They violated her, as callously as her stepfather had when she was an innocent teen.
And these bastards did it for clicks.
"Nick?" Avery's voice comes through the speaker, small and scared. "Are you still there?"
I realize I've stopped breathing.
I force air into my lungs. Force my voice steady.
"I'm here, sweetheart. Where are you right now?"
"In my car. Outside the studio."
"Good. Get home. Right now. Don't stop, don't talk to anyone. Just get home safe."
"My mom. Nick, she would never do this on purpose. I need to call her, I need to—"
"I know." I cut through as gently as I can manage. "I know she wouldn't. We'll figure that out. But right now, I just need you to get home safely. Can you do that for me?"
A shaky breath. "Okay. I will."
"I’ll be right behind you. I'm leaving right now."
I end the call and turn the phone toward Beck and Gabe, letting them read the article on my phone’s display.
Beck's expression hardens as he scrolls. Gabe's jaw tightens, the only sign of anger from a man who's seen worse than tabloid cruelty.
"I want everything we can get on the outlet that published this." My voice comes out flat. Cold. "Ownership structure. Parent company. Financials. Advertising partners. Outstanding debts. Pending litigation. Everything."
Beck is already pulling out his phone. "I'll have the research team on it immediately."
"Not tonight. Not within the hour." I meet his eyes. "Now, Beck."
He nods once and starts making calls.
Gabe rises to his feet. "I'll have a team at your building ASAP. Lobby secured, escort ready for Avery from the garage to the penthouse." He's already texting. "If any photographers show up, they won't get within fifty feet of her."
"Thank you." The words feel inadequate, but they're all I have.
I grab my jacket from the back of my chair and head for the door. Don't bother putting it on. Every second I'm not moving toward her feels like a waste.
"Nick." Gabe's voice stops me at the threshold. "We've got the security handled. Beck's got the intel. Go be with her."
I nod once. Then I'm through the door and striding down the corridor, footsteps sharp on marble.
Lily looks up from her desk as I pass. "Mr. Baine, is everything—"
I don't stop. I can’t. Every cell in my body is pulling toward Avery, toward home, toward the only thing that matters.
The elevator opens the moment I hit the button. I step in, punch the parking garage level, and watch the doors close.
Alone.
For the first time since her voice broke over the phone, I let myself feel it.
The black, animal rage.
Someone approved this story. Someone signed off on using Brenda.
