Page 120 of Counter Bet

“Hello?” My voice shakes as I press the phone to my ear.

“I saw the video. Are you okay?” Rick’s concerned voice brings on a fresh wave of tears.

I choke on the pain in my chest. “No, I’m not okay.”

He curses. “Okay, where are you? I’m coming to get you.”

I get to my feet.

They watch me like I’m a wild, frightened animal. Ben tries to break free, but Matt and Josh are too strong for him. The heartbreak in Dallas’ eyes mirrors my own, but unlike Ben’s loud scuffle, she doesn’t attempt to approach me.

“The lake,” I whisper, eyes still locked on Dallas.

The line goes dead.

Without another backward glance, I set off toward the dancing firelight at the edge of the trees. I’ve lost a fucking shoe.

“Please, let’s talk about this,” Dallas begs.

“What’s there to talk about? You fucked Rick and won your part of the bet. I hope it was worth ruining my relationship for.”

When we reach the clearing, she pulls me to a stop, stepping far too fucking close. “Don’t do this!”

“Youdid this!” I yell, pushing her away. “Don’t you get it? If not for you and the bet, I would still be with Rick. I wouldn’t leave my family behind for some stupid fucking dream that wasn’t even there in the first place before you fucked up my life!”

A small part of me hates myself for shouting these things because I know I don’t mean any of it. Still, I can’t stop the poison spewing from my lips. “I had everything before you and Ben decided to involve my relationship in your sick games. I can’t believe that I let myself fall for you. How could I be so fucking blind? You’re incapable of feelings. You toy with people like they mean nothing.”

I sneer at the others. “And you are no better! I hope you got a good fucking laugh at my expense.”

Ben breaks free and stalks up to me. “If you leave now, don’t bother coming back. Do you hear me?”

My mouth falls open. I stare at him in disbelief. “Are you for real right now? Do you think I want anything to do with you after what I heard in that recording? Seriously? You’re the biggest fucking mistake of my life, Ben!”

He rears back as if I slapped him.

“Emily,” Matt warns, his tone sharp. “Careful before you say something you can’t take back.”

My eyes snap to his just as a car door opens, and Rick enters the clearing with Hailey, Jamie, and Jack. I’m wrapped up in a set of strong arms.

Jack and Jamie force Ben back.

“Ssshh,” Rick soothes, stroking my back. “I’ve got you now.”

I didn’t realize I was sobbing.

“Emily,” Ben pleads, his voice breaking. “Please, look at me, Em.”

I don’t. I fist Rick’s Henley tighter, creasing the tear-soaked fabric in my clenched fists. Rick is safe. I’m not a bet to him.

“Back off, man. You’re done!” Jack says, stepping in front of Ben and forcing him back.

Rick’s hold on me tightens as if he knows I need the anchor. He sneers at Ben, “You’ll be drinking through a straw if I see you near her again. You’ve hurt her enough!” His threat hangs in the air.

He walks me back to his car, straps me in the passenger seat, and tucks my hair behind my ear. “You’re going to be okay, Em. I promise!” The car rocks when he closes the door and rounds the hood.

I lean my head against the window.

The tires squeal as he drives us out of there. Rick reaches out, interlacing our fingers in my lap. We drive in silence. The illumination of the amber streetlights comes in waves.

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