“You can call me anytime, Tinsley.” He gives me a hug. I walk him out, shutting and locking the door behind him before I head back up to check on Sol. I pause when I hear Leo and her talking.
“Scared the crap out of me. I love you, Sol. Don’t you try to leave me.” I step back, leaving them to have their moment.
Tears begin to slide down my cheeks with envy for the love they have for each other. In life I’ve been given so many things. Except the things that really matter.
CHAPTER 7
LEO
I knew she didn’t want to marry me, but hearing her plead with her lawyer to get her out of the marriage before the ink on the license is even dry bothers me. It’s still with me three days after the wedding like a pebble in the bottom of your shoe that you can’t get rid of. Maybe it’s Tinsley’s house.
This place is so damned big I need a map to maneuver. It’s got five floors, and there’s something different happening on each floor. Tinsley’s suite is on the fourth floor while the third floor was used by her parents. She hasn’t done much on that level. As she was giving me the tour, she waved her hand toward the rooms and said, “Parents were here,” and then we moved on.
In fact, I haven’t seen much of the house at all. Tinsley and the dour woman whose name I've learned is Mindy, Tinsley’s old nanny, led me up the five flights of stairs, briefly pausing at each floor to identify their purpose, and then moved on until we reached floor five, where I would be staying.
“It’s for guests,” Mindy had informed me stiffly. “There’s an elevator if you don’t want to use the stairs,” she added as if I was the one puffing after the climb.
“Stairs are fine for me. Where’s Sol?” I’d asked.
“I put her on my floor,” Tinsley replied. “But you can visit her any time.”
“Everything you need is on this floor,” Mindy jumped in. “You can use the tablet to order food from the kitchen. There’s a chef on call twenty-four hours. Of course you can order delivery as well. There’s also a microwave and small cooktop here.” She pointed to a pair of closet doors that opened to reveal a well-stocked pantry and kitchenette. She wasn’t lying. I did have everything I needed, but it was also patently obvious she thought I should stay away from Tinsley.
She didn’t need to worry. For the past three days, Tinsley has avoided me. Maybe she is busy with classes and meetings with lawyers, but she’s been out of the house more than in it. Even Sol has noticed.
“I wonder if we’re a bother to Tinsley.” She picks at the blanket over her legs. “Should we go home?”
“Can’t. Lawyer said that we have to live together while married. I guess Tinsley’s dad thought of the fake marriage thing and tried to put in as many clauses to make sure it was solid.” I crack my neck from one side to the other. I’m bored as hell. Is this what being a kept man is like? Is that even a thing? I can’t say I’m a fan.
There’s a fight tonight, and I want to go. My fists need to bash something before my head explodes. I pull out my phone and text Logan.
Me: Still need fighters?
Logan: always, what about Sol
Me: she doesn’t need to know
Logan: as ive been saying see you tonight. 11 dock 5 look for container 1208
“Who are you texting?” Sol asks as if she can read my phone from her chair next to the fireplace.
“Work.” It’s not entirely a lie. I’ll be making money.
I spy Tinsley walking up the front steps, and I find myself moving toward the door.
“Where are you going?” Sol wants to know.
“To take a piss.”
I tromp down the stairs and casually stroll into the entry hallway as if I’ve got some business at the front door. Tinsley looks surprised when I open it. I peer out, pretending to look for a courier.
“Thought my food was here.”
“Just me,” she says, pulling off her scarf and trench coat.
Just her. She’s not wrong. I’d like to eat her up from the tips of her small toes to the top of her head. She’d be the only thing that I need, too, the appetizer, main course, and dessert all in one tidy package.
“You do look hungry, though. Where did you order from? I can call and see when they’re coming,” she offers.
I look away and bite my tongue so I don’t make a crude comment about making her come. She would not appreciate it. Being married doesn’t mean I have the right to her body—besides, the girl can’t wait to kick me to the curb.