Chapter 28
Bayleigh
Waking up this morning, last night feels like a dream. A hot, sexy, mouthwatering dream.
A date. I went on a date with Lincoln Brooks. We kissed, and it was amazing. It was more than I could ever imagine. There’s nothing that can ruin the high I’m on right now..
I throw the blankets off of me, sit up, and swing my legs over to the side of the bed. My toes rub across the fluffy tips of the rug; the softness comforting me.
But it’s all ruined when I see my phone light up with message after message. What the fuck? I instantly begin to worry that something’s happened to my parents. To Benton. To James.
They weren’t here when I got home last night. My parents messaged saying they went out to eat, and Benton was out with his team. I told them goodnight. Made sure the house was locked up and went to bed.
What I see doesn’t make me feel any better. My family and bestie are fine. But shit’s hit the fan.
My social media is full of notifications, tags, and DMs—someone snapped a photo of Lincoln and me at the restaurant.
It’s everywhere. It’s all I can see as I scroll. The headline tells everything.
Scorpion’s alpha brother seen with Kraken omega.
I click on the posts one by one, and the comments are brutal. I’m being torn to shreds all because of a date.
Fans of the Krakens are calling me a traitor. I wonder if my brother knows. What he thinks.
My heart pounds like a drum. I feel like it's going to burst from my chest. Has Benton seen this? No, probably not, because I’m certain if he had he’d be in here, ranting and raving about how I could go on a date with the enemy and how he’s going to hurt me.
Or, worse, maybe he did see it, and he’s so pissed he can’t even face me. Is he hurt by this? I don’t know what to do. I don’t even know what to think. I was so happy; now I feel like I’m about to hyperventilate.
I should stop scrolling. I’ve been in this world long enough to know how the press and readers will take an innocent photo and create a whole disgusting story about it. But I can’t stop. I keep reading.
I bet she’s sleeping her way into rival circles just to cause drama.
Can you imagine her poor brother? How shameful.
What a betrayal to her own blood.
Guess she figured the only way she could get a pack is going to the enemy.
What does he see in her? Isn’t she deaf?
Her brother should disown her. I hear he takes care of her. Pays her bills. And she goes and does this? What an ungrateful sister.
I don’t even realize I’m crying until a tear splashes on the screen of my phone. I lift my hand wiping more tears away.
How can people be so cruel?
They don’t even know me, yet they’re rushing to judge me.
Lincoln… He must be thinking what a mistake it was to take me out. But as I continue to scroll, I see all the negative comments are about me. Nothing about him.
Then, Benton’s name flashes across the screen. He’s furious, his messages coming in fast.
Benton: Are you kidding me?
Benton: Do you want to start a war?
Benton: What the hell were you thinking, Bay?
Benton: I really thought this stupid obsession you had with Korbin’s brother would fade. That you’d see reason.
Benton: I guess not. Now I know where your loyalties lie.
I stop reading. I love him more than anything in the world, and for him to say I don’t, crushes me.
When I don’t reply, he calls. I ignore him.
How dare he? Until he calms down, I refuse to listen to him. I fall back on the mattress, rolling onto my side and cry.
I don’t know how many tears I’ve shed until I feel the mattress dip as someone sits down beside me. My eyes pop open, and I see it’s my mom. Her warm eyes gaze down at me as she pushes the hair from my face.
“Don’t cry, Baby. This will pass.” She speaks, making sure I can read her lips clearly as she continues to rub her hand across my head. There’s a flash of irritation in her eyes she is trying (and failing) to hide.
I sit up slowly, lifting the hem of my nightshirt to wipe my face.
Benton, I sign, but she puts her hands over mine, lowering them with a firm shake of her head.
“Your brother is being an idiot,” she says, and her brows pinch together, the muscle in her cheek ticking. “He lets his anger get to him, and you are his baby sister. He is protective of you.”
His words were so mean.
I pick up my phone, showing her the messages.
He’s so mad at me.
Her lips press into a thin line, nostrils flaring before she forces a calmer expression for my sake.
“And he’ll get over it. His life is not yours, and he needs to learn that.
But I’m not here because of him.” Her eyes soften again as she signs along with her words. “I’m here for you. Are you okay?”
It was our first date, Mom, and now it’s just ruined. People are writing such cruel things about me.
“And they’re lies,” she signs immediately.
“You know that. Your friends and family know that. And your young man does as well.” Her hand curls protectively over mine.
“Don’t give those comments your time. Live your life and be happy.
Don’t let them or anyone else ruin something that mattered to you. ”
I throw my arms around her, holding her tightly. This is what I needed. Moms always seem to know.
“Now, dry those tears. And come downstairs and have some breakfast with me. I’ve ordered us something, and it should be delivered any minute.
Then we can find a movie to watch. And don’t worry about your brother.
I’ll handle him.” She stands from the bed and crosses the room and turns back to me.
“Just remember, Bayleigh, it’s just like Taylor says, ‘haters gonna hate’.
” With those final words, she opens the door and steps out of my room, leaving me to absorb what she said.
My phone vibrates again, and I see more messages from Benton. But then I see one I do want to read.
Lincoln: I’ve seen the tabloid posts. Are you okay? I’m so sorry. I didn’t expect that to happen.
I almost don’t answer because I don’t want to lie to him. I’m not okay. Not at the moment anyway. My world’s been turned upside down over one perfect night and one stupid photo. My brother is pissed, and I'm being made out to be a villain.
Lincoln: Talk to me, Baby. I need to know how you’re doing. Good. Bad. I don’t care.
Lincoln: Do you regret going on a date with me?
My fingers scroll through our thread, landing on the video of him signing to me. Our conversations. And a calm overtakes me.
I will not let them win. I’ve done nothing wrong.
Me: No. I don’t have a single regret.
Lincoln: Is Benton giving you grief? If he is, I can come over. You’re not going through this alone. You’re my girl.
Me: He’s not here, but he’s been texting nonstop. He's pissed, but my mom said she’s going to handle him.
I see the text bubbles dance up and down, then stop. Then they start again before a message comes through.
Lincoln: I’m coming over. I’m not going to let him be pissed at you or treat you any way but like a queen.
Me: No. It’s okay. He’ll calm down, or face our mother’s wrath. I’m going to have breakfast with Mom, watch a movie and try not to go online to see anymore of the hate.
Lincoln: Everything they’re saying is bullshit. Don’t listen to it. We’ve done nothing wrong.
Lincoln: Please don’t give up on us before we’ve even really started.
He’s worried about me.
Me: I’m not. Us is the one thing that is keeping me happy right now.
Lincoln: Okay. I’m going to talk with Korbin and see if there’s something the PR team can do to help handle this. My girl isn’t going to be slammed online.
My hand goes to my heart. His words only reassure me more that this man is everything I think he is.
Lincoln: Can I message you later?
Me: You better.
I let out a calming breath, finally feeling a little in control since seeing the notifications on my phone.
I’m terrified, yes—but also proud. Because for once, I’m choosing me. What I want. Who I want. And he’s picking me as well.