Page 259 of Invisible Bars

With that, I stepped away from the podium, leaving the cameras buzzing in my wake. By the time the cameras cut off, #ImanioKorsSpeaks was already trending.

Saroya pulled me into the private room before reporters could rush the doors.

She stared at me for a moment, then broke into a proud, wide grin.

“You ate that! No crumbs!” she exclaimed, her usual professionalism slipping for just a second.

I smirked, already pulling off my watch and unbuttoning the collar of my shirt.

“Good. Now I can get back to my life.”

She was already tapping her tablet, fingers flying across the screen as she messaged the media director.

“We’ll draft the full statement to reinforce everything you said. By this time tomorrow, this Aaliyah chick’s credibility will be in the trash.”

My gaze darkened again, just for a moment.

“That’s where she should’ve stayed.”

“While all of this is going on—and since you and Naji are public now—I think this would be a good time for y’all to do an interview… together,” Saroya suggested. “You know… maybe talk about how y’all got together. I’m curious as well.”

I let out a scoff, shaking my head with a hint of amusement.

“Yousureyou want the truth?” I asked, lips tugging into a faint smirk. “’Cause once you know, you can’t un-know it. And I can guarantee you’ll look at me differently.”

“Than I already do?” she challenged, one brow lifted.

“Definitely.The start of us wasn’tromantic; it was complicated… dangerous… and probably illegal in most states. Let’s just say, our original story ain’t fit for daytime TV, but it would sell out bookstores and make a hell of a movie… and I know exactly who’d play me.”

Saroya raised an eyebrow; her expression laced with curiosity. After a brief pause, she seemed to decide some things were better left unknown.

“Yeah, spare me the details and just write the damn book. It will save you jail time and me the money it would cost to get you out.”

I chuckled.

“So you’re not denying you’d pay the bail?” I teased.

“Not at all. I’d just send you the invoice afterward,” she quipped. “But seriously, perhaps doing the interview could be a good opportunity for Naji to talk about her condition, to share her experience.”

I frowned. “No,” I replied firmly, my voice devoid of any humor.

Saroya crossed her arms and placed her hands firmly on her hips, a gesture of defiance.

“And just why not?!” she hissed. “Is it becauseyoudon’t want to?”

“Nah. It’s just knowing Naji, she probably wouldn’t be up for it… at least not this soon.”

Saroya raised an eyebrow, giving me a pointed look that made it clear she wasn’t going to let this go easily.

“Well, will youat leastask her?”she pushed, unbothered.

I sighed, knowing she wouldn’t let up.

“I’ll ask… but no guarantees.”

“That’s all I ask. Let me know what she says and I’ll set everything up.”

Saroya smiled sweetly, like she hadn’t just tried to strong-arm me with that PR tone of hers.