Distorted Lines (Blurred Lines Volume 2) Read Online Free Page B

but sigh. “I’m in jail and I-I…” I bite back a sob. Asking him this is going to make be beholden to him. “Fuck,” I whisper.
    “I’ll have you out of there in ten minutes.”
    I bite my lip, trying to hold back any kind of emotion. “Thank you, Zane.” I set the receiver in its cradle and stand.
    “I’ll be out in ten minutes,” I tell the detective.
    He bursts out laughing. “I’ll believe that when I see it.”
    I lift my chin, but don’t say anything.
    The detective leads me by the elbow back to the smelly jail cell.
    And I wait.
    For fucking Zane.

 
     
    Chapter 7
     
    I step into the limousine and slide in next to Zane. He’s dressed in a crisp navy suit, the top two buttons on his light blue shirt are undone, and he has a foot balanced on his knee. He’s drinking something amber. He sees me eyeing it. “Want one, sweet Cadence?”
    I’m about to say no and then change my mind. Whatever Zane is going to offer as payback for him bailing me out of jail is going to require some liquid courage. “Sure. That’d be great.”
    He puts some ice in a crystal tumbler and fills it. “Here,” he says and hands it to me.
    I inhale and am taken aback by the sharp smell. It’s bourbon. I sip, swallow, and momentarily close my eyes. I haven’t had an alcoholic drink in three years. All the sensations flood me at once. I’ve missed it.
    “Good, right?” Zane asks with a smile. His straight white teeth flash encouragement.
    “Mmmmm,” I respond and chug the rest down. When the glass is empty, I set it on the armrest. “I appreciate you bailing me out. How are we going to handle repayment?” I ask, getting to the point.
    He swallows the rest of his drink and sets it next to mine. “Sweetheart, I like the way you think.”
    I don’t respond, unsure if I can handle another night on the wooden contraption. “Can I have another drink?” I ask hopefully.
    “Of course.” He fills my glass. “Drink up.”
    I do and don’t look at him again until the glass is empty. Warmth fills my belly and I lean back, finally feeling relaxed.
    “Lay it on me, Zane. What do you want?”
    A look of frustration crosses his handsome face. After a moment, he smiles, leans back against the leather seat. “What are your dreams, Cadence?” he asks thoughtfully.
    I think about laughing. Los Angeles, also known as the City of Angels, is a place where hundreds come every day hoping their dreams will come true. For most the city brings nothing but heartache and sorrow. It’s only a select few, like John Cruze, who get what they want, who get to have all of their dreams come true.
    A long time ago I decided dreams were fucking stupid. Then I thought about college. That’s been my dream for as long as I can remember. I don’t know why. It isn’t as though I think I’ll get a degree and suddenly life will be better. But I guess it’s the idea of becoming a college graduate. Knowing I studied something and that the college deemed me worthy to hold a degree. I feel, deep in my soul, that getting a college degree will mean I’m not a loser. That I’m not like my parents.
    Which I guess is the crux of most of my decisions. I don’t want to end up so strung out on drugs that my only option is suicide, like my father. Or so fucked in the head that I think selling drugs is a career choice.
    Not that hooking is any better , I tell myself. It’s still illegal. The last few hours in jail are evidence of that. As hard as I try I’ll probably end up just like them.
    “Cadence,” Zane asks, interrupting my thoughts.
    “I want to go to college,” I utter, holding out my glass for another refill.
    He fills my glass for the third time . “Really? And what do you want to study?” The features on his face say he’s interested. I’m surprised.
    “Business. I’ve got a head for numbers,” I say, though my words are slightly slurred.
    Zane chuckles. “That doesn’t surprise me. You seem very smart.”
    I cock my head and