Jackass Boss [COMPLETED]

Drunk

JAY POV

"Mr. Erickson, Tanya was in a rehabilitation center for about a year," Holden said, voice steady.

I stared at him. "Rehab? She was using?"

He nodded solemnly. "Yes. And the only one taking care of her during that time was... Emanuel."

His name was like gasoline on fire.

Emanuel. That traitor. That coward. My so-called friend—who got drunk and fucked my girlfriend. I've tried to bury that night, to move forward, but how the hell am I supposed to forgive him? Alcohol or not, he should've protected her—not taken advantage of her vulnerability.

I clenched my jaw. "They must be in the city. Find them. Now."

Later, back in my office, I increased security detail around the house and everyone close to me. I couldn't afford another mistake—not again.

Then my phone buzzed with an incoming MMS.

I swiped to open it—casually at first.

But the second I saw the photo, my heart sank and my entire body froze.

Jessy. In Emanuel's arms. His lips on hers. Her arms around his neck.

My blood ran cold, then surged hot in the next second.

I stared at the image, disbelief warping into fury. My fists curled so tight my knuckles went white.

I smashed everything on my desk—the lamp, papers, a framed photo of our team—all crashing to the floor.

"Jay?! What's wrong?!" Isabel asked from the corner of the room.

I couldn't speak. Another MMS buzzed in.

This time, Emanuel kissing Jessy's neck.

I saw red.

"Holden!" I barked. He rushed in.

"I don't care how you do it—I want that bastard brought to me alive. Alive, Holden. Do you hear me? I WANT HIM!"

"Mr. Erickson, please calm down—"

"How the hell can I calm down when that scumbag is sending me pictures of Jessy like this?!"

"Jay," Isabel interrupted, her voice sharp now. She pointed to the doorway.

I turned.

Jessy.

She stood there, eyes full of disbelief and devastation.

She didn't say anything. Just walked away.

And I didn't follow her.

Because guilt had already wrapped its hands around my throat.

Later, I called Dev. I needed somewhere—anywhere—to escape my own head. We met at the bar.

"Dude, relax," Dev said, slapping my shoulder.

"I can't," I muttered, swallowing the burn of whiskey. "He fucked her. And she fucked him. End of story."

"Jay..." Dev sighed. "Those pictures messed you up, I get it. But you don't know the full story. If it really happened, it was the past. Jessy was drunk. Do you even realize what she must be feeling seeing herself like that?"

I stared into my glass. The silence stretched.

"You're acting like you're the only one who's hurt," he added. "But Jessy? She's carrying a hell of a burden. You think this is easy for her? She didn't even know those photos existed."

Still, I didn't speak.

"You want someone to blame? Blame Emanuel. Blame us for not protecting her that night. But don't punish her for something that wasn't her fault."

He stood up. "You're angry, fine. But don't take it out on the one person who's already drowning."

After he left, I stayed at the bar, lost in thought, every word he said echoing in my head.

Then a hand touched my shoulder.

It was Isabel.

She slid into the seat beside me. "Jay, what are you doing to yourself?"

"I don't need advice," I muttered. "Just leave me alone."

"I get it," she replied quietly. "You're spiraling. Just don't let this break you."

She ordered a cocktail and took a slow sip. I frowned.

"Don't drink too much," I warned. "You get tipsy fast."

She smiled, leaning closer. "You always remember the little things."

I glanced at her. She'd always been by my side—calm, patient, understanding. But tonight, there was something different in her eyes. A softness... and a desire she wasn't hiding.

"Why do you stay?" I asked quietly.

She looked at me, expression unreadable. "Because I love you, Jay. And love is when someone else's happiness matters more than your own."

She moved closer. Her hand brushed against mine. Then her fingers reached up, gently tracing my jaw.

"Bel..." I said, uncertain.

But she was already leaning in.

Her lips brushed mine first—just a whisper of a kiss.

I didn't move.

She kissed me again—this time more deliberate.

I started to kiss her back. My hands reached for her waist—

Then Jessy's face flashed in my mind. Her tears. Her silence. Her pain.

My heart screamed.

I broke the kiss, staggering back. "I—I can't."

She blinked, confused. "Jay—"

"I can't do this. I'm sorry," I said, running my hands through my hair. "I almost... but I can't. This isn't right."

Isabel exhaled, adjusting her shirt. She gave me a sad smile.

"I'm glad you stopped," she said gently. "Because I know your heart isn't with me. It's with her. Even if you're too angry to admit it right now."

"I didn't mean to use you, Bel. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I was tipsy. I crossed the line first. But... don't ever do something like this just to bury pain. It won't fix anything."

She gave my hand a brief squeeze before standing up.

I sat there, guilt clawing through my chest.

What the hell was I thinking?

What the hell have I done?

God, what this drink made me do?