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“There are more photos.” Alexandra nods to the one in my hand. “That one isn’t the worst.”
My grip tightens on the picture. Who is this woman? And how the hell did she get her hands on these images? I didn’t even know they existed until tonight. And I’ve spent a fortune to hide my past.
“What do you want?” I demand, lifting my gaze from the picture to look at her.
I take in her smug, excited expression. The nerves are gone, probably buried beneath the misconception that she’s won.
Fuck, I’ve been played. The thought crosses my mind, and I know I’ve come to this epiphany too late. I’ve been sleeping with the enemy this whole time, and I didn’t even have a damn clue.
“Money to start,” Alexandra announces. “One hundred million, in cash. The account information is on the back of the picture.”
“I’m not paying you off,” I snap. But I turn the image over to confirm there is an account listed. “Not for a bunch of pictures of some kid.”
I’m rationalizing now. No one would see these images and connect them to Gavin Black. If this woman tries, my public relations company will crush her. And there is no way Alexandra knows the full story. Gavin Black had a very different childhood than the one in this picture. There’s proof. I know, because I created it myself.
“It’s not just ‘some kid.’ I know who you are,” she says. “And I’m going to share what I know with every media outlet in this city.”
“The hell you will, you—”
“Unless we come to an agreement. One hundred million suggests you’re willing to work with me.”
“Bitch,” I murmur.
My breath turns shallow. I can feel the panic rushing to my chest, threatening to take hold like a heart attack, but I fight it.
So, she knows who I am? So do I. I’m New York City’s most desirable bachelor. I’m also a capable and effective businessman.
I take one more look at the picture. I am not that kid. Not anymore. I can’t be bullied as an adult, not like the broken, scared child in the old photo.
Taking the picture in both hands, I tear it in half. Then I rip the halves into smaller pieces. I look my girlfriend in the eye as I let the shredded remains fall to the ground.
Her mouth forms a half smile. “You’re angry and you’re lashing out.” She speaks to me in a tone I barely recognize. It’s the same sultry voice, but she sounds like a teacher from my worst nightmares. “I understand.”
“The hell you do,” I growl, careful to keep my voice low.
I refuse to draw the drunken revelers up here and make a scene. In part, because she’s right. I’m very close to losing control. I need to get out of here. Now. Turning on my heel, I walk toward the metal stairs.
“I’m not going away!” she calls after me. “I’ve waited too long for this.”
Who the hell is this woman? Why was she waiting to blackmail me all this time?
I file the questions away and focus on making my way through the drunken melee in the penthouse. My cell is in my hand by the time I reach the exit. In the hall, I pause to text instructions to my driver. I need the limo downstairs by the time the elevator hits the lobby. My ride better be ready for a road trip, because there’s no way I’m going back to the office. And I’m not calling my publicist, or any other members of my elite, expensive PR team.
Not until I talk to my best friend.
The elevator arrives as I pull up the number and hit “call.” It rings over and over. Then the doors open, revealing a sleek, marble lobby as a familiar voice asks me to leave a message.
I step out into the crisp November night. “Kayla, I’m two hours away from you. I’ll be there at midnight. Be ready, because I’m going to do something I haven’t done in a long, long time.”
CHAPTER 2
GAVIN
Ninety minutes later …
“I need your help.”
I haven’t used those words since I was a teenager. They feel strange and unpleasant, echoing against the
