Page 53 of Dark Awakening: Hidden Currents

He shook his head. "I can't believe how blind I was. We've been together for over five years. We lived together. How could I have not seen her for who she was?"

Jasmine smiled. "I'm the last person to ask. I was the patsy who went on a vacation to Mexico with a cartel thug, believing he was an honest businessman."

"Right." He grimaced. "And you dragged Margo into that mess. I don't want to think what would have happened if the FBI wasn't watching that yacht."

That was another cover story that Margo and Frankie had told their families, but Jasmine didn't have all the details of the story, so she needed to change the subject.

"It's not easy to realize that you've been duped," she admitted. "And it's okay to hurt and to be angry. But you need to realize that you were saved from a disastrous marriage in the nick of time and that you deserve better."

Letting out a breath, Rob slumped against the couch cushions. "I can't go back to the home I shared with her. I can't be near her right now."

"That's totally understandable." Jasmine placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to figure everything out immediately. Take it one step at a time."

"I need to find a place to live," he said.

"There is no rush. For now, you're safe here. Let yourself breathe. Let Margo take care of you for a little bit. That's what family is for."

Not her own family, but it was for most.

Rob nodded. The raw edge of his pain seemed to have dulled slightly, though the hurt was still evident in every line of his face.

Margo returned, her eyes shining with excitement. Or maybe tears? Had she talked with Kian after all, and he had yelled at her?

"What happened?" Jasmine asked.

"Mia and her fiancé are coming over."

Rob's brow furrowed in confusion. "What? Why would they come now? I barely know them, and I'm in no state to talk to anyone." He cast a sidelong glance at Jasmine. "Except for you. Talking to you was actually helpful."

"I'm glad."

Margo hesitated, clearly struggling with how much to reveal. "Tom, Mia's fiancé, has an interesting proposition for you. I can't say more about it right now."

That was a good call to bring Toven in. He would be able to compel Rob to keep the secrets he was about to learn.

Rob looked between them, confusion and a hint of frustration in his eyes. "What's going on? Why all the secrecy?"

Jasmine leaned forward, meeting his gaze. "I know this is confusing, but I promise you that what you're about to learn is going to turn your world upside down and in the best possible way."

He let out a bitter laugh. "My world's already been overturned."

"I know," Jasmine said softly. "But this time, it's going to put everything back to rights and make things better than you could possibly imagine."

38

ROB

Jasmine was a beautiful woman, and she was also kind.

Rob was sorry to see her leave.

Now that he was a free agent again, he could and should look for a new partner.

Right.

As if that was a good strategy while his heart was in shreds on the fancy rug under his feet.

He needed to let himself heal first and not look for ways to get back at Lynda. Still, showing up at their house with Jasmine on his arm could be so sweet, even if there was nothing between them.