Page 32 of Paparazzi Perfect
Wait—how did Karson’s father know we were going to the airport? Or that we’d arrived in Sydney?
I didn’t think he’d told his father about—
“How the fuck did he know my movements?” Karson’s angry voice cut through my thoughts. “Let alone know we were planning on heading to the airport. That son of a bitch has to control everything!”
“You know Karlos. He has his ways and means of knowing everything,” Gus replied, his shoulders sagging.
Fear seeped into the pit of my stomach, and I was a little relieved to be going to the airport. Karson’s father sounded like someone I had little desire to meet.
After Karson introduced me quickly to Gus, we climbed into the back seat and shut the door.
“Ivy, I’m so sorry. This is not how I planned our goodbye.”
I took his hand. “It’s okay.”
After a brief ride, the car pulled into the drop-off zone for departures, and we stepped out onto the pavement.
Karson’s arms circled me, holding me tight. When he loosened his grip, our lips met as he brushed my cheek with his fingers. I wanted him to keep holding me and never let go…
But just like we’d planned during our trip together, he would go to college in Brisbane so we could be closer to each other.
It’s going to be perfect.
Still, we’d be apart for weeks… a few tears escaped, trickling down my cheeks.
Karson brushed a tear from my cheek with his thumb. “We’ll be together soon, just like we talked about,” he whispered, sending a shiver down my spine.
This trip meant so much to me.My lips parted…but the lump in my throat choked my words.I’mgoing to miss you so much it hurts.
After pressing a warm kiss to my forehead, he let go of my hand and stepped away.
“Goodbye, Firefly.” His jaw clenched, his muscles tensing.
“Goodbye, City Boy,” I stammered, holding back my tears as I watched his powerful frame climb into the Range Rover.
He slumped against the champagne-colored seat, and for a fleeting moment, his gaze found mine through the open window.
Then he was gone.
8
FATHER
KARSON
I clenched my fists as Gus pulled to a stop in front of the imposing skyscraper in Barangaroo.
Stepping out of the car, I paused and tipped my head back, taking in the shining tower where it sat like a majestic crown—my father’s office penthouse, the diamond centerpiece—overlooking the harbor.
The car door slammed, and a few seconds later, Gus joined me on the sidewalk.
“He’s waiting for you.” Gus’s gaze scaled upward, to the building’s peak. “Good luck, son,” he said with a half-smile.
“Thanks, Gus.”I’m going to need it.
I breathed deep and walked through the gleaming lobby, glancing out to the street. I suppressed my instinct to run and entered my father’s private elevator.
As I rode up the levels to the top floor where he’d summoned me, the calming music washed over me.
