SAVAGE 2

20

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Christmas Eve was off to a great start. Jersey woke up extra early to prepare. The past three days with Malcolm in Aspen were incredible, except for her little breakdown when she found out about her pregnancy. Other than that, they'd spent every moment together while exploring Aspen.

Malcolm had plans to rent a snowmobile and go riding. Jersey didn't mind him doing it, but she was hoping he wouldn't invite her to come.

"James cooked breakfast, but I made the orange juice," Jersey announced as soon as Malcolm walked inside the room. Her smile left when she realized he was all sweaty and breathing heavy. "Are you okay?"

"I just had a workout..." He trailed off, tossing his towel across his shoulder. "In the rec room."

"Well, go shower. I'll have your food ready in a minute."

Malcolm stiffly nodded his head as he proceeded to leave. Jersey couldn't help but take another look at her man. He wore a gray shirt that was soiled in his body sweat. His biceps were big, and they matched his muscular torso and legs.

Minutes later, Jersey placed his food on the plate neatly and settled it on the serving tray. Once she set his glass of orange juice on the tray, she traveled to the bedroom and realized he was still in the shower. She placed the tray on the bed and couldn't help but steal a few pieces of fruit off his plate.

Suddenly, Malcolm's phone started to ring. It was nestled on the bed, along with his wallet and keys. She leaned over and narrowed her eyes.

T.

Jersey snatched the phone up and answered it on the third ring.

"Before you hang up, I just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas. I know we haven't been talking, but I just want to know if you received the house plant."

Bitch, it's not even Christmas yet.

Jersey bit down on her lip, feeling relieved. Malcolm wasn't communicating with Tilly. She was just trying to get his attention.

"Malcolm is in the shower." She spoke calmly. "And yes, we did receive the house plant you sent."

Tilly stayed quiet for a few seconds as she tried to figure out what was going on. She found it weird that Malcolm was allowing some woman to answer his phone. A light chuckle pushed out of her lips.

"And you are?"

Jersey contemplated on telling her. However, she wasn't about to play stupid for Tilly. The woman had to know her name. She knew where she lived.

"Let's not play games..." Jersey trailed off, settling on the bed. "You know who I am. I'm sure you did your research when you sent Malcolm his gift."

"No. I don't." Tilly continued. "Where is Malcolm? I want to talk to him, not you."

Jersey diverted her eyes over to the bathroom. The door was opened, but Malcolm was still in the shower. She parted her lips to speak, trying to prepare for what was about to come.

"Look, you don't need to be—"

Beep, beep.

Tilly ended the call.

Jersey tossed the phone on the bed and crawled out. She grabbed the tactical knife on the dresser and marched right into the bathroom. Her eyes inched over to the shower. Malcolm stood there, making sure he washed every crevice on his body.

She walked up and pulled back the shower door. Malcolm narrowed his eyes at her as he ran his towel across his chest.

"What's wrong?"