Page 99 of Perfect Sin
“Or shooting him if Sin is running the show,” I add.
“I’m not sorry he and I didn’t work out. How do you make a life with someone so willing to end someone else’s?” Tessa asks.
“He’s more than that,” I say, purposely vague.
“And stupid hot,” Amber says giggling.
I smile. “And fantastic in bed.”
Tessa nods. “Yeah, I’ll give you that one.”
I glare at her. Being jealous is a new emotion for me, and not one I’ve managed to control.
“Hey, it’s not like you don’t know what it’s like to be with Ford,” Tessa snaps.
“Ah,” Jen sighs. “That man sure can work those hips.”
“You know I hated you for the longest time,” Tessa tells Jen.
“I know. Didn’t care. Besides, being with Ford brought me Shane. I wouldn’t change a thing. We had our time, and it’s a good memory. Shane and Ford both know that time has passed. We’ve moved on. I thought you had too,” Jen replies.
“I have. I see what you and Shane have. I know you aren’t standing between Ford and I,” Tessa admits.
“But you think I am?” I ask her. “I’m in love with Sin. There’s no one else for me. The only one getting in the way of you being with Ford is you.”
“Don’t you think I know that? I said I’m bad for him, and I know he sees that too. It really isn’t about you—”
“It’s just easier to hate me than yourself,” I finish for her.
Tessa nods. Tears well up in her eyes. “I’m working on that. I know Ford and I are done. In fact, once this is over, I’m leaving.”
“Okay, what do you think we should do to lure Jesse into our trap?” I ask her, moving us away from the heavier topic of our feelings.
Tessa smiles a little, it’s there and gone in a flash, but I know she’s grateful for the reprieve from the heavy stuff. “I don’t think he really believes Sin will go for me. I know he wants you on your own, so we need to make it appear that is the case,” she answers.
“No way are these guys going to let her be alone. Any of us for that matter,” Amber points out.
“I did sayappearto be alone,” Tessa responds.
“How?” Jen asks.
“The guys are probably setting up a scenario where they can get him in public,” I say.
“Like a party?” Tessa asks.
“Maybe. Hard to say,” I reply. I don’t like where this is headed.
Tessa chews on her bottom lip. “Do you think we could convince Jesse that the guys let you out for a girl’s night?”
Amber scoffs. “Unlikely. They don’t even let her use the bathroom without an escort.”
Tessa leans forward, making sure the guys don’t overhear. “Jesse hates Ford and doesn’t think much of Shane either. What if they thought they were the only ones out with us? It would have to be a location you control completely. We could make a big show of Lucien, Sin, and Teddy being busy with something else. I think he’d be emboldened enough to make a move if he thought he was only going against Ford and Shane.”
“What about an opening night party for the gym?” I throw out a suggestion.
“What’s this about a party?” Sin asks. There’s an edge to his voice, and he’s studying Tessa in a way that would make most people run away.
Tessa doesn’t back down to the obvious threat he poses. Instead she squares her shoulders and faces him. “Jesse has an extremely high opinion of himself and doesn’t see Ford as much of a threat.”