I can’t allow it.
I can’t let people see it.
What would that do to him? What would it be like for him? Knowing people are watching and scrutinizing every minute detail of something that was done to him. Something he can’t even remember fully himself.
There must be another way.
I told Griffin I would resign and never speak to him again if he tells Reed when I’ve asked him not to. I said I would leave New York and Maria and our friendship behind. It was an awful thing to say, and it would cut me far deeper than it would them. But I’m desperate, and it’s all I have.
He was livid at me, of course. But I also saw understanding in his eyes, and maybe even respect at how much I care for Reed and will do anything for him.
He begrudgingly agreed to give me one week. One week until he tells Reed what he knows. Unless we figure it out before that.
The press will be waiting for Reed to announce his decisions over the commissioners of the agencies. And anyone who knows him and who has followed his campaign will know he’s organized. They’ll expect him to announce it fast. For it to take too long will arouse the blackmailer’s suspicions. They might assume I’ve failed.
It’s better that they don’t think I’m an option at all.
It’s the only way.
I texted Reed earlier to tell him how much I miss him. Then he called, and we spoke on the phone. Hearing his voice caused my emotions to come pouring out of me, which will only make what I must do even harder. He’ll be suspicious over why I seem to have a sudden change of heart about us. But it’s better for him to think I’m having doubts, rather than…
I squeeze my eyes shut as I force away the threat of more tears that burns along my lower lashes. Then I swallow down the creeping nausea that’s taken over my stomach. I’m lying to myself. I can tell myself I am just buying time. If it makes it easier, then I can lie to myself. But I know that once I leave, I won’t be able to come back. Even if Griffin can find out who sent the video, they may have copies. There’s nothing to stop them from releasing it one day, coming back to try and use me as a weapon against Reed. Target my love for him and taint it until I agree to their demands to protect him.
This is for the best.
I’m making the only decision I can right now, in an impossible situation.
Now I just need to decide how to do it.
How do I break up with the only man I have ever been in love with?
Chapter twenty-five
Reed
“Harls?Wherehaveyoubeen?” I bolt up from the sofa as she comes through the front door.
The second she sees me, she flings her purse on the marble floor and runs to me. I catch her in my arms as she almost knocks me flying. She feels even smaller in my embrace than usual. Like the past forty-eight hours have worn her down. Chipped away at her somehow.
“I went straight to Maria and Griffin’s when I got back, and they said I’d just missed you. That was half an hour ago, Angel. Where have you been?”
“I… I called Mom for a chat. I went out on the roof terrace for some air.” Her voice is muffled against my shirt.
“Okay.” I dip my face to her hair and inhale her familiar scent.
“How was your day?”
I kiss her hair, stroking her back as she stays glued to me. “It was productive. Stuart and I got a lot done… And Bea stopped by.”
Harley jolts back from me but only manages to create a small space between us because I’m holding her so firmly. Her eyes dart to my shirt collar and they widen before she looks at me.
“Did she kiss you?”
“What? Of course not. Why would you even think that?”
Her fingers brush my jaw, and my breath stills as I revel in her skin on mine after what feels like a lifetime.
“You have red lipstick on your collar.”