Page 23 of Festive

He knows Amber’s record came back clean.

But Bradley is not letting up.

“You think you’re the first guy she’s burned?” Bradleycontinues, his voice oozing contempt. “You’re just the latest sucker in her web. I bet she’s got you all thinking she’s some innocent victim. That I am this horrible ex of hers who was abusing her, hurting her, stalking and threatening her every which way from Sunday, right? But let me tell you… she’s the spider. She’ll suck you dry, then move on to the next fool. Why? Because she sold me theexactsame story when I tried to rescue her from her dangerous ex. Now look at me basically living on a dime because no one will hire me because of my fraudulent criminal record. Can’t get any bank loans. I’m fucked because I fell under that bitch’s spell. And if she’s attached herself to you, then I understand what it’s like because her pussy is pretty fucking magical, so I know what it’s like to not be able to resist—”

Anger surges through me, and I can’t help but snap. I lunge forward, grabbing Bradley by the front of his shirt and slamming him against the wall. The drywall cracks with the impact, and his smirk falters while my gun presses hard into his throat. “Shut your mouth before I shut it for you,” I snarl, my voice deadly quiet. My blood pounds in my ears, and for a split second, I consider pulling the trigger and ending this piece of shit right here.

His eyes widen, and now I see the real fear setting in.

But I don’t pull the trigger.

Not yet.

I lean in close, my face inches from his. “You almost had me believing you until you started mouthing off. You think you’re gonna stand here and throw dirt on Amber’s name, try to make me doubt her? You’re scared, Bradley. And scared men lie.”

Bradley swallows hard, his eyes darting to the others.

Neon steps up next to me, his gun pointed at Bradley’s temple. “If you’re so sure she’s the problem, where’s your proof? You got solid evidence? Or are you just running your mouth?”

Bradley’s breathing becomes erratic, his bravado crumblingunder the weight of the situation. “I-I don’t need proof. I know what she did to me. She’ll do it to you too.”

I slam him harder against the wall, his head bouncing back with a dull thud. “You’re trying to save your skin. But all you’re doing is digging your own damn grave.”

He winces, his face paling. “Okay, okay… maybe I don’t have proof. But she’s bad news, I swear! I have nothing against you guys. Honestly, I don’t give a shit what you do. Keep her at the club, don’t keep her, that’s up to you. I’m just telling you my side of things.”

Phantom moves in closer, his voice a quiet growl. “Funny how you keep shifting your story,Bradley. First, she’s a hacker, then she’s a psycho. Now it just looks like you’re desperate for us not to kill you.”

Bradley looks from Phantom to me, panic finally setting in. “I’m telling you the truth, man. I’m not lying! Just… just let me go, and you’ll see. Seriously, you need to get her away from your club. The longer she is there, the more she learns about whatever it is you do there.”

I lower my gun just an inch, but my grip on his shirt stays firm. I stare him down, searching his eyes for even a hint of sincerity.

All I see is a coward.

A desperate, cornered rat.

“Let me make this crystal clear,” I snarl, pulling him closer. “If I find out you’re lying, if you so much as try to make contact with Amber again, I’ll come back here and finish this.”

Bradley nods frantically, sweat beading on his forehead. “Okay, okay, man. I hear you. But if I ever see Amber again, trust me, I’ll be the one running in the other direction.”

I shove him back, releasing him, and step away. The guys stay on high alert, guns still drawn, while Bradley sags against the wall, clutching his chest and gasping for breath.

Without taking my eyes off him, I signal to the others. “We’re done here. Let’s go.”

We turn to leave, but as we head for the door, Bradley’s voice cuts through the air, shaky and desperate. “You’ll regret this. She’s gonna ruin you. Just wait!”

I pause for a second, my hand resting on the doorknob, and glance back over my shoulder. “The only one getting ruined here is you if you don’t keep your goddamn mouth shut.”

My pulse is still racing, and doubt swirls in my gut like a storm I can’t shake. But one thing’s for sure, if Amber is lying, I’m going to find out. And when I do, all hell’s going to break loose.

Lowering my gun, I don’t know what to believe.

My instincts scream that Bradley is full of shit.

He is trying to weasel his way out of a bullet.

But a small part of me—deep down—wonders if there is more to this.

Has Amber been playing me?

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