Chapter 15

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Nia

It's not like I didn't know he was pumping me for information. But, as much as I've given up in terms of knowledge, I've gotten some things out of him too.

His gaze holds mine, his gray eyes wary and alert. Cold. And I already know, he's not choosing me.

I get it. We've known each other a few days. But that means I can't let what we did this morning lull me into this false sense that he's my hero.

He isn't.

I've got to save myself here. Does he even want me at all? The idea that what we did this morning is all part of his plan makes my chest ache.

I don't know why I let it hurt. I'm just a tool to Toni. Something to be used and discarded. Why would it be any different here?

But the idea that I'm just something Jake is using makes me stiff with anger .

Tossing the covers back, I'm still in my towel as I scoot past him, grab my coffee, and head to the bathroom.

Might as well blow out my hair.

Because I'm in a war and if I'm going to fight him, I'm going to look good doing it. But that makes me pause.

Maybe I'll work out first…

I pull open a drawer and pull out a sports bra and shorts, setting them on his bed. Then…I drop the towel.

I hear him growl behind me, but I don't look back. Instead, I grab a pair of bikini briefs from another drawer and bend over to slide them on.

He growls again. Louder.

The sound pulses through me and I swear, my clit gives an aching throb.

I doubt I'll win at a game of seduction, but it's the only play I've got until I can think of another.

And like I said, I've learned some useful information. This is a chess match of revenge and Toni is the target.

Does he suspect that Toni is behind his father's disappearance? Lifting my arms over my head, I pull on the bra and then the shorts.

Grabbing socks from the drawer and sneakers from the closet, I leave the room without a word and cross the hall into the makeshift gym.

I've been in here a few times to grab books, but this time, I head to the treadmill in the corner and sit down to pull on my socks and tie my shoes.

Jake appears as I stand, workout shorts slung low on his hips.

He comes over and stands next to me and the machine, pushing the power button and then two more to make the treadmill start under my feet.

I nearly slip and fall but his hand shoots out to grasp my hip as my feet catch up to the belt. The heat of him nearly sears me as my cheeks fill with color. I grip the handles and start moving, intentionally staring forward, not meeting his gaze.

"You didn't wait for my answer," he quietly says as I start walking .

"I didn't need to. I already know," I answer pushing the up arrow to make the machine go faster.

His arms cross over his chest, making his biceps bunch up in the sexiest way. "Nia."

"Jake."

"No Daddy?"

I shake my head. "That's the name for a man who is actually caring for me, isn't it?" Foolishly, a few more tears prick my eyes. Why does my stupid heart want me to be wrong? I know I need to be on my own, not trust a man. I've known for a very long time.

"I told you that I would take care of you."

"You did. But I'm not sure why I should listen." I feel him draw up. His shoulders straighten.

"I'm salty. I drink too much, and until recently, I smoked too much. I never tell people I care about them, and my favorite form of communication is sarcasm."

I step off the belt of the treadmill, resting my feet on the side rails to turn and look at him. "Okay."

"I've hurt people, and I've done a few shady deals. Including taking you the other night."

My heart is thudding in my chest as I finally look at him, his gaze holding me captive.

"But one thing I am not is a liar. So when I tell you I'm going to protect you no matter what, I will."

And then he turns and walks away, leaving me in the gym. The belt runs as my feet rest on the sides, and I stare after him.

I know I shouldn't let him sway me. He's been in command this whole time, and this is likely just his next play to keep me where he wants me.

But I'd be lying if I didn't say that part of me wants to chase after him, tuck myself against him, and let him be the wall that breaks the danger that surrounds me. Or maybe he just breaks me.

I shake my head, and step back on the belt.

I need time to think and time to plan and I can't let my insecurities, my past pain, push me into a place of weakness .

So instead of chasing him, I turn up the treadmill.

I have no idea how long I run but when I get off my legs are jelly.

Leaving the gym, I find a plate in the kitchen with a large southwest salad already made.

I stare at the food, wondering if I should eat it. I'm so hungry, and I'm not worried that he's tampered with it. But him making me every meal is one more way in which I am under his protection, his care.

Then again, who wants to waste food? Opening the fridge, I pull out a large bottle of water and take a few swigs.

Sitting down, I slowly begin to eat. I know what I need to do. I need to slow down the explosion of chemistry that happened this morning.

As much as I think I've gained, he definitely came out the winner. He's been in control the entire time, and he still is.

With that in mind, I finish my salad then enter the bathroom, checking for snakes myself before I take a shower, rewashing everything, even my hair.

Wrapped in a towel, I blow it out, putting on more makeup than I usually would.

It's not Jess-level, but it is more than just lip gloss and mascara. I wish my sister was here.

I'd like to tell her that I love her. I haven't said the words to her in so long.

With a sigh, I make my way into our room, picking out a dress for the day. I hear the treadmill start.

Was Jake waiting for me to do his workout? Are we avoiding each other? Works for me.

We stay in our separate corners all day and then the next.

We barely talk. We don't even eat together.

And yet, I've never been more aware of a person in my life. I've got to come up with a plan and get out of here.

Because, by the third day, the tension is so thick, I think I might break…