Page 110 of Press Play

I chuckle softly and place my hand over his. “It’s okay, trust me.”

I used to wish I had a normal body. One that didn’t ache and revolt against me, but that was before I came to terms with my condition. Everyone is dealt a set of cards in life, and mine happens to include a disease that wreaks havoc on my organs if I eat the wrong foods.

“I’m always going to take care of you,” Theo murmurs into my back.

With a soft smile, I scoot closer to him. “I know.”

I want to say more, but my time has run out. Before I can give the command, exhaustion claims me.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Theo

I can’t stand seeingher this way. Wren is too good of a person to deal with this cruel disease. What did she do to deserve this? She’s been through hell and back time and time again since she was a kid. Her mom mentally abused her, and her dad was too sick to notice. Amelia and Pensley are here for her now, but they weren’t before. Wren often tells me that I’m her saving grace, but the fact that she needed one leaves me gutted.

She’s passed out in my arms, and all I can do is hold her tight, hoping she feels safe.

Sleep won’t come to me tonight, not with the worry pressing on my chest. A rumble sounds from my nightstand, and while I don’t want to pull away, it won’t stop unless I turn on Do Not Disturb. Flipping onto my back, I grab my phone, not aiming to look at the text, but what I see makes my brow raise.

Amanda:Hello, love

Ugh, this woman. I need to block her.

Me:The answer is still no.

Amanda:Oh, come on. One last video, and afterward, you won’t hear from me again.

Me:How many times do I have to say no? I’m not playing this game with you.

Amanda:Then you leave me no choice.

Me:What on earth are you talking about?

Amanda:I just so happened to log into your drive the other day, and look what I found.

A video appears next, and as it plays, my heart plummets into my stomach.

I meant to delete that footage of Wren and me. Part of me wanted to keep it for selfish reasons, but I decided against it. Why didn’t I delete it sooner!? How did I forget Amanda had access to my account!?

Amanda:One more video, and if you say no, I’ll post this and spread your girlfriend’s face all over the internet. Everyone will know her name.

Me:You can’t do that.

Amanda:Why can’t I?

I slam my fingers down against the screen.

Me:She didn’t do anything wrong!

Amanda:She’s standing in the way of what I want.

Me:I’m not some trophy to be won!

Amanda:Theo, it’s simple. Record one more video with me, and I won’t post this one. If you refuse, I’ll share it. I don’t understand why you’re so confused.

Me:You’re blackmailing me to fuck you! What don’t you understand!?

Amanda:I’ll need an answer by Friday night.