Page 57 of Resist

My heart freezes in my chest. I know before I even open it that it won’t be good. With shaking fingers, I open the file, and a low moan fills the air as the camera turns. My blood runs cold as I watch what he sent.

It’s of him and me fucking.

He’s moaning and pushing back into me while I fuck him from behind in our old apartment. He opens his eyes and looks at the camera, his smile cruel.

He knew it was there.

He recorded us without me knowing.

Horror washes through me as I watch myself bend him over and fuck him harder, all while telling him I love him.

Another text comes through, shutting down the video, and for that, I’m thankful.

THATPRICK: Come see me right now or I’ll post this. Not even your label’s lawyers could stop this when it’s out there.

THATPRICK: And leave your toy behind. You have one hour.

Sickness rolls through me, along with violation. He took something that was between us and is using it as a threat. Running to the bathroom, I throw up, his texts lingering in my mind.

Would he do it?

Would he really lower himself to ruin both his and my reputation, just to get back at me and prove a point?

I don’t know, and that scares me, but what terrifies me more is Ry seeing that. Knowing I was with him and seeing it are two very different things. He would be forced to see it over and over because the internet never forgets, especially not sex. Yes, the label’s lawyers could suppress it, but he’s right. It would still be out there.

Rinsing my mouth out, I press my forehead to the bathroom wall and glance at the clock on my phone.

It’s fifteen minutes before midnight.

The background picture haunts me. It’s of Ry and me, our hands joined. If I tell him, he’ll go in guns blazing, and Theo might release it. With no other choice, I haul myself up, still nauseous as I grab a coat and then stand above him. Taking a deep breath, I lean down and kiss his head. “I’ll be back, okay? I promise.”

I hate every step I take away from him, but despite everything we said, this is my mess. I won’t let Theo hurt Ry. Not for anything.

I slip out of the house and onto my bike, and I do as I’m told.

It’s the single hardest thing I’ve ever done, driving away from Ryker, but I do it because I love him.

I arrive before the hour is up. The lights are off inside, but as I raise my shaking hand to knock, the door opens, revealing Theo on the other side. A cruel smile tugs up his lips, and he steps back without a word.

I linger in the entryway, still feeling sick. My hands itch to grab my keys and get the hell out of here, damn the consequences, but that video would destroy my reputation, our band, and probably my relationship with Ry.

“I don’t like to be kept waiting,” he snaps, and as I watch, he tugs his phone out of his pocket, showing me the screen. The video is ready to upload to his accounts, and that sick feeling only grows. I can handle whatever he’s up to. I have to. I can’t let this get out and ruin everything we have worked for. Taking a deep breath, I step inside and shut the door behind me. His satisfied smile enrages me as he pockets his phone and turns, sweeping by as he heads into the living room. “Come on then.”

With no other choice, I follow him, but I stop at the doorway. The change in the space since this morning shocks me. The lights are all off except for a small lamp, candles are lit around the entire room, and pillows are piled before the roaring fire. A charcuterie board is displayed on a side table with decanted red wine, which he pours himself a glass of before he turns to me and takes a sip.

“What do you want, Theo?” I demand. “I came like you ordered, now delete the video from every device you have it on.” When he simply stares, my fists clench at my sides. “You realize how fucked up this is, right? You’re blackmailing me with an illegally made sex tape?—”

“You think anyone will care? They’ll see it, and that’s all that matters. At the height of your career, it’s all they will remember you for.” Stepping closer, he touches my shirt briefly. “Besides, I remember you being very . . . actively involved that night.”

Smacking his hand away, I cross my arms. “I didn’t know you were recording.”

His shrug is lazy, and it pisses me off further as he turns to the wine. “Grab me another glass, will you?”

“I’m not drinking. I’m only here for you to delete the video.”

He rolls his eyes as he looks at me. “One drink and I’ll delete the video. You have my word.”

I try to find the trap, but I can’t see it, so I head over to the bar in the corner, grab a clean glass, and thrust it at him. As soon as he takes it, I step back as far away from him as I can. He pours the wine with his back to me, and when he turns and holds it out, I look from him to the glass. Rolling his eyes, he grabs his own and drinks from it, then offers me that instead.

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