Page 85 of Seductive Scoundrel

“What video?” he asks.

“Sit down, this will take a minute,” I reply, and then run through everything again, adding the latest information from Kyle’s text.

“What a slimy bastard,” Bianca cries.

It’s the first time I’ve ever heard her swear, and for some stupid reason, it makes me feel better. “Thanks. I’ve started doing some digging. When I get home, I’ll do more. See if I can stop it from being released myself.”

Bianca looks at Dex and I can almost read her mind. “Thank you, but I don’t want to get anyone else involved. This is my mess to clean up…or get buried under.”

“Mia, that’s what friends are for. Let us help. Please,” she replies.

Dex nods in agreement. “At least let me make a few phone calls. I’m sorry this is happening to you.”

My mind wars between letting Dex help and trying to take care of it alone. If I fail, my parents will be devastated. Their church group and the community as a whole won’t be forgiving of something like this. Tongues wagged enough when Kyle and Veronica got married. A sex tape would be the death of my parents’ life in Kansas City.

“I would appreciate it, but please don’t go to any trouble. I’ve caused you enough grief. And thank you – both of you – for everything.”

Bianca smiles, although the slight dip of her shoulders shows she’s carrying some of the weight of my situation. “That’s what friends are for.”

“Very true,” Dex agrees, kissing his wife’s cheek. “And don’t worry about losing your job. Dean and I don’t plan to say anything to your boss. You already told her and she wanted you to proceed. Do you have that in writing by chance?”

I nod, not surprised they’ve already communicated since the deal matters so much to both of them. “I saved the text exchange.”

“Good,” he continues. “We trust that you’ll be fair and impartial, and we have no desire to start the process over again. We want everything closed off just as badly as TBA does.”

Relief floods through me. “Are you both sure?”

“Is there anything we should be worried about?” he asks, but his eyes are kind and not accusing.

“I don’t think the sex tape scandal, if it comes to that, will affect you, so no.”

Dex smirks. “Well, I’ve never been involved in a sex scandal before, so that might be fun.”

“Dexter Alexander Pruitt! You’re awful,” Bianca says, and then giggles.

He kisses her hard on the lips, making me want everything they have.

With Dean.

But now we never will.

Because of my stupidity.

“Don’t worry about that video, Mia. I’ll find a way to stop it.”

“Thank you, Dex. I appreciate everything you’re doing, more than you’ll ever know. Now I’m going to leave you to enjoy the rest of your evening together. You can make use of having a babysitter.”

“Please stay for dinner. You haven’t eaten, and you could probably use another drink,” Bianca suggests.

I get up, pulling on my jacket. “Thank you, but I need to be alone and I’ve already overstayed my welcome. I’ll see you tomorrow at the shelter and, Dex, I’ll see you at the office.”

“Sounds good,” he replies, standing up.

“I can see myself out. Thank you both again.”

In seconds I’m standing in the hallway staring down at the rectangle in my hand. I’m not sure what to say, but I have to say something to Dean. Leaving our relationship in shambles just isn’t right.

Mia: Sorry for blindsiding you today. Actually, I’m sorry about a lot of things. I don’t expect you to respond and, frankly, I don’t deserve any more of your time. I just want you to know that I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone. More than I ever thought possible.

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