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)
“I couldn’t think of any other way for you to start the job process. Benny was overseas for a few months working on the Anderson deal. It seemed like a good opportunity.”
“Are you listening to this, Jasmine? Is this the kind of guy you want to be around?” Benny asked.
I combed my fingers through my hair.
“I expect this from Vivian, but not you.” Benny tapped a finger against his head. “You think things through. You’re careful who you date and spend time with a man first before giving him your heart. Right now I’m disappointed in you, Jasmine.”
I flinched like he’d slapped me and averted my gaze to hide the shame that had spread across my face. “We’re not really dating. It’s complicated.”
Benny grabbed my chin and guided my view back to him. “I was the one who researched the legality of this assistant job, and I was the one who dealt with the other girls’ death certificates and funeral arrangements.”
“That’s enough!” Chase’s voice resembled a lion’s roar. A shiver of fear crept up my spine. I shuddered and hugged myself.
“Are you sure we want to start the accusation and blame game right now?” Chase stomped around me. “I know about other certificates you’ve dealt with.”
Benny grinned.
Not a good sign.
I knew that expression well from living with Vivian and him during my high school years. It was the get-the-hell-out-of-my-way grin. The one he displayed when he broke Vivian’s high school boyfriend’s legs with a bat after he discovered the boy in her bedroom.
“Okay, please, both of you stop.” I waved my hands from side to side.
Chase’s guards positioned themselves in a way that forced Benny and his companions to step back.
Both of Chase’s lawyers arrived.
“Bail has been posted,” one of the lawyers said. “They’ll be out in less than twenty minutes. Processing has already begun.”
“And her brother’s probation?” Chase asked.
I held my breath.
“Charges against him are dropped and the cops won’t pursue it.”
“Thank you so much.” I blew out a relieved breath. “And thanks, Chase, for everything.”
Benny continued to grin at Chase. “Stay away from her.”
“Benny, please stop,” I whispered and walked closer to him. “I can take care of myself.”
“You’re too good for him,” Benny said. “This guy will eat you up and spit you out without losing any sleep at night.”
“I’m a big girl. I’ll be okay.” I hugged him.
Benny embraced me as I balanced on my tippy toes. “Do you understand what he expects from you?”
“It’s not what you’re thinking. I decided not to do that. We’re just friends.” I cringed, not wanting to discuss the arrangement with Benny, a man I considered my father.
“If something happens, you call me,” Benny said through clenched teeth. “I don’t care where you are, I’ll come.”
“I know.” I gave him a weak smile. “I’m okay. It’s going to be all right, but right now Vivian needs you, so stop worrying about me.”
Chase touched the center of my back with his hand. “Let’s go, Jasmine.”
“Go?” Benny glanced at me.
“We’re just going to talk.” I released Benny from my hug. “I’ll be right back.”
I headed to the front door.
Benny yanked Chase’s arm.
Chase’s guards charged for Benny.
Chase held up his hand to stop them.
Benny growled, “Jasmine is not like the others.”
Chase nodded. “No, she’s not.”
“You do anything to break her heart or hurt her in any way, and I’ll gut you myself.” Benny leaned in. “And no one will find your body.”
“Don’t worry,” Chase said. “I’m well aware of how good you are at hiding bodies.”
Say what?
My mouth dropped open.
“Good. Then make sure you don’t forget.” Benny shoved Chase’s arm.
“I wouldn’t dream of it, as long as you don’t forget about the other things I know,” Chase said.
“Well, we both have our secrets, don’t we, boy.” Benny stomped away.
I shivered at their words as I headed out the door.
Chapter 18
So much rage boiled inside me I almost kneed Chase in the crotch.
Breathe, Jasmine. I don’t need to go to jail too.
Before we arrived at the limo, I turned around and jabbed Chase’s chest with my finger. “That’s the last time you threaten Benny.”
Chase stared down at my finger. “Is it?”
“Stop using that night against him.” I jabbed him again.
He raised his eyebrows and tilted his head to the side. “What night?”
“Damn you.” I paced in front of him. “The night he helped Troy and me with my mother’s boyfriend.”
The night Troy killed him.
I stopped in front of him. “Benny did that to protect us.”
“I don’t know what you’re referring to.” Chase ended my pacing by placing his arm in front of me. “Benny and I have a serious history that goes back to when I was a kid. He’s known my dad since they were in high school.”
I crossed my arms around my chest. “So then what secrets are you talking about?”
“They’re our secrets.”