Page 231 of Call the Shots
Rolling my eyes, I grabbed my phone. No doubt there were more pictures from my friends’ big evening out.
There were a couple of new messages, the most recent one on my screen.
Unknown Number
You can’t ignore me, June. I know you’re getting these.
I stared, perplexed. There wasn’t even a number attached. I unlocked to see what else the mysterious person sent and came face to face with a picture.
King at the party. Punching Elijah in the face.
The breath escaped me. Where thefuckdid this picture come from? After the party, I’d scoured through the hockey team’s phones, making sure the evidence disappeared.
Unknown Number
I’m concerned, June.
We both know King has a temper. Please, can we talk? I’m worried about you.
I think it’s best if we wait to tell everyone, I don’t want to see either of you in trouble
Gianna’s -Xavier
“Since we’re building a new zoo, you get to pick the terrain,” Bear said, and I flinched. “We can stay in the grasslands or do something fun. Arctic zoo?”
I wet my lips, heart racing.
Oh my god—I was beingblackmailed. The threat was so clear. If I didn’t do what he wanted, the picture would get released. The picture that not only had King in a fight, but Willow clearly there too.
If King’s coach saw that—Willow’s father.
Harsh breaths rushed out of me. How did Xavier get this?
“June?” I could feel Bear’s eyes on me. “You okay?”
“I—I?—”
Panicking didn’t do anything for King. I focused on calming down. I had to meet with Xavier. I couldn’t let anyone see this picture.
“Baby?”
“I—I’m going toGianna’s.”
“Why?”
What the fuck was I thinking? Xavier was my stupid ex-boyfriend, not a CIA operative. If I told someone, he’d have no way of knowing.
“Your stepbrother’s blackmailing me.”
“What?!” In seconds, Bear was at my side, checking my phone. His jaw tightened. “If he thought that beating was rough, I’ll break his fucking arms?—”
“I need to go?—”
“The hell you are—June this is fucking nuts. Let’s call the police?—”
“And tell them what? This just sounds like Xavier’s worried about me.” I shook my head. “I don’t know what he wants, I havenothingto give him, but I have to go.”
“I’m coming?—”
