THE TRADED WIFE

"Ahh" The brunette let out a deep moan as she slumped onto the bed beside Jesse.

"That was, amazing." Her breathing was heavy, a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. She pulled the blanket up and closed her eyes, murmuring softly before drifting into sleep.

Jesse remained still for a moment, his gaze fixed on her peaceful face. He slowly slid out of bed, careful not to disturb her. Moving with quiet purpose, he began to gather his clothes from the floor and straighten the room.

As he folded a shirt, he muttered to himself, "It's all about timing."

The stirred slightly, her voice muffled by sleep. "What're you saying?"

"Nothing," Jesse said, his tone even. "Just thinking out loud. Go back to sleep."

She hummed softly and rolled onto her side, clutching the pillow.

Jesse continued, his actions deliberate as he checked his watch. "Tomorrow," he whispered.

Jesse stood in front of the mirror, buttoning his shirt with steady hands. The quiet room was broken by a sharp knock at the door. He paused, glancing toward it.

"Come in," he said evenly.

The door creaked open, revealing a young man in a dark coat. His face was tense, and he stepped inside quickly, closing the door behind him.

"Sir," the man began, his voice low but urgent, "we found him. Binks Gale. He's in the boroughs-with a woman."

Jesse's movements slowed. He finished buttoning his shirt, then turned to face the man. His expression was calm, but his eyes were cold. "Binks Gale," he repeated, as if testing the name. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, sir. One of our men saw him. They're holed up in a small flat, but they won't stay there long."

Jesse stepped closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous calm. "I want him brought to me. Quickly. No mistakes."

The man nodded. "Understood. And the woman?"

Jesse's eyes narrowed slightly. "She's not my concern. But if she gets in the way-" He let the sentence hang, his meaning clear.

The subordinate swallowed hard. "We won't fail, sir."

Jesse tilted his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "See that you don't. You know what happens if you do."

"Yes, sir," the man said firmly, turning to leave.

As the door closed behind him, Jesse adjusted his cuffs, his movements precise. "Binks Gale," he muttered to himself, the name carrying a quiet promise.

Jesse walked out of the hotel room without looking back. The woman on the bed clutched the sheets around her, her wide eyes following him.

"Jesse," she called softly, fear in her voice. "What are you going to do?"

He didn't answer. His footsteps were measured, his expression blank. Reaching the door, he paused only to adjust his jacket, then left without another word. The click of the door closing behind him was final.

---

Bianca pushed open the door to her small apartment, her heels in one hand and her purse in the other. She froze when she saw the mess inside. Clothes were scattered across the floor, and empty beer bottles cluttered the table.

"Binks!" she shouted, kicking the door shut behind her.

Her older brother appeared from the kitchen, a sandwich in his hand and a lazy grin on his face. "Hey, kiddo."