Page 114 of I'll Keep Her Safe

Unless…

“If I go in there and get him fired, he has nothing to lose,” I say, thinking aloud. “He’d have no reason not to destroy me.”

Wyatt scrubs a hand over his beard in thought. “I guess that’s true.”

“But…” I spring to my feet and begin pacing as I think. “If I show him the footage and tell him Icouldsend it to his boss, then I could use that as leverage.”

Wyatt’s brows rise. “Interesting. How?”

“Well, I could basically say, stop fucking with me, or I’ll destroy your career.” Yes, this is the right way to do this. “It would givemethe power, and I could hold on to it.”

Wyatt nods, standing too. “As much as it pains me to admit it, I think you’re right. We won’t rip him to shreds, we’ll put the fear of God into him.” His expression makes me laugh. “So, when are we doing this?”

“I should do it soon,” I say, “before I can talk myself out of it.” Nerves ripple through me as I add, “Like… now.”

Wyatt senses my apprehension, taking my hand. “I could do it for you, if you like?”

I shake my head. “Thanks, but I need to do this myself.” I think of Kurt trying to intimidate me, and shiver. It certainly wouldn’thurthaving a great big muscly man there. “But can you come as moral support?”

Wyatt’s arms encircle my waist, drawing me close. “You can count on me, baby. Let’s make that prick pay.”

38

Poppy

We arrive at Kurt’s office as the workday is winding down. It’s late Friday afternoon and people are drifting around in that aimless way they do at this point in the week, waiting for it to be quitting time.

I stride purposefully across the office floor, intent on Kurt’s office, Wyatt at my side. It should feel good, knowing I’m going to finally put Kurt in his place, but it’s hollow without Bailey. She’s the one who helped me realize the damage he was doing. She’s the reason I found the strength inside to leave, and I know she’d want to see this.

Well, I did. Now, I’m not so sure.

Kurt’s assistant sits at her desk, playing on her phone, when Wyatt and I approach. It takes a moment for her to remember me, from the times I’ve visited in the past, but the recognition dawns in her eyes and she stands from her desk.

“Poppy. Hi. What… what are you doing here?”

I could stop and make small talk, try to weasel my way into Kurt’s office, but why should I?

“Hi, Rochelle. I’m here to see Kurt.”

“He’s busy—”

Wyatt cuts in with an assertive, “This can’t wait.”

I knew bringing him was a good idea.

We pass Rochelle’s desk and throw open Kurt’s office door. He leaps in surprise, gaze flying to us as we enter. Wyatt closes the door firmly behind us, then stands in front of it, his tattooed arms folded across his broad chest, like a bodyguard.

Holy shit, he is so hot right now.

Focus, Poppy.

I turn to Kurt, holding my chin high, as he rises from his chair with a thunderous expression.

“What do you want?” he barks, more to Wyatt than me. His gaze slides my way, raking over my clothes questioningly. “Whatare you wearing?”

I bite back a satisfied smile. We took Wyatt’s bike here, and while he left his leather jacket downstairs, I intentionally left mine on. It makes me feel badass. It makes me feel powerful.

Just like Wyatt does.

---