Page 73 of Paparazzi Perfect
“Hell yes, find out everything you can. And I meaneverything.” I checked we weren’t being watched by one of Karlos’s goons. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this. Get it done as fast as possible. And Kelvin, be careful. He’s dangerous. Fuck only knows what sort of game he’s playing.”
He gave a brief nod. “I’m on it.”
“Thanks,” I said gratefully. “I owe you big time.” I leaned closer and shook his hand.
He strode back to his sleek black Yamaha, swung his leg over then tore away.
My fists clenched so tight my knuckles turned white as I headed for home. My mind reeled as I checked my phone on the way; a message from Ivy said she couldn’t talk tonight.
My limbs felt suddenly heavy from disappointment, but maybe it was for the best. I could barely think. Whatever he was up to, it made me sick to my stomach.
Scrambling down the stairs, I charged into the gym and smashed the punching bag, visualizing his face.
“I have plans for you, Karson, that don’t include dating some nobody.”
His words hit. Again and again. Like fists driving into me…
“I won’t permit you to degrade yourself.”
Bashing my fist into the bag, I then landed a sharp jab with my elbow.
“If you don’t comply, there will be consequences. You wouldn’t want anything to happen to the nobody, or her father, would you?”
I shook my head violently and spun around, driving one foot into the bag as I landed on the other…
“Comply, then your little nobody can continue her meaningless existence uninterrupted.”
“…you can be the reason she attends her father’s funeral.”
Kicking at the bag as it swung, I regained my footing, landed another round of punches to the center, then finished with one final kick, driving my weight through the target.
I doubled over, spent, my hands on my knees, gasping as sweat streamed down my forehead.
No more, you toxic bastard.I was going to take him down.
For everyone he’d ever hurt. For everyone he’d ever threatened and controlled. And for me, because I deserved to be free.
I wasn’t him. Following his instructions down a path that would destroy me wasnotan option. But mostly, I was going to end it for the one I loved. She was worth a thousand of him.
Pulling myself up straight, I took in a steadying breath before a sense of calm washed over me.
This is it, the final straw. I’m going to expose him.
19
ENCRYPTED
KARSON
On the surface, I didn’t allow myself to brood about the newly discovered underbelly at SolStar. But it wasn’t easy maintaining the pretense of normality.
As well as my daily visits to the punching bag, I had essays due, so I’d distracted myself with assignments. But I took some time out to meet Tyler and Jamie for a swim at Summer Beach while Gus waited nearby. We laid our towels down, then sprinted across the hot sand and into the cool water.
“You can’t beat this place,” Jamie said, floating on her back.
“You got that right.” Tyler beamed. “We should come here more often.”
“Sounds good to me.” I nodded, looking around at the water, which was as still as glass.
