BOUND TO THE TEXAS TYCOON

Chapter Twelve

Jasmine POV

“Don’t worry, honey,” Mom laughed. “The sketch Adonis brought me wasn’t Sebastian’s face, but I lied and he believed me.” She circled me slowly and stopped behind me, stroking my light brown hair.

I felt my shoulders relax a little after hearing that. “Why, Mom? I thought you hated Sebastian.”

“I do. I don’t like that miscreant one bit. But it was kind of fun watching Adonis struggle to find him. I could have described exactly what he looks like, but I didn’t. Think of it as a favor for saving our family.”

I pulled away from her touch. “Don’t act like you’re doing me or Sebastian any favors. Everything you’ve ever done has been for your own selfish reasons, Mom.”

“Oh please. “Everything I’ve done has been for you and your brother.” You will understand when you become a mother yourself.”

I had heard that line too many times. “I don’t want to hear it anymore, Mom. If you don’t have anything else to say, I’m going back downstairs.”

I turned to leave, but she grabbed my arm again. “I’m not done talking, Jasmine.”

I ran a hand through my hair, frustration building. “What else do you have to say?”

“Calm down and listen to me. I don’t like it when you stress yourself over petty things like this. You’re Mummy’s little princess, remember?” She smiled and rubbed my cheek, but the gesture only annoyed me more.

“You need to talk to Adonis about your brother. Dave is capable of managing those hotel chains all by himself. I don’t understand why Adonis keeps refusing. He’s your only brother. He can’t just sit at home doing nothing or wander the streets of Texas.”

“Mom, Aunt Allyson’s friend offered Dave a job as a sales manager. Both of you turned it down, along with other offers I won’t even mention. I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can help you talk to Adonis.”

“Allyson is stupid. My son is never going to work as a sales manager in some small company. You two are Jose Almonte’s children, and you are Adonis Salvatore’s wife. It would taint our image if Dave took that job.” She hissed the words like they left a bad taste in her mouth.

“Mom, if you had let Dave and me work and earn our own money, maybe when Dad got sick and we spent everything on his treatment, I wouldn’t have had to sell myself to save this family. I sacrificed my life for all of you.”

“Can you stop with this sacrifice talk? You married Adonis Salvatore, the wealthiest tycoon in Texas. That young man downstairs is ranked number one among the richest people in America. Honey, you should be glad he even considered you worthy to be his wife.”

A tear slipped down my cheek. All she cared about was Dave. She never gave a damn about how I felt. I wiped my face quickly, not wanting her to see me break.

“I can’t talk to Adonis. Maybe you should use some of the money he’s giving you to set Dave up in his own business. But I guess you won’t, because your golden boy would probably wreck it in a few months. Mom, I’m leaving now. Don’t try to stop me again or I’ll scream and bring the whole house running.”

I walked out and left her standing there. I had nothing more to say to her. I just hoped my dad would never see her the way I did. It would break his heart, and he might not survive the sadness. That woman was capable of anything when money was involved.

When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I spotted Audrey, my best friend, walking toward me.

“Audrey, baby! Good to see you.” We pulled each other into a tight hug.

“Same here, baby. I missed you so much. I came today to check on your Dad. I didn’t know I would run into you.”

We let go, and I felt some of the heaviness lift just being near her. “Adonis didn’t let me get a new phone. It’s even hard for me to call my parents.”

“Let’s go to the garden, baby. Adonis is nearby.” Audrey took my hand and led me through the back door into the garden.

We sat on the bench under the evening light. “Audrey, I feel so lonely at that ranch. I really need to talk to someone. It’s hard for me. I feel so confused about everything.”

“Calm down, Jasmine. I understand how you’re feeling. These circumstances were forced on you, but Adonis seems like a decent guy. Just give him time. You might come to love him.”

Love Adonis? The thought alone made my chest tighten. I couldn’t imagine loving anyone but Sebastian.

“I don’t know, Audrey. I still love Seb way too much, and you know that.”

“I know. But you’re married to Adonis now. You can’t keep trying to run away. That guy has influence everywhere. A lot is at stake for you. You need to forget about Seb. Adonis is extremely good-looking, covered in those massive tattoos on his hands and fingers. He’s way too hot. There’s nothing not to love about him. I’ve told you this before.” She smiled, trying to tease me a little.

“I know you’re trying to help, but everything is complicated now, Audrey.”

“What do you mean?”

“Sebastian came to Adonis’s ranch to work as the new foreman.”

“What? Is he trying to get himself killed?” Audrey shouted.

I quickly covered her mouth with my hand. “Can you stop shouting? I already told him to leave for now, but he’s refusing. I’m scared for his life and for my family if Adonis ever finds out.”

“Come here, baby.” She pulled my head onto her lap and stroked my hair. “Everything will be fine. Just trust me. I would have loved to come stay with you, but my job is keeping me busy. Plus, I got a new boyfriend now.” She squealed with excitement.

I lifted my head from her lap. “Who?” I asked, smiling. Audrey always had a way of making me forget my problems, even for a little while.

“Gabriel! Adonis’s best friend.”

“I kind of knew it. The way you two kept sneaking glances at each other during my wedding week. It makes sense why you’re suddenly siding with Adonis. b***h, you just gushed over your boyfriend’s best friend.” I laughed and lightly pushed her arm.

“I’m just saying the truth. Gabriel is really a nice guy, and he has a lot of good things to say about Adonis.”

“I’m sure he’s only trying to make his friend look good. But I’m happy for you, baby.” I hugged her again.

“Thanks, my love. I’m glad you’re smiling now. So why don’t you ask Aunt Allyson to come stay at the ranch? She’s not really doing anything here. No offense.”

“You’re right. I’ll talk to Adonis about that.” I pulled her closer, grateful for this small moment of normal friendship in the middle of all the chaos.