They’re both using me to get control over the company. I have a feeling Mike was being used for the same reason. My father picked someone close to him to try to set me up with so that he could control me. I’m sure they have some deal worked out already, but I hadn't fallen for it. I’d stayed away from Mike. Liam, though, that one worked.
“It’s not like that,” Liam says.
I try to step away from his hold, but he doesn't release me.
“Let. Go.” I’m surprised by the heat in my own voice.
“Sunshine.”
“I said let go.” This time I’m louder. Now everyone is turning to look. It doesn’t help that we’re in the center of the dance floor. Liam has to peel his arm from me. I can tell that it takes all of his control to do it.
“Sunshine, look at me.”
I can’t help myself. I look up into his eyes.
“You were right,” I tell him. “You really did give me something to cry about.”
He sucks in a breath. I take another step back.
“I’ll take you home.” Mike reaches for me.
“Don’t touch her,” Liam snaps.
I back away from all of them. I’m not going home with anyone.
“Come on.” Mike reaches for me again.
Liam moves fast. In one shot, he nails Mike right in the jaw. I’m momentarily shocked, but I know this is my moment. My one chance. Everyone rushes over to try and break up the fight. I run, pushing through the people. When I break free of the building and down the stairs, I find Carter there leaning up against the car.
“Please take me home.” I can’t stop the tears rolling down my cheeks.
“Mr. Baxter?” he asks and looks behind me.
I shake my head.
“Get in.” He opens the door for me. Seconds later, he pulls away from the curb.
“Thank you.” I didn't think he was going to do it. Liam is his boss, after all.
“You probably don’t want to hear this, because I’m guessing you’re hurt and pissed at him right now. Don’t know why and I’m not going to pry.” My eyes meet his in the rearview mirror. “But Mr. Baxter gave strict instructions that your safety and needs come first. You can thank me but I’m only doing my job. I’m following his instructions and doing my job.”
Carter's words give me a glimmer of hope, but it’s hard to hold on to. It could be just another part of his ploy to control me. So many times in my life I always look to the positive. Try to find the good. To smile. But this time, even though I try to dig deep, the sadness and disappointment put a damper on my mood. The only person that never lets me down is Mr. Grumpy Pants. He’s going to hear all about this when I get home. It’s times like this that I wish July was around or at least a phone call away to talk this through. I sigh, looking out the window, telling myself I’ll be okay.
17
Liam
When I run out of the gala, my driver is gone, so I get a cab. I call Georgia, but she sends me to voicemail each time. Fuck. I should’ve told her the truth about my initial intentions when it came to hiring her.
I’ve screwed up so, so badly. The hurt in her eyes was like a dagger through me. I call again and again, and offer the driver double his fare if he can just get me to her apartment building as fast as possible.
When I finally arrive, I run inside and press her apartment buzzer. She doesn’t answer it, so I keep my finger on it until it cuts out and her voice comes through.
“Go away.” She sounds so broken.
I did that. I’m the man who finally wiped that sweet smile off her face, and the shame of it filters through me. “Please, Georgia. Let me up.”
“No. You lied to me.”
“I did.” I press my forehead against the cool wall. “I paid someone to hack your computer so that you’d see my job opening and apply for it. I wanted you to work for me to get to your father.”
“You hacked me?” At least now she sounds more aghast than sad. I’ll take that.
“Yes. And I had him get me your information, history, all of it. He even went through to see who you talked to on your phone most often--July. And he noticed you’d blocked that Mike guy.” I keep my tone as even as