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[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
Good for you, she breathed out. What did you say? Chris asked. Nothing, Piper answered, feeling her cheeks heat with embarrassment. She tuned back into the interview at the mention of Lewis King. Scott had mentioned that Mick had fired Lewis. Mick responded, saying, Lewis was my manager for ten years, and in that capacity he had access to private information involving not only me but the people close to me. I fired him and am now suing for breach of contract and other counts of violating my privacy. We have incontrovertible proof of his betrayal. According to the evidence which include texts, e-mails, and electronic data trails, Scott said, Lewis sold several tabloids information about you. And he and Tanya Roberts orchestrated the sexually incriminating photos of you that were published just a few weeks ago. Piper s heart beat a heavy, rapid tattoo in her chest that almost drowned out the TV. She grabbed the remote and adjusted the volume higher. Mick had told her someone had set him up from the inside, but she never would have guessed it had been Lewis. Mick nodded at Scott s comment, saying, Lewis paid the man who let the photographer onto my private estate in Hawaii and took intimate pictures of myself and a friend. The author, Piper James? Scott probed. Mick paused for a moment, and Piper could see the pain flickering in his eyes for a moment before he used his impressive acting skills and wiped it away. She felt a selfish wave of comfort knowing he hadn t moved on so easily. After clearing his throat, Mick said, Yes, Piper. The photographs and the accompanying articles hurt her deeply and embarrassed us both. What was supposed to have been a private time together was ruined by a jerk with a telephoto lens. But Mick, it isn t like you haven t spent the last decade splashing your love life all over the headlines. Piper flashed a glance at Chris, who gave her a look of compassion. You re right, but those were my choices. This particular incident was without permission and was done with calculated malice. She wasn t sure she could watch another moment. Wait, Mick said suddenly. That isn t entirely true. Lewis worked for me, and I was the one who told him to do whatever he needed to get me publicity. I didn t know exactly what he was doing, but people warned me. Mick gave a half-smile and pointed a finger at Scott. In fact, you warned me, and I ignored it because Lewis made my life easier, my career more successful. I didn t really care about the consequence as long as they were to my benefit. And those consequences ended up harmful to other people. Mick looked like a spring, coiled and tight, but ready to erupt at any minute. Piper s palms grew damp as apprehension crept along her skin and settled in the tender spot at the back of her neck. On the TV screen, Scott leaned forward, closer to Mick, and lowered his tone. Ms. James ended your relationship because of this situation? She didn t believe you? She couldn t stand the heat? Piper s face flushed, and she knew she had the telltale pink patches on her cheeks. An entire menu of emotions crashed through her system embarrassment, anger, anxiety but she remained riveted, straining to hear what Mick would say. He sighed. Piper was tired of being the subject of gossip, rumors, and lies, and I don t blame her. I am not an easy man to love Scott interjected. Love? Yes, love. I know it will come as a shock for most, Mick said, but I fell in love with her. I had no choice but to get all the facts necessary to prove the newspapers wrong about us. About her. Chris reached over and grabbed her hand. She squeezed for all she was worth. So, all of this the investigation, the lawsuit it s all for her? Scott asked. Mick nodded. When it comes down to it yes. I was betrayed, but she was the one who paid the price. He leaned forward and the camera zoomed in, making sure every nuance of his expression was clear as crystal. Piper found herself leaning forward as well, drawn in by the drama unfolding before her. She was the one cheated on by Antonio Rojas, Mick continued. A man who d pledged to marry her and said he loved her but the press made it out that she was the stupid one for loving him. They made a painful situation even worse so they could sell a few more newspapers, and she fell apart. Understandably. But now this whole thing has cost her the career she loved and I was selfish. Ignored the way it impacted her. He paused, rubbing a hand over his face and through his dark curls. His movements were jerky with frustration and anger. She longed to steady them with her own. Piper took a chance on me, and I was too stupid to see what I had in front of me. She finally came to her senses and made the right decision to get away from me. He laughed bitterly, the emotion behind the sound not quite reaching his eyes. Look, I m the worst bet when it comes to relationships. I have no idea what I m doing, but she was willing to take a chance I d get it right. I made a promise I didn t keep, and I let her down. She weighed the odds and decided to cut bait before I really screwed up. So, when everyone reports on this tomorrow, make sure you get that straight. I screwed this up. Not Piper. Scott sat back in his seat, a wry grin on his face. Sounds like she could write you two a happy ending if she wanted. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |
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