Page 36 of Pursued by the Player

“No, you’d just send in your coworkers to do your dirty work.”

She averted her gaze, but not before Jett could see the guilt in her eyes. “Fuck Mel. I thought we had had something.”

“We did. We do.”

“No.” he shook his head. “You managed to extract information from me. Information you could use against me. . .” He widened his eyes as realization dawned. “If you ever think of exploiting that orphanage—”

“No! Oh God, never.”

“You better not. Those kids have nothing, Mel. It would be like kicking them while they are down.”

“You have to know that I’m a better person than that.”

“You see? There you go again. Claiming that I know better. The truth is, you know everything about me, but I know nothing about you. Not really.”

“What do you want to know?”

“Don’t put me on the spot like that.”

“Go on, ask me any question you want. I’ll answer them.”

“You’ll be honest?”

She nodded and crossed her heart. “Go on.”

He stared at her for a moment, considering. “Where were you born?”

“In New Jersey. Both of my parents are still alive and together if you are wondering.”

“Brothers or sisters?”

“One sister, two brothers.”

“A big, fucking, happy family.”

“That’s not fair.”

“No, you know what’s not fair? Being fuckin’ used. I can’t take two steps in this city without someone wanting something from me, my picture, my money, my fame . . . Everyone takes and takes and gives nothing in return.”

“I never wanted you to be a part of this.”

“But you didn’t stop it, did you?”

She shrunk back as if stung. “You wouldn’t understand. This business is tough, and—”

“No, I wouldn’t understand. I wouldn’t understand wanting to make a name for myself, or wanting to follow my dreams and earn a living doing something I love. And I could never understand what it feels like to need acceptance and validation. No, I’m just some poor kid with no family and no friends. I could never understand that.” He shook his head and took a step back. “I built all of that for myself, Mel, and I didn’t have parents to pay my way through school or pull strings to get me a job.” When she widened her eyes, he nodded. “Oh yes, I know about your famous father, and how his investments opened doors for you. It’s all over the internet. It must be so horrible to have all of those expectations on your shoulders from people who care.”

“I never meant to hurt you.” Her voice sounded quiet and defeated.

“Save it for someone who cares.” Jett ignored the tightening in his chest, the one that told him he had gone too far, and turned his back to her. With quick, purposeful strides, he entered the locker room, putting Mel and the whole horrible business behind him.

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