Page 31 of Beneath the Hood

All I think about is how unbelievably safe it feels. How right.How there isn’t anything on this earth that would make me want to walk away. And maybe that’s why I didn’t text Sierra. Because I was enjoying letting someone seemeand reveling in the feel of them liking what they saw.

Jackson glances at me, one hand on the steering wheel and the other on the gearshift. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” Leaning my head against the window, the chill of the glass sends a shock of cold shooting down my spine. “Sierra’s just pissed.”

Jackson hums. “Why?”

I bite the inside of my cheek so I don’t blurt out the truth. That he’s supposed to be a prop, and the only thing that matters to her—and usually to me—is how to spin a situation in my favor.

“She’s always pissed these days.” I sigh.

“What’s her job again?”

I look over at him. “She’s my manager. She literally runs every part of my day. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

He grunts.

I laugh. “What?”

Huffing out a breath, he shakes his head. “I mean… you pay her, right? So, is it really her place to treat you the way she does?”

Defensiveness swirls in my stomach, the need to stand up for Sierra surging through my veins, urging me to lash out. She’s been the closest thing I’ve had to a mom, and I’m not sure what to do with the fact that Jackson is telling me she’s taking advantage.

What does that say about me if the only person in my life who gives a damn is onlygivinga damn because I pay them to?

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” I snap. “Things are different for someone like me.”

His head cocks. “Because you choose for them to be or because they just are?”

My eyes widen, irritation brewing in my gut. “You don’t have any idea—”

He cuts me off with a laugh. “Calm down, princess, it’s just a question.”

“A shitty one,” I mutter, crossing my arms.

He grins. “So does the wicked witch need you back in your castle, or do I get a few more hours of your time?”

I bite my lip to stop my grin, thankful he’s changing the subject. “What’d you have in mind?”

“Let’s go back to my place, we can cook some food.”

A knot of tension tangles in my stomach at the thought, but I smile and nod. I’ve already been enough of a hassle today, no need to make it worse. Still, my brain jumps into overdrive, outlining all the ways I can avoid putting whatever he makes into my body. Or how many hours I’ll need at the gym to work it off.

“That sounds good.” I hesitate. “I’m on a pretty strict diet though.”

His forehead creases. “For what?”

Shrugging, I tense my fingers in my lap. “Because I don’t like eating trash?”

He smirks, rolling his eyes. “You’re right, delicious food is absolute garbage.”

I force a giggle to cover up the exasperation that’s sneaking its way into the moment.Of course he doesn’t understand.“I didn’t say that. I just… in my line of work, you have to stay in shape. Besides, it’s better for me mentally when I’m not desecrating my body with junk. Food is fuel, not enjoyment.”

A frown drags down his face. “That’s pretty sad, Blake.”

“Being healthy is sad?” I lift my hands in a shrug.

“Healthy…” His brow quirks. “Is that what you are?”

---