Page 83 of Fumbled Beginning

“Don’t act stupid,” I spat.

“Oh, you must be looking for Rylee.” He pulled a phone out of his briefcase. “I’m afraid she left this in my hotel room last night.”

I didn’t respond; I just drew my arm back and slammed my fist into his nose. Pain spread through my hand, but it was only a fraction of what he must have felt. It was stupid of me to lose control because my hand made me millions, and there was always someone standing nearby with a camera. But something about seeing blood trickle out of his nostrils was worth the risk.

“What the fuck, you psycho,” he hissed, bringing both hands up to cover his nose.

“You ever think about touching my girlfriend again and I’ll fuck up a lot more than your nose.”

He crossed a line, and I was here to make sure he understood where that line was and who he was messing with.

“You don’t deserve her, asshole,” he panted out between heavy breaths. Satisfaction washed over me because I fucked up his nose pretty damn good.

“You’re right, I don’t, but she’s still mine.”

“She sure as fuck wasn’t yours when I had my mouth and hands on her last night.”

I landed another punch, this time to his gut. He stumbled forward and tripped, falling to his knees on the pavement. I was probably going to get sued up the ass for this, but it would be worth it. Did I believe she slept with him? No. It didn’t matter how drunk she was; she wouldn’t do that to me. She despised the piece of shit. But this jackass wanted me to think something happened.

“She wouldn’t go near your tiny dick if it was the last one on the planet. Nice try.”

He stood up and pulled out a pocket square from his suit coat. “You clearly don’t know her as well as you think you do. She’ll change her mind. Rylee and I have history. You of all people should respect that.”

My eyebrows arched, not liking the confidence in his tone one bit. “I don’t know what the hell you’re implying, but you had your chance, and you blew it. She can’t even stand being near you.”

He squinted his beady little eyes at me. “You’re right, I did blow it, and I’m going to get her back. And you’re not going to stand in my way.”

What on earth was he talking about? He was provoking me but making zero sense.

“Dude, are you drunk or high?” My eyes searched his face. He looked hungover but otherwise sober.

“No, I’m not drunk or high.” He wiped at the blood running off his chin, staining the fabric of his white dress shirt in the process. “I’m just well-informed.”

“Look, I’m out of patience, so whatever it is you’re trying to say, just fucking say it.”

“With pleasure.” He puffed out his chest, seeming so damn sure of himself. “The beans have been spilled my friend. Your time is up. I know about Caroline and the boating accident. I know everything.”

My body staggered backward as if I’d been hit square in the chest. “What did you just say?”

She wouldn’t, I reminded myself. But how would he know?

“Did you really think you’d be able to keep your little secret forever?”

“What is it that you think you know?” I stared at him, not wanting to believe what I was hearing.

“I know about the accident you caused.” He wiped at his nose. “I know that you made Rylee feel insignificant before she left for Nashville.” He shrugged. “Don’t worry though, I took care of that last night.”

My breaths grew shallow, and my heart started to race. I felt lightheaded, blindsided, and ready to commit murder.

I hauled him up by his shirt collar, ready to strangle the little prick. “You do not want to mess with me.”

“You don’t scare me.” His spittle landed on my cheek.

“Who told you about the accident?” I was seething and one second away from snapping his neck.

“I heard the whole thing from Rylee’s lips.”

I dropped him back on his feet. It felt like a cold, rusty knife was twisting in my stomach. I trusted no one, which was why I never talked about that day. I let my guard down just one time—something I never did. I know I messed up, but that didn’t give her the right to share that information, especially with him, of all people. Never have I felt more betrayed in my entire life.

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