Fever (Breathless #2)(39)

He had power over her that she’d never imagined another entity having. And that scared her more than the thought of drugs, sex or the men who’d threatened her.

Chapter fifteen

Jace strode into the building that housed the HCM offices and rode the elevator up. If he didn’t have this damn meeting, he would have ditched work altogether today. He didn’t like leaving Bethany on her own so soon after he got her back.

No, she technically wasn’t on her own, but he still didn’t like leaving her to fend for herself.

When he walked into Gabe’s office a few minutes later, he saw that Ash was already there—as was Gabe—and the way Gabe looked at him, that flash of concern in his eyes, he knew that Ash had been running his mouth.

Jace’s mouth set into a firm line and he plopped into the chair in front of Gabe’s desk.

“Let’s get this over with,” Jace said tersely.

Ash didn’t meet his gaze and instead stared straight ahead at Gabe. That was fine with Jace. He didn’t have time for the intervention both of his friends were likely plotting.

Gabe frowned but didn’t offer argument. Jace was five minutes late—not typical for him at all. Ash and Gabe were probably convinced he’d lost his goddamn mind.

Maybe for the first time he’d found it. He and Ash had been f**king the same women for years. How messed up was that? Gabe didn’t blink an eye over that practice. But he was going to pass judgment because Jace had finally found a woman he had no intention of sharing? And Gabe had no damn room to talk anyway. He’d lost his freaking mind over Mia. Jace’s sister, for Christ’s sake. Jace hadn’t ripped Gabe’s head off, though he absolutely should have. The bastard had been pathetic enough without Jace heaping more punishment.

Jace blinked when he realized they were already well into the meeting and he had no clue what had been discussed so far. When there was a prolonged silence, Jace figured out quickly that they were all waiting for his input. Damn it.

Ash sent him a look of disgust and then plowed ahead with the information Jace should have provided. Ash handled it like a pro, his charming, polished mannerisms easily winning over the group of investors on the other end of the line.

Jace gave a sigh of relief when it was finally over. Ash packed up his shit and walked out of Gabe’s office, never once speaking to Jace. Real mature. Jace shook his head and prepared his own exit. He was already thinking ahead to where he wanted to take Bethany for dinner. He’d call her on his way out and give her a heads-up so she could get ready.

“Jace, a minute, if you don’t mind.”

Gabe’s quiet tone filtered through Jace’s thoughts. He frowned when he saw Gabe’s expression.

Fuck.

He wasn’t down for a come-to-Jesus moment with Gabe. Why the hell couldn’t his friends just back the f**k off?

Even as he thought it, he acknowledged that he wouldn’t do the same if the positions were reversed. He’d gotten into Gabe’s face plenty during his time with Mia. But goddamn it, Mia was Jace’s sister. He had a vested interest in Gabe’s treatment of her. Bethany had absolutely no connection to Gabe or Ash. Well, not unless you counted the fact that she’d f**ked Ash, but Jace was trying his best to forget that fact.

The image of his best friend with a woman Jace considered his was burned into his mind. He may never get rid of the sight of Ash’s mouth and hands on her skin.

“Make it quick,” Jace growled.

He stood, refusing to sit, because sitting gave leeway for this to become an extended thing. Jace had better things to do. Like take his woman to dinner and then take her home and f**k her.

“What the hell is going on with you, man?” Gabe asked softly.

Jace made a sound of impatience. “Nothing is going on with me.”

“That’s not what Ash says.”

“Ash needs to keep his f**king mouth shut.”

Gabe’s frown deepened. “What’s going on with you and Ash? This isn’t like you. Ash is as tight-lipped as you are, but it’s obvious you’re pissed at each other. He said you’re all sorts of f**ked up over a woman. Anything you want to talk about?”

“Bethany is not up for discussion,” Jace said in a frigid tone. “Besides, if there’s anything you want to know, I’m sure Ash’s background check will provide fodder for gossip between you two.”

Gabe’s expression turned from concern to pissed off in two seconds flat. “What the f**k is up your ass, Jace? I’m not gossiping about anyone. I don’t know f**k about some goddamn background check. I don’t even know who the hell Bethany is and I’m damn sure not gossiping about her with Ash. Ash hasn’t said f**k-all either, for that matter.”

Jace knew he was being a dick. He knew he was a flaming hypocrite. He’d never let his friends get away with the shit he was pulling. But he was still pissed at Ash for trying to warn him off Bethany. And if he were completely honest, he was still pissed that Ash had f**ked her. Maybe he’d never forgive Ash for that even though Jace had gone along with it. Even with his instincts screaming like a motherf*cker, he’d allowed it to happen. He’d hated every goddamn minute of it, but he’d still let it happen. Maybe he hated himself most of all.

“Bethany is someone I care about,” Jace said, forcing himself to speak calmly. “That’s all you need to know. She needs help—my help—and there’s no way in f**k I’m turning my back on her.”