Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
“Do you, JJ? Do you really know me?” She stands there in silence for a long moment before she finally answers.
“I know part of you. I don’t know why you are the way you are. Sure, I could make guesses. I grew up in the system, Ivan. We’re all products of our childhood, and during those days I crossed paths with all kinds of people and saw life shape them into different things. You, you’re emotionless, and Rae, she's the exact opposite. She’s exploding with them.”
That she is, and I want them all. Even now I grow irritated with the closeness JJ has with Rae. I want it. JJ doesn’t need her, not like I do. My life was like a cloudy day until Rae came into it, lighting it up. There is no way I could live without her now.
“I’m not going anywhere, and she hasn’t told me to actually leave,” I point out. I’m not counting that day in her apartment because she said we’d talk later and got ready for work and left. I followed her out the front door, but she hadn’t kicked me out of it. And she never said we were over.
“She thinks you’re a liar.”
“JJ.” I call her by the nickname everyone else does.
“I know. You’re the furthest thing from a liar, but why not tell her the truth from the beginning?”
“I didn’t think she would have given me a chance if she knew who I was,” I admit. JJ starts to speak, but I keep going. “I really didn’t. I know now she would have.”
“You’re really into her. I mean, I don’t need you to answer that. I’ve seen firsthand how you are with people. You’re different with her.”
“She makes me different.” I give JJ a bit more. Her face softens, and I know I’ve picked the right words for once. It was easy considering they are the truth. In the short time I’ve known Rae, she’s made me a better person.
A part of me wanted to tell JJ to mind her own fucking business. But I knew it would upset Rae. It also would serve no real purpose. JJ is persistent in the things she does. It’s why I hired her. Right now, though, I could use her help.
“Don’t break her heart or I swear to God I’ll rain down hell on you. Even if I have to ask my husband to do it for me.”
I think it would be my own personal hell if I broke any part of Rae. It’s already killing me that her smiles aren’t as bright or her laughs as authentic.
“I take your damn silence as agreement, Ivan.”
“It is.”
“I’m going to give you a piece of advice. Eva.”
“What about her?” That was not what I thought she was going to say.
“She’s a bitch and has a thing for you. If she knew you were down here over a girl—” JJ shakes her head. “I’m telling you this from experience. Handle it.”
“Thank you,” I tell her.
“I’ll be seeing you around, Ivan.” I’m not sure if it's a warning or just a reminder that she’s not going anywhere when it comes to Rae’s life. But with that, JJ turns to leave. I see Vincent step out of the car and open the door for her before they drive off.
I mull over her words about Eva and think about our calls and emails over the last week. She can be rather ruthless. I pull out my phone and fire off a couple of emails to be safe.
One would think she would know better than to try and play any games with me. She might be ruthless, but I’m merciless when it comes to protecting what is mine.
12
Rae
“I can ban him,” Henry says as I untie the apron of my uniform.
“Don’t do that.” The words are out of my mouth before I can actually contemplate Henry’s offer. He owns the diner. He can refuse service to anyone. “Besides, I think he’d just park out front.”
“A restraining order then? If he won’t leave you alone,” Henry suggests next.
“Seriously? He tips well, and he doesn’t bother her. He sits there.” Roxy throws her hands up in frustration.
She was over the moon when I told her that she could serve Ivan from now on. It ended up being bittersweet happiness because while she loved her tips, she hated that he paid her no mind. In fact, he’d often cut her off and pretty much tell her to leave his table.
“I don’t need a restraining order.” I’m not sure what I need. I’ve never actually told Ivan to leave me alone. We’re going on days of not talking, and I’m wondering if my anger was a bit over the top. Maybe I should have at least given him the chance to explain himself.
I know I’m supposed to be mad at him, but it feels like I’m being punished too. I miss him. Every time he walks into the diner, my heart flutters. I didn’t think that was a real thing. I thought it was just a saying. That was until Ivan—now all of me flutters whenever he’s around.