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She has no idea how deep this really runs.
“It already is,” she whispers across my mouth, leaning in for a kiss.
26
BILLIE
My phone buzzes against the bedside table, jolting me awake. My heart sinks the moment I read the text from an unknown number.
Unknown
Soon, the world will see you for the whore you are.
Anxiety snakes through my chest and wraps around me until I can barely breathe. I quickly read the message again, but the threat lingers in my mind, a poison that seeps deep under my skin.
This must be Josh. I remember him saying something similar when I called him out for cheating.
I’ve never been unfaithful to him or anyone else. It’s just not how I operate.
I don’t want this beautiful thing that Asher and I have built over the past few weeks to shatter like glass. I don’t want things to change between us. While I wish Asher and I could be public, I enjoy keeping him to myself, away from the pressure and permission of the outside world. Anytime I’m in a relationship, the media jumps straight to marriage and kids—something that’s beenhappening since my early twenties. Imagine seeing your face on the front of every raunchy tabloid just because you held someone’s hand in public. Because of how cruel the public can be, I’m savoring every private moment we share, knowing that, one day, we won’t have to hide.
I just have to wait for Asher to finish whatever he’s so determined to do.
Josh has been working Asher ragged, making him pull eighteen-hour days, and I haven’t seen him in four days. The last time we were together, he kissed me softly and promised me it was almost over.
I lock my phone, trying not to spiral. I don’t want this to set the tone for my day.
I dress quickly and mechanically, my mind racing. My fingers tremble as I smooth down my black silk blouse, then button my suit jacket with a quick flick of my wrist.
I wondered how long it would take for Josh to threaten me. I anticipated it, almost expecting the worst.
When I climb into my car, I stop my driver from pulling away and text Brody.
A minute later, he’s sliding into the back seat with me. “What’s up?”
I unlock my phone and hand it to him.
He reads the text message, his brow furrowing. “Whose number is this?”
“I don’t know. It’s probably a burner phone. But I think it’s Josh,” I tell him, my voice barely above a whisper.
My cousin meets my eyes, and his jaw locks firmly in place. “What does he have on you?”
“I have no idea,” I whisper, my heart thumping hard. “This is my worst nightmare.”
Brody’s eyes soften. “Have you told Asher?”
I shake my head. “Not yet.”
“I’ll talk to him,” Brody tells me.
“Please discuss this in person. Do not text him, okay?”
“I can do that,” he says.
“Nothing regarding this or us can be put into writing,” I confirm.
“Little cousin, what have you gotten yourself into?” Brody asks, concern etched in his features.