Page 51 of Catalyst

I made my way through the marble hallways in TJ’s apartment building, doing my best to make up for lost time by running when I could. Why the fuck did this guy have to live on the top floor? Whatever, at least the elevator ride gave me a chance to catch my breath.

I used my reflection in the door to straighten my hair and adjust my freshly changed shirt. Even with a little primping, I wasn’t up to my normal standard. Ugh, I couldn’t wait to get home, crawl into bed bedside Callie, and feel Sawyer kick.

And,yes, I was aware of how pathetic I sounded. But I couldn’t help it! I deserved to be a little fuzzy when it came to my girlfriend and her son.

Eventually, the elevator slid open, and I sped down the hallway. TJ’s apartment was the last one on the left, and as I approached the heavy oak door, I silently prayed that he’d use my tardiness as an excuse to cancel on me. Unfortunately, the door opened after my first knock.

I tried to hide my disappointment as TJ cocked a hip against the doorframe. His dark hair was slicked back with water, and all he had on was a pair of silver sweatpants. He crossed his arms over his bare chest, the neck of a dark beer bottle pinched between his fingers.

His shit-brown eyes flicked over me as he took a long drink of the ale.

“You’re late,” he said with a swallow.

“Yeah, no fucking duh, I’m late; I’m surprised your dumb ass can tell time,” I snapped before remembering that, right now, TJ owned me. So, I took a deep breath and put on the charmingpersona I used to pay my bills. “But don’t worry, I know how to make up for it.”

I shot him a wink as I tried to push myself into the apartment, only for TJ to plant a hand on my chest.

“Strip,” he ordered, his eyes falling onto the undone buttons on my shirt.

“Excuse me?”

I dramatically looked around the hallway just so I could remind him I was, in fact, still in the fucking hallway.

“You heard me. Strip.” He repeated, placing his hand on the other side of the frame. “Prove you’re sorry, be a good boy and strip like the whore you’ll always be.”

I grit my teeth, struggling with the urge to tell him off. But… then I rememberedher. And somehow, the idea of being with Callie after all of this bullshit made this moment bearable. So, begrudgingly, I reached for the collar of my shirt.

One by one, I popped the buttons out of their holes, letting the fabric slip from my shoulders. The hallway was enclosed, but it felt colder than expected. Goosebumps pricked my skin as I allowed the white cotton to fall to the ground behind me.

His lips curled into a smug grin as his eyes drifted lower, focusing on the waistband of my jeans.

“Keep going… this is what I’m paying for after all.” His voice was low, husky, and ripe with condescension.

With a huff, I allowed my fingers to drift to the leather of my belt. I undid it with one tug before hooking my fingers in my jeans. Just as I prepared to drop my pants, a bark of laughter came from just out of my line of sight.

“Holy shit–you were right. They reallywilldo anything you tell them to.” A slightly familiar voice caused me to stand a little straighter.

You have to befuckingkidding me.

I barely masked my irritation as Jack Voltaris swaggered over, draping his arm over TJ’s shoulder. He reeked of alcohol and stale nicotine as he practically doubled over laughing at me. In my gut, I could tell this was going nowhere good, and I needed to get the fuck out of there.

“It looks like you have a friend.” I tried to purr through my words, hoping it’d overcome my growl. “Unfortunately, I charge double for–”

“Check your bank account.” TJ gestured toward me with his beer. “I already sent it to your account.”

I took a slow breath as I grabbed my phone from my pocket. My gaze flicked to them as I unlocked the device and opened my bank account to see a fresh deposit of thirteen hundred dollars. This entire night had gone from bad to worse, and now I was standing shirtless, humiliated, with two jackasses eyeing me like I was some sideshow attraction.

“See, Jack?” TJ nudged him with the neck of his beer. “Money’s the only language whore’s understand.”

“Gotta admit… I didn’t believe you.” Jack slurred through a laugh as he looked me over once more. “God, my sister reallyispathetic if she’s shacking up with someone like you.”

“Don’t talk about Calista,” I warned before I could think better of it.

My anger caused the pigs to snort as they elbowed each other like they’d just pulled off the best prank in the world.

“Oh, come on, Jace, you’re not here to defend her honor… You’re here to entertain us,” TJ said, reaching forward to touch my shoulder. “Now keep that pretty mouth of yours shut and remember what I pay you for.”

“You pay formytime. Not to insult,mygirlfriend.” I warned.

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