Page 117 of Press Play

She promised, but now she’s gone.

Though, I didn’t give her much of a choice. I all but shoved her out that door. Still, she must know I don’t want this. I don’t wantherto leave. Not when we finally have what we’ve denied ourselves for years.

I’d be a fool to throw it away.

What am I supposed to do without her? Wren isn’t just a part of my life—she’sthepart that makes the rest bearable. And yet, here I am, standing on the edge of losing her because I’m too much of a coward.

My chest tightens. I can’t protect Wren if Amanda goes through with her threats. But pushing Wren away is like cutting off my own lifeline.

I try to imagine it—a life where I don’t see her smile, hear her laugh, or feel the warmth of her hand in mine. The idea is hollow, like a piece of me would wither and die. No good intentions or self-sacrifice can fill that void.

And Amanda? For fuck’s sake. The idea of being with her makes my stomach roll. Wren knows that. She knows I’d protect her no matter what it takes—even if it means pushing her away to keep her safe. But the weight of losing her...

I lift my head, blinking through the tears, and stare blankly at the wall. The quiet settles around me like a punishment I wasn’t prepared for.

It wasn’t supposed to be this?—

“And just for the record!”

Her voice splits the silence like a thunderclap. I jerk upright, my heart lurching as Wren storms into the room, her steps sharp and purposeful. Her eyes burn with a fury I’ve missed—a force of nature that commands attention.

She shoves Robbie forward, her outstretched finger trembling with rage. “I didn’t run, but you’ve left me no choice. You’re going to talk to him,” she snaps, her voice sharp enough to cut. “And you’re going tolisten.”

Wren turns to leave, and her bare feet pitter-patter against the floor. “And I’m not running.” Her voice is quieter now, almost exhausted. “I’m just going to take a shower and clear my head.”

The door closes with a soft click, and suddenly, the weight in the room grows heavier.

“Why are you here, Robbie?” I groan.

He looks down at me, his eyes searching my expression. “To talk.”

I scoff, slumping back onto the bed. “About what? My decision is final.”

“Final?” Robbie repeats, his voice rising. He steps closer, his hands clenched at his sides. “You mean the decision that will ruin your life and hers in one move?”

I glare up at him. “You think I want this?”

“Then why the fuck are you doing it, Theo?” he demands, his voice cracking. “Amanda? Really? You’re seriously throwing away everything with Wren overher?”

“You don’t understand.” I shake my head.

“Then make me understand,” Robbie says, his tone softening just enough to make it hurt. “You’re destroying everything good in your life, Theo. And for what? To bow down to Amanda’s games? She’s holding a match to everything you and Wren built, and you’re just standing there, letting her light the fire.”

I exhale, rubbing my hands over my face. “It’s not that simple, Robbie. Amanda has a video.”

His brow furrows. “A video? Of what?”

I swallow hard, the words catching in my throat. “Of me... and Wren.”

The silence between us is deafening. Robbie’s expression shifts—confusion giving way to dawning horror. “You’re telling me Amanda’s blackmailing you?”

I nod, unable to meet his eyes. “She’s threatening to post it. Wren’s face is clear as day in it, Robbie. It’ll ruin her. I can’t let that happen.”

Robbie stares at me like he’s trying to solve a puzzle he doesn’t want to put together. “So, your solution is to sleep with Amanda? That’s your big plan?”

“You think Iwantto?” My voice cracks, the frustration and guilt boiling over. “I hate her. The thought of touching her makes me sick. But what choice do I have? If I don’t do this, she’ll destroy Wren’s life.”

Robbie shakes his head, his voice rising again. “This is ridiculous, Theo. You think Wren wants this? She’d rather deal with the fallout than watch you do something like this.”

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