Disclaimer: The characters are not mine, but the story is my own.

Chapter 6

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I moved myself to be in a more upright position. Edward warmed the coconut oil between his hands, his gaze steady as he sat behind me. The moment his hands met my back, a slow, deliberate touch, I exhaled, already feeling the tension begin to melt away. His fingers glided over my skin, kneading into my shoulders, squeezing gently before releasing, coaxing my muscles into relaxation.

My arms slackened at my sides, my body yielding to his touch.

Then, his lips brushed my neck—soft, teasing. He trailed warm kisses along my skin, lingering at my earlobe before grazing it lightly with his teeth. A shiver ran through me, goosebumps breaking out in response.

I let out a quiet groan as his hands pressed deeper, working through every knot, every ounce of stress that had built up over the week.

As I tilted my head slightly, meeting his gaze, his hand slid to my shoulder, guiding me gently toward him. But instead of closing the distance, he hesitated, his thumb tracing idle circles on my skin.

"Tell me something real," he murmured. "Something about you."

I blinked, caught off guard. "Like what?"

His lips curved slightly, but his eyes searched mine with genuine curiosity. "Anything. Your best memory, your favorite place, what you wanted to be when you were younger." His voice dropped lower, coaxing. "Something that's yours."

I stiffened slightly beneath his hands. That was dangerous territory. The whole point of this—of us—was to keep it surface level. Fleeting. Not to let anything else creep in.

Edward didn't push, but I could tell he noticed my hesitation. His fingers trailed soothingly down my arm. "It's okay," he muttered, giving me the space to decide. "You don't have to tell me now."

The sincerity in his voice disarmed me more than I liked. I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. "I—" I stopped myself. The words felt heavy, like they weren't meant to be spoken here, in this moment.

Instead, I reached for him. Because touching was easier than talking.

His eyes darkened as he understood. No more questions, for now. No pressure—just us. His hand slid back to my shoulder, this time with more purpose, as he gently urged my mouth toward his. I pondered this, as our foreheads touched. We stayed like this for a moment.

Then, his lips found mine. A slow burn, a quiet demand. His tongue swept boldly across my bottom lip, and I parted for him, welcoming him in. Our tongues twined in a deliberate, intoxicating rhythm. His strong hands danced across my chest, rubbing my breasts softly.

He already had a large tent in his sweats. My hands reached down to explore him, his head eased back, exposing his throat, I angled forward. Pressing my lips to his neck. Giving him a little nibble, prompting his hips to buck up against my hand. I rubbed onto him over the fabric a bit more. He hummed softly, the sound vibrating against my skin, sending a delicate shiver up my spine.

Not wanting him to get too excited just yet, I pulled away, the warmth of his breath still lingering on me. Edward's head snapped up, his gorgeous green eyes locking onto mine, dark with something unspoken.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his brows furrowing slightly.

I didn't answer. Instead, Rising to my feet, I turned away from him, allowing his gaze to trace the length of my body.

My fingers drifted to the waistband of my underwear, playing with the elastic before sliding them down in a slow, deliberate motion. The soft fabric whispered over my sun-kissed skin, grazing my hips, my thighs, my calves—each inch of exposed flesh tingling in the cool breeze.

A soft sigh escaped me as they pooled at my ankles, my bare skin glistening. I felt the weight of his stare, the heat of his anticipation pressing into my back like a touch I wasn't yet ready to receive.

I stepped out of them, my movements unhurried, reveling in the sensation of the moment, of being watched—admired. A thrill shot through me as I finally glanced over my shoulder, meeting his gaze once more.

He wasn't just looking.

He was devouring.

Touching his now exposed flesh. Holding his hearty meat in his fists. Rubbing softly, he was now laying down on the cushions. Asking me to sit on his face. The fire was lit and it was burning hot. My stomach was doing flips as I moved towards him. Damn, this man just had it going.

I'd decided to settle into the 69, I'd heard it could be fun.

Edward throbbed in my hand. As his tongue slid all around my pussy lips, sucking on my clit as I steadily moved against his face. My body responding to his every move. The hot, suckling sensation felt wonderful.

I slapped him onto my tongue, taking him into my mouth at a snail's pace. Moaning as I did.

His arms wrapped around my waist, pushing me harder onto him. Groaning into me, vibrating my whole body as he did.

Edward's hips thrusted up deeper into my throat. Getting more used to it as we continued. It was so hard to really focus.

I wasn't sure if what I was doing was working anymore. I was a sloppy mess with his dick. Slobber was getting to be a lot, I had to push my hair out of my face. There were so many things to think about, that I couldn't really concentrate on because of how he was making me feel. I could taste his salty pre cum as we both whimpered against each others flesh greedily.

My eyes were watering, and finally I'd come up for air. Stroking every part of him I could touch. I felt almost delirious. Certainly more so when his fingers replaced his hot mouth. Entering one into my pussy, while his other busied with rubbing and pinching my clit. My pleasured sounds spurred his throbbing cock still in my hands.

"I could do this all day," he moaned, his fingers moved warmly, easing me into a growing burst. "I'll do this till you're begging me to bury my cock inside you."

His words caused me to almost drool onto him. I decided to muffle my moans with his length. Which didn't last long, I came so hard I was shuddering, trying to stifle the yelps and moans erupting from me.

I did want it.

I want him to fuck me.

"Please," I gasped, his mouth latching onto my soaked mound once again. I grunted, my eyes rolling back. His hand stung my ass cheek for a moment with a quick slap. Jolting me into another freefall. I was almost over stimulated.

"Please E—" I had a blanket thought hit my core memory, and revised what I was about to say. "—M—Master, please, fuck me."

His hands moved to either side of my ass, pulling me closer to him, his tongue dipping into me in quick spurts.

Prompting me to stop trying to pay attention to his dick. Resting my head against his hip and thigh as he proceeded. Relentlessly.

"Mm, please, fuck me," I moaned.

Another hard slap with a tender touch laced my ass.

I hissed at the sensation. Urging him to fuck me. The dirty words leaving my mouth with no shame. He pulled away to tell me to sit on top of him. He pushed himself up to sit up, back against the cushioned bench.

As I rested above him, our bodies meeting, but his dick was resting against his belly.

"Thank you for accepting another date," Edward murmured, his fingers tracing idle patterns along my skin. "I just needed to see you again… make you feel good."

I was still catching my breath. I scoffed lightly, shaking my head. "I don't even think I'm much of a catch, to be honest."

Without warning, his palm landed sharply against my backside. I let out a startled gasp, more surprised than anything. His warm hand stroked the spot tenderly.

"Wrong," he said firmly, his voice low and teasing. "You're a damn good catch." His eyes searched mine, serious now. "You need to start thinking more highly of yourself."

I let out a flat laugh, unconvinced.

His gaze softened, lips tugging into something between a smirk and something more sincere. "Like how I think of you," he whispered, biting his lip as he held my stare.

I swallowed, my heart stuttering for a second. "You barely know me."

"But I want to," he countered smoothly. "And from what I do know? You're stunning. And not just in the obvious way." His fingers trailed along my arm absentmindedly. "You've got a good head on your shoulders. You're not greedy. You don't just take—you think. You feel. That's rare."

I didn't know what to say to that. He spoke so surely, like he'd already decided who I was. Like he actually saw me.

"That why you wanted to see me again?"

"There were many reasons for that, my dear. But, yes," he said with a grin, his gaze never leaving mine. "Why did you accept it?"

My head tilted.

His gaze softened, but the intensity remained. "This doesn't seem to be your style, so why did you agree to another date with me?" His hands moved to cup my face gently, forcing me to meet his stare. I felt a spark at the contact, something kind of undeniable. But, I had to bury it deep, within the confines of my own mind.

I tilted my head, uncertain for a moment before I spoke. "You want honesty, I assume?"

"Of course," he replied, his voice low.

I hesitated for a moment, then exhaled, my hands trailing lightly over his arms, feeling the heat of his skin under my touch. "I liked what we did," I said quietly.

His breath hitched, and I noticed how his body responded, becoming more aware of my every move. It made my heart race.

He let out a long breath, shifting slightly beneath me, his finger nearing my mouth. Without thinking, I turned slightly, my lips wrapping around his index finger. I sucked and licked it slowly, watching his reaction. His breath caught, and he visibly stiffened.

"What did you like exactly?" he asked, his voice thick with anticipation, his hand returning to slap my ass lightly, his touch firm. Causing me to grind against his erection.

I smiled despite myself, feeling my cheeks flush. "I liked the way it felt," I said, my voice betraying the heat rising in my body.

His hands moved again, exploring me with gentle pressure. "The way what felt?" he prodded, his fingers tracing the curve of my skin.

All these questions.

I was about to get frustrated. But, I'm an adult, I can handle this.

I took a breath, feeling both vulnerable and encouraged by his touch. "You," I said softly, my words coming out almost in a whisper. "I liked the way you made me feel."

He pulled out a condom from his pocket, glinting in the sunlight as he held it. Tearing it open with his teeth and handing it to me to slide it onto him. Pushing it over the tip, and down his thick shaft. Hoping I was doing it right.

He pulled my hips up. He rubbed himself mildly, his tip meeting my hot, slick entrance.

"You wanted me to make you feel good?" His breath stuttered as he asked.

"Yes," I panted, brimming with excitement.

"Is that why you came back to me?"

I met his gaze, silently pleading, trying to press down against him, but his hand stopped me, firm and unyielding.

"Tell me," he demanded, his voice rough as he gripped my ass with precision that sent a shiver up my spine.

"God, yes, Edward! Yes!" I cried out.

His hands slid back up my body, pushing my shoulders down, guiding me into his movements. Stretching me out to the point I was already bursting, he rubbed himself against my tender spot. Hitting it just right, holding me tightly. His thrusts grew sharper, more deliberate, each one making my mind spin.

Somewhere in the haze, I realized—he hadn't corrected me for using his name.

It made me wonder. Was this man feeling me? Like, does he enjoy my company and my pussy? Or was he really feeling me out? I wasn't so sure anymore.

But, why else would he let me break one of his 'rules' so easily?

"Look at you," he groaned, his voice strained, like he was on the brink of unraveling. His expression was wrecked with lust, his usually sharp composure slipping. The sight of it sent a surge of heat through me.

His movement became quicker, gripping onto me with a fierceness. Edward's face moved closer to mine to dabble a few kisses around my face before settling his lips onto mine. Grinding myself against him harder as the kiss grew in intensity.

The fire in my belly urged me on even more.

I gasped as our mouth separated briefly.

He groaned into my mouth, his tongue swiping against my lips, so I opened up for him. Our tongues dancing erotically around. Swirling and tasting each other. His hands invigorated me. Our bodies clenching.

"Oh fuck," Edward whimpered, gliding in and out as his hips snapped.

Our arms wrapped around each other, our faces pressed into each other's neck. We gasped and moaned, riding these waves until we were both trembling.

Immediately after, I ran to the restroom, needing to pee. I'd decided to put my shirt and undies back on. When I came back out Edward had two platters filled with fruit, cheese & crackers. Offering me to take a seat beside him.

For an hour or so after. We'd sat on the benches out in the open as we snacked on a bunch of goodies he'd brought out. I was in heaven. It was mostly a comfortable quiet between us. Just watching as the sun moved across the sky. Getting later and later. He'd reached over at some point to move some curls from my face, gently resting it behind my ear.

I stared at him then for a moment as he plopped a slice of expensive cheese into him mouth.

Remembering his earlier question. I somehow felt the need to answer as we finished the last bits of chopped fruit. With how beautiful, and intimate he just had me feeling. The urge was there.

"I used to like going to this place called Ponderosa," I admitted shyly.

He glanced over at me stunned, but with a small smirk playing on his lips. "Oh yeah?" He asked intrigued, as he swallowed the food in his mouth.

"Yeah, when I was a kid my parents would take us and a whole caravan full of family members and friends. We'd all pile into that place and wreak havoc," I giggled, remembering the nonsense. "One of my favorite childhood memories." As I finished the sentence, his warm hand rested against my thigh, rubbing soft circles.

Edward's smirk deepened, his fingers stilling against the skin on my thigh for a brief moment. "Ponderosa, huh?" His tone held amusement, but there was something softer beneath it—interest. "Haven't heard anyone mention that place in years."

I chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "Yeah, I guess it's a little outdated now, but back then? It felt like the best place on Earth."

He tilted his head, studying me like I'd just revealed some grand secret. "So, what made it so special? The games? The chaos?"

"A little of both," I admitted. "It was one of the rare times everyone was together. No arguments, no drama—just a ridiculous number of kids running around, sneaking extra plates of pizza." I sighed, smiling at the memory. "It felt… safe."

His expression shifted, something I couldn't read flickering across his features. "Safe is a good feeling." His voice was quieter now, more thoughtful.

I nodded, tracing a small pattern along his forearm. "Yeah. It is."

For a moment, neither of us spoke. What I'd decided to share settled between us, warm but fragile. Then, Edward broke the silence with a teasing grin.

"So, what I'm hearing is—if I want to impress you, I should take you to an all-you-can-eat buffet?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "I think the magic of it only works when you're seven and running on pure sugar and bad decisions."

He hummed, pretending to consider. "Noted. No buffet dates. Guess I'll have to find some other way to make you feel that kind of happy."

The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard. I looked at him, my heart giving an unexpected little stutter.

"I think you've got the algorithm," I said softly.

Edward didn't respond right away. Instead, he cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin, and leaned in—this time, I didn't hesitate at all.

His lips met mine with a softness that sent a gentle warmth through my chest. There was no urgency, no demand—just the quiet, deliberate press of his mouth against mine, like he was savoring the moment. His thumb traced slow circles against my cheek, grounding me, while his other hand rested lightly on my shoulder, his touch steady and reassuring.

I sighed against him, tilting my head slightly as he deepened the kiss just enough to make my heart flutter. His lips moved with care, coaxing rather than taking, as if he was learning me, memorizing every shift and sigh.

The world outside faded, replaced only by the steady rhythm of our breathing and the warmth of his body close to mine. When he finally pulled back, he lingered, his forehead resting lightly against mine, his breath mingling with mine in the quiet space between us.

"That," he murmured, voice barely above a whisper, "felt just right."

We eventually got up, moving around the boat as we took turns using the restroom again. When I stepped back out, Edward was already in his swimming trunks, the sunlight catching the sharp lines of his body. He shot me a grin before tossing a life vest my way.

"Put it on," he instructed. "Not taking any chances out here."

I rolled my eyes but complied, snapping the buckles into place. "I can swim, you know."

"Again, not risking it," he said with an easy shrug, stepping to the edge of the boat. "You coming or what?"

Before I could answer, he dove in with a smooth arc, disappearing beneath the surface before reemerging, slicking his hair back with both hands. His eyes found mine, a teasing glint in them.

"Water's perfect," he called up. "Get in."

I took a deep breath, backed up a step, and jumped. The cool water engulfed me instantly, a stark contrast to the warm almost summer air. I surfaced with a gasp, pushing my hair from my face.

Edward was already close, splashing water at me with a smirk. "Slowpoke."

I shot a wave of water back at him, laughing as he dodged. We played like that for a while, splashing and circling each other, the weightlessness of the water making it easy to forget everything else. At some point, he disappeared beneath the surface, and before I could turn to search for him, I felt hands at my waist.

Edward emerged in front of me, closer than before, his hands steadying me as I bobbed gently in the water. His expression softened, and without a word, he leaned in, brushing his lips against mine. The kiss was slow, unhurried, like he had all the time in the world. His fingers skimmed the small of my back, holding me in place as the waves rocked us gently.

I kissed him back, but in the back of my mind, the questions swirled. Why so much affection? If this was just transactional—if I was just someone he was paying to spend time with—why did it feel like something more? Why did he keep touching me like this, holding me like I meant something?

I wanted to ask, but instead, I let myself sink into the moment, into the warmth of his mouth and the coolness of the water around us. For now, I let myself believe it was real.

Eventually, we drifted back to the stern. Edward helped me up first, his hands firm around my waist before pulling himself out of the water with ease. Droplets clung to his skin, catching the late afternoon sunlight.

I unbuckled my life vest, shaking out my damp hair. Edward's eyes lingered on me, a slow, appreciative sweep that sent a warm flush to my cheeks.

"You are a sight to see," he murmured.

I rolled my eyes, smiling despite myself, before heading into the cabin to change, grabbing my bag from the ground. As I peeled off my wet undies, I could hear him moving around outside, adjusting things on the boat.

When I stepped back out, now dressed in a black spaghetti strap and gym shorts, I found Edward seated at the dining table, watching me with an unreadable expression. The daylight was fleeting.

"I should get you back to shore," he said, leaning back slightly. "Thank you for coming out."

"Sure thing," I sighed, pulling up my shorts. My wet underwear was a lost cause—I discarded them in the trash without a second thought.

Edward stood and made his way outside, preparing to steer us back. I followed him, stepping onto the deck as the boat rumbled to life. The ride back was smooth, the sky shifting into soft hues of pink and gold as the sun dipped lower. The air cooled my skin, and for a while, neither of us spoke, just letting the hum of the motor and the gentle crash of the waves fill the space between us.

After a moment, I tilted my head, watching him as he expertly guided the boat. "So, why do you do this?"

He glanced at me, a flicker of curiosity crossing his face. "Do what?"

"This," I gestured around us. "The dates. Paying for someone to be with you in that way."

He exhaled through his nose, his fingers flexing briefly around the wheel. "You ask that like you don't already have an idea."

"Maybe I do," I admitted, crossing my arms. "But I'd rather hear it from you."

He was quiet for a long moment, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Then, with a small smirk, he said, "It's simple. No expectations, no complications."

I arched a brow. "And yet, you're kissing me like it's something else."

His smirk faltered slightly, but he recovered quickly. "Does that bother you?"

Did it? I wasn't sure.

Instead of answering, I let the question linger between us, carried away by the wind and the steady churn of the water beneath us.

Once he had the boat docked, I lingered inside the cabin, watching as he moved with practiced ease. He eventually returned, taking a seat at the dining table near me.

Edward raised a brow. "What exactly are you assuming, with your earlier question?"

"Well," I started, eyeing him carefully, "you're exceedingly handsome, crazy rich, and you don't strike me as the type who needs to pay for play."

He let out a small, amused exhale. "Having money can be a detriment when dating. Plus, I've known the Whitlocks for a while. This arrangement was just… more accessible for me, at least."

I frowned slightly, still trying to wrap my head around it. "I guess I'm just surprised. You haven't found that special someone?"

Something flickered in his expression, a shadow passing through his eyes. "I thought I did," he admitted, his voice quieter now. "I still love her… but it's complicated."

A strange feeling settled in my stomach. Hearing him say he loved another woman—especially after everything that had happened tonight—left an unexpected bitterness in my chest. It felt ridiculous to pay for intimacy when there was someone he supposedly loved. We just fucked, for crying out loud.

"So, hold on," I said, trying to shake the feeling off. "You're in love, but you're not going for it? What's the complication?"

His jaw tensed, and for a moment, I thought he might not answer. Seeing the look on his face, I softened. "If you don't mind me asking," I added quickly.

He shifted slightly, discomfort evident in the way his fingers tapped against the table. "I do mind," he said after a pause, his voice measured. "So I won't answer." He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "All I'll say is… it was fun while it lasted, but ultimately, it was too complicated."

Something about that answer didn't sit right with me, but I wasn't sure if I had the right to push. After all, this wasn't a real relationship. I was just a temporary companion—nothing more, nothing less. I shouldn't be surprised to feel used. That was the nature of this arrangement.

"So," I said abruptly, forcing an air of indifference, "is there anything else you need me for?"

Edward's lips curled into a small, knowing grin. "I understand this is way out of your comfort zone," he said, his tone softer now. "I appreciate your time… thank you."

I nodded, my heart beating faster in my chest as I gazed into those hypnotizing green eyes. "You're welcome."

His hand reached out, and instinctively, mine slid into his. He lifted it to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss against my knuckles. A flush crept up my neck.

As I turned to leave, he cleared his throat, his grip still firm around my hand.

"There's something else I wanted to bring up," he said.

I eyed him warily. "Oh God, what now?"

He chuckled, the sound smooth, amused. "Relax. It's just a proposition. I was going to let Alice handle it, but I wanted to ask you myself."

I stayed silent, waiting for him to continue.

"Since this is a new experience for you, I didn't want to overwhelm you," he admitted. "And, well… chances of seeing you again could be slim."

I smirked. "Take the money and run, right?"

His brow lifted slightly. "Precisely. So, to be frank—I'd like to have you on a payroll, if you'd let me."

His words caught me off guard. That was not part of any fucking plan. Woah.

"Once a week," he continued. "At any point, you can walk away—no obligations, no repercussions."

I nodded absentmindedly, as if I were actually considering this absurd arrangement.

"I'd like you to accompany me to some events, maybe," he went on. "And I'd also like to have you on Fridays. All day."

My head tilted slightly, my thoughts immediately shifting to Seth. Every Friday? He's a madman.

"Um," I muttered, hesitating.

"Something on your mind?"

"I just… didn't realize this was part of the deal when I agreed."

"It's separate from the initial contract," he responded with the wave of his hand.

"So…"

"I find you interesting," he said simply. "I'd like to keep you around for a little while. Make it worth your time."

His casual tone irritated me, as I stood there allowing him to even say this shit to me.

Little while? What the fuck am I? A disposable woman, of course—for a man like this. Why was I even shocked?

"I've had Sage multiple times," he added nonchalantly. "It almost felt… mundane. I like to switch things up."

I exhaled sharply, my irritation growing. "I don't appreciate you dangling more money in front of me, assuming I'll jump at it just because you want to 'switch things up.'"

"Oh?" His expression remained unreadable. "Shall I take my offer elsewhere? Find someone more… accommodating?"

My brows furrowed. He could shove this right up his ass. "Well—"

"You think I can't call the Whitlocks? Let them know their newest recruit is proving to be… difficult?"

I narrowed my eyes, yanking my hand from his grip. "What exactly are your standards? A slave?"

His lips curved into a smirk. "You have a smart mouth."

"Thank you," I quipped, my tone laced with venom.

His smirk didn't waver. "After the afternoon we just had, I thought you'd be more open to this." He stood now, towering over me.

"Well, this isn't a repeat adventure for me," I shot back.

He tilted his head slightly. "So… assuming you need the money, you'd do it?"

"And if I say no?" I countered.

He shrugged. "Then I'll call Alice. I can always defer the payment for this date. Get someone else."

My stomach tightened. "You can't do that." My voice was sharper now. "The date ended. You got what you wanted. That's not the deal Alice described to me."

He laughed—low and amused—and it only made my anger flare tenfold.

Why should I even care at this point?

I got the real money I wanted to begin with. The only reason I even came back to him was because he chose to see me again.

"I'm trying to be accommodating," he said smoothly, as if he were the reasonable one here.

I nearly lost it right then, but I forced myself to stay composed. My expression stayed neutral, unwavering. I refused to be this man's doormat. I knew his type—people, especially women, bent over backward for him.

Not me.

I wasn't some starry-eyed fool hypnotized by his dick. Maybe Sage had been. But I was not.

"You just got done telling me you can pay someone else, no?" I spat, my voice dripping with disgust. "Fair exchange, right?"

"I'm paying you," Edward growled, jabbing a finger in my direction, his tone sharp with warning.

"I'm not a whore," I snapped back, my indignation flaring. "I don't know who you think you stumbled upon in this twisted little game, but I am not the one to fuck with."

"You think being unhinged is going to fix this?" he shot back, his voice rising.

"Unhinged?" I let out a sharp laugh, seething. "No, you're just out of your depth. And you couldn't recognize it if it smacked you in the face wearing neon signs!"

"What?" His laugh was cold, mocking. "Oh, screw you. I am not."

Before I could react, his hands shot out, pinning mine above my head against the wall.

"Let me go," I hissed, struggling against his grip. "Or I swear to God—"

"Swear all you want," he cut me off, his voice dropping lower, harsher. "Do you really think you can do anything about my decisions?"

"Great, then think of this as a favor," I shot back, my tone ice-cold. "Keep your money, and fuck off. I'm done. Completely. Thank you very much."

My words sliced through the tension like a blade, sharp and final. For a moment, his grip faltered, but the storm in his eyes didn't waver—there was no apology, no change.

Then, as if snapping out of it, he completely let go, ripping his hands from me. He rubbed his palms together, trying to regain some semblance of control.

Without another glance, I stumbled to grab my bag and made a beeline for the exit. I moved quickly, almost tripping as I leaped off the starboard side, the dock below seeming a mile away.

His voice calling out my fake name echoed behind me, but I didn't stop. I darted through the maze of boats, my heart pounding in my chest, every step taking me further from the mess I'd gotten myself tangled in. I bolted for the parking lot, and it felt like I was running from something, or someone—more than just Edward, but everything he'd said. The tension of his proposition, so casually dropped, didn't sit right. He'd made it sound so easy, like I was just another disposable option.

What had I been thinking, agreeing to a second date in the first place? I shouldn't have gone along with it. He'd made me feel… something—something I couldn't quite pin down—but then he threw that offer at me like it was nothing. So offhanded. So dismissive. Like I was some commodity to be kept on a payroll. I barely gave myself time to think before I jumped into my truck, slamming the door shut. The engine roared to life as I peeled out of there, my heart still thudding in my chest, tears streaking my cheeks.

The sun had long dipped below the horizon. I drove aimlessly for a while, my thoughts swirling.

What a shit show.

I arrived home after dark in a frenzy of emotions, my thoughts tangled up in everything that had just happened. The TV blared from the family room—Jacob and Seth were probably still up. I made a mad dash to my bedroom, shutting the door behind me. No call from Alice, no text. I had a feeling I wouldn't be seeing that ten grand.

A knock at my door interrupted my thoughts. I groaned. "Go away."

"I take it your shift didn't go so well?" Jacob's voice came through the wood, annoying as ever. A beat of silence passed, then the sound of his feet shuffling. "I've got booze and some pizza."

I sighed, pushing myself upright. "Oh, whatever. Come in."

The door creaked open, and Jacob stepped inside, pausing when he got a good look at my face. His easy grin faltered just a little. "What happened?"

"Nothing," I said quietly, brushing off the question.

His eyes lingered on me for a moment before he exhaled. "Well… are you okay? Like, mentally?"

I huffed, rolling my eyes. "Wow, Black, thanks for the concern, but I think I'm all set."

He chuckled. "Hey, I'm just cracking wise," he said, holding up a Coors in one hand and a plate of pizza in the other, like some kind of sacred offering. "I come bearing gifts, oh moody one."

I reached for them with a smirk. "Now you're speaking my language."

As I took a bite, he plopped down at the foot of my bed, popping the tab on his beer. "So, wanna talk about it, or should I just distract you with my devastating charm?"

I snorted. "Devastating is a word for it."

He smirked. "Hey, I'm just saying, my charm has worked on plenty of women."

"Oh yeah? You sure they weren't just humoring you?"

"Listen, Clearwater, I'll have you know I'm a very desirable man. I own a business, I have a truck, and—" he gestured to the pizza, "—I share my food. That's the full package right there."

I shook my head, letting out a small laugh despite myself. "I bought the food, dude."

Jacob scoffed. "Details, details."

He leaned back against the wall, watching me with an easy grin. He didn't push, didn't pry, but I could see it in his eyes—he'd ask again. Maybe not tonight, but eventually.

I exhaled, the laughter fading as a heavier thought settled in. My mom. My dad. What they would think of me now—of the choices I'd made, the things I'd done to get here. Half a million richer, but at what cost? Before I could stop it, the emotion started to seep through.

"Leah," Jacob said quietly, his teasing edge gone. "What's wrong?"

"I—" I sighed, inhaling sharply as I tried to steady myself. "I just feel like my parents would think I'm a total failure."

He pushed off the wall, stepping toward me slowly, cautiously, like he wasn't sure how close he could get. "Never that, Clearwater. You're one of the best people I know."

His words caught me off guard. I blinked at him, stunned into silence.

"Super hardworking," he continued, his voice steady. "You've got a lot to show for yourself. Plus, from what I hear, you're a pretty awesome big sister."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, now I know you're trying to butter me up... Ever since our mom died, he hasn't looked at me the same."

Jacob exhaled, shaking his head. "Healing takes time, Clearwater. You know that."

I popped open the beer and began to chug. Burping at the end, to which I didn't care to say excuse me.

He finally took a seat at the end of the bed, keeping a respectful distance. "He loves you," he said, his tone softer now. "Even if he doesn't always show it the way you want."

"Well," I said, taking another bite of the cold pizza, chewing thoughtfully. "At least he talks to you."

Jacob shrugged. "Eh, I like having the little brat around... Actually, I was thinking—once summer hits—I could take him to the shop, show him the ropes a little, mentor him."

I nodded, swallowing down the lump in my throat. "That sounds awesome. Thanks."

Jacob started to get up, but before he could leave, I added, "Maybe even get him a job."

He let out a short laugh. "If he works half as hard as you, we'll see."

"Why didn't you bring Kujo?" I asked suddenly, the question popping into my mind out of nowhere.

Jacob grinned, his eyes lighting up. "I'll bring him next time, if you'll so graciously have me."

I smirked, deadpan. "I like him more than I like you."

Jacob burst into laughter, the sound warm and infectious. "I'll take that insult as a good sign—you must be feeling better."

I shrugged, polishing off the last of the beer. "Maybe. Thanks for the beer, and for serving me pizza in bed."

He softened a little, watching me with a mix of concern and affection that he tried to mask. "Anytime, Clearwater. You know I'm here, right?"

"Yeah, I know," I replied, my voice softer than before. "Thanks, Jacob."

He nodded, standing up to take his leave. "Hang in there, okay?"

I gave him a small smile, feeling a bit of the weight lift off my shoulders. "Yeah, I'll try."

Jacob hesitated at the door, glancing back. "Your bro's passed out on the couch. Want me to shut off the TV and tell him to head up to his room?"

I nodded, grateful for the small favor.

As the door clicked shut behind him, I was alone with my thoughts again.

My gaze drifted to the nightstand, to the old frame still facedown. I hadn't turned it over in a long time. I wasn't ready. Maybe I never would be.

My mind wandered to the money tucked away in my closet. Half of it could go into an account for Seth—something for when he turned eighteen, a chance at a better start. The rest? Maybe I could finally do something for myself. Go to school, get certified in something worthwhile. Maybe—just maybe—life could actually be worth living.

I thought back to Jacob, to the way he'd tried to cheer me up without pushing too hard. He was kind, even sweet in his own way.

It wasn't so bad having him come around.

Before drifting off, I'd considered calling Damien, but when I checked my phone, I saw a missed call from Angela. Immediately, guilt gnawed at me. I pushed the phone aside, letting it fall off the edge of the bed, trying to ignore the fluttering discomfort that settled in my chest.

I hugged myself tightly, closing my eyes, doing my best to block out the thoughts of this afternoon. The image of Edward's face, the low murmur of his voice, kept dancing behind my eyelids, pulling at me like a string. My head still buzzed from the emotions he stirred up—how he'd made me feel like something special, something cherished, only to turn around and strip it all away with that proposition.

But I'd let myself be fooled, hadn't I? Of course, he didn't feel the way I thought he did. It was stupid to think he might. Only two encounters with him, and he had me feeling like treasure—like something to be admired. And then, in the blink of an eye, he tore it all down, trying to buy my time and affection. The harsh reality sank in. He didn't want me—he wanted the convenience, the control.

I should've seen it coming.

I groaned into my pillow.

...

..

.