Page 105 of Who's Saving You
“You can run my piece or not. But if you kill it, someone else will publish it, and you’ll have to explain why every other outlet in town has the storyyouwere too blind to take. Either way, I’m not backing down. Not for him. Not for me.”
I pick up my notebook, hands trembling at the adrenaline running through me, and walk to the door. I pause, turning back around. “You wanted a scandal, but I found something bigger. I found the truth. And for the first time inmy career, I know exactly what kind of reporter I want to be. So, while I’m grateful for the opportunities you've given me here, for being a friend as well as a mentor, if you need to fire me, have at it. But understand that it won’t stop me. And this story will get out.”
Her mouth opens, then closes, lips pressing tight. But I don’t wait for an answer. I walk out, feeling lighter with each step.
It had started as an assignment. At one point, I would have bet everything I own that no one is as good as they look. There are secrets, dark lies, events that would end us if they got out. But then there was Nik. Sure, he is a little morally grey around the collar, but he is still proof that love always shines through. And somewhere between the questions, the danger, and the nights spent unraveling Nik’s world, it had become my life.
And now, it is mine to write.
44
Noelle
“Dante, tell me you're not placing bets against him tonight.”
He grins a cheeky grin. “Why? Think he’s a bit distracted?”
I shake my head at him and sip from my wine glass. “I know someone else who’s a bit distracted.” I smirk at him as he holds my look, his eyes dancing but his lips pulled tight.
“Noelle! I love it here! It’s so much better than downstairs!” Olivia is like a kid in a candy shop, looking around the VIP area that spans both floors. Her eyes are wide and her smile big as she accepts a drink from the waitress. Looking out the windows down onto the floor, I see people standing at the bar, watching the stats, and placing their bets. It’s been eight weeks since I first met Nik, and never inmy life would I have thought it would have landed me here.
“You don’t like the downstairs club?” Dante approaches her in a relaxed manner, shoulders back and hands in his pockets.
Olivia makes a face and waves her hand towards the club. “It’s fine. The music is good, and the drinks are great. But they’ll let anyone in. Seems like the owner just wants to make a quick buck instead of a lasting place.”
I stifle a laugh as Dante’s eyes flick to mine, then back to my sister, as she continues, “Up here is so much better. I’d pay to come to a VIP place like this.” She sips from her drink. “How’d you get this hook up anyway, sis?” She bumps me with her shoulder.
“I know the owner.” She smacks my arm, and I wince.
“You do? Well, Jesus, don’t tell him I just said all that.”
Dante steps closer. “No, you should tell him. I’m sure he’d be appreciative of the feedback.”
“Do you know the owner, too?”
“I do.” He extends his hand to Olivia, and when she takes it, he bends slightly, placing a kiss on her hand. “Dante Shivers, owner of Club Trick.”
Her mouth opens, closes, and opens again. She looks like a fish underwater. Then her eyes flash to me. “You knew! And you let me stand here making a fool of myself!”
I laugh, but Dante cuts in. “I appreciate the honesty, Olivia. It’s hard to find in my line of work.” He’s still holding her hand, and I watch the connection between the two of them build in a matter of moments.
“Oh my god, and you already knew who I was.” She tries to take her hand back, lifting the one with her drink in it to hide her face, but Dante reaches for that hand, too.
“Don’t hide that beautiful face.”
I clear my throat. “Like I said, distractions everywhere.” I raise a brow at him as he winks at me, letting Olivia go but stepping up close to her.
“And for your information, I’m bettingonyour man tonight.”
“Oh?”
“Yup. Guys about to have the game of his life. I just know it.”
I turn to him. “And why’s that?”
“Because he showed his cards.” I roll my eyes at his innuendo. “Don’t believe me?”
“What are you getting at?”
