Page 26 of Lies Like Love

I can’t help but laugh. “Fuck you, Jude. You get to do whatever you want with your life, but for some reason you have a problem with me doing the same?”

“You don’t need that shit, Felicity.”

“Maybe I do.”

“Why?” He steps back, gripping the counter behind him. “Already burned through all your grandparents’ money?”

“I never took their money, for your information. You weren’t the only one who walked away.” It comes out louder than I want it to, and it erases any lingering hints of amusement from Jude’s face. “Mom’s inheritance, yes. She left that for me, so I used it to go to college. But she only had so much. I’ve been building a jewelry business. It’s not cheap, and that means I have to make sacrifices. You of anyone should understand that. So if I decide to wear a bikini for thirty minutes to pay my rent, you don’t get to have a say.”

I hate that Jude drags the truth out of me without even really asking. I hate that I want him to know it. I hate that he still makes me feel safe enough to tell him, even when I'm aware of what happens once he has the information.

“Just—” I shake my head, and it loosens a few strands from my bun. “Stay out of my life, and I’ll stay out of yours. Okay?”

He won’t let me leave, but I try anyway. Turning, I reach for the handle, and he’s behind me so fast I’m gulping in his scent. He plants his hand on the door, holding it closed before I can escape him. No time to breathe as his body presses close behind me.

“I’ll sell your jewelry.”

Sighing, I look over my shoulder at him. “That’s not why I came here. I get—”

“Felicity,” he cuts me off with a hard gaze, using my full name, which he only does when he’s frustrated or trying to make me listen. “It’s good stuff, all right? This is a business decision. I’ll sell it.”

“Noconditions?”

He shakes his head, and finally, I turn around. But he doesn’t step back, and I’m so close to the bubble of gravity that surrounds him I’m caving in on myself.

“You’re only offering now because you don’t want me showing up to another fight.”

He doesn’t respond to that because he doesn’t need to. Jude likes control when it comes to me, and this is another way he’ll take it. It doesn’t matter whether I’m his or not, the thought of me being someone else’s makes him irrational. Looking at me, touching me, it’s all the same.

It’s why he’s offering to sell my jewelry. To keep me fully clothed and as far away from his fight nights as possible.

“I can’t guarantee it will pay all your bills. But it’s something.”

I nod in understanding because I might not like why he’s doing this, but I need it. Selling my jewelry at Twisted Roses gives me access to clients I wouldn’t stand a chance with otherwise. This is my opportunity. So even if I have to deal with Jude and his constant need to have power over me, I’ll do what needs to be done for my business.

“I should get going. I’m sure you have work to do.” I reach for the door handle behind me again, and this time he steps back, not stopping me. “What sells the best? So I can bring the right things by later.”

“Lots of studs lately. Monroe piercings, noses. And hip piercings are having a moment.”

He almost sounds professional when he slips into shop talk, and once more I’m struck by the fact that Jude is no longer a teenage boy who lacked direction.

“I’m here until ten.” Jude shifts his body weight but stays glued in place, watching me carefully as I open the door.

“I’ll bring some things by later then.”

I turn, but even though I’m no longer looking, I feel his eyes on me as I disappear around the corner. Even the sterilized air isn’t enough to bleach my thoughts.

Being around Jude resurrects everything I buried these past eleven years. And here I am affixing myself to his shop like letting him back in my life isn’t going to be a huge mistake.

Not that it matters.

I can hate him all I want—regret him all I want—deep inside, the feelings never change. I’ll always stupidly want the man who broke my family and my heart, even if I should know better.

8

Jude

There’saloudbuzz,followed by metal unlocking, as the door swings open. And I’m met with eyes I promised myself I’d never look into again.

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