Heat pulses through my veins. “I never said I’m more important. I just need this to be escalated. My privacy has been violated.”
She cocks a brow. “If you were worried about your privacy, maybe you should’ve chosen a different career.” She raises her hand, shooing me away. “Now, move along, pretty boy.”
“Kono kusottare,” I mumble, shaking with anger as I walk out of the station.
“Well, she sure was a lot of help,” Annalise says.
“Yep. We’re never gonna hear back from her.”
I open the passenger door for her and she slides into the seat.
Rounding the car, I open the driver’s side, get into my seat, and turn on the ignition.
“Now what are we gonna do?” She sighs.
I drive toward the main road and let out a shaky exhale. “I’m gonna have to throw the game.”
Her brows cinch together. “Maddox, no! I can’t let you dothat. You’ve worked so hard to get where you are now. This is supposed to be the year you take home a championship.”
“But what about you?” I say, my voice low. “Annalise, you’re finally catching a break with this shop of yours, and you’re so close to making your dreams a reality. This sex tape would ruin your image before the world even gets a chance to discover your talent. How selfish would I be to take that away from you?”
Reaching over, she places her hand on top of mine. “We don’t know if they will actually release it. What if it’s some kinda sick joke?”
I shake my head. “I’m not willing to take that risk.”
She pauses for a few moments, staring out the window. “Wait… What if we ask your dad for help? He’s the owner of the largest technology company in the entire world. I’m sure he can find out who sent you that video.”
The muscle in my jaw tightens. “I don’t want his help.”
Even though Otosan is the one person who could help figure this out—since the cops were useless—he’s the last person I want to ask.
My relationship with him has been rockier than ever. I haven’t spoken to him since we got into it during dinner. I’ve been avoiding going over to my parents’ house because I don’t want to see him.
Okasan begged me to reconcile with him, but I don’t see a point in trying. It’s been this way ever since I was a kid. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but I’m trying to accept that we will never have the relationship I yearn for.
“Maddox, don’t be stubborn,” Annalise says. “He can track down whoever is behind this. I know you have your differences, but?—”
My knuckles whiten around the steering wheel. “I said I don’t want his help!” I snap. “Just leave it alone.”
“What the hell is your problem? All I did was make asuggestion! You don’t have to be such a fucking jerk.” She folds her arms across her chest and turns her body toward the window.
The remainder of the car ride was spent in silence. When we arrive home, Annalise storms inside and heads straight to the bathroom.
Grabbing her makeup bag, she starts gathering her cosmetic and skin-care products.
“Annalise, what are you doing?”
“I’m going back to the apartment.” She doesn’t look at me and continues to pack her stuff.
Gently, I place my hands on her shoulders. “I’m sorry I snapped at you. With everything going on, I’ve been under a lot of stress lately. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”
Her eyes remain fixed to the floor, but she doesn’t pull away from me.
“I hate that you’re in this predicament because of me. First with your privacy being invaded from the news of our relationship getting out, and now this sex tape threat.”
I sink to the cold tile floor, bringing my knees to my chest and wrapping my arms around them. “I feel like I’m making your life more complicated than it should be. If you weren’t with me, you wouldn’t be in this mess.”
“Maddox, this isn’t your fault.” She drops to the floor and pulls me into her. My head rests on her chest while she threads her fingers through my hair. “And don’t you think for a second that this is going to push me away. I love—” She clears her throat, her cheeks turning pink. “I love being with you.”
