AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s real, Caleb.”
“What the fuck, Adam? Did you leak this shit on purpose?”
Across the room, Sage is staring at me with alarm on her face. This is what we wanted, right? This is what happens when you post a sex tape online. People see it.
“Yes, I did it on purpose,” I reply. My heart is pounding in my chest as I start to pace the room. My phone beeps and I pull it away from my face to see that I have another incoming call, this time from my father’s publicist. I quickly hit decline.
“Why the fuck would you do it on purpose? What is going on with you?”
“Because I’m sick and fucking tired, Caleb. I’m tired of being so perfect and doing everythinghewants us to do forhisimage,hisreputation, hisministry.”
“Jesus, Adam. This is about him firing you as his writer?”
“It’s about a lot of shit, Caleb. Shit you wouldn’t understand. He’s manipulated us long enough, and I’m fucking done. I posted that video because I wanted to. I started dating Sage because I wanted to. I brought her to the gala last night because Ifuckingwanted to.”
The line goes silent for a moment, and I can tell by the background noise that Caleb is in his car. After a moment, he responds.
“Damn. He’s going to lose his shit, Adam. Are you ready for this?” His tone is softer now as if he understands me a little more, but it’s laced with worry too.
“Yes, I’m ready. And if he thinks I’m not going to do it again, he’s wrong.”
Caleb sighs. “This isn’t like you.”
“No, brother. Thisisme. My entire life up until now…thatwasn’t me. It was him.”
Silence again. I didn’t realize until this moment just how much I want my brothers on my side for this. How much I need to hear at least one of them say how much they hate that motherfucker so I’m not so alone. Not just for me. For Isaac too.
“Good for you, Adam. Fuck that asshole.”
I’m struck speechless for so long I don’t even realize the call ends, and my phone is buzzing with texts and messages.
“The video is already at two million views,” Sage says quietly, looking down at her phone.
“Good,” I reply, feeling motivated and ready to do some damage. “We can film another one tomorrow.”
She stares up at me with surprise. “Okay…” As her voice lingers, I know she’s about to say something else. “Is everything all right?”
“It’s better than all right. The video is working, and we’ve only just begun.”
I cross the room to the door and glance back at her, sitting on the couch with her pink hair shining with the afternoon sun. She looks beautiful from this angle, and I feel sort of…proud of her now. Proud of what we’re accomplishing.
So proud I almost…smile. But that’s against the rules. Not one of our rules, but one ofmyrules.
Don’t let Peaches know how much I like her.
It’s easier this way. No feelings. No strings.
Before I let a smile slip, I grimace instead. As I turn the knob on the door, I glance back at her, quietly muttering a coldgoodbyebefore slipping out of her apartment.
Eighteen
Adam
Checking the app becomes obsessive. Watching the number of views climb is like a hit of ecstasy, and soon, I’m an addict. Every like, comment, and share is a serotonin boost I didn’t know I needed.
These comments are a lot different than the Instagram posts from the night of the gala. Maybe because they’re filled with more praise than shame.
Jesus, this is hot.
