Beholden (The Belonging Duet, #2)(86)

Tristan, Ashton, and I talk for a while and it’s the first time I think I’ve laughed this hard. The two of them would drive me absolutely insane if we lived close. Between Tristan’s flirting and Ashton constantly telling him she could flip him I’ve almost peed myself twice. After a few more minutes Ash has to go since it’s midnight her time and she has to be in the lab early. Since Logan is filming a movie in Seattle, Tristan’s been over here more. Might as well be lonely together.

“Movie?” Tristan asks after we go over a few things we need to get done this week.

“Sure, you pick something. I’m going to grab some popcorn and candy—and pee.” I hop up and head into the bathroom while Tristan looks for a movie.

“Someone’s at the door,” he yells to me.

“Can you answer?”

“Sure thing, hot stuff.”





Knock.

“Someone’s at the door,” I hear a f*cking dude’s voice say.

No motherf*cking way.

“Sure thing, hot stuff.”

I’ll kill him.

My whole body locks up ready to beat the ever-living f*ck out of whoever is in her house. I don’t give a f*ck if she’s happy with him. He’s done.

Time’s up.

He opens the door and I puff myself up taller. His eyes widen as he looks up.

Yeah, that’s right, douchebag. Now test me. I f*cking dare you.

“Can I help you?” He smiles and I push forward through the door. “Hey *!” He calls to me but I couldn’t give a shit.

“Catherine!” I yell and he grabs my arm.

Without a second thought, I grab him and push him up against the wall. Holding him there with my forearm.

“Where is she?” I ask and he holds on to my arm trying to make sure he has access to air.

“Can’t. Breathe. Dying,” he barely gets out.

I lean in and my voice is cold as ice. “If I wanted you dead, you’d be dead. Where the f*ck is Catherine?”

“Fuck you,” he says and I push harder on his neck.

The questions swirl in my head. Did he see her naked? Has he seen her face when she comes? Has he known what it’s like to sink into her and bury yourself so deep you don’t know where you begin and end?

My eyes narrow into slits as he tries to push against my arm.

“Jackson!” Catherine calls out and is already at my side trying to pull me off. “Put him down! Now!” she screams and pushes me.

“You’re f*cking kidding me.” I let go and he slumps to the floor, gasping for air.

“You idiot!” She pushes me and goes to his side. “He’s my assistant!”

Ohhh, so this is her “not old” assistant, Tristan.

I stand there seething, ready to punch something, someone. I can’t f*cking believe this. It’s been one month. One. Not a year, but a month and she’s already moved on. She’s already f*cking someone else.

“Seems you moved on pretty easily.”

I’m too late.

“Unreal. You’re unreal,” Catherine says as she stands up after checking on him. “I haven’t moved on, you *!” She pushes me forward and her touch wakes every part of me. “He’s my assistant. Not my lover. You haven’t called, or anything, in weeks, and then you show up and almost kill my only friend here.”

“There’s a f*cking guy in your apartment! What did you expect me to think?” I ask as she pushes me back again. I stumble, walking backwards, as the rage practically steams out of her head.

Nice. I’m retreating from a five-foot-two woman. I’m a *.

“Wait, this is Jackson?” the assistant says from the floor. He’s not a small guy by any means, but I’ll lay his ass out if he touches her.

Catherine glares at me and turns to him. “Tristan, can you give me a minute with my friend?”

“Can I watch?” he replies but his eyes stay fixed a beat too long. My fists flex unconsciously.

“No!” Catherine yells.

“Damn, he’s hot. Be careful, hot stuff, and call me in the morning.” Tristan kisses her cheek and I growl.

This woman is going to be the death of me.

Tristan smiles at me and then looks at Catherine. “Logan’s going to love this story.” He turns to me and extends his hand. “I’m Tristan, by the way. Her assistant. Her very gay assistant.”

Motherf*cker.

I suddenly feel like I’m going to be laid out.

Or she’s going to kill me.

I extend my hand and grip a little too tight. I may have figured out what an idiot I am, but that doesn’t mean shit. “Jackson. Her …” I trail off not knowing what to call myself.

“Dead ex-boyfriend,” Catherine replies and glares at me.

“Nice to meet you.” Tristan looks me up and down, but I’m smart enough to keep my mouth shut and nod.

She walks him out the door while I stand there waiting for the wrath to begin.

Five.

Four.

Three.

Another two heartbeats pass and I anticipate her fury.

But instead she stands there with her back against the door. Waiting for God knows what.

Not sure if I should speak or keep my f*cking mouth shut, I just wait.