Chapter 20
Two days after Theo had replied to the anonymous texter, I’d begun to think maybe the whole thing was over because I’d not received any others. It turned out to be just wishful thinking.
I was just packing up for the night after a grueling ten-hour session at the studio when I received another text.
If you want your secret to stay in the dark, you’ll have to pay.
Await further instructions.
“Oh, fuck!” I hissed.
Theo was right. All people ever wanted was fucking money.
Luckily, it was the one thing I had plenty of.
I’d have felt much richer if other things were just as plentiful in my life — like love, family, security, authenticity. I didn’t have any of that, unfortunately.
I called Theo as soon as I slid into the back of the SUV. I was headed home now, and I needed to tell him about the latest text, but he didn’t answer. I texted him a screenshot of my phone and asked him to call me right away.
Wrecked with anxiety, I could barely breathe. I knew there was only one real way I would be able to relax in this heightened state. Going home was useless.
“Charlie, take me to West’s club. I’m not ready to head home just yet.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said, turning the car around, the flashing neon lights of Hollywood dancing over my face as I stared out the window at everyone else on the streets living perfectly normal, carefree existences without the pain and pitfalls of living a life famous as someone at complete odds with who felt you truly were.
Maybe at the temple I could get lost.
Maybe Theo would be there.
I crossed my legs, the familiar flame blooming inside of me, the images dancing around in my head.
I could still feel Theo’s mouth on me.