Page 97 of Extended Bridge

“As in Darren Hilliard’s former girlfriend?” Logan pipes up. “Seems like the rumors that you’re with Bennett are true.”

Bennett steals the phone from me and refocuses the conversation. “Everything Lissa told you is a lie. Well, she might have had a miscarriage, I don’t know, but the kid wasn’t mine.”

My phone chimes as Lissa bursts into tears again. Luke’s name is displayed.

Get him off that show!

He wants to defend himself

Make the PR team do their damn job

I don’t reply, simply tug on Bennett’s arm during a brief lull on his end. When he glances at me, I hold up the text messages.

“We were together last month in Aroostook,” Lissa whimpers. “Shetried to come between us, but he rebuffed the Black Widow. He told me he didn’t want to get caught up in her web, which he knew would end UC.”

Francis stares into the camera. “Is that true, Jenna? Have you marked Bennett as your next victim?”

Anger propels me to reach for the phone again, but Bennett holds it above his head. He swivels on his heel, and presents his back to me while he says, “I called in to correct Lissa’s lies. Have you watched any of the videos from UC’s concert in Louisville? The whole band agrees with me. Did you even fact-check her story? Do your job.” He disconnects.

My body vibrates. “How were you ever with such a vile creature?”

“It was high school. She had blonde hair and blue eyes, and I was horny.”

“She didn’t even help you out on that score.”

“Lucky me.” His arms encircle my body, allowing some of my ire to seep out. Given his loosening posture, he’s probably feeling the same.

“Thank you.” I drop my head backwards. “For defending me. I’m impressed with how you combated her ridiculous claims.”

“Truth is an absolute defense.”

I smile. “‘I respect those who tell me the truth no matter how hard it is.’”

His eyes light up. “You’re quoting thefirstGodfather. See, I told you it was the best of the series!”

Just like that, the tension between us breaks.

I become aware of the stares we’re receiving in the restaurant. “Let’s sit down.”

Bennett’s hand lowers to the middle of my back and directs me toward my abandoned chair. Once I’m settled, he sits across from me. “Well, that was unexpected.”

“You can say that again.” I rearrange the silverware at my place setting. “What’s up with her?”

His fist bangs on the table. “I have no fucking clue.” He pushes against the chair. “I wish I never met the bitch.”

I drop my hand on top of his fist. “I thought your talk with the fans last night would have stemmed this.”

“Yeah. I hoped so too. Looks like we’re going to have to do more damage control.” His gaze locks on mine. “We need to get the truth out there. Howdareshe say I got her pregnant and left her high and dry! Damn girl refused to have sex with me.”

Frustration rolls off him in waves. “We’ll break through. Your fans will know what happened, and who cares about the rest of the population? Like you’ve told me before, all that matters is we know the reality of a situation.”

For the first time, his face relaxes. “How did you get so smart?”

“Sort of had to grow up when they started calling me Black Widow.”

“Hey, we need to fix that too. You didn’t kill Darren, and you’re not breaking up UC. If anything, you’re bringing us closer.”

His words settle over me. “This means a lot to me.” I lean across the table and kiss him.

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