Page 39 of Ashton

“Jinx, what is it?”

I blink out of my thoughts, shaking my head. “No, well. Maybe it’s something. But what if it’s Roan?”

“Roan? The douche that was sitting next to you?” He clenched his fists tight, watching me.

“I don’t know, it doesn’t make sense. Why would Roan stalk me? And why now? I’ve been here for years.”

Atticus kneels in front of me, taking my hands. “Listen to me. When you left the dining room Saturday, your dad blew up on Mother. Roan acted like a knight in shining armor.”

My hands tighten around his. “What? Why?” I’m so confused. Dad never mentioned any of this. He only told me that Serena was moving out because things escalated after I left. AKA, I can’t keep my mouth shut and pushed them for a divorce.

“I’m certain Roan and Mother know each other. That’s why he was there that night, and your dad didn’t look like he was buddies with him.”

“What do we do now?”

“We act like nothing has changed. If he suspects anything, he might escalate, and you would be at risk. I say we always keep our eyes open for Roan. If he comes near you and we aren’t around, call. He won’t be able to take a shit without one of us around.”

I think it’s easier for him. He doesn’t have to deal with this. What if I don’t see him coming until the last second? These messages won’t end either; nothing will end until Roan ends.

Chapter eighteen

Ashton

I can’t believe Ace suckered me into this stupid party. I much rather be cuddling on a couch with a pretty dark-haired woman than trying to weave in and out of sweaty ass bodies. This music is horrible, the booze is warm, and Liam has no idea how to throw a party. No wonder why Cam never let him help plan any.

Why you have to get shitfaced to show off is something I never understood. Have a few drinks and be a decent person. I guess getting drugged and raped has jaded me about college parties. I know Ace understands why I don’t like being here, and I get it’s important, but pushing the memories back is getting complicated.

Maddox wraps his arm around my shoulder, dropping his head to mine. “I got you, brother. Our demons won’t win today.”

Today, being a keyword. “Thanks. I just want to end this already.”

“I know. Give Atticus a little while. We can’t jump in feet first. I haven’t even seen Liam yet.”

Now that he mentions it, I haven’t either. He planned this stupid thing, and Liam can’t even mingle with his loser friends. Shane and Emery are hanging around the island drinking and trying to pick up some chick with big boobs. What Ace has planned won’t work if Liam isn’t around.

“Are you sure Jinx is safe tonight?” My stomach crashes just thinking about her. What if that stalker of hers finds her? Now that we suspect it’s Roan, anything can happen.

Maddox swallows his beer, and without looking back at me, he says, “Spencer wouldn’t let anything happen to her. He knows what would happen to him if he did.”

But it’s like the Devil has different plans for us because time stands still when the front door opens, and Jinx walks in. She drags Spence onto the makeshift dance floor and dances like no one is watching. Her black jumpsuit shows off every curve when she swings her hips to the music, and a relaxed look washes over her face as she dances.

“She looks calm tonight,” Maddox says.

“I was just thinking that it probably has something to do with Cam not being here. I don’t want to interrupt her, but Atticus is gonna be pissed.”

I can watch her dance for hours, even with her dancing with another man; it’s the hottest thing I’ve seen. Watching her with Mad or Ace fascinates me, but I didn’t think this would. Fuck. I adjust my pants before moving toward her. It’s my turn.

I move behind her, lightly tracing her spine before grabbing her hips and pressing her ass into my hips. I notice Spence grin at me before he walks off.

“Little swan, what am I going to do with you?” I move a hand around her stomach as we move together.

She angles her head and smirks. “I can think of something, only if you are up for it.” She grinds low, pressing on my dick.

I take a deep inhale, filling my lungs with smoke from the surrounding joints and cigarettes. I don’t think I’m ready to take this where Jinx wants. Who knows if I’ll ever be ready for sex again. I spin her around and pick her up. Her legs wrap around my waist, rocking her hips. I watch as her nipples harden under the dark fabric of her jumpsuit, teasing me with desire.

“Use me, Jinx,” I whisper next to her ear. “Show all these people what they can’t have.”

Doing as she’s told, she moves with the beat of the music, her nails dig into my neck when she brings her face closer. “Ash, I’m coming. Oh, God.”

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