Page 91 of Double or Nothing

Val moves toward the door but stops in front of Kat.

“When his career falls apart, you’ll be the reason.”

Son of a bitch.

Kat’s face falls, and Val is pleased to have knocked the wind out of Kat’s sails.

I am more than happy to fix them.

Jumping from the couch, I storm out of the room after Val. Grabbing her arm, I twirl her around to face me.

“You ever speak to Kat like that again, you’re done. Do you hear me?”

“You’re making a huge mistake.”

“I don’t give a damn what you think. It’s my career, my choice, but if you so much as ever look at her sideways again, I will end your career. Understood?”

Val yanks her arm out of my hold. “Understood.”

I watch every movement she makes until the elevator is gone.

When I turn back to my room, Kat is standing next to Mac, visibly shaken.

“She’s wrong, you know,” I say, making my way to her.

“Is she? Is this move going to be bad for your career?”

“I hope not,”—I shrug—“but let’s face it, it’s a fleeting career on a good day. One day, you’ve made it. The next, you’re old news. What I do know is I want to take this residency. I want to live my life here, with you.”

“What did she offer you?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“It matters to me.”

Taking her face in my hands, I look her deep in the eyes.

“I love you, Kat. There is nothing in the world that could tear me away from you again. Not a world tour, not a billion dollars. Nothing.”

“Are you sure, Sutton? The last thing I ever want to do is—”

“I fucked up and walked away from us five years ago. I’m not making that mistake twice. This is where I want to be. I promise you, baby.”

“I don’t want you to give up your dreams because of me.”

“You are his dream,” Mac interjects. “Val’s a bitch. Don’t let her get to you.” Mac’s hand claps down on my shoulder and squeezes before he makes himself scarce.

“He’s right, on both counts.”

“I just don’t want you to resent me one day for missing an opportunity.”

“The only one I resent is myself for being a damn fool and walking away. I’m happy where I am. I’m happy with you.”

“You swear?”

I make an X over my heart.

“Cross my heart and hope to die.”

---