heels on the counter. I groaned in satisfaction and quickly slipped out the door before she could see me. She was going to look absolutely perfect for an absolutely perfect night.

Chapter 3

Jasmine

Four weeks came and went and to my surprise, Jared didn’t bring up the reunion again until the night before I left. I was relieved to still be getting a few days to myself, but he had thrown a curveball into my plan.

“I called your mom and let her know you’d be coming tomorrow. She’s so excited to see you.” He stood in the doorway of the guest room, watching with a condescending smile as I packed my bags.

My fists clenched around the sweatpants I was folding. Resisting the urge to roll my eyes had my skull aching. I could ask why he would do that, but I already knew. I was free to go, but I wasn’t really free. He wanted to ensure I had a babysitter while he was here by himself, free to do what he wanted.

For a split second, the thought of him cheating flashed through my mind. Another woman in our house. In our bed. Riding my husband’s weak, flaccid dick. It should have pissed me off, but I had to hide a small smile. I secretly hoped that’s what happened.

My parents would only be a minor setback. Just because they knew I’d be there didn’t mean they needed to know where I’d be and when.

“Oh, great,” I squeezed the words through my teeth. “It’ll be nice to catch up with them.”