Page 41 of Million Dollar High

It was upside down so she couldn’t see the display, but every nerve in her body thrummed with the knowledge that it was from Noah.

“I really have to get back to work.”

Silence greeted her pointed remark. Then, with a stiff nod, Warren left.

She pounced on her phone and pressed the button to read her message. Her heart plummeted at Noah’s reply.

I’d say it’s been a pleasure but I’m not a faithless fucking liar.

13

In a way, she was thankful for Noah’s text leaving her in a frozen state when the next message arrived. Numb and in shock from unbelievable pain was the correct state to be in when you received a link to a sex auction website featuring your violent rape.

The blood drained from her face as she replayed the video. Her face had been blurred out (for the moment) but the auction was already growing frenzied, aided by the caption: Famous CEO In Teen Rape Tape.

The tape had pinged into her inbox at 5.15p.m. The group of lawyers, who’d arrived at 5p.m. to deal with the fallout of Stephen releasing the pictures, were huddled with Warren at the end of the conference table. So far their best advice had been to wait and see.

She swallowed and re-read the last of her stepfather’s message.

Are you really willing to call my bluff, little whore? Check the auction closing time and reassess your priorities. You have until one minute before the auction ends.

The auction was set to finish at midday on Monday, but the bidding had been going for just over an hour and was already at three million.

A cold shiver spilled more ice into her veins.

Her phone rang. Breath stalling, she rose from her seat at the conference table and moved to the window.

“Yes?”

“This is Paddy. My employer wants you to know we’ve seen the auction tape. We’re working on it. Don’t do anything rash.” He hung up before she could answer.

The breath she was holding shuddered out. Great. The man who thought her a faithless fucking liar was in charge of her fate, along with a bunch of lawyers who wanted her to wait and see.

Hysterical laughter curdled up her throat. Turning on her heel, she stalked to the door.

“What are you doing?” Warren asked.

“I’m leaving. This is going to go one of two ways. Either we catch the bastard before Monday, or the video goes viral. I’m not going to spend any more time discussing the issue.”

She walked out before he could respond. Entering her office, she snatched up her bag, walked back out and nearly bumped into Warren. He caught her by the arms and steadied her. When he didn’t let go immediately, she pulled away.

His mouth compressed for a split second. “Are you going home?”

“Maybe. Maybe not. I’m growing tired of answering to you, Warren. For the last damn time, I’m a big girl. Let me be.”

Again, a minuscule display of his displeasure in the tightening of his jaw. “My dear?—”

“That reminds me. I hate that term. Use my name. Or not. But I’m tired of being addressed like I’m some wilting English rose. And you’re not Mr. Darcy. So stop it!”

Noah stared at the phone app he’d had his tech guys build for him, his anger growing by the minute. When he couldn’t contain his frustration anymore, he swiped it closed and dialed the number he’d sworn never to call again.

She answered after four rings.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing wandering the streets at this time of night? And where the hell is your driver?”

Leia laughed, but the sound was so hollow and ragged, his chest tightened. “I sent my driver home because, right now, I’m shopping. In about fifteen minutes, I’ll be stopping to grab some dinner at Pietro’s. Didn’t you see the video? I have three whole days’ reprieve before the world is one-click away from watching my rape in full Technicolor. So before then, I intend to party like it’s 2099. Care to join me?” Her voice turned soft, inviting.

“What about your life choices? Remember those? The ones that don’t feature me?” He called himself an asshole for mentioning it. But it was out there. And the silence that greeted him killed him.

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