Page 123 of Wicked Proposal

Mia tries to say something, but I’m already off.

I fly down those stairs. Like a bolt of fucking lightning, I rush down into the street.

And there he is.

No trench coat. No crooked tie. Just a dark pullover and equally dark pants, with a camera slung around his neck, but I know exactly who it is.

Or rather,whathe is.

“Hey! What the hell, man?!”

Within seconds, I’ve got him backed against the wall. “I should be the one asking that,man.”

“I don’t want any trouble.”

“You were taking pictures of that family,” I snarl. “You just asked for trouble.”

Light from a flickering lamppost hits his face. Suddenly, I realize I’ve seen this guy before. When I was jogging in the neighborhood that day, and then earlier tonight, right outside the StarTech building.

It’s the paparazzo. The one Mia pointed out to me.

I should’ve fucking listened.

“Look,” he babbles, covered in sweat, “I’m just doing my job.”

“Good,” I growl. “I’m just doing mine, too. So I hope there won’t be any hard feelings.”

Then I punch him in the face.

The guy crumples against the brick wall, but my grip on his collar holds him up. Blood spatters from his nose, hitting my suit jacket. Luckily, I always wear black.

I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t the reason why.

“Tell me who sent you,” I demand. “Or I’ll take your teeth next.”

“Shit!” He spits out a glob of blood and staggers to his feet. “Look, I promise I’ll quit, alright? But I can’t just give out the name of?—”

“Yes, you can,” I snarl. “And you will.”

Then, for good measure, I punch him again.

This time, a tooth goes flying. Never let it be told I don’t make good on my promises.

“Fuck!” he hisses. “Fine, fine! It’s that guy from the construction company! The one on all the fucking billboards!”

Brad.

I let the poor bastard go. He falls into the heap of trash at our feet, coughing and rolling as he struggles to stand back up.

“You’re lucky,” I tell him. “I’m in a good mood tonight. So I’ll just let you off with a warning.” I crouch down, grab his face, and force him to look at me. “Never come back. Not to this place, not to mine, not anywhere within a ten-mile radius of me. If you do, I’ll know. And next time, I won’t be so nice.”

He glares at me. No doubt, he cannot see what I just did to him as mercy.

Good. Ignorance is bliss.

I pocket his camera and stride back towards the apartment, straightening myself up on the way.

When Mia sees me, her eyes go wide with concern. “Everything okay?”