Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 90448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
“Fine. As long as you understand that I do have limits and my own personal needs.”
“You’re not a glorified mistress.” Dawn’s cheeks tinted red.
I sure do feel that way.
“Thank you.”
She removed her hand and put them both into her robe’s pockets. “However, I am worried that Chase is allowing you to date and have sex with other men. He informed me of this tonight.”
I crossed my arms around my chest. “Did he explain that the men will be investigated and tested before I begin a sexual relationship with them?”
“Yes, but that doesn’t stop me from thinking your dating will complicate things.”
“I’m not going to sit in my damn apartment like a good little girl waiting as Chase tramps around with you all.”
“Jasmine?”
“I’m drunk and annoyed.” I stormed off. “Let’s just talk about this tomorrow.”
“Maybe we can do lunch?”
Maybe after you go do yourself with a broomstick.
“Fine.” I rushed with unlocking my apartment door, opened it, and hurried in without hearing her reply.
I’ve lost my mind. I’m here less than twenty-four hours and not one moment have I felt like this is a great idea.
I leaned on the door and rubbed my face, as if that would help me discover some hidden answer to what I should do next. I’d promised Chase three months, but was now thinking I would only do a week.
Maybe once I’m back in my own apartment it will be better? Then I don’t have to see his women all the time.
Just like that time in India, I drowned in a sensation of being alone. I scanned my empty apartment. Although huge and crowded with expensive furniture, it didn’t embody me. It only represented what Chase thought I was.
My phone buzzed.
I checked the screen.
Vivian: Did you arrive home safely?
Me: Yes. I’ve returned to my pimp’s castle.
Vivian: Stop that. Maybe I was too hard on you. I’m sorry.
Me: Am I being stupid for trying this?
Several seconds passed before she replied.
I tapped my foot. My nerves flared on edge as if her answer would decide the next days of my life.
It probably would.
I craved an opinion from someone who knew me and my limits better than I knew myself.
Vivian: You’re being stupid only if you think so.
Me: Wtf? That’s not an answer!
Vivian: Just try it, I guess, until you don’t like it anymore.
Me: And if I get hurt?
Vivian: Then I get to shank him!
Suddenly, I didn’t feel by myself anymore.
Vivian: Goodnight. Your brother’s big cock is calling.
Me: I’ve now written you out of my will!
Chapter 25
Make Believe Lover
After the altercation with Dawn in the hallway and the moment of doubt inside my new place, I needed to relax and lighten my mood. I took a long hot shower, brushed my teeth, lit all of the sea breeze candles I could find, placed them around my bed, and filled the air with Sapphire’s song “Make Believe Lover.”
I collapsed onto the bed and climbed under the covers in new silk pajamas I assumed Chase had bought me. They’d been folded on my bed. My name was embroidered on the pockets and since it didn’t have a big four on it, I figured Dawn had no control over the purchase.
Sapphire’s soulful voice mingled with the smooth notes of the guitar and piano.
Who needs Chase when I have my own imaginary man?
Immediately, I journeyed to that beach with my daydreamed lover, breathing in the fresh air of the sea—so sweet, but utterly calming. I imagined his strong arms covering my body instead of the blankets, that it was soft sand under my body instead of the bed, his succulent taste on my tongue instead of stale rum.
“Make believe lover, lounging on the beach, drinking in my love,” Sapphire sang. “He comes when you need him the most and showers down his love.”
“Are you asleep?” Chase asked behind me.
I screamed and jumped out of bed, dragging blankets to the other side of the room with me.
“Jasmine. It’s me.” Chase waved his hands.
“How the hell did you get in? I locked the door, right?” My heart raced. I held my hand to my chest and waited for my heartbeat to calm down. “I put the bar up on the door, too. I know I did. I always—”
“You probably did lock the front door. I got in here another way. The original house owner was a bit paranoid so there are secret escape routes all over the property. I came here from a crooked stairwell that links my closet to yours.” Chase’s eyes traveled around the room and gazed at the lit candles. “This is magical. You must have twenty candles in here. But you can’t go to sleep like this. A fire could start.”
“What are you doing here?”
Chase’s gaze shifted to me. He opened his mouth and then closed it.
The candlelight flickered off his face, drawing my attention to those luscious lips and piercing eyes. He wore no shirt, just black pajama pants that hung low and exposed those curves of taut abdominal muscles I’d enjoyed trailing my tongue along when we were in Paris.