Page 34 of Pit

She scoffs. “He isn’t my President, so I don’t have to do shit.”

I close the distance between us, and she shrinks back slightly. “I ain’t asking,” I spit. “Get some fucking clothes on.” She steps away, rolling her eyes but getting dressed. “He’s gonna ask you some shit,” I mutter, rubbing my hand over the back of my neck. “About Alec.”

“I don’t have any answers,” she snaps.

“I told him we’ve been trying to call Alec.” I feel her eyes on me. “And that he hasn’t been picking up.”

“But we haven’t,” she says, sounding confused.

“I know that,” I say, my voice tight with irritation. “But I’d appreciate if you went along with it.”

She laughs, not sounding amused. “You want me to cover up your lies?”

“Yes,” I say stiffly.

“Why should I?”

“Because,” I snap before taking a calming breath. “Because,” I repeat more calmly, “I lied to buy you some time, to buyussome time.” I let those words sink in, and a realisation passes over her face.

She heads for the door. “Fine.”

Downstairs, Axel is sitting at the kitchen table with his hands braced together, resting on the solid oak. He points to the space opposite him, and Tessa lowers into it. “Your husband isn’t coming out of hiding,” he states.

“Maybe he doesn’t give two shits about me,” Tessa suggests, arching a brow.

“Where’s her phone?” Axel asks, looking to me.

I go to the cupboard and retrieve it. Tessa stares wide-eyed, probably annoyed that her lifeline was easily accessible. I hand it to Axel, who turns it on. “When did you last try?”

I shrug. “A couple days ago.”

His eyes narrow further, but he doesn’t comment. He slides the handset towards Tessa. “Call him.”

“I should text,” Tessa replies. “Let him know it’s really me.”

Axel gives a nod, taking the phone back. “Tell me what to write.”

“Firecracker,” she replies.

Axel types it in and sends it, placing the phone back on the table. “Is there a reason you didn’t try that before?”

Tessa smirks. “I don’t like your man, so I’ve been difficult,” she says, glancing at me with disgust.

“Maybe you’re not as keen to get your freedom as I thought?” he asks.

“Oh, trust me, I want out of here.”

“Good, because I’m taking you to the clubhouse tonight. Go and pack a bag.”

Tessa’s eyes find mine and she looks worried, though not as worried as me. I step forward. “Pres?” I ask.

“Now, Tessa,” he says, dismissing her. Once she’s gone, he turns to me, his cold expression in place. “It’s for the best.”

“Weren’t we isolating her so the old ladies don’t take her under their wing?”

“That’s what you’re worried about?” he asks, arching a brow with a slight smirk on his lips. “And here I was worrying you were gonna shag the captive.” His smirk fades and he pushes to his feet. “Am I right?”

“It ain’t like that,” I begin, and he shoves me back, taking me by surprise, so I lose my footing.

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