“Shouldn’t someone stop her?” I ask.
Edmund shakes his head. “After all that, it’s over for her. The company is ruined. She’s ruined. And it’s about fucking time.”
Troy
I knew she was coming. I saw her step off that stage in disgrace.
I bet that spotlight she loves so much doesn’t feel too good anymore.
Beyond the window, the party attendees mingle uncertainly. Like they don’t know what to do. The party’s over, but servers are still carrying around trays of champagne. Live music has resumed to cover up the awkward silence.
The door bangs open and Amber stands in the frame. “What the absolute fuck, Troy? You filmed me? You shared it?”
“People deserve to know the truth.” I shrug, hoping I don’t look as panicked as I feel. The damage is done, but she might feel cornered.
And nothing is more dangerous than a vicious woman like Amber backed into a corner.
“Those videos can’t be used as evidence at trial. We’re a two-party consent state, so none of that will count for anything, sweetheart.” Her voice is sickly sweet. “That really hurts me, Troy. You keep hurting me, over and over.”
I’m not falling for this bullshit. Never again. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I have plenty more videos on this flash drive.”
Her face changes. It’s like a switch flipped. Gone is her panic, gone is her horror. Her fake smile returns.
She’s retreated into the worst of herself.
She calmly reaches into her clutch and pulls out her phone. “Faulk? Bring Dan with you.” She ends the call. “And you, Troy? Don’t you dare fucking move. I’m going to need that flash drive.”
That’s not going to happen. I don’t have to listen to her. Not now, not ever again.
She blocks the door. I don’t take a step closer to her, no way. Not when she can scream that I’m hurting her, and nobody will believe me. Look at her, look at me. Of course I’ll be seen as the aggressor.
Two hulking shadows appear behind her.
“Hey, Faulk,” I say, catching their eyes. “Dan.”
“You can give me the flash drive the easy way,” Amber says, “or the hard way.”
Can she sound more like a cartoon villain? I only shake my head.
“Guys.” Amber snaps her fingers, like Dan and Faulk are dogs or something. “Get the flash drive. However you have to.”
Faulk doesn’t move, but when Amber steps aside, Dan leaps forward. I never liked this guy. He’s a mean motherfucker.
Oh yeah, and he’s a shitty fighter.
Soon enough, Dan’s on the floor, bleeding from his stupid mouth. I haven’t broken a sweat.
“Faulk,” Amber hisses. “What the fuck are you waiting for?”
Faulk starts toward me. Stops. Holds up his hands. “I’m not going after Troy.”
I’m relieved. I didn’t want to put him on the floor next to Dan.
Amber’s cheeks darken with anger. “I pay you to go after people when I tell you to. That’s literally what you’re here for.”
Faulk shakes his head, shoots me an apologetic glance. He turns around and says over his shoulder, “No. Not anymore.”
Then he’s gone, his footsteps echoing down the hall.
