Page 67 of Baby for My Enemy Billionaire

Even if I didn’t like it, I hate the word no, but so does everyone else. It doesn’t often get said to me, although Jade has said it quite a few times in various colorful ways, and I would rather not have anyone reject me.

If Jade rejects me…

I don’t want to think about that.

Voices reach my ears, and that makes me sit up to listen. One is Jade, and the other is a voice I vaguely recognize. It takes me a moment to realize who it is.

Maddison? Jade’s friend. She’s here as well? What’s going on?

Slipping out of bed, I get dressed quickly. The last thing Maddison needs to see is a naked man coming out of her friend’s bedroom. Then again, given how small the apartment is, I’m sure she will figure out what we’ve been up to.

Besides, I need to get my shoes and socks, and they’re by the couch.

Leaving the bedroom, I find Maddison leaning against the counter in the kitchen. She pushes herself upright when she sees me.

“Mr. Clements.” She clears her throat and looks me up and down. “Was the couch not comfortable enough for you?”

“What? Oh.” I groan as I see the knowing smirk growing on her face. “I don’t think I need to give you all the details, do I?”

“No, I don’t think so.” Maddison tilts her head to one side. “You’re not going to fuck her over again, are you? This isn’t your way to get her under your spell before you put the rent up again?”

I frown at her.

“I’m not that awful. At least give me credit for that.”

“I don’t know. Jade is more vulnerable than you think, and I don’t want her getting hurt again.”

“I didn’t intend to hurt her last time.”

“Well, you still did. If you’re going to hang around, you’d better not mess her around.”

Maddison is the definition of a loyal friend. I don’t think I could ask anyone better to be with Jade. She’s like a lioness protecting a cub.

I’m distracted from our conversation by a door opening, and I turn to see Jade coming out of the bathroom. She looks just as pale as the night before, and her expression is shocked. Now I’m confused. I didn’t hear her throwing up. So what…?

“Jade?” I start towards her. “Are you okay?”

“What? Oh.” Jade blinks as she looks up at me. “It…it’s nothing. I think my bug is deciding to come out in one go, that’s all.”

“Really? I didn’t hear anything.”

“Well, the walls are thick here.”

I shake my head.

“No, I heard you yesterday…”

“I think it’s best that you head off, Mr. Clements,” Maddison says suddenly, going over to the couch and picking up his shoes. “You have your daughter at home, don’t you? Isn’t she going to be worried?”

“My mom is with her right now.”

“And you have to go to work. It’s nearly eight.” Maddison practically pushes my shoes into my hands. “I’ll look after Jade today. You don’t need to worry about her.”

“But…”

“It’s okay, Finn.” Jade gives me a small smile. “It’s best that Maddison looks after me. This is going to get a little…uncomfortable for me if you stay.”

I’m about to protest, but I can tell I won’t get anywhere. Jade is clearly nervous about something and doesn’t want to reveal what’s wrong with my presence. It’s burning inside me to demand what’s happening, but I won’t get an answer right now.

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