Chapter 6: You don't have a choice

“Where do you think you’re going?” Jay asked, his frown deepening as he watched Honey step toward the curb and lift her arm to flag down a cab.

Honey spared him a quick glance, her expression tight. “What does it look like I’m trying to do? I’m going home.”

Jay let out a sharp scoff. “That’s not happening.”

“Why not?” She turned fully toward him now, brows drawn together. “We already reached an agreement. So…?”

“You’re coming with me. Right now,” he said, voice flat and final.

Honey shook her head. “I know I have to, but I’ve got things to do first. Important things.”

Jay’s jaw tightened. “I bet they’re not more important than the situation I’m in. Let’s go.”

Honey smiled, but there was no warmth in it. She folded her arms across her chest. “I see how it is. You think you’re the only person in the world who matters. You act like you’re such a big deal just because you were handed everything on a silver platter. Spoiled.”

Jay’s brow furrowed deeper. “Me? Spoiled?”

“Yeah, you,” she fired back. “You expect everything to go your way. Your whole life has been a bed of roses—people at your beck and call, no real struggles. Not this time, Mr. Privilege.” Her arms stayed crossed, shoulders squared. “I’ve got a father and a brother I need to look after.”

Jay stared at her, stunned into silence for a moment.

Honey smirked. “Why are you looking at me like what I said isn’t true?”

“Because it isn’t,” he said, his voice dropping low and dangerous.

She rolled her eyes. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

“You stand here calling me names, running your mouth like you’ve got me all figured out. You have no idea what my life has been like.” A vein stood out on his forehead. He grabbed her wrist, firm but not bruising, and pulled her closer so she had to look straight into his face. “You have no clue how hard I fought for every single thing I have. Yet here you are, judging me without knowing a damn thing about me.”

Honey’s smirk faded. She hadn’t expected that raw edge in his voice. His clenched jaw and the tension radiating off him made her stomach twist. “Well… I guess… I… I didn’t—”

“It’s okay,” Jay cut her off, raising his free hand. His grip on her wrist loosened, and his tone shifted, gentler now, almost careful. “I can take you to see your father and your brother. If that’s what you need.”

Honey blinked, thrown by how quickly his mood had flipped. One second he looked ready to explode, the next he was offering this like it was nothing. “No, you don’t have to. I’ll be fine on my own.”

Jay leaned back against his sleek black car, crossing his arms, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Who said I’m worried about whether you’ll be fine or not?”

Son of a bitch, Honey thought, heat rising in her cheeks. So damn annoying.

“I don’t trust you to stick to our agreement,” he added plainly.

Honey scoffed. “So you think I’m going to run away?”

“I don’t think so,” Jay replied. “I know you want to run.”

She clapped her hands once and laughed, the sound sharp. “Interesting. Sounds like you’ve got some serious trust issues.” She crossed her arms again. “Rich people problems, huh?”

Jay raked a hand through his hair, frustration clear in the motion. No one frustrated him like this—except maybe his own parents.

“Don’t worry,” Honey said, reaching out to give his elbow a light, almost teasing tap. “I’ll come find you after I check on my father and brother.”

“I don’t believe you,” he groaned.

“That’s your problem. Deal with it.” She turned away, facing the busy street again.

“Don’t push me, Honey,” he warned, voice low.

“Or what?” She lifted her chin, stubborn as ever.

Jay stepped closer and cupped her chin with his fingers, tilting her face up so their eyes locked. “Or I’ll have no choice but to throw you in this car and drive you straight to Springhills. You won’t get to see your father or your brother again.”

Honey blinked. He looked dead serious. But she forced a bold smile anyway. “Oh really?” She met his gaze. “I’ll scream. I’ll get the attention of every person walking by. I’ll tell them you’re trying to kidnap me. How about that?”

Jay chuckled, the sound low and confident. “You really think anyone would believe you?”

Honey shrugged, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. “Why wouldn’t they?”

“Know this, Honey,” he said, his fingers sliding from her chin to stroke a strand of her long black hair. “No one will take your word over mine. I’ll tell them you’re my runaway betrothed, and they’ll hand you right back to me. I’m Jayson Kingsley, remember?”

“Ewww,” Honey’s face twisted in mock disgust. “So proud. So annoying.”

“Don’t dare me, sweetie,” Jay smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “I keep my word.”

Honey let out a heavy sigh, shoulders slumping just a fraction. “Fine. You can come with me to the hospital.”

“Good girl,” he smirked, reaching past her to open the car door.

***

Twenty minutes later, Jay’s car—followed by the rest of his convoy—pulled up to Winterspoon City Hospital. The building loomed under the afternoon sky, its glass doors reflecting the flow of people coming and going.

“You can wait for me outside,” Honey said as she pushed her door open.

“Fine,” Jay muttered, already pulling out his phone, attention drifting elsewhere.

Honey climbed out and walked through the double doors into the familiar cool air of the reception area. A couple of nurses nodded and greeted her by name—she’d become a regular face here. Honey made her way down the hallway to her father’s ward, her steps slowing as she approached.

Her eyes stung the moment she stepped inside. Her dad lay there, still and pale, comatose for three long years now. She pulled up the chair beside his bed and took his cold hand in both of hers.

“Dad, I’m here,” she whispered, voice cracking. Tears slipped down her cheeks. “I’m going to be away for a while. But I promise… I won’t forget you. Not ever.”

She brushed her fingers gently across his face. “Don’t worry. Jade will take care of Timothy,” she continued, speaking as if he could hear every word. “And I’ve got some good news too.” A small, tearful smile broke through. “I paid your outstanding bill and put down a deposit for the rest of your treatment. You’re going to be okay. You have to be.”

The soft click of the door opening behind her made her pause.

A rough-looking man stepped in, his face twisted with anger. “Uncle Erick,” Honey said, shooting up from her chair.

“Don’t ‘Uncle Erick’ me,” he sneered, closing the door with a quiet snap. “What the hell did I just hear?” A sinister smile crept across his lips.

“W-what?” Honey stammered, heart kicking up.

“You paid your father’s hospital bill. Even paid upfront.” He rubbed his palms together slowly. His expression hardened. “Where’s my money?”

“I… I’ll pay you,” Honey’s voice shook.

“Good. Give it to me now,” Erick demanded, stepping closer.

Honey scratched nervously at the back of her neck. “I don’t have it right now…”

“What do you mean you don’t have it today?” Erick’s voice thundered through the small room. “You bastard debtor.”

He lunged forward and grabbed her by the neck, fingers digging in. “You fucking bitch,” he spat, the words landing hot on her face. “I told you—if you don’t pay up, I’ll make you go sleep with old Fred. That rich old man can give you everything you need.” His grin turned ugly.

Honey’s eyes widened in horror. “No… please. Not Fred. I can’t—”

“Shut the fuck up, Honey. You don’t have a choice,” he snarled.

“You’re evil,” she gritted out, pain flaring where his grip tightened. “You’d sell your own family for money!” Her eyes burned red with fury. “You’re a devil.” She spat directly into his face.

“You disgusting bitch—” Erick released her neck and wiped the saliva from his eyes, fury twisting his features. “You’re dead.”

He raised his hand high, ready to slap her hard across the cheek.

Honey squeezed her eyes shut, body tensing for the blow.

“Touch her and you’ll lose those damn fingers,” a deep voice growled from the doorway.

Honey’s eyes flew open. Her breath caught in her throat.

Jay stood there, holding Erick’s wrist in a crushing grip. His eyes blazed with pure anger. He looked pissed—very pissed.