Page 83 of Safe Place

He’s silent now, breathing heavier.

“See, I was going to give your father the benefit of the doubt. Maybe you were just some twisted disappointment he had no idea how to control. But turns out? He’s been covering your ass the entire time. Paying people off. Moving things around. Hushing up complaint after complaint.”

“What the fuck are you going on about?” Carter wheezes, clutching his ribs. “What are you gonna do? You gonna hit me again?”

He squints, and his expression changes.

“You two are really together?” He laughs weakly. “Jesus. Tell you what. I’ll introduce you to some real women if we just forget all this happened. I know some chicks who are smokin’ unlike⁠⁠—”

My fist cuts him off mid-sentence.

“Don’t finish that sentence. Don’t ever say her name,” I growl, seething, “with that mouth.”

He coughs, blood on his teeth, still trying to keep some ego.

“Alright. I get it. I’ll leave her alone.”

Another punch. I slam him back against the wall, pressing him there like he’s nothing.

“Wait until my lawyers get to you. I’ll have my father destroy you. What’s your name?” He demands.

“Micah” I pause. “Vale.”

His eyes go wide. “Fuck.”

“Exactly. And as of this morning, I’ve filed a formal report with the school board and the Title IX office detailing every girl you’ve harassed—and every cover-up your father paid for. I’d pack my bags if I were you.”

His mouth opens, but I keep going.

“And that deal with your father’s firm? I’m making it this week’s priority to end it. The Vale Group will be cutting ties with your family. So you can go and tell Daddy you cost him everything.”

He tries to scoff, but it comes out as a weak, panicked laugh. “You’re bluffing⁠⁠—”

“I don’t bluff.”

I let go. He drops like a sack of garbage to the floor.

“One more thing,” I add, turning at the door. “If you so much as look at Sophie ever again, I’ll ruin you. For good.”

Then I walk out, fists bruised and chest burning.

I meant every word.

And I’d do it all again.

SOPHIE

I’m wiping down the counter at Boston Brews when I hear the bell over the door chime again.

“Hey, superstar,” Grant calls out. He’s already halfway to the counter, Wyatt trailing behind him, both grinning like they own the place.

My shift just ended, and I’m too tired to match their energy, but I smile anyway. “What are you two doing here?”

“Waiting for your man,” Wyatt says, leaning against the counter. “Thought we’d kidnap you for a bit while we wait.”

“Oh yeah?” I laugh. “Where are you kidnapping me to?”

“We’re grabbing food and probably just hitting Micah’s place,” Grant says. “You in?”