Page 202 of The Blame Game

Joe lunged at Dom but he tucked the phone back into his pocket, easily fending Joe off.

And what Joe didn’t know was that Shea’s phone was also recording the conversation.

Just in case.

“Yeah, don’t even try it, man,” Shea said, stepping forward and glaring. Joe was significantly shorter and lighter than Dom and if it got physical, he didn’t have a chance against the two of them.

Joe shrank back a little but he still glared and looked over at Dom. “You’re going to risk it all?”

“I am.” Dom smiled and took Shea’s hand, turning and gently tugging him to fall into step beside him. He walked away, calling over his shoulder, “Do your worst.”

“When I said I wanted to check out your condo, this wasn’t quite what I meant,” Charlie said when he stepped inside later that day. His tone was light but there was worry in his eyes.

Dom bent his head so Charlie could kiss his cheek. “No, I don’t think this is what any of us wanted,” he admitted.

Dustin followed Dom inside, his expression troubled.

A few guys knew exactly why they were here, although most of the team hadn’t heard yet. They were all here now though, along with a few of the SAPs and Kate.

Everyone looked tense as Dustin took a seat on the couch and Charlie perched on the arm beside him. Everyone else had dragged over dining room chairs or sprawled on the floor.

Kate cleared her throat. “Dom, would you like me to fill everyone in, or would you prefer to do it?”

“I’ll do it,” Dom said. “So, the short version is that in addition to working as a stylist, Shea worked as an escort. That’s how we met and we were involved that way until a few months ago.”

Although looks of surprise crossed several people’s faces, no one actually looked that shocked.

“So the JockGossip rumors were true,” Natasha said thoughtfully.

Dom nodded at Jordan’s girlfriend. “Yes. And yesterday, after I woke up, I found a text on my phone from someone saying they have proof of it.”

“Oh shit,” Nico whispered.

“Yeah. They sent an—an intimate photo of us that tells me they definitely have something on us. They were fairly vague in their wording in the text but it seemed clear that they were planning to blackmail me to keep quiet about it. Shea and I met with him this morning.”

Several people gasped and Matty muttered angrily under his breath but when Antoni settled a hand on his arm, he fell silent, scowling.

“We’ll help you pay it,” Nico said earnestly. “If you need it.”

And Matty and several other guys immediately piped in, saying they would pay too.

Dom smiled because it was so … so them to immediately leap to protecting him.

August had been right. This team truly was his family.

“No. Thank you, but that won’t be necessary. I told him I’m not paying it.”

The gasp was even louder this time.

“Are you sure that’s wise?” Dustin asked with a frown. “I mean, what if they turn around and sell it to JockGossip anyway? The repercussions if this gets out …”

“We’re aware. It’s all been hashed out. The head office and my agent knows. They’re not happy but my contract is nearly up and they don’t have a lot of leverage. Kate has some plans for how this situation might be able to be contained. We’re prepared for the worst though.”

“What about Shea’s family and job?” August asked, frowning. “I assume they don’t know.”

Shea shook his head. “I already spoke to my family. I called my sister and parents last night and told them the truth. It wasn’t an easy conversation, but we’ll work through it. I spoke to my boss too. He’s not happy with me either.” Shea let out a strangled little laugh. “But for now, I still have a job. If I lose it … well, I’ll figure something else out.”

“But why risk it?” Jonah asked. “I mean, you have the money, Dom. Why not pay?”

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