Page 46 of Darkest Retribution

“There aren’t any.”

Felix works his jaw. “Just give me a few days. I’ll come up with something.”

I stare at mine and Jade’s messages. As I left the party earlier, I felt her eyes on me, but I didn’t expect her to ask what happened. It leaves a warm feeling in my chest.

I could get used to her caring about me.

Goddammit. Shut up, Dom.

I meet Felix’s cold, determined gaze. “Keep me updated.”

Because otherwise, I might do something I’ll regret.

Chapter twelve

Jade

Ittakesmeallweekend to concoct and put together my plan. For once, though, the fates seem to be on my side.

Saturday, my shift at the strip club goes fine. Between the check Mike gave me Friday night and the tips I got, I’m so close to having enough cash that I can almost taste the freedom.

On top of that, Rosie begs me to let her spend Sunday night at her best friend Sarah’s house so they can go to school together in the morning. It gives me a free night, which is exactly what I need right now, so I say yes.

You deserve to have a little fun, Jade. Even if it’s nothing serious.

For the first time in years, I download a dating app. It’s as horrendous as I remember, but that’s exactly what I’m going for. Once I’ve found a guy who looks like he’s mediocre at sex at best, I start setting everything into motion.

I don’t even bother pretending that I want to go on a date. I tell Simon that he can come to my place, and we can have a chill movie night. Pretty sure he gets the picture.

With that part of my plan set, on Sunday afternoon, I bring Rosie outside. We play catch, and then she rides her bike while I sit in the grass. I was able to sleep in some this morning, but I still didn’t get a full night’s rest, and my body is paying for it.

It’s nothing I can’t handle, though. Especially since I know my pain levels will die down in the next couple weeks when I’m done with the club.

I smile to myself.Only a few more weeks. You’re almost there.

Like clockwork, Dominic finds some excuse to come outside when he hears Rosie playing. God, how did I not see it before? It’s like he can’t stay away.

Dom pushes his lawn mower out of the garage, but Rosie waves and calls to him before he even starts it. As he meanders over, my stomach does a little flip. The loose tank top he’s wearing shows off his muscles, highlighting the tattoos trailing down his arms.

Honestly, I was a fool for not soaking him in sooner.

“Hey, Rosie. You’re looking good on your bike.”

“Thanks, Mister Dominic. Auntie Jade is letting me take it to my friend’s house. I’m having a sleepover!”

“Herfirstsleepover,” I point out with a grin. “It’s a momentous occasion.”

“We’re gonna have pizza!”

“Sounds delicious.” Dominic plops into the grass next to me. For a man who says he can’t be with me, he sure isn’t trying very hard to stay away. “Excited for a night alone?”

“Oh,” I say, hiding my smile, “I won’t be alone.”

The easy expression on his face fades, morphing into something malicious. “Excuse me?”

“Auntie Jade has a playdate, too!”

“Not a playdate, honey.” Then I smirk in Dom’s direction. “Although wewillbe playing.”

---