Page 10 of Free-Falling
“Hmm.” Jagger says. “You haven’t called me Liam since, shit I don’t know,” he chuckles. “It’s…”
“Weird?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “Nah, it’s interesting. Anyway, I’ll leave you to it.” He walks out of the room, shutting the door behind him. The second Jagger leaves me alone, I wonder what the hell is going on with him?
* * *
I yawn, stretching my entire body. Editing videos, checking my social media and making sure I reply to messages, has me so tired. I also started my own online company that isn’t in association with to my family name. I started my make-up line and so far it’s doing great. I’ve spent years working close with other scientists, dermatologists and any professional who can help me create a natural make-up line where we didn’t test on animals. A cruelty-free line. I cried when I made my first hundred dollars and now that my company, XOSEXEE, pronounced as so sexy, is making bank, I’m happy. If it was just the money with my family, I wouldn’t have gotten married, but it’s more than that. More than that just the money. It was for Eli and now, I can no longer see him. He’s gone from me for forever.
I pull my cell out, moving from the computer chair to the couch. I take a deep breath as I go through my photos. Tears fall down my face as I do what hurts me the most. I delete pictures of Eli, of ours together, and anything else that reminds me of him. I don’t even realize I’m sobbing until Jagger runs into the room. He looks panicked.
“What happened?” He asks as he comes over to where I’m seated. He grabs me by my jaw hard and makes me look at him. “What is it?”
“How?” I ask. “How are you doing this? How are you coping without Layla? Doesn’t it hurt you?” I beat at my chest. “My fucking heart feels like it’s being ripped into two.”
Jagger says nothing. He just stares at me. Then, he pulls me into him, holding me close and for the second time in my whole existence, Jagger Liam Hanlon is hugging me. I cry harder because I have what I’m looking for, a shoulder to cry on. I just need someone to tell me it’ll be okay. That’s all I want.
“Oh, cry it all out, you little sick bastard. You need to let it all out if you want him gone. Let him go, Ains. You just have to.”
I wrap my arms around Jagger’s neck, holding close. I don’t want to let go. Neither of us say anything until I stop crying and am resulting to sniffles. “Thank you.” I say once again.
“The best way to thank me is by taking a shower, you stink Ains.” He retorts.
I laugh because I know he’s being a dick. “Suck my ass, dude.” I reply.
Jagger laughs. “You fucking wish, Ainslee. In your wet dreams, ya sick shit. Go shower so we can go grab food to eat. I’m hungry.”
I laugh and let go of Jagger. “Don’t take me anywhere cheap, asshole.”
“I’m taking you to one of your family’s fucking fast-food joints and I plan on pissing off both of ours by making a spectacle of ourselves. What do you say?”
I smirk. “I’m in and then let’s leave without paying the bill. Best part is, it’s our families’ businesses. Be right back!” I yell out throwing my phone down and running to get ready.
Chapter 4
Jagger
Whoever thought putting Ainslee and me in the same room while we’re being cordial wasn’t smart. They made a mistake. We went to about five of the Bishop’s restaurants in the Hanlon hotels and raked up the bill, then left without eating or paying. I know we’ll get a call from our parents soon enough, but oh well, this is what they wanted, right?
Now, we’re hungry because we didn’t eat any of the food. Our last stop, we went to a rival fast food stop and paid for the food.
“Can I ask you something?” Ainslee speaks up.
We ate in the car, not wanting to attract more attention. Founder’s Island isn’t as small as people think it is. Our population is about two million and growing. People from across the Island come for tourist attractions and better opportunities and all that. Most have to cross the ferry, have their passports and reason for coming to Founder’s Island since it is its own country. Layla was from across the Island, she didn’t really have that much to her name but from what I thought; she seemed decent. She was interested in my projects. My nonprofit organization helping the less fortunate around the world much further than just across. I help build homeless shelters, give folks’ new homes and I feel good about it. Growing up with money doesn’t mean I have to be a greedy asshole. But it isn’t easy paying attention to the nonprofit and also making sure my business of the Estate Hanlon penthouse suites are up to par.
That part is all my mine. My father gave me zero funds and help with it. I used half of my trust fund to invest in myself and it’s paying off. I mean, why would I complain when I live rent free in one of my penthouse suites. I started this idea when I was in high school and haven’t stopped renovate nor innovating to make things better.
“Hanlon!” Ainslee snaps me out of my thoughts.
I blink. “Shoot.”
“What happened when you left? Something’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
Ainslee sighs. “It’s something. The look in your eyes shows that much.”
I scoff. “So, now you know what look I have in my eyes. You think we fucking know each other after being married for a day? You suddenly give a fuck about my life?” I spat.
