The Revenge Games Duet

“I promise.” He winks, before walking away and singing the lyrics to Gold Digger, just to rile me up.

***

Three in the morning is by far the deadliest time of the day. My thoughts make this loop of chaos as I lay wide awake thinking about yesterday’s events.

I’m in a relationship with Wesley Rich.

That moment of elation is gone, and panic slowly seeps in.

I have so many unanswered questions.

This isn’t going to be a standard run-of-the-mill relationship. Wesley is a Hollywood superstar. Paparazzi follow his every move, which means sooner or later, I will be their target.

He also has baggage—a ton of it.

I have Mama and Flynn to think of.

Then there’s Emerson.

Without further thought, I grab my cell and send him a text.

Me: I don’t think I can be your girlfriend. I’ve thought about it, it just won’t work.

I don’t expect to receive a response at this hour, but the bubble lingering on the screen alerts me to the fact he’s awake too. A huge part of me wishes he isn’t. If I’ve learned anything about Wesley, he’s a determined man, and he doesn’t stop until he gets what he wants.

Wesley: Damn, I already tattooed your name on my chest.

Me: Please tell me you’re joking.

Wesley: Why the cold feet?

Me: I think we’ll be complicated.

Wesley: By ‘we’ you mean me?

Me: No. I’m just not ready for another relationship, and the media will follow me and I don’t want that.

Wesley: So you’re giving up, already?

Every part of me wants to say yes, goodbye, Wesley. Walk away, carry on, and go back to just being me.

But there’s something underlying, some unknown feeling that comes in waves and consumes me to the point I know I’m not thinking straight but have zero power over whatever it is.

Me: Okay, listen, we just need rules in place. You know, like can we make a list so there’s no miscommunication between us.

Wesley: I’m listening…

Me: Firstly, no one can know about me. I don’t want Emerson finding out.

Wesley: What else?

Me: My number one priority is making sure I can provide for my mother. My family is everything to me.

Wesley: Is that it?

Me:

And we need to be honest with each other. No lying, no hiding stuff. I don’t have time for bullshit.