Page 116 of Bae

“Oh, hells no!” Romeo yelled.

The next thing I knew, he was gone, and I was being supported by Braeden. Romeo was pacing the room like a caged lion.

“Why would the story of your lost virginity be worth so much money?” Braeden asked the room.

Only Romeo and Ivy understood.

I hadn’t told anyone else; it was too embarrassing.

I cleared my throat. “Because—” I began, and Romeo made a sound.

“You don’t have to tell them.”

“They’re family,” I said.

He rubbed a hand over his face.

I felt all three of my brothers stare.

“After my mom died… I went through this phase… I was, um, really different than I am now. I fell in with the wrong crowd, some older kids… One of them told me he loved me, and I believed him.”

Braeden remained silent. I didn’t look at him. I was afraid to. Instead, I looked at Trent and Drew. Their mouths were drawn, but Trent looked at me with acceptance, and it gave me strength.

“I gave him my virginity. I was only thirteen.” Braeden sucked in a breath. I kept my eyes on Trent. “After that, he refused to talk to me. Everyone acted like I didn’t exist… That’s how… It’s why I was so guarded when I first met Romeo.”

It’s how I became a #nerd.

“I’m so sorry, Rimmel. I didn’t want to tell you, but this is something you needed to know.”

“This isn’t your fault, Ivy,” I said, trying to regain some composure.

Braeden was so tense it was actually making me uncomfortable. I knew he’d never hurt me, but it was like he was holding it all in because he was about to blow.

I patted his arm and stepped away. Reluctantly, he let me go. He joined Romeo in the mad pacing across the room.

“Who bought the story?” Romeo demanded. “When’s it running?”

“It’s still being bid on.Peoplewas given an option to bid. That’s how I found out. He actually hasn’t done the interview yet… He’s giving it today.”

“Today!” I burst out.

Ivy nodded miserably. “If only I’d checked my emails a few days ago, I’d have known about this sooner.”

“Where is he?” Romeo replied, deadly calm. “Florida?”

Ivy glanced down at the email, running through it again. “He’s here, in California. She probably flew him out here to stay at some posh place to butter him up.”

“She?”

Ivy’s face fell, and she nodded. “I’m afraid that’s not the only bad news I have. This gets worse.”

“What is it?” I asked, steeling myself.

“I found out who the person is behind the interview, who’s behind the bidding war and searching around for all the dirt.”

“Who!” Romeo growled.

Ivy bit her lower lip, a flash of disgust, even fear flashing in her eyes.

---