Page 73 of Diamond in the Rough

Billy rubbed his chin. “You don’t remember stealing my keys and trying to humiliate me.”

Jake gawped. “What?”

“Yeah, took the keys right outta my hand and I didn’t even notice. If I wasn’t so angry, I would’ve been impressed.”

“I don’t remember.”

“Very convenient…” Billy took his feet off the bed and leaned closer. “Does the name Maddox Henley mean anything to you?”

Jake frowned and looked down. “Is it a clothing brand?”

Billy puffed out his cheeks and leaned back in the chair.

Antonia marched down the corridor, muttering under her breath. She stopped at the foot of the bed, rolled her eyes, then tied up her hair. As soon as she lifted her hair, Jake saw her earrings and gasped.

“What?” Billy asked.

“Ribs.”

“Right…”

“I don’t understand why you keep coming here. It’s pointless,” Antonia said.

Billy flexed his face. “Did I ask for your input?”

Antonia rocked back on her heels. “Sorry.”

Jake couldn’t stop looking at her sparkling earrings, two huge blue diamonds. Antonia grinned and fiddled with them.

“At least someone noticed.”

“What?” Billy huffed.

“I got them made into earrings. You like them?”

“They look tacky.”

Antonia scrunched her brow. “You know full well they’re not. Of course, I haven’t got the whole set…”

“You think I care about diamonds,” Billy hissed.

“You promised.”

“Promises.” Billy smirked. “Who the hell keeps promises?”

“Good people,” Antonia snapped.

“And I’m not one of those…”

Jake recognised the police officer strolling towards them. Tall with a crooked nose. He was the one that took Carl to the station. He didn’t glance at Jake or Antonia; his attention was fixed on Billy.

“What is it, Liam?” Billy asked.

“I think we should discuss matters in private.”

“Don’t mind Jake, it won’t mean anything to him. Will it?” Billy narrowed his eyes, another soul-searching expression.

Jake stared back blankly, then mumbled, “Sorry, what did you say?”

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