Page 3 of The One I Love

“I thought he took it well, but now I have to wonder.”

“Let’s circle back to the video.” Nyla’s tone turned businesslike. “Did you know he was recording you and him during, ah…”

“Are you serious?” Eve’s voice rose despite her best efforts to control it. “Absolutely not. How can you even think that?”

“Some people like to do stuff like that.” Nyla’s voice held no judgment. “The risk comes when one of the people involved shares.”

“I didn’t know, okay?” Eve roughly brushed back a strand of hair. “I never, ever thought Jason would do something like that, much less put it on social media for the world to see. I mean, he’s never acted like he’s angry with me, and it’s been over three years. Like I said, our recent call was amicable. Not to mention, that video can’t look good for him if he’s considering a job change.”

“From what we’ve been able to determine,” Nyla said, “Jason has been having some issues at his current firm, exactly what has yet to be determined. And the bottom line is that this is about you. No one really cares about him.”

It took Eve a moment to register what Nyla was saying. She looked at her sharply. “What do you mean? How do you know about issues he might be having?”

“Dad hired investigators right away. The video has been online for several hours. The family attorneys got the original posting taken down, but it was out there long enough…” Nyla paused.

“Long enough for copies to be made.”

“Yes.” Nyla expelled a breath. “We tried contacting you, but you weren’t answering your phone.”

“I was with Anson. I shut it off to concentrate on him.” Eve covered her face with her hands. “OMG, Anson.”

“Don’t worry about him. Not right now.” Nyla reached over, the look in her eyes as steady as the clasp of her hand. “You have some decisions to make. This man recorded you without your consent. There are state internet laws, harassment laws, not to mention invasion of privacy issues. Some of these are criminal actions, especially since you and Jason were not on a nude beach or in a public place, so you expected privacy.”

“I don’t know what to do, Nyla.” A tear slipped down Eve’s cheek. “It’ll likely end up being my word against his on the question of whether I consented to the recording. He’s an attorney. I live my life online. Chances are, people won’t believe me. Wouldn’t pressing charges only drag this out?”

“You don’t need to decide right at this moment.” Scooting close, Nyla wrapped her arms around Eve, holding her tight while the tears fell.

Once Eve felt steadier, she sat back and swiped at her cheeks.

“There’s only one thing you need to decide right now, little sister.”

“What is that?”

“Where to stay until this blows over.”

Eve glanced around her apartment. “What’s wrong with right here?”

“Nothing.” Nyla shook her head. “Security here is excellent. You’ll be safe here from reporters and paparazzi. I was simply thinking you might want family around during this time.”

“Are you inviting me to stay with you?” Eve’s tone turned teasing. She knew how much Nyla and Deron valued their privacy.

“We would love to have you, but our security needs work,” Nyla admitted. “The cabin isn’t the best place for you.”

“Then where?”

“Mom and Dad—”

“Absolutely not.” Eve’s voice rose.

“Their home and grounds are very secure,” Nyla pointed out.

“I can’t be with them.” Eve’s cheeks heated. “Having Dad look at me with disappointment and seeing Mom wringing her hands and asking where she went wrong… No. Can’t do it. Won’t do it.”

“I don’t blame you. Now, take a moment to consider what I see as your best option.” Nyla lifted a hand. “Don’t say anything or rush to say no before I finish. Promise?”

Eve met her sister’s clear-eyed gaze and wondered where this was headed. “I promise.”

“Gran and Pops.” When Eve opened her mouth to protest, Nyla shot her a warning look. “The penthouse is large, and with the rooftop access, you wouldn’t be stuck inside. Gran, well, you know there is no one who will be more supportive than her.”

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