Obsessed(38)

"And you'll turn off yours?" I counter.

He smirks as he answers, "Of course not. I run several businesses, Ivy. I can't be unreachable under any circumstances."

"But...but that hardly seems fair," I stumble with my words. "You..."

As if on cue, his phone rings. He reaches into his pocket and glances at it before raising his index finger signalling my silence. "I need to take this. Wait right here."

I nod as I watch him rush down the hallway towards his bedroom, quietly closing the door behind him. I know I'm not imagining that there's been a drastic shift in the way Jax is acting. He went from sympathetic and loving to dismissive and preoccupied. I sit in silence, listening for any murmur that may escape his bedroom. There's nothing but stillness. The sound of my phone ringing yet again brings me to my feet. I rush into the other room, pulling it swiftly from my purse, before pressing the Ignore button. Just as I expected it's Liz calling yet again. I scroll through the flood of text messages she's left for me. All either saying she's sorry or expressing her need to talk to me. I turn off my phone, throwing it back into my bag.

"Ivy."

I turn to see Jax standing behind me.

"I was turning it off, just as you ordered, Sir." I try to smile.

"That's not important now."

"It's not?" My eyes follow him as he walks towards the envelope I brought with me. He picks it up before turning to face me again.

"I have to leave."

"Leave?" I stare at his face as he motions for me to sit next to him on the couch.

"Tonight. Now." He adjusts the envelope in his hands, moving it back and forth, his gaze never leaving it.

"I don't understand."

"That call, Ivy." He finally looks directly at me. "There's a situation in Los Angeles I need to tend to now. It can't wait."

"But it's Friday night," I whisper.

"I'll be back Sunday evening." He reaches to place the envelope in my lap, his hand lingering on it. "I wouldn't go unless it was an emergency."

I stare at my lap, trying to stifle my disappointment.

"Open it." His voice is curt.

"Now? I question.

"Now."

I pick it up hesitantly and run my nail along the flap, pulling it open easily. I peer into it and struggle to make out its contents in the low light of the room. I look at Jax whose face has suddenly turned very serious.

"Take it out."

I do and my breath catches as I realize it's a check with my name on it signed by Jax. A blank check.

"What's this?" I'm lightheaded. After our intimate encounter this afternoon he's now trying to write me a check? My guard rises as I question what's really going on.

"It's a check, Ivy." He takes the envelope from my lap and places it on the table before he rests his hand on my knee. "A gift so you can start that life away from Mark that you want."

"I don't understand." I place the check on the arm of the couch suddenly feeling dirty. I don't want his money. Who does he think I am? "Why are you giving me a blank check?"

"I'm sorry?" He moves his hand to clutch mine, squeezing it gently. "I just wanted to help."

"By giving me a blank check?" I pull my hand from his. "What is it? A loan? Payment for services rendered? Please, Jax, explain."

He says nothing but I can see the pained look in his eyes.

"I don't really know you." I reach to put the check on the table, wanting it farther away from me. "I know we slept together today but we just met and now you're giving me carte blanche with your checking account. That makes no sense. You get that it makes no sense, right?"

"I've clearly offended you."

"I can find a way to get out from under Mark's thumb myself." I stand to leave. "I don't need your pity money."

"How?" he barks.

"How what?"

"Christ, Ivy, don't play dumb." He stands next to me. "You're horrible at it."

"How the hell are you going to get away from Mark when you live in his apartment and he pays all of your expenses?"

The words slice through me. I don't need this man reminding me of how the last man I slept with is financially providing for me months after he humiliated me. "He doesn't pay all of my expenses." I spit the words at him.

"Ivy, I own Veray now." He reaches to touch my arm but I pull back harshly before he can make contact. "I've seen your commission checks. You can't survive on that."

"I'm thinking of selling some pieces online," I say simply.

"You can't," he counters.

"I can't?" I place my hands on my hips determined to show this man that I can stand on my own two feet even if they feel incredibly shaky and unreliable at this moment. "You can't tell me what to do."