Page 52 of Jagger
I dart my eyes to her. "What?"
Aphrodite sighs and shakes her head, fisting her hair into a ponytail. "Jagger doesn't feel guilt. He's never been kind…and buying your freedom would be considered kind."
"Can we stop talking about Jagger?" I rub my eyes and rest my head on my pillow just as the door opens. My eyes fly open, and I gasp, only to see Kaden at the door holding a bouquet of red roses so big I can barely see his face.
"Hey, baby." Aphrodite rises to greet him, watching as he places the roses on my bed gently. Their weight presses against my legs, and I stare at them, wondering why Kaden has bought me these.
"Um, thank you," I mumble as he hands me a card.
"They're not from me," Kaden replies apologetically as he wraps his arms around Aphrodite. He kisses her head lightly then adds, "They're from Jagger."
I scowl and contemplate throwing the card away without reading it, but my curiosity gets the better of me. The card is thick and creamy with gold embossed letters with 'Blooms' on one side, the other scrawled in black ink.
I know you hate me, but look after yourself. Please.
Jagger
I release a breath and toss the card toward the flowers.
"I don't want them," I state as Aphrodite and Kaden exchange a wary look. I know it seems ungrateful, but I don't want his flowers and apologies. Even though he didn't apologize per se, I know that's what this is. He can get fucked.
"Alright," Kaden shrugs, scoops them up, and holds them out to Aphrodite, "For you."
Aphrodite rolls her eyes. "I don't want them."
"Fucking hell." Kaden stares at the enormous bouquet, perplexed. "Whatdowomen want?"
Respect.
27
MOLLY
Things changed after that.
Aphrodite buys a place with her inheritance and invites me to live with her permanently. I accept, but only until I find my feet. I refuse to be a rich girl's best friend, clinging to handouts.
So when we're browsing a home decor store, I'm taken by surprise when Aphrodite stops and gasps.
"What?" My eyes widen as I stare around us, wondering if Lawson's henchmen have shown up or something. Hardly likely considering the beefy bodyguard Aphrodite hired for me, refusing to take no for an answer.
"You could be a model," Aphrodite says, grinning with excitement. "You totally could, and think of the money!"
I stare at her. "Me?"
I know I'm a good-looking girl, but I'm hardly unique. Lots of girls look like me. There's no way I could be a model.
"Yes, you! I'm serious! Oh my God, I know someone who scouts for major talent agencies…" Aphrodite bites her lip and then meets my eyes. "If you want to, obviously."
I pause. I had planned to go back to school, but there wasn't long left. I knew I'd ace my exams and then I could go tocollege…but maybe this could be a good 'for now' plan. What's the worst that could happen?
I nod. "I think you might be onto something," I say as excitement uncurls in my stomach. "But I won't get ahead of myself?—"
"Stunning. Natural platinum blonde, petite, sky blue eyes…" Aphrodite is already talking into her phone, ignoring me.
I snort and go back to looking at wall art for my new bedroom. Motivational quotes or abstract art? I keep browsing until Aphrodite hurries up to me with a big-ass smile.
This girl. It's impossible to be anything but happy around her.
