Silence Reveals Hidden Answers’ by Michael Anderson novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Jennifer Marie.

%

30

55 vouchers

When I thought it would just be the Prescotts around for the next two weeks, I was dead wrong. Nisha’s family showed up shortly after I practically ran away from Harvey–yes, ran because just listening to him makes my pulse spike like I’m on fire.

Thanks to Nisha’s family taking over every single table at dinner, I had the perfect excuse to skip it. Part of me is kinda bummed, though. I would’ve liked to eat with Beatrice, and maybe even Francis… because I have this weird feeling there’s a whole other side to Harvey I haven’t even seen yet.

I pat my face dry with a towel, finally able to relax a little after shoving my clothes, shoes, and coats into the closet. Tinka is on FaceTime, firing a million questions at me, and I grab my phone as I move from the sink.

Having our own villas makes it easy. I don’t have to whisper or worry about being overheard.

“What are you going to say tonight? You spent all three days thinking about that kiss. You know there’s more there.”

I step out of the bathroom in a loose T–shirt and shorts. The TV blares a news about some shop going up in flames, but I grab the remote and turn it off before sinking into the couch.

“He’s… hot. Like, dangerous hot. And something tells me he’s the type who knows how to give a girl… you know. Delicious orgasms. So, according to the laws of bad decisions, Jennifer says yes.”

“Tinka. Please tell me you’re kidding.”

“Come on.”

I run a hand through my damp hair, trying to explain. “I don’t even know how to say this… It feels forbidden, okay? Me and Harvey. There are things he hasn’t told me. He’d rather shut me up with a kiss than actually talk. I want to talk to Baxter tonight. I need to figure out the real family dysfunction here. I’m not just going to say yes because he’s stupidly hot, has tattoos, and kisses like he’s trying to win a championship…”

Tinka laughs. “Yeah, yeah. Keep describing the kiss part. Are you scared of him handling you…because you’re a virgin? Does he even know?”

“Ew. No. Why would I tell him that?” I let my towel fall and shake my hair out so it can air dry.

“But he’s going to find out sooner or later.”

“And how exactly would he find that out-”

“Because you’re going to say yes. And he looks like the type who doesn’t just… you know. Make love. He looks like the type who bends a girl over. He’s not some soft boy anymore. He’s a freaking mafia prince who owns a casino. He’s going to change your whole life.”

I go completely quiet and close my eyes. I forget that Tinka is actually the most crude human being alive.

“Hope you took condom-”

“I am NOT sleeping with Harvey!” I yell, snatching my phone off the table just as Baxter’s text pops up.

“Okay, I have to speak to Baxter now. Whatever he tells me is going to decide if I even consider anything with Harvey.”

“You’re gonna believe Baxter? That damn playboy?”

“At least I know he’s a playboy. I can’t tell if Harvey is a saint or a devil. Love you, talk later.” I blow her a kiss, while she’s still

15:06 Tue, Feb 3 MW.

Chapter 11

mid sentence and end the call.

55 vouchers

I leave my room and follow the little map he sent me. Baxter said he’s staying in the villa with the gold lights, so that’s where I go.

The moment I walk in, his…jocks? I don’t know what else to call them. They still act like teammates even though we’re all adults now. They’re laughing loudly, but everything snaps to silence when they see me.

Baxter pokes his head out from the middle of the group as they crowd around a pool table. And wow, now that I’m closer, I finally see the purple around his eye. One punch. One Harvey punch did that. I’m actually so shocked by the damage.

“Jen, you came?” He bumps fists with his guys like he just scored a goal. And why is he acting like I just randomly showed up? He’s the one who asked me here.

“Come on, upstairs?”

“Sure.” I follow him. Behind us, his friends erupt into whistles and wolf howls. I roll my eyes. When I was younger, I used to think the girls they did that for must’ve felt special. Now I just feel…embarrassed for them.

Upstairs, he grabs a ball from god knows where. Since it’s a dressing room, I spot a pair of scissors on the vanity and pick them up while he plops down in the chair.

“So…” he says, smirking, “why are you pretending to date my gangster brother, Harvey?”

“Harvey is not a gangster.” I grab a comb too.

“You still say that after seeing those tattoos? Jennifer, he literally runs the dark side of my dad’s business, the casino. And they deal with mafias, gangsters, enforcers. All those bloody dirty things. Anyway, why are you pretending to date him?”

“I think you know why.” I drag the comb through his hair, sweeping it across his forehead so I can see what I’m working with around that bruised eye.

“Yeah, but—like—what do you owe him?” Baxter asks. “He disappeared for four years. Does he still get a place in your life? Why are you agreeing to this?”

I meet his eyes in the mirror. He lifts a brow, waiting, like this is some kind of exam I have to pass while I’m trying to focus.

“Harvey disappeared because he thought you accepted me on prom night. He… liked me. All that time. But I didn’t know. That’s why he left me alone.”

And saying it out loud… makes it real in a way I wasn’t prepared for.

Baxter snorts. “Yeah, and I cleared the air later, told him that wasn’t the case. Yet he still took years to come back? You don’t think he’s lying?”

I bite the inside of my cheek. I’m not letting Baxter crawl into my head. I know exactly what he used to say about me right in front of me. And whatever he has going on with Nisha? Please. He’s not even close to a saint.

“Then tell me.” I say.

His smile sharpens. “I’m glad you asked. What part do you want to know? Why Harvey’s the black sheep of the family? Why he’s covered in tattoos? How dangerous he is running that casino? His mommy and daddy issues? His grim little personality

or-”

My mouth hangs open. I didn’t expect him to have this much ready like he’s been rehearsing it.

“Just tell me why he ”

“No, let me tell you how he burned my dad’s car that week he was asked to live in our house. Bet he didn’t tell you that. He’s

15:06 Tue, Feb 3 M.

Chapter 11

55 vouchers

good at hiding things. I bet you told him everything about yourself when you were friends. He’s rebellious, Jennifer. Not the kind of guy a good girl like you should be around. He wants to use you–play you like a toy-”

“Okay, now that sounds like you’re describing yourself.”

I look back at the mirror and keep working his hair until he drops the next bomb.

“Harvey hangs out with men who carry guns.”

That’s when I stop completely and turn to face him.

“What do you think the casino business is? Popsicles and sweets? No. Harvey is as dangerous as his underworld clients. Men who feel powerful with everyone under their boots. That’s why he looks down on this whole family and acts like some demi god.”

Baxter unlocks his phone. “You should see this.”

I step closer, even though something.

my stomach tightens.

“Look, I know he told you he likes you, and you have no reason to listen to me. Especially after I rejected you. I’m sorry about that. Really. But you’ve been through enough, Jen. You deserve someone who’s not–just watch.”

On his phone, a video starts playing of a casino. Men in suits crowding a table, gambling, laughing. But that’s not what Baxter wants me to see.

There’s a stripper. Twerking right in Harvey’s face. Harvey is leaned back, smoking, eyes on her like she’s part of the furniture.

My chest goes cold. The comb slips from my hand and hits the vanity with a soft clatter.

“That’s the new Harvey.” Baxter stands, and I look up at him.

“Strippers. Tit. Ass. All of it…right in his face every day. He breathes that air. He’s a fucking collector. And you’re just the new exhibit he wants to acquire. Don’t fall for it. I’d hate to see you get hurt again, especially after what I did to you. Jen-”

“Thank you.” I manage. “I’m sorry, I have to go.”

I turn, but he steps halfway into my path to block me.

“Don’t do anything to aggravate him.” There’s some kind of fear in his eyes. “Please.”

I don’t answer. I just get out.

I rush down the stairs so fast my slippers slap against each step, loud and stupid. I don’t look at his friends.

I push through the villa doors and let the night wind hit me.

Stupid. That’s what I am for even considering…..

I’m walking as fast as I can back to my villa when I see Harvey. Just a few steps from Baxter’s place. I see a cigarette balanced between two fingers as he tilts his head back, exhaling the smoke, before he even notices I’m there.

I promised I’d give him an answer tonight.

He’s in a white t shirt and loose pants with his tattoos. Harvey drops the cigarette, crushes it under his foot, and starts walking toward me.

“You came to give me your answer?”

15:06 Tue, Feb 3

Chapter 11

30

55 vouchers

“Yeah.” My voice is tight, rushed. I can’t stop thinking about what I just saw. So, he’s like every other man huh? All he cares about is having his fill of women?

“What is it?”

“No. My answer is no.”

I glare and start walking away, but his hand clasps around my wrist before I can get far.

“Can I know why?” he asks calmly, but then checks the Villa I came out from. “Did you just come out of Baxter’s villa?”

The moment he says it, he pulls me against his chest.

“You did. Why?”

I don’t bother lying.

“Because I wanted to ask him something.”

“You wanted to ask him something? Let me guess…something you needed to know first before giving me your answer? You needed permission from Baxter?” His eyebrows shoot up.

“That’s not-

“Okay then tell me what it is! Tell me what it fucking is!” The second he swears, something inside me snaps.

“What it is…is that you run a casino and you have women all over you. I saw a video of a stripper shaking ass in your face and I’m not comfortable with that. So it’s a no.”

The words rush out. I know I’m saying no because I’m angry and insecure at the moment.

“That’s what happens in a fucking casino and I’m their boss. Are you kidding me?” Harvey’s voice spikes. “Did you see me touch the stripper?”

“N-”

“Did you see me grab her? Did you see me slap her ass? Did you see me fuck her?”

“No, but-”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify