Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 124923 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124923 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
“You mean the video my own son already turned in? Yeah, that won’t be a problem.”
I’m frozen in disbelief, his words echoing in my ears as my mind tries to make sense of what he just said. Christian actually went through with it? And Samuel simply…made it disappear? This entire time, we assumed Christian pussied out, all the while holding on to the video for a rainy day at my father’s request.
“You’re lying.” He has to be. My family has a long history of using their money and influence to make things and people go away, but he’s not untouchable.
“I assure you, I’m not.”
“Then we take it to the news stations, pass it around social media. Do you think your new pal the governor would be cool with a judge covering up a crime?” After all, he’s the one who has the power to appoint judges and remove them from office.
“You are so far out of your depth it’s almost comical.” He chuckles as if he’s unbothered, but the way he speaks through gritted teeth says otherwise. “My sins are nothing compared to the people in power. This wouldn’t even put a dent in my career, as far as scandals go. This is family business, and it should be dealt with between family. But since we’re talking videos, I have one you might be interested in.”
My chest feels tight, knowing I’m not going to like whatever he’s about to show me. He fishes his phone out of his pants pocket, then holds it out for me to see. It’s a still image of Valen and me on New Year’s Eve. Her head is thrown back and I’m kneeling before her, face buried between her legs. The angle is too high and the patio too dark to see any details, but it does nothing to tamp down the rage I feel at him seeing her like this.
“After I got word that you and your brother were sticking your noses where they don’t belong, I thought it would be a good idea to check my security cameras. You should think twice next time you decide to fuck your bitch in public. Not that I blame you. I watched the whole thing, and a pussy like that could make a man do anything. I might try it out myself. When you’re done with her, of course.” He winks.
That’s all it takes for me to charge him again, but this time, he’s ready for me. My sole focus is on his phone, which allows him the chance to hit me square in the mouth. I wipe my lips with the back of my hand, leaving a streak of blood on my sleeve, then spit a bloody mouthful right at his face. “I’m not your fuckin’ kid. I hit back.”
I pull back my fist and swing, sending it right into his jaw, making him stagger back. Suddenly, Grey appears to my right, and he doesn’t give Samuel any time to recover. He hits him again, this time laying him out. Jesus Christ. I didn’t know Grey had it in him. He holds Samuel in place with a knee on his chest and a hand at his throat.
“I’ve wanted to do that for two years,” Grey explains casually, as if discussing the weather.
I retrieve Samuel’s phone from the floor, chest heaving. I delete the video from both the security app and his phone before walking over to the counter. I hold his phone face-down on the edge of the counter with one hand. Using the other hand, I send the butt of my palm into it, snapping it in half until the screen shatters and the back detaches. Once I’m satisfied that it’s completely unsalvageable, I walk back over and squat down next to his head.
“You do realize that’s not the only copy I have?” He coughs, gripping at Grey’s forearm. “I can enjoy it any time I want.”
I raise an eyebrow, surprised he’s dumb enough to taunt me with the information, given his current position. My uncle has trouble with anything more advanced than sending an email. I highly doubt he had the knowledge or the foresight to back it up. No, he just wants to shut me up by whatever means necessary. “I’m starting to believe you have a death wish.”
I stand, dropping the bent piece metal on his face, and Grey takes that as his cue to stand. Wordlessly, we walk away as my uncle pulls himself to a sitting position.
“I’ll be sure to let your father know you paid me a visit!”
Holden
“You and Valen, huh?”
We’re back on campus, and apart from declining my offer to smoke, those are the first words out of Grey’s mouth. I guess neither of us was in a talking mood, too busy trying to make sense of tonight’s revelations. I’m a little surprised by his question, considering there are more pressing matters to discuss, but Valen is a safer subject. One that doesn’t feel so fucking heavy.