Die For Me (The Consumed Series Book 2)

Jack

I sat at a bougie coffee shop in Chelsea, far from anywhere I would usually hang out. I watched as she walked into the shop with Jessica, our “middle man.” My sister smiled as she spotted me and eagerly walked over, Jackie in tow.

Jackie seemed like a Brooklyn hipster as much as Hana did. Her hair was blonde, perhaps not naturally, with blue tips. She had light eyes, also like Hana. Michael obviously had a type. However, Hana was far superior; Jackie was cute, but Hana was a goddess. And it seemed Jackie was more easily manipulated. She seemed eager. I could see the appeal to her.

Once she found out that I had close contact with Michael, she was very interested in meeting with me, and Jessica set the whole thing up so we could talk right away.

“Hello, brother.” Jessica smiled, outstretching her arms for me as I sat comfortably in my seat. She waited as I begrudgingly stood and gave her a quick hug. Then she turned her attention toward Jackie, putting her hand on her shoulder as if they were great friends. In fact, I didn’t doubt they were friends—Jessica could make friends with a toaster oven.

“Hello.” Jackie smiled at me, almost flirtatiously.

I narrowed my eyes at her as I sat, both of them quickly following.

“So I’m sure my sister has told you why I agreed to meet. You and I both have a problem with someone we know,” I started, setting my folded hands on the table.

Her smile faded quickly. “That’s right. How exactly is he a problem in your life?” She eyed me curiously.

“You don’t need to know that. All I need to know is that you’re telling the truth. May I see, please?” I cut straight to the point, not wanting to waste my time.

She quickly glanced over at Jessica, who only smiled stiffly and nodded.

Jackie looked hesitantly back at me. “Well I can’t exactly show you all of it, unless you want me to pull down my pants and expose myself,” she responded angrily.

“No, but perhaps you can show me some proof so I know you’re not a fucking liar.” I glared at her, leaning against the table.

“Jack!” Jessica scolded me, but Jackie put her hand up as if to stop her.

She sighed heavily before taking off her cardigan. She put her right hand on the table. Multiple scars covered her arm, some newer than others, and I could easily read what had been carved into her skin: Michael on her forearm and slut on her upper arm. It was so fucking hideous that even I had a hard time looking at it.

“It’s on my stomach and legs too,” she stated, almost emotionless, as she put her cardigan back on.

“Why haven’t you reported him to the police?” I questioned suspiciously.

She shook her head and looked down at the table. “Because I love him.”

I knew how ironic this conversation was.

“You do know that he’s back in a relationship with Hana, yes?” I asked, testing her.

She looked up at me with wide eyes. She shook her head as she mouthed “no.” Tears filled her eyes, and I could tell she really was in love with him. I couldn’t judge; Hana loved me, and him, despite all we had done to her.

“Listen, Jackie,” I said quietly, trying to appear as sympathetic as possible.

She listened intently.

“You must go to Hana with this information. Give her all the details. She will undoubtedly leave Michael, thus, giving him back to you.” I shifted in my seat. “But I swear to fucking God, if you lay one finger on her, I will kill you.”

Jessica gasped as if she were surprised by my behavior. I quickly glanced at her, seeing her dumbfounded expression, and rolled my eyes. She knew I fucking took Hana and forced her to marry me—did she not realize what I was capable of?

“I won’t, I swear,” Jackie responded keenly, her eyes wide again.

“Good. My band has a show at the Bowery next Friday. Hana will be there, perhaps even Michael. Coordinate with Jess on the details.” I stood, grabbed my coffee, and then walked away, not waiting for her response.

I couldn’t wait for the look of surprise and disgust on Hana’s face. She couldn’t forgive Michael for this—it was too heinous, too diabolical. It even surprised me, and I was obviously no saint. I just had to make sure she was safe from him in the meantime. I knew she wanted to keep both of us, but she kept hinting that she loved me more, that she was mine. It scared her how much she was sure of it. It only fueled the fire more for me. I was going to ruin Michael.