I turned my attention to the actual table, where every place setting was surrounded by more leather restraints. I swallowed, finally understanding the live show.
The main course was six brave, willing Cherries.
I swallowed hard, suppressing the urge to turn around and run out of the store. I pressed forward, my body moving on autopilot toward the back of the building, where Jason had told me to meet him.
I needed to talk to him to find out where we stood, even though I was usually on my knees when we were together. Even though I craved his dominance, the uncertainty of our relationship gnawed at me.
Jason never shared what was on his mind, and I was starting to wonder if I was just fooling myself by believing we had anything at all.
But when I reached the back hall, it was obvious that Jason was arguing with someone.
Instead of turning away, I forced myself to go toward the shouting, and it led me to the entrance of his workshop. My fingers curled against the wooden doorframe as I leaned in, just enough to hear.
Kitty’s voice was unmistakable. “After the stunt you pulled yesterday, you’re lucky I haven’t tazed you into oblivion.”
I peeked through the crack, watching as she waved her hands in frustration. Jason fiddled with a half-finished toy and pretended not to hear her.
Kitty’s face was turning red. “Are you even listening to me? You can’t treat her like one of your toys.”
Jason exhaled through his nose, finally responding. “Our relationship is none of your business.” Relationship? Were they talking about me?
Kitty’s shoulders softened. “What relationship?”
“An amicable one.”
I felt my chest tighten. I shouldn’t have been surprised. We had never talked about being more. And yet, the casual way he said it stung anyway.
Kitty’s brows furrowed. “Does she know that’s all it is?”
“Yes,” Jason sighed, tired of her questioning. She was getting about as much information as I did on average.
Which was nothing, essentially.
“You’re hurting her.” Kitty stared at him like he was transparent. “And you, of all people, know what that feels like.” Jason stiffened, but she continued. “Don’t keep using her like An?—”
“Anna has nothing to do with this,” he cut her off, tossing his project to the side and finally meeting her gaze.
My breath caught.
Anna was involved in this?
Kitty didn’t back down, and her fists balled in anger. “If you actually cared about her, then—” She stopped, her expression shifting as if she had finally put something together. “Oh my God. You do, don’t you? That’s what this is about.”
“I don’t,” Jason snapped, but it was too late.
The damage was done.
I swallowed the lump rising in my throat, my stomach knotting as a sinking feeling settled in my chest.
Kitty approached him. “Jason, she’s not your personal plaything or a Band-Aid for the shit you refuse to get over. She’s my friend.”
“Oh, really?” Jason scoffed. “If she’s such a good friend then you must have told her who you are. How about why you’re really working here?” At his words, I frowned. I had never asked why she was managing Pink Cherrie, but there never seemed like a reason to.
She seemed happy, but the realization that I could have been missing something worsened the uneasiness I felt.
Kitty’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Just let her be happy.”
“She can make her own decisions.”
