Page 18 of Medusa

“We went to ButterNut Bakery. Demi was working. We didn’t stay because it was almost closing, and went to the park.”

“Which park?”

“I don’t know, the one with the slides and the swings. We sat on a bench and ate. Flirting became a bit more intense and she asked me back to her place. I won’t go into details about what we did there—”

“You don’t have to,” Chloe reassured him.

“But I left at two. I remember the time because I was impressed. At that point I don’t believe anyone saw me, but I went straight home and fell into bed. My brothers were not awake,” Jaden concluded.

“So this woman, who you still have not named, is the only person who can guarantee your whereabouts during the timeframe I gave you.” She gave him a sympathetic look. “I’m going to need her name.”

“I only know her first name.”

“That gives me something to go on,” Chloe said encouragingly.

Jaden blew out a long breath. “Maddie.”

“Describe her,” Chloe said.

“Curly red hair, blue eyes, curves to die for—” Jaden snapped his mouth shut. “She works with kids at a daycare. Is that enough?”

“That’s sufficient,” Chloe said. “You’ll remain here in the meantime. I’ll see that someone brings you food. If you need to use the toilet, knock on the door and you will be escorted.Don’tabuse the privilege.”

Jaden raised his hands. “I’m doing my best to cooperate.”

Chloe raised an eyebrow silently and left the room.

The time passed, whether slowly or quickly Jaden wasn’t sure, as there was no clock in the room and he didn’t have his phone with him. Someone did bring him a sandwich, from ButterNut Bakery at that. It was his favorite, too, ham and swiss on rye.

“Thank you, Hera,” Jaden mumbled to himself around his first bite. Hera was his brother Augustine’s mate, and she worked with her sister, Demi, at the bakery.

Getting this sandwich was like a message saying, “We believe in you!”

One he desperately needed right now.

He hoped Chloe could find Maddie. He hoped Maddie wasn’t too pissed at him for leaving in the middle of the night. Jaden winced.

This is going to be so fucking awkward.

It was plenty of time for him to stew over the impending meeting with his one night stand when he didn’t want to see her again.

His thoughts fought back over that.

After a night of sex that epic I don’t want to see her again?

What am I thinking?

He scoffed to himself.

I don’t do relationships, remember?

I can find another woman to have amazing sex with.

He didn’t like how unsure he sounded, even to himself.

Women make everything about emotions and shit gets messy.

I don’t want to deal with that.

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