Page 58 of Sweet Addiction

KNOX

I watch as my dove flees with Vanessa.

Everything inside me demands that I go after her. Take what I want and make her mine in front of all these people. But I don’t.

I didn’t tell her what I was doing today. I may have just made things worse, exposing us to the whole world. I don’t know how she is feeling right now; it could all blow up in my face. But I was willing to try anything. No matter what, or how she is feeling, I will never give up on her. On us. After answering a couple more questions, I’m done. Over this shit. I did what I came here to do. Now it’s time to see my girl and find out where her head is at.

“That is all for today. Thank you all for coming,” Brett says from beside me. Making our way out the back doors, we head to my hotel room. Though I want nothing more than to go to Madison, Brett and Clarissa will want a debrief before I go anywhere. I owe them that much.

Climbing into the elevator, it takes no more than a minute to reach my floor. Striding down the hall, I flash my fob. When the door opens, I head straight for the mini bar, grabbing a bottle of water before flopping down on the couch.

“Well that went…” Clarissa trails off as she drops down on the loveseat in front of me. “Well, it went. Now it’s just a waiting game to see what they print. By doing the conference you have controlled the narrative. I still think there will be some backlash. And they are going to want Scarlett’s response, so I need to speak to her,” she finishes, rubbing her temples.

“Mac Greenwood just messaged me,” Brett says as his fingers race over the screen of his cell. Mac Greenwood is the head coach at the Rams. I don’t know if it is a good or bad thing that he has text already. “He has requested a meeting with you and me.”

I nod. “That was expected. Good news really does travel fast,” I drawl sarcastically. If I lose my contract with the team, then so be it.

“I will call him and arrange it. I can’t guarantee it will be good news Knox. You know the Rams are all about family image and though you have been keeping it in the family so to speak, it’s not really in the way they like,” Brett states seriously. I almost feel guilty about how frazzled he looks. Dark circles under his eyes. Hair in disarray. Brett is normally so composed, and these last couple of days have tested him. If I wasn’t a selfish asshole, I would find another agent, just to give him a break. But Brett is the best in the business and as long as he is willing to keep me as a client, I’m not going anywhere.

“We will see what they have to say.” I wave him off nonchalantly. I have no more fucks to give when it comes to anything but Madison.

“Scarlett is calling,” Clarissa’s voice is calm, but I hear the underlying worry.

“Answer it. See what she has to say.”

Clarissa nods before pushing out of the chair and making her way to the bedroom for privacy.

“She is really worth it then man?” Brett asks, making my gaze flick to him.

I sigh. “She is. I love her Brett. If it was just a fling, I wouldn’t have put us all through this.”

He exhales, running a hand through his dark blond hair. “I’m happy for you. Even if it is a complete shit show.” We both chuckle before sobering.

“I would do anything. Go throughanythingto have her. She is mine as much as I am hers,” I say honestly.

“How do you think she is going to feel about all that just happened?”

“I won’t know until I speak to her. She was there though.” I smile as I remember how she tried to hide from me.

“She was?” I don’t miss the shock in Brett’s voice.

“She was. That’s got to mean something right?”

“Maybe man. Maybe. When are you going to see her?” he asks before taking a sip of water.

“As soon as I’m finished with you two assholes.” I smirk.

He shakes his head. “You really do have it bad.”

“I do,” I tell him truthfully. Not giving a fuck if I come across pussy whipped. I am and I don’t care who knows it. “It’s taking everything in me to sit here right now and not go to her. So, you two better get it wrapped up. Time is a wasting,” I say just as the door to my bedroom opens and Clarissa steps out.

“So that went as bad as expected,” she says, sounding exhausted. “Scarlett wants to tell her side of the story. She was going to dispute your claims and say that you did in fact have a sexual relationship. I advised her against it. Told her that you would sue her for defamation, libel, and anything else your lawyers can use. She is going to think about it, but she is humiliated Knox. Which is understandable.”

“She has nothing to feel humiliated about,” I reply unapologetically. “I didn’t smear her at all during the press conference. I could have, after the stunt she pulled with me being her baby daddy.”

She pins me with a droll stare. “Please show some empathy Knox. Yes, Scarlett hasn’t acted in the best way, but you did just tell the world you are in love with her daughter. It doesn’t matter that your relationship was fake. It’s embarrassing for her.”

I take a calming breath before I chew Clarissa out. It’s not her fault Scarlett is crazy. “Whatever. If we’re done here, I have somewhere I need to be,” I drawl climbing off the couch.

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