Page 54 of Dirty Dean

“Did you really love me?”

His words make me stop and if the tears running down my face don’t say it, I don’t know what will. “Yes. You were my everything.”

I slip out of the room and run upstairs. Without knowing where the heck I’m going, I run smack into one of the guys in the house. It’s really kind of neat that they all love Charlotte. She told Tia and all about her men. Jealousy courses through me as he looks down at me and sighs.

“I’m guessing you two aren’t working things out.”

Shaking my head, I move around him. “Sorry for trespassing on your property Sir. I’m… I’m going to leave.”

“Like hell you are,” Chris says behind me and I scream.

“Just let me leave. You don’t want me. I get it.”

“Should I bring you some rope?” the man asks, and I look at him. I think I remember seeing his picture somewhere, but I don’t say anything.

“No. We don’t need that. I’m just leaving,” I sass and the man chuckles.

“You remind me of my little warrior.” He places a hand on my face, and I try my hardest not to flinch away. “You can’t even stand the touch of anyone else, can you?”

“Not at all.” He smiles and looks over my head at Chris. “You need to come to terms with whatever this shit is you are denying and claim your little girl before someone else swoops in and takes your place.”

He releases my face and walks away. I feel a chill deep in my bones and have no idea why. Maybe it’s because the idea of anyone else touching me or claiming leaves me utterly pissed off and scared.

“Jasmine.”

Lower lip trembling, I turn around. “Did his touch turn you on?”

Rolling my eyes, I huff. “No. I’m irritated he touched me and it wasn’t you. But even a complete stranger is nicer to me than you are. And I don’t understand that at all.”

“You’re right. It doesn’t make sense. Get your ass out of here, and don’t come back to Timberland. This place isn’t for the likes of you.”

He steps out of my way and releases me. The feeling of loneliness sweeps through me and I can’t catch a breath for a moment. “Yes, Mr. Groveton.” I walk around him and leave. As I close the door, I feel like I’m closing the door on the one person I thought would love me forever.

It’s true. I’m nothing but a filthy slut, and he made me that way. My car is back at the college so I slide into Tia’s. She always leaves a spare key under the seat. I shoot her a quick text to let her know I’m headed back to Groveton, and I’ll be careful with her car.

Mom wants me to go back home, but I don’t want to. It would be admitting failure, and I have to find a way to get into another college. Even if it’s an online college, it’s better than nothing. Besides, Tia already told me her home is open and that Laura wouldn’t mind me staying for a bit.

I already know I won’t take that option. There’s one thing I refuse to be and that’s a burden. Maybe it’s best if I just end it all.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

“Soyoulethergo, then?” Xavier walks out of the shadows as I’m about to get in my car.

“It’s best if I do. No one needs my shit.”

He laughs and shakes his head. “You have no fucking clue what you let slip through your fingers.”

Xavier claps a hand on my shoulder and looks me dead in the eyes. God, looking at him is like looking at death.

“Your girl dropped this. We didn’t look at it because it’s none of our business. But I would probably get my head out of my ass and go get her. “

With that, he leaves me to contemplate on whether I should read it now or later. Stuffing the piece of paper into my pocket, I get in the car, start it, and put my seatbelt on. Closing my eyes, I send a message to Laura.

Me:When you left Tia, you were a mess. Inside, did you feel like you died and someone brought you back just so you could feel your own hate?

I want Jasmine. There’s no denying that. The idea of anyone else having her makes me murderous. Just the idea alone tells me I love the little brat.

Laura:Yes. Let me guess, you didn’t fucking apologize.

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