Page 59 of Perfect Sin
She shrugs. “Did you think you’d just run him off campus and he wouldn’t retaliate?”
“Tell your boy that if he comes at us, I’ll pay him a visit this time, and my knife won’t aim for his shoulder.”
“There’s so much you don’t know. You’re going to need me before this is over.”
“I don’t need shit from you.”
Her eyebrow raises. “Really? So I didn’t see Raven run straight into Ford’s arms after meeting with Professor Richards? The guy is a prick, so I can’t imagine it was a pleasant discussion.”
“They’re friends. You know that.” I start to move around her, but she steps in front of me and places her hand in the middle of my chest to stop me.
I glare at her hand. “If you don’t want me to rip it off, I suggest you don’t touch me.”
Tessa smirks. “I’ve done more than this with you before.”
I inhale in an attempt to calm myself down. “Don’t remind me. Fucking you was one of the biggest mistakes I’ve ever made, and I’ve killed people. Let that sink into your head.”
“There’s no need to be nasty. I’m just saying it would be better for you if Raven didn’t have Ford’s full attention. I can help, but I need something from you.”
My jaw clenches. I have no intention of participating in this conversation. Not that I need to, she’ll tell me what she means whether I ask her or not.
Just as I suspect, she opens her mouth to spew whatever bullshit plan she’s concocted. Her hands lift in front of her, but I take a step back before she puts them on my chest again.
“What did I tell you about touching me?”
Tessa rolls her eyes. “Fine, have it your way. I need you to help me get time alone with Ford.”
I laugh. “Do you really think getting face time with him is going to make everything right? That you are going to flash your vapid smile, show a bit of skin, and he’s going to fall at your feet?”
She shrugs a single shoulder. “It would work better if he were jealous, but you don’t seem willing to play along.”
“Ford is a friend. I’m not in the habit of stabbing my friends in the back.”
“Even if that friend is trying to steal your wife? Tell me, who does she turn to when she needs someone to listen to her?”
“I’m not going to help you.” I turn to walk away.
“Jackson,” she calls out. “You’ll change your mind, and when you do, my offer will still be there.”
I continue heading out the door without responding to her.
* * *
The housewe are renting is several miles from the school in a gated community. I don’t mind the walk though, because it gives me time to clear my head. My phone starts buzzing incessantly after a couple of blocks. Every time it’s Raven. After I send her to voicemail three times she starts texting.
Where are you?
Seriously? You aren’t going to answer?
We can’t keep playing this game. Things get tough and you run. It’s getting old.
I power off my phone. She’s right, I’m running, but not from her. The thoughts in my head are toxic. Bringing them home to Raven isn’t going to make it better.
The loud rumbling of a muffler pulls around the corner and squeals to a stop in front of me. Of course someone named Ford drives an old truck. When he steps out of the truck, I can tell he’s pissed off.
“Not a good time,” I mutter and continue past him.
“I watched this bullshit go down before. What’s the play now? Going to find some skank and screw her in the bar bathroom again? That’s how you handle problems, right? You push Raven away because you aren’t man enough to stick through the hard times.”