Wine and Whiskey (Surviving Absolution #1) by Nikki Belaire Read Free Book Online

which all of them are now, thanks to her
hard work.”
    Sweet, yet jaded, she somehow thinks she needs to protect
herself from him. Unaware the money and fame mean nothing. All he wants is her.
    Jason squeezes a rope between his fingers before taking a deep
breath. “Listen, I know you like her, but I think you need to leave her alone.
I know who you are, and she doesn’t need someone like you in her life.”
    Heat flashes through Nick’s body. This guy better know how lucky
he is that he’s her friend. “Did you warn her about me? Is that why she isn’t
here?”
    “No, she really does have a photo shoot.” Jason’s shoulders
droop and he shakes his head. “She told me how upset you were about the bruises
on her back. Just like I am. I’ve told her over and over to talk to the guys
rigging her up to see if they could do something about it. But she doesn’t. Do
you know why?”
    Nick’s anger flares at the realization. She’s not being beaten,
but she’s still being hurt. Injured by the people who are supposed to be
looking out for her.
    “Because she doesn’t want people to think she’s a bitch. She too
nice to tell them they’re destroying her back, because she’s scared they’ll
think she’s a diva. She’s always ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and ‘everything’s
fine.’ Even when it isn’t.” Jason shakes his head. “Shae’s one of the few
genuinely good people in the world. She stood by me when I came out, and she’s
gotten Carrie out of more scrapes than I can count. Now, it’s my turn to look
out for her. I have to protect my friend.”
    “Not from me. I would never do anything to hurt her. You can
trust me on that.”
    “All I know is the two of you together is a bad idea. I told her
the same thing, but she wouldn’t listen. So, now I’m telling you.” Jason’s gaze
never wavers but his voice cracks, revealing his fear.
    Nick takes a deep breath, trying to reign in his fury. He
refuses to jeopardize his relationship with her regardless of how much he wants
to pound this guy. “Don’t try to interfere with my relationship with her. If
she doesn’t want to be with me, I’ll never bother her again. But, that’s for
her to decide, not you.”
    “There’s a lot you don’t understand. It’s more than just her
reputation I’m worried about.”
    While he appreciates the loyalty, Jason’s devotion to his friend
isn’t enough to diminish his anger at the attempt to keep them apart. No matter
how determined he is. “Tell me then. What don’t I know?”
    “No, I’ve said enough. It’s between you two now.”
    Irritation pulses in Nick’s neck at this guy jerking him around.
“So, you’ve got the balls to insult me, but you won’t—”
    Jason puts his hands up in front of him. “Forget it. I don’t
want to argue. Let’s just get to work.”
    Nick shakes his head and tosses the rope onto the tangled pile. “I’ll
see you tomorrow.”

 
    * * * *

 
    A light rap on the door halts Shae and Carrie’s conversation. A
young woman, her hair in braided pigtails, one purple, one blue, stands in the
doorway. “We’ll be ready for you in about five minutes, Ms. Armstrong.”
    After all these years, a little flutter still tickles her
stomach at the thought of being in front of the camera. She smiles and nods her
head. “Okay, thank you. I’ll be right there.”
    The production assistant taps on her tablet before pushing a
button on her headset and rushing off, her voice fading as she races down the
corridor. “Armstrong's in makeup and will be in the studio…”
    Carrie gently grips Shae’s chin and turns her back to face her.
“Stop frowning so I can finish.”
    “I didn’t realize I was.”
    “Ever since I asked you about Nick, you’ve been smiling then
frowning, then smiling again. You’re all over the place.”
    Because that’s what he does to her. Makes her emotions twist
like a kaleidoscope blurring back and forth between giddiness and panic, while
he