Page 49 of Corrupt Obsession

“Are you okay?”

“Yup.”

Jesse stopped by a well-known taco place. She surveyed the menu and jolted when Jesse touched her back.

“Know what you want?” he asked.

“Uh, can I get chicken tacos, and I’m going to grab an iced tea from the fridge.”

He nodded and jerked his head, indicating for her to sit. She nabbed her drink before she sat at a glossy round table. Jesse stood behind two stocky construction workers. She found herself comparing Jesse’s build to the grown men. Jesse’s broad shoulders and military stance made him appear much older than his eighteen years. He had also put on some muscle while helping to rebuild the church this summer. He had a knack for it and had been working with a general contractor as an apprentice on the weekends.

Her eyes moved over him, taking in the well-fitted jeans and trim waist. As her eyes moved up, she spotted something above his collar. She half rose from her seat before she sat, hands over her mouth, as she stared at the scratches she’d left on the back of his neck. The urge to lift his shirt and inspect his back was overwhelming.

As Jesse stepped up to the counter, the cashier adjusted her black hat and blushed. Jesse smiled kindly at her and gestured at the board as he ordered. Jesse was back to being the nice guy. The helpful guy who held doors open for people and was always willing to lend a helping hand. No one would believe that he had an explosive temper, one that could ignite without warning. Thinking of the hunger in his gaze as he pinned her to the bed made her clamp her legs together and slant them to the side as her core pulsed. He’d been ruthless yesterday. Determined. She was still having trouble believing it happened. There was no visible mark on her to prove it hadn’t been a bizarre figment of her imagination, but her mark on him was irrefutable proof of the intense battle they’d waged.

Jesse set his drink on the table and cocked his head to the side. “What?”

She bit her lip and gestured for him to sit before she reached out and gingerly touched his neck. She traced the mark, knowing he’d bled for it to still be there today.

“Did anyone say anything about your neck?”

“No.”

“There’s,” she swallowed nervously, “marks.”

He held her gaze as he rolled his shoulders. “That’s not the only one.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I deserved it.”

She flicked water droplets from her sweating can of iced tea. “It must hurt.”

“It was worth it.”

She looked away as her heart lurched into her throat.

“Vi.”

Reluctantly, she looked back at him.

“Have you heard from Tucker?”

She shook her head.

He nodded, apparently satisfied.

“I was thinking of texting him we’re over, but I’d rather talk to him in person.”

“He knows.”

“Still.”

Jesse opened his mouth to argue, but the cashier called his name. Violet shook her head as the girl fussed over him before handing over a bag with their food. As Jesse turned, he headed toward the door. Surprised, Violet got up and followed him.

“I thought we were going to eat here.”

“I know a better place,” he said.

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