Page 40 of Sinful Seduction

Upstairs in her room, she stood in front of the mirror, turning side to side to see how it moved and felt.It was still past her shoulder blades and hit a little below her bra strap.

She ordered room service and even got some of it down before taking a quick shower and falling into bed.Jayla had kept her mind as blank as possible to get her through the day, but now all the emotions and dark thoughts bombarded her.The tears ran freely, turning into sobs before dying out and leaving her empty and tired enough to sleep.

The pre-dawn light shining through the windows woke her the next morning.She squinted her achy eyes when the light hit her.She could tell they were still swollen and probably beet red from her tears and lack of sleep.She rolled herself out of bed and jumped into the shower, keeping her hair in a towel, so she didn’t have to take the time to dry it.

Jayla ordered coffee and toast and got dressed while she waited.She used what little makeup she had to hide some of the damage she’d done by not sleeping or eating.

Jayla prided herself on eating most of her toast and even got a glass of orange juice down.She was packing her things when she noticed the blinking light on the phone.The strength in her legs left her.Her first thought was of the guys.How long had it been?She picked up the phone and dialed for her messages.

“Jayla, it’s Joseph.Can we get together and talk, please?A lot of things have gone unsaid, and I’d like to clear the air.Give me a call when you get a chance.”

The phone dropped back onto its cradle.She didn’t have the energy to deal with him today.She’d call him in a few days or more, depending on how she felt.She had to get through this day.

Monica showed up a little past eight-thirty.

“Oh, my God.What did you do to your hair?”

Jayla’s hand moved up and touched her hair, self-conscious.“You don’t like it?”

Monica looked horrified by her reaction.“No, that’s not it at all.It was just a shock.I actually like it better.Do you like it?”

“I’ll get used to it.It’s nice not having to hold it to the side when I use the toilet because it grosses me out.”

Monica’s nose scrunched up.“Yuk.I don’t blame you.Definitely better this way.”

Jayla picked up her suitcase.

“You could leave it here and come back after you’re done, hell, you could stay another night if you want.”

“No, I’d rather be able to leave the city when I’m done.”

They talked as they walked out of the building to Monica’s car at the curb.“Where are you headed?”

Jayla glanced around.“I’m not sure yet.It’s between the beach and the mountains.”

“I’d definitely pick the beach.”

They tucked her suitcase into the conference room, then made her wait outside the doors with a few guards until she was called in.

An hour and a half passed before the door finally opened.“Miss Davenport.They need you now.”

Jayla took a few deep breaths and made sure her black dress pants and long-sleeved shirt were straight.“Okay, I’m ready.”

“Okay, follow me.”

She said the oath on the Bible and then waited for the questions to start.One after another from the Defense.Some were nicely asked, and some were downright rude.Objection after objection rang out.

Her eyes swept the room when the two lawyers argued with the judge, and her eyes hit on Beau’s and then over to Diego’s.She could feel the blood leave her face, making her lightheaded.She dragged her gaze away from them and their angry faces.

She heard her name.

“Miss Davenport.Are you okay?”

Jayla looked at Gannon standing in front of her, concern written all over his face.

“Yes.I’m sorry, Gannon.Let’s get this over with.”

Every few minutes, Jayla would look toward the back only to jerk away again.When she talked about the branding, she had to stop a few times.Finally, the questioning was finished, and she was free to leave.