Her jaw dropped. "What? But I'm working tonight."
"So I'll pay you," he said. "Now get out."
She glanced around. "I'm not sure this neighborhood's safe."
"So," he said, "we'll wait for a cab."
Her voice became pleading. "Jake, come on!"
Slowly, he leaned toward her. "Listen," he said in a low voice I barely recognized. "You think that because I fucked you a time or two that you can fuck over someone important to me, and I won't call you on it?"
She drew back. "I, I don't know what you mean."
"Cut the crap," he said. "I gave you the chance to make it right. You blew it. So get the fuck out."
Stunned by the venom of his words, I reached for Jake's arm.
"Luna," he said, not turning to face me, "for the last time, stay out of this."
"Well that's rich," I said. "You're kicking her out because of me? And I don't have the right to say anything?"
"Not if you're gonna stick up for her, you don't."
"I wasn't going to," I said. Not probably anyway.
Finally, he turned to face me. "Oh yeah? Whatwereyou gonna do?"
"Actually," I admitted, "I'm not sure. But this whole thing, it's freaking me out."
"Don't let it." His voice softened. "I've got this. You don't need to worry."
As I gazed into his eyes, I almost believed it. The moment seemed to go on forever, and then I heard a noise, one I instantly recognized – the sound of a long zipper sliding down.
Reluctantly, I peered around Jake, only to see Bianca yanking that little black dress over her head, revealing black panties and a lacy bra. A moment later, she flung the dress in my direction, saying, "Go ahead. Take it. If it's soooo important to you."
