Page 128 of Two Guys, a Girl, and a Tripod

“I need your help.”

“Take the CIO job.”

“Are you really going to blackmail me when the woman I love is in danger?” My breath hitches, my heart racing.Love. I said that. Out loud. I swear I canhearMel raising an eyebrow. I can definitely see it in my mind.

“Are you really going to gamble with her safety when all it will take is a simple yes?”

“Mel, please,” I choke.

“Take the job.”

“Fuck, fine. I’ll take the damn job.”

“Delightful. Now,” I hear her typing frantically in the background, “I’m reaching out to my security team. Does Sophie know you’re talking to me about this?”

I didn’t give Sophie’s name, but it’s not a shock that Mel knows.

“No. She thinks all I’m doing is digging into a glitch on her doorbell cam. What do you mean, ‘security team’?” I haven’t heard her talk about that before.

“No need to bother yourself with that. I can have a team install extra cameras at her place.”

“Her roommate-”

“They’ll do it when Natalie is gone.”

Mel obviously checked out everyone Sophie is connected to. Hell, she probably knew about Caleb and Jesse before I did.

Fuck.

“The ex-”

“No record of him staying in the city,” she says, cutting me off again. “Or the brother.”

“No, they’re being smart,” I confirm. “If they’re planning something, Mel, I-” My voice catches.

“We won’t let anything happen.” Mel’s determination is enough to make me feel more at ease. “Your promotion has already taken effect. Please make sure to transfer any notes regarding current clients back to me by the end of the day so that I can redistribute your clients to other specialists.”

“Mel, come on.” I guess I should have negotiated for a grace period.

“Brody, this is for your own good.”

She hangs up and I’m left to stare at the file on Jesse Davis that scared me so much I accepted a job I don’t want–an early retirement I certainly don’t need.

Sophie is worth it.

32

Sophie

Miles hasn’t left my side all day, save for the occasional bathroom break. We attended a panel this morning on sexual assault in the industry, listened to survivors bravely telling their stories and experts talking about how it’s far more prevalent than anyone realizes. A burlesque performance after lunch had both of us squirming in our seats.

Now we find ourselves browsing the marketplace and all the amazing booths before it closes for the evening. We take selfies with performers who are representing various brands, production companies, and agencies. A new production company called Exxxess, based out of Las Vegas, has two very familiar faces.

Vera and Penny squeal when they see us, hurrying over to hug me. They’re wearing the skimpiest shorts and most revealing tops they could possibly have chosen. I’m desensitized after seeing a well-known porn star wearing nothing but rhinestone pasties and a matching thong.

“We didn’t know you’d be here,” says Penny, excitedly.

“I never even thought to ask,” adds Vera.

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