He didn’t reply. I’d hit a nerve. He was kicking himself for taking me there too. I knew it wasn’t his fault, the club had always been secure, but this was dragging up too many old feelings.
“I swear, I’m going to set on fire whoever did this to you.”
“Youdid this to me once, remember?”
His knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel. It was a cheap shot and I knew it but I didn’t care.
“I’m sorry. I’m lashing out.”
He reached across and took my hand. “I understand. This is stirring up old memories for you.”
“Those memories aren’t that old, Alfie.” He didn’t respond. He didn’t need to. He just had to hold me. “Why would anyone want to do this to me?”
“This isn’t about you. They sent it to me. They probably want money. This is what people do. This is why we have Elliot and Maia. This is why I don't want you going anywhere without me. This is why you have kidnap and ransom insurance. People want money and they do shitty things for it.”
“Okay, then who would do this to you?”
“I’ve pissed off a lot of people in my life.”
I snorted. That was hardly surprising.
“Your mother? Your sister? Julia? One of the women you used to play with? Angie?”
“Or all of the above.” He released my hand so he could change gears. “There are a lot of options. I’m going to figure it out, Lo. I need to call Elliot.”
I stared out the window, barely listening as Alfie gave him his marching orders. Tears filled my eyes now. The thought ofElliot watching me do those things…what if they got online? The tabloids would get a hold of it…those images on shitty porn sites.
I was surprised when we slowed to a stop outside the house. I barely remembered the drive home.
“I could lose my career over this.”
“I won’t let that happen.”
“I’m not you, Alfie. I’m not a powerful man. You can own a fucking fetish club and still be a CEO, still be taken seriously. Do you think I could? You’ll get a pat on the back for getting laid, I’ll be called a slut.”
“Lola—”
I got out of the car. I couldn’t talk about this anymore.
He met me at the passenger door. “Please don’t run away from me.”
“I’m not, I just need space right now.”
“Don’t tell me what you need…”
I shoved his chest. “Stop!” I pointed at the CCTV camera. “We aren’t alone, remember?”
I side-stepped him and opened the boot to get my new gift.
“Let me help?—”
“Don’t touch my shovel!” I sounded stupid and I knew it. He took a step back, resigning himself to letting me spiral at my own pace.
Shovel in hand, I went straight out back and started digging another hole. I was going to need another tree.
With burning tears and a churning stomach, I ended the day just as I’d started it.
Twenty-Nine
