Novel Square
97
Nicole
I’m not letting you go. Ever
Jakub’s words from last night creep into my thoughts all morning while I’m trying to create the invitation for the grand opening. After starting the design over for the third time, I decided to take a break and walk down the street to get a coffee.
A storm blew through this morning, breaking the humidity enough to make the heat bearable during my walk.
When Jakub made his statement, my mind blanked. I said nothing back to him. What was I supposed to say? I only agreed to this marriage because it was to be temporary.
My head knows I can leave. He’s not like Henry; he won’t send goons after me like a child denied his favorite candy bar.
But he would come after me.
It’s not escaping that has my head all in a spiral today. It’s the fact that I’m not sure I hate the idea. My hesitancy has me confused.
A car horn blasts from the intersection I’m approaching as a bus pulls to a stop at the corner. The loud hissing of the hydraulics blends into the traffic noise. And while the normality of the afternoon continues to dance around me, my mind continues to swirl around the prospect of being with Jakub-forever.
There has to be more to a relationship than amazing sex, and so far, we’ve excelled at that part. I grew up watching my father’s friends go through women like clean underwear. My own father probably had plenty of girls on the side, but he was good enough not to let me see them.
Can Jakub be a one-woman man for the rest of his life? Do I want him to be the only man I’m ever with again?
“Hey, wait up.” A familiar voice crawls over my skin from behind me. I finish crossing the street and step up onto the sidewalk. The club is on the next block. Maybe I can get there before he catches up, but before I can take another step to get away, a hand clamps down on my shoulder.
“I said hold up.” Henry tightens his grip.
I turn around, jerking myself from his touch. “Don’t touch me.”
He grins down at me. Not the sultry sort of smile Jakub gives me when he sees me, but a slithering sort that leaves a layer of grime over my skin. His tongue runs along his top lip.
“You’re looking good today, sweetheart.” He clasps his hands in front of him like he’s praying. “Real good.”
I’m second guessing the dark blue sundress I chose for today. The straps are wide but the neckline cuts down deep, giving Henry an eyeful. Throwing my coffee in his face is a tempting idea, but I decide to keep walking instead.
“You’re not supposed to be here,” I tell him as he catches up with me. I’m sure his boss back home has things for him to do, why is he being allowed to play games here in Chicago?
“Neither are you,” he says, falling into step beside me. “You’re supposed to be back home with me. What’s with you and this guy, huh?”
“He’s not some guy, Jakub.” I flash him my left hand. “He’s my husband.” The simple gold band with the princess cut diamond catches the sunlight, sparkling on my finger.
“Yeah, I heard about that bullshit. Don’t worry, it can be undone.” He speaks like I’ve told him I dyed my hair the wrong color. One simple wash and rinse and the whole thing will be back to normal.
“Henry. What do you want?” I come to another stop, stepping out of the way of another pedestrian. “What is it?”
“Your daddy said you and me would make a great couple. He wanted us to be together, Nicole.” He rubs the back of his neck. “Look, there’s good reason for you to be with me.”
“Oh, yeah? What’s that?” I ask. It’s hot out here in the sun and just being near him makes my stomach roll.
“I wouldn’t make you work for one thing,” he says with a sarcastic huff. “You’d stay home, be a good woman for me.”
I laugh because what other response could I have for such a stupid notion. Sit home all day waiting for him to waltz in?Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
“You really think that’s something I want? To be someone’s little woman who just sits and waits for him to need her?” I shake my head and start walking again. Katfish is across this next intersection. The construction crew is moving equipment in and out of the club. Almost there.
“You’d rather work for this prick?” His question follows me as I march across the street. The exhaust from the cars on the street make the air thick, but not as thick as Henry’s head if he thinks I have any interest in being with him on any level.
“I’d rather you leave,” I say to him, turning to him one more time. “I don’t want to be with you. I told you that.”
“That’s why you ratted me out to the cops.” He spits the accusation at me.
“I had nothing to do with that,” I say for the thousandth time. “You know it, Christian knew it, and Piotr knows it. So just drop it already. You’re just making yourself look like a crazy person.”
His face gets red, and I’m pretty sure it’s not from the summer heat. When his lips curl inward, I take a defensive step back.
“You’re really fucking things up with this shit.” He jabs his pointed finger into my face. “Piotr’s going to make a move and you’re going to get caught up in it. You’re gonna lose everything, you bitch.” Spittle collects on the sides of his mouth.
“Hey. Watch your fucking mouth.” Bobby steps up to us, putting himself between us. I step to the right so I can still see Henry. I won’t put it past him to go after Bobby, and I’d rather not be in direct line of fire if it happens.
“This ain’t got nothing to do with you, shit for brains, so how about you keep on walking.” Henry shoos Bobby with one hand while leaning to the side to find me. “This is between me and my girl.”