Page 103 of Elicit (Decadence After Dark)

Holed up in a Tuscan-style gated compound on the California coast. I knew exactly where we were the second we landed at the private airport outside of LA. As a native to California, I recognized the landscape and the smell. Unsavory memories returned as I recalled how my father used to fly me all over the world, in and out of little hubs just like the one we flew into.

If you had to put a label on it, I would call our living arrangement a social experiment. I keep away from Alistair at all costs, tolerating Amber when and where I can, spending most of my time on the outdoor veranda that overlooks the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

There’s been no word from Jett, except the random love quotes I receive through text message.

“I still haven’t figured out how to sit across from you and not be madly in love with everything you do . . . You are the most beautiful thing I keep inside my heart . . . In a sea of people, my eyes will always search for you . . . You are the last thing I think about when I go to sleep and the first thing I think about when I wake up.”

I won’t lie, that last one is my favorite. Because Jett is the first person I think about when I wake up and the last person I think about when I go to sleep. You know, when that actually happens.

I will give it to him, he knows how to be romantic. I just wish he was doing it in person. Because the ache in my chest is unbearable from his absence. The only tangible thing I have to hold on to is my camera and the precious memory card inside.

Jett didn’t send me away empty-handed. His plan was premeditated. Alistair pulled a suitcase from the trunk of the Porsche when we arrived at the airport. Jett had packed a variety of my favorite things, like my perfume, my knee socks, and my camera.

I’ve scrolled through the pictures a thousand times since I’ve been here, finding comfort in familiar faces. Jenna, Jett, and the rest of the girls, who would let me play dress up and host photo shoots. More new emotions to experience. More new feelings to sort out. Jett always helped me navigate the unfamiliar waters, like the nautical star tattooed on his arm. Now I’m drifting through the dark sea alone.

I watch the sunset by myself for the third night in a row. Isolation is getting old.

I turn on the outdoor fireplace and make my way inside. The plus side to the oversized villa—besides Alistair and Amber having their own wing—is the stocked wine cellar. I’ve been testing a new region each night. I think I’m going with New Zealand this time. After grabbing a bottle of red, I head back through the open living area toward the kitchen. The house is absolutely magnificent. All white furnishings throughout with natural wood beams running along the ceiling gives it style and a tranquil feel.

I grab a wine glass off the shelf in the kitchen and the bottle opener from the drawer, prepared to tear into some of New Zealand’s finest wine.

“Pour a glass for me,” a sultry voice rasps in my ear, and I jump sky high.

“Jesus Christ!” I spin around so fast I knock the wine bottle right off the counter. Jett snatches it faster than a striking snake before it hits the floor. We both freeze for an elevated heart beat before Jett gazes back at me with an impish grin on his angelic face. Two more recognitional seconds pound before I launch myself at him, nearly knocking us both to the ground. “Where did you come from?”

“Queens.” He chuckles.

“Huh?” I hug him tightly, refusing to let go.

“It’s a long story.” He drops a lingering kiss on my lips, and I race for more, locking my arms around his neck and slipping my tongue into his mouth. I don’t care where he’s been or what he’s been doing. The only thing that matters is that he’s here now. With me.

“Someone missed me,” Jett mumbles against my ravenous mouth.

“More than missed you.” I pull at his button-up shirt, desperate to remove it. Desperate to remove all his clothes.

Jett chuckles harder, lifting me off the ground and placing me on the granite countertop. He relocates the wine bottle between my legs before indulging me by unbuttoning his shirt and tossing it away. I immediately zero in on the thick bandage wrapped around his left arm. Right over his star tattoo.

“What happened?” I ask, upset.

Jett grabs the wine bottle and opens it while still between my legs.

“A lot of shit.” Pop goes the cork.

“What kind of shit?” I touch the gauze.

He looks up at me, weathered. “Is there more of this?” He lifts the dark red bottle.

“An entire room. Why?”

“Good.” He pours a hefty glass and takes a huge sip.

“You’re worrying me.” I clutch his face once he’s done guzzling.

Jett smiles lovingly. “There’s nothing left to worry about, little bird. It’s all over.”

“What is?” I draw my eyebrows together.

“My pretend life.” Jett swallows another mouthful of wine.

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