by Susan Stoker
“Why the hell would he want to stop dating you?”
“Huh?” Jess couldn’t figure out how Kason’s mind worked. He never said what she was expecting him to.
“Why weren’t you dating? What the hell is wrong with him?”
“Nothing, I guess. We just didn’t have a spark anymore.”
“Moron.”
Jess wasn’t sure she heard Kason’s mumbled word right, but she continued on without asking him to repeat it. “So anyway, we’re having issues and I need to move out. But I’m worried about his niece. She’s . . . vulnerable, and I’m afraid if I move out she’ll do something rash.”
“Does she live there too?”
“No, but she lives in the same complex and I see her all the time. She spends all her time, when she isn’t at school and I’m not at work, with me.”
Kason squeezed her hand. “I know you’re leaving some important chunks out here, gorgeous, because I’m not seeing the problem so far.” He brought his other hand over and ran his index fingers over the material of her shirt at her throat. “But I’m guessing part of it is whatever you’re hiding under this.”
Jess jerked back away from his touch, afraid he’d pull down her turtleneck.
“Easy, Jess,” Benny murmured, drawing back and giving her some space.
“It’s . . .”
“Don’t tell me it’s nothing,” Kason growled out, not sounding like the easy going man she’d been talking to for the last fifteen minutes. Jess thought it was almost scary how he could change so quickly.
“And don’t flinch away from me. Fuck.” He put both hands on the steering wheel and leaned his forehead against his hands for a moment before turning his head, leaving his head resting on his hands, and looked at her.
“We were on a mission once. I can’t tell you where and I can’t tell you why, but suffice to say it was in a country that didn’t have the kind of women’s rights we have here in the United States. I’ve never been so disgusted in all my life watching the women over there get beaten, kicked, and berated openly. No one cared. No one stood up for them. Kids were married off at age twelve to men four times their age. You never, ever have to worry about me physically hurting you. I know you probably don’t believe me, but dammit, Jess. Try.”
Jessyka took a deep breath. “I know it Kason. I do. It’s just . . .”
“I know what it’s just,” Kason reassured her. “What can I do to help you?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I’m your friend. What can I do to help you? Do you need help moving? Do you want me to get the girls to meet with your friend so she has some other good role models to look up to? Do you need money? Want me to beat up your roommate? Tell me what you need.”
“You want to help me?”
“Jesus, Jess,” Benny teased. “Pay attention! Yes, I want to help you.”
“I-I don’t know.”
“Okay, well, why don’t we start with exchanging phone numbers? That way when you figure it out, you can let me know.” Benny didn’t push, even though he wanted to.
“Uh, okay. Yeah. I’d like that.” The more Jess thought about it, the more she did like it. She needed time to think about Kason and his offer of friendship and help.
They exchanged numbers and there was silence in the cab as they punched in each other’s contact information. Jess startled when her phone vibrated with a new text. She smiled seeing it was from Kason, and looked up at him.
“Figured I’d make sure you didn’t give me a pizza delivery boy’s number.”
Jess just shook her head and looked down at the text he’d sent.
I’m always just a text away.
She looked up at Kason, not knowing what to say.
“I know we didn’t really solve anything, but I hope you know I’m one hundred percent serious when I say I want to be your friend, Jess. You aren’t alone and if you need anything, just call me. I’ll be pissed if you don’t. I sure as hell don’t want you going back to your place with that fucker there, but you don’t know me well enough yet to let me put you up somewhere. Use my number if you need it. Please.”
“I have no idea why you want to be my friend, but thank you. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt like I’ve had one.”
Having the urge, and not resisting, Benny reached out a hand and slowly caressed Jessyka’s face. Then he slid his hand around until it was resting on the back of her neck and he drew her gently and awkwardly in the small space of the car toward him. He leaned over and kissed her forehead and then rested his head against hers.
“Trust me, Jess.”
Benny felt her nod slightly. He leaned back, squeezed her neck reassuredly, then let go.
“How about we get you home? It’s late, you’re tired, and I’ve got to get up in about an hour and a half for PT.”
“Okay.”
When Benny pulled up to the townhouse Jess said she lived in, he put the car in park and said, “Stay.”
He then walked around the car and opened the door for her. Jess just shook her head and climbed out. Kason walked her all the way to the front door, even though she’d insisted she was fine. He leaned in and once again kissed her on the forehead. “I’ll see you later. Be safe.”
Jess nodded and when Kason pulled back said, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Don’t be a stranger. I expect you to text.”
“Okay.”
“Okay.”
“Bye, gorgeous.”
“Bye, Kason.”
Jessyka opened the door and cautiously entered the townhouse. The last thing she wanted was for Brian to be there waiting up for her. He wasn’t. The place was quiet. Jess quickly headed up the stairs to her room and sighed in relief when she was in her room with the door locked.
She hated being scared of Brian, but she could still feel his fingers wrapped around her neck. He’d been pissed, and she hadn’t even done anything. She knew nine days was too long. She had to do something sooner than that.
The phone Jess had been clutching in her hand vibrated. She looked down and smiled.
Sleep well. Talk to you later.
She didn’t know how the hell she’d gotten lucky enough to have Kason decide he wanted to be her friend, but she certainly wasn’t going to complain. It seemed like the only good thing that had happened to her in the last year.
Nite. ltr.
She expected that to be the end of it, but her phone vibrated again soon after she’d hit send.
You’re one of those people who write in text speak aren’t you?
Jess couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped her mouth. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d laughed out loud.
Appntly so. Don’t txt & drve
I’m at a stop light. Good night, gorgeous.
Gd nite
Jess turned off her phone with a smile. Maybe tomorrow, well today, would be a better day. It certainly started out all right.
Chapter Four
Benny couldn’t stop thinking about Jessyka. It’d been days since he’d seen or talked to her, with the exception of the few texts they’d exchanged. They had all been initiated by him, but she’d always responded, which made Benny feel a little bit better.
He hadn’t had a chance to get back to the bar, but he also didn’t want to seem like a stalker. Benny trusted Jess would get a hold of him if she needed to. He couldn’t force her.
The bottom line was that Benny liked her. He couldn’t say he really knew her all that well, but he hadn’t lied when he’d told her that he liked what he’d seen so far.
Benny had a conversation with Dude about Jess the night before. He’d gone to his house to have dinner with him and Cheyenne. It seemed like the guys were “passing him around” like a lost puppy. Each week someone new would ask if he wanted to come over for dinner. Benny never refused, first because he liked his friends and their women, and second because it kinda sucked sitting at home alone.
Benny supposed he could
go out and find a woman to bring home for the night, but he didn’t really have the urge, especially since his little chat with Jessyka.
After dinner and a movie, Cheyenne had gone up to bed, and Dude had asked Benny how he was doing. Benny took the chance to bring up Jess.
“Remember the waitress at the bar the night we all went out last?”
“Yeah, Jess, right?”
“Yeah. We all saw the shape she was in that night. I couldn’t get her out of my mind. I mean, I feel like I know her, with how much time we spend in that damn place. I think we’ve only been served by someone different a few times.”
Dude had nodded. “Yeah, she looked a bit rough. Didn’t like the way she flinched when you touched her.”
“Yeah, me either. I went to the bar the other night and she looked even worse.”
“In what way?”
“She was wearing a fucking turtleneck.”
“Are you shitting me?”
“No.”
“What’d she say about it?”
“Well, nothing about that specifically, but she’s got some stuff going on and she’s stressed out about it. She lives with some guy she used to date. Apparently he’s kicking her out.”
“Sounds like that’s probably for the best.”
“Yeah, but I still don’t like it. I gave her my number, but shit, Dude, I’m still worried about her.”
“Want to call Tex to do some recon?”
“Yeah, but I won’t.”
“Why the hell not? I would. You know I’ve got Cheyenne monitored 24/7. I won’t allow some asshole to take her again.”
“I still can’t believe you guys got all the women to agree to that shit.”
“You don’t understand.”
Benny nodded. “You’re right. I don’t, not really. But just because I don’t have a woman of my own doesn’t mean I don’t understand wanting to keep them safe.”
“I didn’t mean . . .”
“Yeah, it’s okay. I know what you meant. I like Jessyka, Dude. I don’t really know her that well, but I’m concerned about her. I don’t like that she’s living with a guy. I really don’t like that she’s living with a guy who has given her a deadline to get out of the townhouse they share. I don’t like that she feels like she has to stay for his niece who has some self-esteem issues. I don’t like that he probably grabbed her and hurt her. And I really don’t like that she doesn’t have the money to move out.”
“What are you doing about it?”
“I don’t know.”
“Can I give you some advice?”
“Please do. I wouldn’t have brought all this shit up if I didn’t want your advice, Dude.”
“Don’t give her space. It sounds like she needs help. If she’s as independent as Cheyenne and the other women, she won’t reach out. She’ll keep on trying to do it all herself. Don’t give her a choice.”
“What if she gets pissed?”
“Who the fuck cares. She gets pissed, she gets pissed. Then she’ll get over it. If it’s the right thing to do, and she needs the help, give it to her. Eventually she’ll thank you for it.”
Benny thought about that for a moment. “You’re right.”
“Of course I am, Benny-boy.”
Benny just rolled his eyes at his friend. “Thanks, man.”
“You’re welcome. Now go home. My woman is upstairs, and if she’s being good, she’s doing what I told her to and she’s waiting for me just as I asked.”
“Jesus, Dude, I don’t need to hear this.”
Dude just smiled.
“I’m out of here. When you let Cheyenne up for air, thank her for dinner for me.”
“Will do.”
Now, Benny thought back to the conversation with his friend and knew he had to get on it. He didn’t want to wait anymore. He wanted to know how Jess was doing and if she wasn’t going to call him, he’d have to go to her.
He stirred the spaghetti sauce on the stove and tested the noodles. They were almost done. Pasta was an easy meal to make for one, and Benny usually had leftovers. He always made the sauce from scratch, there was nothing worse than the bottled crap in the store.
Hearing his phone vibrate, Benny looked over. It was a text from Jess. He smiled and picked up the phone.
I need you.
Benny’s muscled clenched immediately. The three words looked so stark on his phone screen. He didn’t even hesitate.
Where are you?
Sittig at entrnce to apartmnts
On my way
Benny took the time to turn off the burners, but that was about it. He quickly stuffed his phone in his pocket and headed for the door. He was in his car and headed for Jess’s place about thirty seconds after he’d hit the y on his last text.
Knowing it was dangerous, but not caring at the moment, he texted Jess back while he drove to her.
Are you ok?
He waited impatiently for her response.
No
Fuck.
Do you need a doctor?
Maybe
Benny pressed his foot down on the gas. Double fuck.
Are you safe where you are?
I think so
Get somewhere where you know you’re safe
I don’t know where that is anymore
Call me
Fuck the texting thing. Benny needed to hear her voice. His phone rang and Benny put it on speaker as he answered.
“Jess?”
“Yeah, it’s me.”
Her voice sounded low and scratchy.
“I’m on my way. It’ll probably take me another ten minutes. Will you be okay? Should I call an ambulance?”
“No.”
“You’re scaring the shit out of me, gorgeous. Talk to me.”
“Tabitha’s gone.”
“What do you mean? Who’s Tabitha?” Benny didn’t like the monotone sound of Jessyka’s voice. It sounded like she was in shock.
“She killed herself.”
Benny pushed the car a little faster. He was going way over the speed limit, but Jess needed him and he wasn’t there.
“Jess . . .”
“I told her yesterday I was leaving and she killed herself.”
It came to Benny suddenly who Tabitha was. Shit. “Why aren’t you inside?”
Benny had to figure out what was going on.
“Brian was mad.”
Fuck. He knew what was going on now. “Okay, gorgeous. Stay put. I’m coming for you all right? Just hunker down there and I’ll be there in a second.”
“He . . .”
“Shhhh,” Benny interrupted. He didn’t want Jess to relive anything else until he was there with her. “I’ll be there in a moment. You can tell me everything when I’m there with you. Just hang on.”
“I’m so tired, Kason. You said you were my friend right? I need a friend.”
“I’m your friend, Jess. You can rest as soon as I get there. I’ll take care of you.”
“Okay.”
“Go ahead and hang up, Jess, I’m a block away, I’ll be there before you know it.”
“Okay,” she repeated in the same eerie monotone voice she’d been using.
The connection was cut.
Benny clenched his fists around the steering wheel until his fingers turned white. Jesus fuck this was messed up. He felt like he only had snippets of the story, but what he had was bad enough.
He got close to the turn off into Jess’s complex when he saw her. She was sitting on the curb, her hands wrapped around her knees and she was leaning over staring at the ground. She didn’t move, even when the headlights from his car shone on her. Benny slammed the gearshift into park and got out. He approached Jessyka carefully so as not to startle her.
“Jess?”
Her head whipped up at the sound of his voice and she looked ready to bolt. When she saw it was him she sagged and sighed, “Kason.”
Benny didn’t hesitate, but went over to her and sat next to her. What he really wanted
to do was pick her up and hold her, but until he knew what was wrong and where, and if she was hurt, he couldn’t.
Jess’s face was tearstained and blotchy from crying. The shirt she was wearing was torn at the neck and was hanging off one shoulder. Benny could see her bra strap highlighted against her shoulder. He couldn’t see much more of her than that, but the ripped shirt was enough to make him want to kill someone.
Benny put his hand on the back of Jess’s head and held it gingerly. “Where do you hurt, gorgeous?”
“Everywhere.”
“I need you to be more specific, Jess. What happened and where did he hurt you?”
Ignoring the first part of his question, she answered the second. “It hurts to breathe. Brian punched me in the stomach. My back hurts because he pushed me and I fell into the corner of the coffee table. My leg hurts because it always hurts when I’ve pushed it too far. My face hurts because he slapped me a few times and my neck still hurts from the other night.” She paused a moment and then said softly, “And my toe hurts because I stubbed it walking over here to sit and text you.”
Benny couldn’t help but smile at that last part. There was absolutely nothing to smile about, but Jess was so earnest about her poor toe.
“Do you think you can walk to my car?”
Jess looked over at the still-running car sitting about four feet from where they were sitting and said, with a hint of her old spunk, “I think I can manage it.”
Benny didn’t even smile. “Okay, then up you go. I need to get you out of here.” He helped Jess stand up and steadied her when she wobbled. Benny put an arm around her waist and took most of her weight as she hobbled unsteadily to his car. Even though it was only a few feet to the car door, Benny wasn’t convinced Jess could’ve made it by herself.
He shut the door and jogged around to the driver’s side. Benny had a million questions for her, but he wanted to get her out of there first.
Before he left, Benny leaned over Jessyka and grabbed hold of the seat belt and buckled her in. She hadn’t moved since he’d helped her sit, and it was really worrying him.
“Hang in there, Jess.”
He watched as she nodded.