Betrayal
OBSESSION #2
S.M PHILLIPS
Copyright
Copyright 2015 S.M Phillips. All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means such as electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the author of this book. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorised, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Books by s.m Phillips
DOWN UNDER SERIES
~ Escape Down Under
~ Fallen Down Under
~ Forever Down Under
OBSESSION
~Obsession
~ Betrayal
Coming soon
~ Since You've Been Gone
(Standalone)
Dedication
Thank you to each and every one of you for continuing with Anna and Jensen’s story.
ANNA
With every sudden movement or sound, I find myself jumping out of my skin and it's driving me completely insane. As time went on, I really thought I was improving and slowly getting past all of this bullshit, but obviously not. From the second that I wake up in a morning to the moment when I try to go to sleep, I can't rid the feeling that's been festering deep within my stomach. It's beyond impossible, to the extent that it makes me feel physically sick for most of the day. For the past few days it's felt like tiny splinters have taken over my body, burying themselves deep and tearing my insides apart until there is absolutely nothing left of me.
Something has happened. I just know it, and I know that it has to be something bad. Both Minnie and Boyd have tried to keep me calm, to reassure me, but the anxiety is taking over; completely consuming me like it did before. They've told me not to worry and that there's probably a reasonable explanation for Jensen's sudden disappearance, but no way am I buying it. Even Minnie was just as shocked and I'd bet as she was just as worried as me too when I got that phone call from Darcie. I don't why she's suddenly changed her attitude about it all. It's like she went to bed that night and woke up a completely different person. It's goddamn crazy.
She can pretend to be all calm and collected as much as she likes. Hell, if it makes her feel better then good for her, but I call it fucking bullshit. I can see it clear as fucking day on their faces when they lock eyes on one another. Not to mention their hushed conversations which conveniently come to an abrupt halt as soon as I step within hearing distance. Sure, they might think that they're fooling me, but not by a long shot. I've spent enough time around hushed whispers to know when something is up and right now, something is most definitely up.
"You gonna sit here and stare at that door all day?"
"Huh?" Her voice pulls me out of my thoughts and I draw my eyes away from the hallway, where they often wander too, only to find Minnie stood before me, looking all pretty; with a knowing look on her petite face. I don't even know why she's still here. Since Jensen never returned back home, Minnie's never really left my side. Yet, I'd imagine she'd have other stuff that she needed to do, or somewhere else to stay. Does she even have a home around here? I've got no idea and I haven't been able to bring myself to ask her, either. I guess even though Jensen isn't here, it kind of feels like he is because I'm housing his friends, family, or whatever they are. I really didn't imagine things to turn out this way when I moved here, but what choice do I have? Even though it's beginning to get on my nerves, I suppose it's better than being all alone in this house at night.
"How about we do something?" She continues, eager to get my attention.
"Like what?" I ask, while watching her closely. What does she want from me? I haven't got a fucking clue what's going on around here right now. Shit, I don't even know anyone around here. Well, except for Joey and there is no way in hell that I'm prepared to play the third wheel to him and Darcie. I'd rather claw my eyeballs out repeatedly than spend time with that bitch.
"How would I know? I don't even know this area yet. You're the one who lives here. I'll tell you what I do know though, you're not doing yourself any favours being sat in here all day and all night with nothing but these four goddamn walls for company. It's enough to send anyone into a mad house."
"I'm not down to work until tomorrow Minnie. So tell me, what do you suggest I do?" I snap at her. To be honest, I don't really care if I'm coming across as a bitch, all she's doing here is getting under my feet. I like my space, fuck that, I need my space to keep me sane, or as sane as I can be. But with Minnie hounding me at every goddamn opportunity, it isn't really giving me the answers that I desperately need.
"You don't need to go to Temptation just to work, you know. It's also a place to let your hair down and drown your sorrows, right?" Her eyes dance with mischief as she smiles down on me. I know that she's trying to make me feel better, but I don't know what's happening and until I do, nothing is going to make me feel better. Unless Jensen comes walking through that door sometime soon and that's highly unlikely.
"I guess." I reply.
"Listen Anna, I've known Jensen for most of his life. I've got no clue where he is, or what he's doing, but I know that he'd expect me to look after you and girl, whether you like it or not that's what I'm going to do."
"I appreciate what you're trying to do, really I do. But I spend most of my waking hours in that place, so as I'm sure you can imagine, it's not somewhere that I'd choose to be unless I had to be there, you know?"
"Oh come on. What harm can it do?" She tries to plead with me and her eyes light up, filled with mischief as she awaits my response.
She's really not going to leave me alone anytime soon, and god only knows how long I'm going to be stuck with her for. I mentally weigh up my options in my head, wondering if the pro's could possibly far outweigh the cons. Do I stay here and listen to her trying to make pointless conversation with me all night, pretending that she knows jack about Jensen's whereabouts, or do I head out to Temptation and drown her out with music and alcohol? Maybe if I supply her with enough alcohol she might just let slip what she knows.
"Okay." I finally say to her. "But any bullshit from Darcie and I'm out of there." I warn her and I mean every goddamn word.
"Got it. Bullshit, Darcie and we're gone."
My eyes linger on Jensen's door a little bit longer than they usually would. A part of me hopes and prays that he'll eventually come walking out of his room with that arrogant, sure as hell, sexy as sin grin, firmly in place. But another part of me knows that's not going to happen any time soon, if ever.
"Where the fuck are you?" I mutter out loud. How dare he come barreling into my life and dominate my feelings, just to up and leave whenever the hell he feels like it. It doesn't really matter where he is, or what he's doing; what matters the most is the fact that he hasn't had the decency to pick up a goddamn phone and call. I mean come on, it's the twenty first fucking century, how hard is it to call someone these days, or drop them a quick message?
Part of me wishes that he was still here so that I can see for myself that he's okay and the other, more angry, demonic part of me wishes he was here so that I could slap some goddamn sense into him. If I've learnt anything over the past couple of weeks, then he certainly fucking needs some.
I finally pull my eyes away from his door and make my way across th
e landing. Maybe Minnie's right. Maybe I do need to get outside of these four walls for a little while. Being here is only reminding me that he's not, and it's causing my head to swell and unwelcome images to stir in my mind. If I actually take a step back, I'll probably see just now messed up my head is becoming. A new life, a fresh start, that's what I told myself when I came here, but so far all I seem to be doing is getting myself involved in more mess and heartbreak. When will I learn?
I jump back to life at the sound of my phone, alerting me to a message. My heart skips a beat in the hope that it will be the message that I've been desperately waiting for. I can't help but feel a little defeated when I see that it's Holly and not Jensen.
Hey you. How are you getting on? Please tell me that you've spoken to Jensen and he's giving me back the house. I'll call you soon.
Hol
I have to re-read the message a few times for it to actually sink in. I thought she'd give up trying to get her house back for free when she woke up from whatever drug she was on at the time and realised what a stupid idea it was. I've already told her that no one in their right mind would willingly give something back that they have paid for; for free. I can't help but laugh at her, and then I feel a little bit guilty. But, I guess that's what happens when you suddenly up and leave without a goddamn care in the world for anyone but yourself.
A car horn sounds outside, bringing me back to the here and now, while shitting myself at the same time.
"It's just a goddamn car horn, girl. Get your act together." I scold myself. One of these days I might just be able to go a couple of hours without jumping out of my skin and if I'm being completely honest, that day can't come quick enough.
"Hey Anna. Get your arse down here. We're leaving like now." Minnie calls up the stairs and she sounds like she means business. Why did I have to get stranded with her?
Jeez, this chicks crazy. I've been upstairs for the best part of ten minutes and now she's telling me that we're leaving? I've not even managed to grab a quick shower. Oh well, I guess it's only Temptation. There's not really much point in dolling myself up. There's no one to doll myself up for now anyway and I doubt I'll be out long enough for it to count. Accepting that time isn't on my side, I pull my hair up into a messy bun and apply a quick coat of mascara. Not my usual look for a night out, but I guess it will have to do.
"Here she is." Minnie smiles brightly at me as my foot lands on the bottom step. I look to her right and see that she isn't alone.
"Boyd?" I exclaim. "What are you doing back here?" My heart picks up and it flutters in my chest at the possibility that he has some information on Jensen's whereabouts, but my hope is suddenly squashed by his reply.
"Ladies, allow me to introduce you to your personal chauffeur for the evening." He smiles and he looks so proud of himself. I look at the guy stood before me, all hard and intimidating, yet in this moment he looks like a big soft teddy bear. My, my, how looks can be deceiving.
"What? Why?" I ask, unable to hide the shock in my voice. As I watch, I see Minnie give Boyd a serious look. If she thinks I didn't catch it, then she can sure as hell think again. I don't know what it is with these two, it's like they've got their own 'let's keep Anna in the dark club' or some shit going on and it's irritating the hell out of me.
"Why so serious Anna? I was passing by when Minnie called. Plus, girls like you two shouldn't be wasting time waiting around for taxis out in the cold. Who knows what kind of creeps are crawling the streets. It's best that you've got someone like me around that can keep an eye on you and protect you from that big bad world."
I know the two of them are keeping something from me, but right now I don't have the energy to argue with either of them. Instead, I decide to bottle it away for another day. But I promise myself that I will get to the bottom of this, and real soon.
"You ready?" Minnie pipes up. Her face lights up with a warm, welcoming smile as if she can rid me of my suspicions.
"Yeah, about as ready as I'll ever be. Let's get this shit over with."
Temptation's pretty quiet for a weekend, but the music is pumping loudly, so that'll do for me. I look over to the bar and spot Joey doing his thing. To be fair, he looks pretty sober, but it's still fairly early and there's still time for him to piss the profits up the wall. Now that I'm here, I'm pretty eager to get this party started, or at least have a couple just to be polite and then I can head back home without getting an earful from Minnie.
It doesn't escape my attention that's Boyd's still loitering around and keeping a watchful eye on us. Shit, anyone would think that he was our personal bodyguard or something. I'm guessing that's what he thinks he is right now and he sure as hell seems to be enjoying every goddamn minute of it.
"What ya havin'?" I shout over to Minnie as she shimmy's her tiny backside into the nearest booth. She looks completely at home in here. Maybe she's spent a lot of time around bars seeing as that's Jensen's thing.
"Grab me whatever, just make sure it's strong." She shouts back. I automatically roll my eyes at her and make my way towards the bar. I feel the heat of watchful eyes burning into the back of me and I'm unsure as to whether or not I should turn back around.
"You're safe here, Anna." I remind myself. Dominic may be a lot of things, but I don't think it's his style to have him or his men do anything to me in a public place. At least that's what I'm telling myself anyway. Deciding against my better judgement, I turn around and see Boyd following me, his eyes trained on everyone around me as if someone might strike at any given moment. His body is pretty close to mine and he's definitely past my comfort zone. Damn, this shits beginning to get fucking crazy. I haven't got a clue what he's playing at, but I don't like it one little bit. Taking in a deep breath and standing tall, I decide to leave it for now. There's not much point making a scene in a public place, but if it continues, then the guys gonna feel my anger.
"Hey, hot stuff." My body freezes as Joey's arms snake around my waist as soon as I step behind the bar, and it takes everything that I have to stop myself from slapping him. "How you doin'?"
"Space, Joey. Jeez, how many times to do I have to tell you, don't come up in my space." I warn him, while turning my head to face him and putting on a fake smile as usual.
"Did you miss me?" He asks. I think he knows he's in the wrong and now he's going for the change of subject tactic. You know, Joey's not a bad kid. I mean, underneath all the I just want to get fucked persona, I think he's just your average young guy looking to have a good time. Deep down, I know that he's harmless, but I just don't like anyone getting into my personal space. Surely it's not too much to ask, is it?
"Like a fucking hole in the head, man." I laughs at him when he feigns a hurt expression. "All I want is a quiet drink. What's a chick got to do to get that around here?"
Joey throws his hands up while stepping backwards as he laughs at me. "Okay, okay. Go have your fun. Not too much though, I know what you're like when you've had a drink. Things can get heated pretty quick."
"Oh piss off. Are you in tomorrow?" I turn to him, suddenly remembering that the rota's haven't been updated since Jensen's departure, absence or whatever he wants to call it and I haven't got a clue who I'm down to work with.
"Nah. Tomorrow I'm a free man and I plan on doing sweet F.A baby. Absolutely sweet F.A."
"Then who..." I start to ask and stop dead in my tracks when it all clicks into place. Fucking great, that's all I need. I've got to do a whole shift with Darcie. Now that's going to be epic. Realising how bad tomorrow is going to be already, before it's even rolled around, I grab two bottles of vodka from the side and make my way back towards Minnie. She said she wanted something strong, then she can have strong and I'll be joining her too.
"Woah, what little pretties you got there?" She sings as she eyes the bottles in my hands.
"This." I say while raising my bottle and passing one to Minnie. "This is a perfect little potion to make me forget how fucked up my life has become and I intend to enjoy it
all." My whole body is tense and even if I wanted to loosen up I wouldn't be able too. No matter how much alcohol I drink.
"I hear ya sister. I'll fucking drink to that."
"Amen."
"It's a pretty decent joint that you and Jensen have got here, you know. It's not too much. It's comfortable."
"Yeah, I like to think so, but it's no longer my place is it?" I open the bottle and lift it to my lips and take a long pull on the clear, but lethal liquid. My throat burns as it makes its way down and my eyes water from the intensity of drinking it straight. I don't think I'll ever get used to the taste of it. Before Holly left and before Jensen came barreling into my life I very rarely drank. But now, I just need a little something to take the edge of my wayward thoughts.
"Don't be stupid, Anna. Jensen may own this place now because of some deal he made with your cousin or whatever, but let let me tell you something. If he didn't want you to be a part of this, there's no way he'd still have you working here and he sure as hell wouldn't have allowed you stay at the house. I don't know what it is yet, but girl you've done something to him that I ain't ever seen before. For that, I completely applaud you."
I smile at her words, but a part of me feels like she's only saying all of this to make me feel better. If he really felt that way, surely he'd be here, with me? I feel her watching me and slur, "Somehow, I'm sure I'm just down as reliable staff."
"Well if that's what it is, you must be pretty damn hot at servicing the punters." She laughs. No, not the punters, but I pretty much enjoyed it when Jensen serviced me.
It doesn't take long before the bottles are empty and Minnie is telling me how awesome she thinks I am. I'd love to tell her that she doesn't know me, and if she did then she sure as hell wouldn't be saying that kind of crap to me. No, she'd probably be telling me what a screwed up chick I really am and that I need to get myself some help, and fast. But, everyone's got secrets right?
Betrayal (Obsession Book 2) Page 1
