Page 62 of Worship Him

The other car shows no signs of letting up. I'm trapped on this stretch of roadd with nowhere to safely turn off. My mind races, trying to figure out how to lose them without putting Avery at risk.

I ease off the gas, hoping the paparazzi will take the hint and back off. No such luck. The car stays glued to my side, the passenger's camera flashing incessantly.

"Come on, give it a rest," I mutter through gritted teeth.

My knuckles turn white as I grip the steering wheel tighter. Avery's soft breathing from the backseat reminds me to stay calm. I can't risk swerving or making any sudden moves with her in the car.

The paparazzo leans out the window, his camera aimed directly at me. Rage bubbles up in my chest.

"Hey!" I shout, knowing he can't hear me. "Back off!"

I glance in the rearview mirror, relieved to see Avery still sleeping peacefully. The flashing camera catches my eye again, and I fight the urge to flip them off.

"This is ridiculous," I say to myself, scanning the road ahead for any possible escape routes.

The car inches closer, its mirror nearly touching mine. My heart races as I keep hold of the steering wheel, trying tomaintain control. The road ahead curves sharply, and I know I need to slow down.

"Back off!" I shout, desperate for them to just leave me the hell alone.

By now, my heart pounds in my chest as I tap the brakes, hoping they'll take the hint. Instead, they accelerate, their bumper now dangerously close to my rear wheel.

I frantically glance in the rearview mirror, checking on Avery again. She's still asleep, blissfully unaware of the danger we're in. I have to keep her safe.

The curve approaches fast. Too fast. I try to slow down more, but the paparazzi car is right on my tail.

"Come on, come on," I mutter, willing the car to stay on the road.

Suddenly, I feel a jolt. The paparazzi car has tapped my bumper. It's slight, but at this speed, it's enough.

My tires screech as I lose control. The steering wheel jerks in my hands, and I'm fighting to keep us on the road. But it's no use.

We're veering off, the edge of the road approaching at an alarming speed.

"No, no, no!" I cry out, desperately trying to regain control.

But it's too late. We're going to go off the road.

24

ADAM

Ienter my living room, the day's tension still clinging to my shoulders. It has been a very long day and even longer week.

Although I feel better now that I’ve showered and changed into comfortable clothes—a T-shirt and sweatpants— and in the mood for a nice glass of whiskey. It’s one of the few indulgences I allow myself these days.

The crystal decanter catches my eye, promising a moment of respite. As I reach for it, my phone buzzes. I grunt in annoyance, not sure if I even want to bother looking.

I pour a generous helping and sit down on the sofa, trying to ignore my phone. Instead, I turn on the TV, skipping through the channels.

Not finding anything interesting, I turn it off again and discard the remote. Worthless subscriptions if nothing good is ever on.

I take a sip of whiskey and sigh with pleasure. It sure does taste amazing.

After a few moments of silence, curiosity wins out and I take my phone from my pocket.

A missed call from Destiny. Two hours ago.

"Shit," I mutter, immediately hitting redial, upset at myself for not checking earlier.

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