Page 21 of Clinch'd

“Yeah, just a few weeks. Maybe after I can come home,” I say and wince. Now why the hell did I just offer that when I don’t know where her daughter is, and I hate lying to her face?

“That would be good. It’s not the same without my boy's home,” she rasps.

Of course, this only ratchets my guilt since Hudson barely comes home and only manages to speak to her briefly every week to satisfy her motherly demands.

“Sure,” I say.

We talk for a few more minutes while she explains her efforts to help the local school raise money for much needed books. When we end our call, I stare into nothing rubbing my aching chest.

And only as I rise to head inside do I wonder why she didn’t mention Monroe. Has my sister been checking in weekly like she’s supposed to?

If so, that means she’s in a place where she can and that makes my guilt just a fraction lighter. But why won’t she answer my texts and calls then?

Chapter 7

Minnie

The following week I go through the motions with dread, wishing I could take back everything that transpired apart from the damn orgasm which has haunted my dreams since.

Cooper’s mouth was positively sinful and the few sexual encounters I’ve had before were put to shame by that alone. But on the other side of it I’m still hurt by his casual disregard in speaking to that man while he stood over me splayed open.

Not to mention calling me a damn whore. Fucker. I’m dreading whatever comes next because the time is ticking down until Suit appears with more demands.

I guess this is why I’m not surprised when Beast enters the diner a few days later and slouches into a booth with a scowl on his face. I’m starting to hate that fucking expression.

With a sigh, I hand him a menu although I’m sure he’s not here for the pie advertised in the window. He waves it away and says gruffly, “Sit.”

Glancing around at my other tables, I sit down gingerly and stare at him. I’m so afraid of what he’s going to say that I have to clench my hands in my lap to quell the trembling.

“Bowery paid me a visit,” he says.

“Who?”

“The fucker who pulls the strings,” he barks.

Suit’s name is Bowery?

“Okay…”

“He’s not pleased with how things are progressing, so I’ve been ordered to take you with me.”

“Uh, what? Where?” I splutter, grabbing the edge of the table.

“On the road. I’ve got two fights, and a series of press junkets and Jackson should be at most of them,” he says sourly.

“I can’t leave. I have a job. Bills…” I say as he shakes his head.

“This isn’t a fucking choice. You go or we both regret it. I can cover the cost of your travel but that’s it,” he says.

“But…” I trail off looking at his hard expression. Holy fuck.

What now? I have to pay bills. Watch over Lorri. I can’t just leave.

Lorri. Fucking Lorri. Angrily, I rub my face and whisper, “When?”

“Two weeks. You don’t need to be there for the first spot. I’ll have my manager call you about a plane ticket.”

“Plane?” I ask, peeking through my fingers but he’s already up and walking away.

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