Page 72 of Pawn

While he brings the pipe back to his lips, I scoff and look around before answering, “No.” The foyer is as basic as he is. Mismatched art on beige walls, fake flowers in vases scattered around the shiny beige floor.

“Didn’t think you’d actually show.” When his hand comes to my back, my fists clench as I take a step forward.

Turning around I get another good look at him. He’s in a blue silk blouse with the buttons opened, revealing sparse hair on his pale chest. Black slacks with a shiny silver belt buckle.

“You and me both,” I say. “If you’re ready to get this over with, I am too.”

“You and King are both straight shooters, huh?” Moving behind me, he pulls my backpack off my shoulders, dropping it to the floor. My heartbeat races more than I’d like when he turns me around to face him, his lips dangerously close to mine. “But not yet.” He smiles before turning around, heading between the stairs. “Call me old-fashioned but I like to wine and dine my conquests.”

Conquests? Gross.

“I told you this wasn’t a date!” I call after him, not wanting to stay here a second longer than I have to. Following him down a hall with white columns and more shitty art, I emerge in a large kitchen. Walnut cupboards, massive stainless steel appliances.

“Drink?” Craig leans against the large wooden island, a glass of red wine held out in his hand. “Don’t be in such a rush, that doesn’t make me feel very good, sweetheart.”

“Stop calling me that!” There’s a melody playing in the background and I twist my nose, a heavy floral scent taking over. “Is that Marvin Gaye?” It’s a lull over the speakers in the kitchen but I hear the crooning voice of the late R&B singer.

He winks. “Are you this feisty with King?”

Wine’s not my thing but I snatch it from his hand, gulping down a sip. “You and I will never have what King and I have,” I reassure him.

I reassure myself.

He chuckles, staring at me with those blues. “Does he know you’re here?”

“Does it matter?”

“Shouldn’t it? If you guys are a strong power couple and all.”

“Is that what people are saying?” He takes another sip as if he’s thinking about his next words, peering at me over his glass. Okay, enough with this rich boy bullshit. “Listen, are we gonna—”

“I wanna be real with you, Jo.” He refills my almost empty glass. “I don’t wanna start this on lies.” How fucking ironic. “King knows you’re here.”

“I didn’t tell him.” I’m glaring at Craig but he gives me that smug look. “What? You worried he’ll show up and kick your ass again?”

“That’s not what I’m saying, sweetheart and if you listened as well as you mouthed off you’d hear what I’m saying.” He pauses, taking another sip. “King knows you’re here and he knows what you’re here to do.”

“What? How? Did you tell him?”

“I did and you know what he said when I told him? When I told him you’d fuck me to save his company that is.” There’s a lump in my throat, a ringing in my ear. “Nothing.” He laughs, shaking his head, and my stomach wrenches.

Damien knew I’d do this? Damien knew I was about to whore it out for his business and he was gonna let me?

No, he wouldn’t. Not after all this.

“You’re full of shit,” I spit before downing the rest of my glass with two big gulps. I’m reaching for the bottle as Craig leans against the counter.

“You know, when I texted you I thought this would be fun but it looks like you’re just a pawn to King like everyone else.”

“Fuck you, Craig! You have no idea what you’re talking about.” He has no idea what we’ve been through. How we got to this. There’s no way Damien would use me after telling me loves me.

“Believe me, sweetheart. I thought this would be worth it because everyone in this town and Eden thinks you’re some untouchable hot shit but, turns out, there is a price to you.” He keeps talking but I want him to shut the fuck up, my grip tightening around the glass. “Too bad you’re already tainted.”

His lip arches towards his nose like he’s disgusted with the idea when this was his fucking plan. The bottle is out of my hand and smashing to pieces before I realize it.

Craig laughs. “I don’t know why you’re surprised,” he calls as I’m rushing towards the door. My feet are moving way too fast to slow down, my heart booming in my chest.

Damien just tried to whore me out and I almost fell for it.

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