Dangerous [Bradley Simpson] Sequel to On the Floor (novella)

Chapter Ten - Please

Since the days of my return to James' residence, I had noticed I was alone much more often. Rarely did he make Tristan or Connor come to watch me while he left. He was leaving much more often, as well. I assumed it was to see Asher, because he never came over here. Despite what I knew, James was as much of a mystery now as ever.

We spoke very rarely now, which wasn't always such a bad thing. When we did speak, we were arguing. So the silence was a serene welcome compared to the yelling. After living together for almost three months, we hated everything about each other. I hated the way he left his dirty socks in the living room, and he hated the way I never rinsed my coffee cups out. He watched reruns of The Office constantly, and more than once I found myself looking for something to smash the television with. Our friendship was faltering, but we were always too angry at each other to care.

It all came crashing down soon enough, when he brought home a man named Trevor. At first I thought he had a different boyfriend, but the truth was much worse.

"Who's this?" I asked politely, pouring myself a cup of coffee.

"Trevor Williamson, ma'am." He stood up, reaching his hand out to shake mine.

I eyed his hand apprehensively. "And why are you here?"

"He's helping me on some things," James interrupted.

"Best private investigator under the age of 40 in London," Trevor beamed, barely showing any offense to my denial of his handshake.

"Private investigator?" I asked, letting out a small chuckle. "You are a wonder, James. I thought you were done helping me?"

"I'm not helping you." He retorted. "I'm helping her seventeen victims and their families find peace."

"Eighteen," I retorted. "I may not be dead, but my life was in her hands."

"So, you're the abduction victim?" Trevor asked. "I'd like to get some details from you."

"You and your investigation can piss off," I said bluntly. "How dare you, James? Telling a complete stranger my darkest secret against my will? I thought we were friends."

"We are," He said. "And that's why I did this."

"No," I muttered, pouring my full cup of coffee down the drain. "We're not friends."

I went to my room, quickly packing all of my things back into my suitcase. I could hear James and Trevor speaking, but my mind was stuck in a red haze. All I could think of was his betrayal, and how many times I've seen the people I love break my heart since I returned. Perhaps I should have ignored the letter. My life was miserable in Portland, but at least I didn't have anyone that made me vulnerable like they did in London. I called a cab, then left the flat, sitting out in the lobby to wait. I knew exactly where I was going, but I couldn't decide if I wanted to stay, or get on a plane back to the states.

After the cab had come, he took me to Connor's building, where I stood for several moments after I was dropped off before I had the courage to go in. Eventually, I forced my feet to take me inside and up the elevator to his floor. I tapped three times on his door, and soon he greeted me.

"What's wrong?" He asked instantly. "Why do you have your suitcase?"

I shrugged. "You knew it was bound to happen sooner or later."