Page 184 of Irreversible

Together in that room.

Both men bound and helpless, begging for their lives, while all I wanted to do was give up mine.

Another look washes over Jasper’s face, a different look, something curious and full of weight. He rubs a hand over his jaw, his brows creasing with thought. “Shit.”

“I know.” I blink away from him. “But he’s not dangerous. He’s just protective, given the circumstances, so I?—”

“No, I mean…I think I’ve met him before.”

I hesitate, my thoughts scrambling. “That’s not possible. He went off the grid after we were rescued. He was never in the news.”

Jasper squints, studying me, as if he’s trying to piece something together. “You sure he’s not a detective?”

“What?”

“I swear he interviewed me once.”

My heart teeters and a stuttered breath falls out. “No, I…” I shake my head, rejecting the claim.There’s no way that’s possible.“You must be confusing him with someone else.”

He dusts his thumb over his bottom lip, silent and stoic. Marinating in the notion. Then he nods, blowing out a breath as he turns to face me. “Right,” he murmurs. “I could be mistaken. That was years ago, and those months after the abduction are a bit of a blur.”

“Of course.” I stare at him, a briny knot expanding in my throat. “I’m sure the details are hazy.”

There’s still something in his eyes, a flickering of knowing.

But Jasper regroups, peering over at a homeless man camped between two buildings. “Listen, I have some news. I thought we could grab a bite to eat tomorrow and discuss.”

I cross my arms to ward off the night’s chill. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“It’s important.”

A jolt of dread twists my stomach as I lock eyes with him. “Is Allison okay?”

“Yes.” He says it quickly, severing our stare. “Of course.”

Nodding, I blow out a breath of relief.

A cool breeze whips by, doing nothing to disrupt Jasper’s perfectly gelled hair. I can’t help but think of Isaac’s hair—untamed and rebellious, wild in the wind, just like his spirit.

Dark eyes. Dark words. Darker heart.

I shake the images away. “Then what is it?” My voice wavers, laced with a sinking feeling he’s about to unravel the delicate ribbons of peace I’ve managed to weave together. “We’re divorced, Jasper; we’re living separate lives. I can’t imagine what there is to talk about, or what you?—”

“It’s about your future. A business proposition.” Jasper slips his hands into the pockets of his khaki pants, shifting on his loafers. “But I’d rather not talk…here.”

His attention swings to the flashing marquee above our heads, featuring an emblem of a neon silhouette—a woman mid-dance, legs extended in a high kick, outlined in electric pinks and purples. Beneath her, the words “Ladies Night – No Cover Until Midnight” twinkle in sync with the beat of the music seeping through the front door.

A shot of insecurity pierces me, knowing how he must perceive the new life I’ve built. I lift my chin, determined not to let him see me rattled. “I’m busy,” I lie. “I have a date.”

“A date?” His huff of laughter is incredulous. “Withthatguy?”

My defenses flare. “Is that a problem?”

“No, but I don’t have a lot of time before I need to get back to Los Angeles. Can you reschedule?”

“Sure,” I clip out. “I’ll tell him my ex-husband popped back into town and wants to take me out. I’m sure that will go over well.”

He exhales sharply, frustration tightening his features. “I just need one night. No pretenses, no expectations.” His hands tent under his chin, a pleading look in his eyes. “Please. Just hear me out.”

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