Page 45 of Malicious Desires

Glancing around the pub, it doesn’t take long to know that Reece is not at the pub. I feel deflated, and upset. I’m about to turn on my heels and leave when I hear my name being called out from across the room, “Jasper!”

It’s Malyk, and he sidles up next to me, hip bumping me.

“Oh...ah, hi Malyk,” I stammer.

“Hello to you, Jasper. You here for Reece?”

“Ah yeah…is he here?”

“Nah, he's gone out on a job,” Malyk informs me and again I turn away towards the door to leave.

Malyk stops me, gripping my arm and yanking me back towards him so our bodies collide.

“You don’t have to leave, sexy.”

“I…um…I…Reece,” I stammer, completely lost for words. I don't like this. Don’t like the feeling of Malyk’s hand on my bare arm, his body against mine. My body doesn’t react to him, at all.

I wrench myself from the grip he has on my arm, taking a step back as I request, “Please leave me be, Malyk. I'm not attracted to you. You know what Reece will do if he sees us this close”

Malyk chuckles, annoyingly. “But you're attracted to Ree?”

My cheeks heat. “Well, yeah,” I admit, turning my gaze away from Malyk’s. Again he laughs, his tone odd, protective when he asks, “Do you love him?”

“No, I don't know. I know I feel something for him, yes, but it’s not love?” I say more like a question.

Malyk nods. “It may be so,” he says with a knowing smile. “He looks at you every time you look away.”

I shake my head, not wanting to believe that Malyk’s words are truthful. Reece has given me the impression that his best friend harbours feelings for him, so it’s odd that he’d be pushing me towards Reece if that were so.

“There is no way Reece loves me,” I respond.

Malyk chuckles, his tone teasing when he says, “Don't be sure about that, lovely.”

I push for more, needing to hear him affirm his words in another way with different words. “You think he loves me?”

Malyk nods, winking at me. “I'd almost count on it, Jasper. Reece is different around you,” he tells me.

“Different? How so?”

“You've fucked him up. In a good way.”

I gasp, not sure what to make of that bold statement. “Oh, well despite the sin we've committed together, being around him makes me happy,” I admit, my cheeks heating again with the confession and acknowledgement of my sins out loud.

“And I'm sure my best friend feels the same about you. The fact you're enemies be damned.”

“Yeah,” I agree. “I should go. Please tell him I dropped by when you see him.”

Malyk nods, affirming he’ll follow through with my request. “Does he have your phone number?” he asks.

I shake my head, taking my phone out of my pocket. “No, we haven't exchanged numbers.”

“Let me put his number in your phone,” Malyk suggests.

Hesitantly I hand my phone over and Malyk adds in Reece's number. “I put it under Lover boy, and shot off a text of an eggplant and a kiss emoji.”

Taking my phone back I laugh to hide the nervousness of Reece seeing that message. “Thanks, Malyk.”

“No worries, catch ya later, gorgeous.” I don’t respond to that. It’s clear that Malyk calls everyone endearing pet names. I leave, staring at the open message on my phone as I head out the door to see Reece has read the text but hasn't replied. His lack of response hurts. It shows me Malyk is full of shit in regards to Reece’s feelings for me. I should just forget about Reece Montserrat, but that is easier said than done. He’s under my skin, in my head and I wish he’d leave me be.

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