Page 114 of Forgive You

To jump through his hoops in the hope he won’t post that video. But this is it. For the first time in a long time, I’m done sitting back, being at his mercy. As soon as I walk out of here, I’m going to find a way to beat him at his own game.

No clue how, but I will.

“Suit yourself.” He lowers himself into the leather chair, the piece of furniture squeaking, meeting my eyes as he leans back.

The faint nutty scent of the whiskey lingers in the air. The fuel to the lava coursing through my veins. He sits there, sipping his drink like he’s some kind of Don Corleone, and I want to murder him.

Bet he told the sellers he has a showing when, really, he just wants to act like a king in a castle that isn’t his to share whatever diabolical plan he has now.

What did I ever see in this guy?

Other than the fact that he’s a year older, and therefore was the interesting college guy for a high school senior, I got nothing.

“So, you and Jason, huh?” His voice is thick with something sneaky, erupting goosebumps all over my arms.

How does he know that when we live on the other side of the country? My heart races. He must really keep an eye on us. A chill runs down my spine, but I manage to prevent my body from shuddering with it.

“I haven’t told him shit, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

He tilts his head my way. “But you aretogether?”

I roll my eyes at his disgust. “What does it matter?”

“Answer the question, Jules.”

“Yes! Yes, we are together.”Damn, that feels good.

It came out of my mouth with a little hesitation, but giving Jacob an honest answer with my feet firmly planted in the ground makes me realize how much I love saying that.

Jason and I are together.

I love him, and I’m going to fight for him. I’m not going to let his asshole brother come between us anymore.

I straighten my spine.

“Ah, look at that. You get all giddy and glowing just saying it.” He smirks with wicked eyes that instantly eat away at my newfound confidence. “Don’t forget our deal, though.”

“How the hell can I do that when you keep reminding me with every freaking step I take?”

Damnthis devil offspring. Where did shit go wrong for him?

“What are you talking about? I haven’t talked to you in a month.”

“Oh, and what a peaceful month it was.” For a second, I even thought he was really gone.Silly me.

“Too peaceful, clearly, because I give you a little free rein and you’re shacking up with my brother.”

A glare heats my cheeks.

“Free rein?” I take a step forward on the outdated rug, crossing my arms in front of my chest with a deep scowl that’s meant to kill. “Are you shitting me? You don’t have me on a leash, Jacob. I’m not your dog.”

“Are you not?”

For once in my life, I wish I was more ruthless. I wish I had the balls to grab the pretty blue vase in the windowsill and throw it at his head without thinking about the consequences.

“I hate you.” That’s all I manage to sputter. “What is it gonna take for me to get you gone?”

He looks up at the ceiling, pretending to think hard and long when, really, he doesn’t have the capacity. “I don’t know, babe. Howgoneare we talking?”

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