Mirage: Veiled Love Duet: Book One

by Radcliff, C. M.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Axel

  CROUCHING DOWN, I tie my shoelaces and glance up at the clock. It’s been almost an hour that I’ve been waiting for her for our morning run. I’ve been waiting since I left her last night. I left her alone in that house with that monster and I spent a sleepless night, tossing and turning in bed as regret flooded my mind.

  It consumed me. I laid awake, staring at the wall, wishing I would have stayed. I didn’t regret kissing her, but I did regret walking away. She pushed me away and I let her.

  Walking outside, the humidity is thick as it sticks to my face with the smell of rain hanging in the air. The garage door is open, revealing Jasper’s car parked in there. I never heard him leave last night, so seeing his car shouldn’t be a surprise, but it is. He doesn’t stay here often, but when he does, he controls Jaslyn’s every move.

  He is the reason behind her bailing on me this morning, but why?

  Is it because of what he’ll do? Or is it because of something that he has already done?

  Balling my hands into fists, I clench them at my side as I grind my teeth. The beast inside me roars as I glare at their house, knowing that Jaslyn is in there with him. She swore he wouldn’t hurt her, but I can’t be that foolish. No one can predict Jasper’s next move and the urge to break down the door and sweep her away from him is overwhelming.

  The need to protect her feeds the beast and my anger taunts it. It’s a perfect storm of destruction, but it’s a storm that must be kept at bay. As dangerous as Jasper is, he’s no match for the beast. That’s who she needs to be protected from. That’s a side of me she can never see. She caught a glimpse at the fight, but if she saw me unleashed, she may never look at me the same again.

  Shaking my head, I quickly turn back to the gate and break out in a sprint in the opposite direction, running away from the urge to kill Jasper with my bare hands.

  I can’t go in there.

  I can’t be here.

  My sneakers pound the blacktop as I run down the street, putting as much distance as possible between me and that place. Pushing my body past the point of protest, I run until I can’t anymore. My legs wobble like Jell-O, my lungs burn as they constrict from the thick humid air, and my heart thrashes against the wall of my chest.

  It wasn’t enough, but it would have to be for now. Taking a deep breath, I walk back through the gate with my head down and pick up my pace as I near the pool house.

  “Axel!” Jasper’s voice is unwelcome and an unpleasant sound in my ears as he calls out to me. He strides across the yard, stopping by the pool house as I reach for the doorknob.

  Narrowing his eyes at me, Jasper stares at me suspiciously as I size him up. I could take him without a doubt, but I can’t, not with Jaslyn’s life in danger.

  Jasper clears his throat and plasters a fake ass smile on his face. “I have some business to attend to in London. I’ll be gone for the next ten or so days… depends on if I feel like coming back that soon.”

  And I care, why?

  With a curt nod, I turn the doorknob and push the door open.

  “I expect you to attend to your scheduled fights in my absence.”

  His tone reveals how little he thinks of me. I’m just the stupid poor kid from the gutter. He underestimates me.

  “Planned on it,” I reply gruffly.

  “Perfect,” Jasper beams. “Do me a favor and keep an eye on Jaslyn. Something’s off with the bitch and I don’t trust her. I don’t know what her deal is, but I will find out.”

  Fuck.

  Clenching my jaw, I crack my knuckles as his words play over in my head. He has no clue what is going on and he never will, but that doesn’t mean he won’t look. That doesn’t mean he won’t scrutinize everything she does and reprimand her when he sees fit.

  I shrug impassively and keep my face neutral. “No problem.” With a curt nod, I step through the doorway. “I gotta get a shower and shit.”

  “I should get going. My pilot’s already been waiting over an hour for me.” Jasper chuckles. “Make me some money and don’t let that cunt out of your sight.”

  Instinctively, my knuckles turn white as I clench my fists. It takes everything in me not to bash his skull in on my front step. “Have a safe flight,” I grind out as I slam the door shut.

  If I were superstitious, I would have crossed my fingers and toes. It’s a blatant lie. I’d rather his plane go up in flames and sink to the bottom of the ocean, but things never work out that way. He’ll have a successful trip and come back unscathed, to a life he doesn’t deserve.

  Kicking off my shoes, I grab my phone from the counter and find Rush’s name.

  “Somebody better be dead,” Rush answers groggily after the third ring.

  “Not yet.”

  “Dude, it’s the ass crack of fucking dawn. Can whoever you plan on killing wait ‘til later?” Rush lets out an exasperated sigh and then groans. “Ah, fuck.”

  “What?”

  A shuffling of blankets and clothes comes through the speaker and I hear muffled sounds coming from someone in the background. Raising my eyebrows in curiosity, I try listening harder. Rush was the farthest thing from a morning person, so him being in bed was expected. Him being in bed with someone else was not.

  He may stick his dick in every chick he meets, but he never lets them stay overnight.

  “I’m coming over,” Rush announces as the sound of a door slamming echoes through the phone. He doesn’t give me a chance to say anything as he ends the call. And there isn’t really anything for me to say. He’s the one that I need to talk some sense into me. The rational one seeking out advice from the one who lives his life without giving a single fuck.

  This ought to be good.

  Rush walks in no less than twenty minutes later, smelling as if he doused himself with a bottle of vodka. Cîroc, of course. He has developed an expensive palate since he got his inheritance.

  Strolling past me, into the small kitchenette, he starts searching through the cabinets and pulls out a bottle of Patron. He pulls off the top and glares at me as he swallows a mouthful of tequila.

  “Really?” I cock an eyebrow at him as I sit down in the recliner.

  Rush gives me the middle finger and takes another sip. “Don’t judge me. I’m hung the fuck over, and you know the only cure for that is the hair of the dog.”

  “Is it even considered a hangover if you’re still drunk from the night before?” I’ve known him long enough to be able to tell when he’s fucked up, which has been a trend lately.

  Glaring at me, Rush saunters over and flops onto the couch. “I was literally asleep for like two seconds when you called. And I lied. I’m not hungover, I’m coming down and I ran out of blow last night, so this will have to do for now.”

  I hate to say that I’m not surprised, but I’m not. Rush and I spent a good amount of time over the years being fucked up, but I never got into drugs like he did. I tried shit, but nothing stuck. Rush tried shit and everything stuck. He doesn’t discriminate; he’ll literally take anything to get fucked up.

  Rush isn’t addicted to drugs. He’s addicted to escaping reality.

  Leaning forward, I rest my arms on my thighs as Rush swishes the alcohol around in the bottle. “Look, I’m not trying to sound like a dick, but you gotta chill on that shit before it kills you.”

  “For fuck’s sake,” he mutters as he rolls onto his back. “I’m here because of you. Not for a fucking intervention.”

  “And I’d rather not have to talk to a headstone when I need to talk to you,” I retort.

  Rush glances over with his trademark smirk. “I would totally haunt the shit out of you. We could do a remake of Ghost, minus all the mushy bullshit and that pottery wheel scene.”

  “Ghost?” I blink. “I pictured you more as a demonic spirit like from Paranormal Activity or some shit.”

  Mulling over my words, Rush nods. “You’re right. I already know that I’m going to Hell and I’m bound to get
kicked out of there.”

  Sitting back in the chair, I shrug. “Well, at least you won’t be alone.”

  Turning his head in my direction, he lowers his eyebrows and scrunches his nose. “What the fuck happened now?”

  Taking a deep breath, I exhale slowly. “When I came home last night, Jaslyn came out to check on me. It pissed me off because I want what I know I can’t have. I followed her back to the house after I upset her and let her clean my cut and shit.”

  Rush raises an eyebrow as he gives me a confused look. “Okay… I don’t see the problem.”

  Shaking my head, I scoff. “The problem is that I kissed her, and she fucking kissed me back. That she wants me but is too afraid of her piece of shit fiancé that beats her.” Sighing, I run my hands down my face in frustration. “If he wouldn’t have come home, I probably would have fucked her right there on the kitchen counter.”

  Silently, Rush stares at me for a moment before he quickly sits up. “Yoooo,” he says with his eyes wide. “Dude walked in on you two?”

  “Nah.” I shake my head. “She kicked me out the back door before he saw me.”

  Rush blinks with a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. “I fucking told you that this would happen.”

  “Fuck you, man,” I mumbled. “I didn’t invite you here for an ‘I told you so’ talk.”

  “I don’t get it.” Rush scrunches his face. “If he beats her, why the fuck is she still with him? It’s not like they’re married.”

  Of course, now he remembers that she’s not actually his wife…

  “He’s holding something over her head, I just don’t know what it is, but I will find out. And when I do, I’m taking care of him myself.”

  Shaking his head, Rush purses his lips and squints at me. “Just fucking get rid of him now.”

  “And possibly end up fucking her over in the process?” I clip at him.

  Shrugging, he sighs. “I mean, if she doesn’t want you to intervene, then fuck it. I’m not saying to let him beat her to death or anything but let her do her thing for now until you get the real story.”

  Staring at him, I cock my head to the side and raise my eyebrows. “Since when did you start giving legit advice?”

  “Since you actually started asking,” he quips and grins. “For real though… as much as I wanna see you get your dick wet—give her some space and just be her friend for now.”

  “So, I’m supposed to just forget about anything between us and be friends?” I ask him honestly.

  Rush looks at me incredulously. “Since when did you grow a fucking pussy?” He snorts and chuckles. “I never said that friends can’t fuck around. If it happens, it happens. Ride that shit out—literally.”

  I can be friends with her. I have to be friends with her if that’s my only option.

  Rising to his feet, Rush walks back into the kitchenette and sets down the bottle of Patron. “You good now?”

  I nod. “Thanks, man.”

  “Meh.” He shrugs. “That’s what I’m here for.” His face falls flat and he narrows his eyes at me. “You come at me with some shit about my extracurricular activities and I’ll put my fist through your face.”

  Very smart, threatening a street fighter with physical violence.

  “I don’t want that fucking phone call,” I growl, glaring at him. “And you don’t know when to stop.”

  “Axel,” he clips. “So, maybe I’ve been going a little harder than normal, but it’s not a problem. It never has been, and you know that.”

  Sighing, I let out a deep breath. “I know, but just chill out a little, ya feel me?”

  Rush rolls his eyes and pushes away from the counter. “Yes, Mother. I will limit my consumption of alcohol and drugs.”

  “I’m serious, Rush.”

  “So am I.” He shrugs and heads for the door. “Aight. If you’re done lecturing me, Imma go pass the fuck out now. Later.”

  Staring after Rush, I glance out the window, looking for Jaslyn, but she’s still locked away inside.

  I need to give her space and time…

  Turning back around, I get off the chair and strip out of my sweaty clothes and jump in the shower. A very much needed cold shower.

  I’ll be needing a lot of cold showers if this “friends” thing is going to work.

  ♦♦♦

  It’s been two days since I last saw her and I can still feel her lips on mine. Rush’s advice seemed solid, so I followed it. I’m giving her space and instead of seeking her out, I’m waiting for her to come to me.

  It won’t last long. I’m an impatient man and if she doesn’t come to me, I’ll only be able to stay away for so long.

  Slipping into my sneakers, I prop one on the counter and tie it before doing the same with the other. A soft knocking sounds from the door as I drop my foot to the ground. Hesitantly, I walk toward the door, not sure of who it could be. Unless Rush went on a bender, there’s no way he’s awake this early. Shit, he’s probably just now going to bed.

  Unlocking the door, I crack it open and look down at the petite figure in front of me. “Jaslyn?” Tilting my head to the side, I look at her in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

  “Our morning run?” Her eyebrows pinch together as a small frown forms on her plump lips. “Or is that not a thing anymore?”

  My eyes scan her face, looking for any bruises. If there are any, surely she has covered them up. That’s what she does. She covers shit up and buries her head in the sand. I wait for her to say anything, to show any emotion, but she remains neutral. It’s as if the other night never even happened to her.

  “It’s still a thing.” I pause, irritated with my feelings and her lack of them. “We need to talk though.”

  Jaslyn’s eyes widen and she quickly shakes her head. “We really don’t. We shared a moment together and I think it’s best if we just leave it at that.” She smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “There’s nothing to talk about, it is what it is.”

  She’s so blasé about it, as if she wasn’t affected by what happened. Her strained smile, her guarded body language, it all tells a different story. I see straight through all the bullshit, but I don’t call her out on it. I was there and I know she felt it too.

  I see you, Jaslyn… I just need you to see, too.

  Shrugging, I mirror her impassive look and step out of the house, brushing past her. She sharply inhales as my naked chest brushes her arm and I bite back a smile.

  “Shall we?” I smile warmly as she turns around, quickly scanning my body.

  Jaslyn swallows hard as she nervously tightens her ponytail. “Let’s do it.”

  Her eyes widen slightly as I wink at her and turn away, jogging toward the road. Two can play this game. If she wants to pretend like the other night never happened, then I’m going to be sure to constantly remind her.

  Without another word, we start down the street, side by side. I don’t say anything to her about just being friends, because that’s exactly what we are. The lines between us may be blurred and maybe we have a deeper connection than we should, but we’re just friends.

  For now…

  Chapter Eighteen

  Jaslyn

  “I’M COMING ALONG.”

  “No, you’re not,” Axel says, shaking his head as he throws his duffle bag over his shoulder. “I can’t keep you safe while I’m in the ring.”

  After our kiss, things were off between us. Jasper left for his business trip and I tried to keep my distance from him, but I failed. I needed to be around him, and I caved in. I went to him when I should have stayed away. I’ve spent every day with him for the past week when I should only be with him for our morning run.

  We’re both dancing precariously with the Devil and we’re both bound to get burned. But if the fiery depths of Hell are where I can be with him, then I will gladly burn.

  “Rush will be there,” I argue as we walk outside and over to the car. Rush’s eyes flash to mine as he pauses on the other side.<
br />
  “Uh—” He raises an eyebrow and glances at Axel. “I don’t usually watch.”

  Ignoring him, I walk past Axel and climb into the backseat of the car. They both stand there, staring at each other in silent conversation before Axel looks to me.

  “Jaslyn,” he says in a low voice. “Get out of the car.”

  “The only person I take orders from is my father.” Tilting my head to the side, I raise my eyebrows at him. “Spoiler alert—he’s dead.”

  Axel’s jaw clenches as Rush drops down into the car. “Then what do you call it between you and your fiancé?”

  “Rush!” Axel barks, climbing into the car with his eyes wild and his fists clenched. Rush’s eyes don’t leave mine as he challenges me.

  “Survival.”

  Axel quickly looks at me as Rush smiles and nods. Turning around in his seat, he turns the car on and puts on his seat belt.

  “What the fuck are you doing?” Axel demands, whipping his head to look at Rush.

  “Driving you to your fight,” he shrugs with a bored look on his face. “Put your seatbelt on so this damn thing doesn’t beep the whole fucking drive. You know how annoying that shit is.”

  “No,” Axel barks, shaking his head. “No. She is not coming.”

  Leaning forward, I lightly grab Axel’s shoulder, pulling him to look at me. “I appreciate your concern, but let me make my own decisions, okay?”

  Closing his eyes, Axel drags his hands down his face in frustration and pinches the bridge of his nose. “Fine,” he agrees quietly. “You’re only coming if Rush stays with you.”

  Glancing up, Rush’s eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror. “It’s been a minute since I’ve seen you fight.” He winks, putting the car in drive. “Looks like I got a front row seat tonight and a pretty chick on my arm.”

  Shaking his head, Axel mutters something under his breath and sits back in his seat, pulling his seatbelt across his body. Rush smirks as he turns up the music and whips the car out onto the street. Smiling to myself, I settle in my seat and say a silent prayer that we get there safely. Rush drives like a Nascar driver that snorted a kilo of Columbian coke.