Page 158 of Challenge Me

I latched onto his hand and pulled him closer so that he was between my legs. “Let me help you. Please.” He wouldn’t meet my eyes anymore, and it made me feel hopeless. “What happened to no shame, being honest?”

“Not this time.”

“Why is this one different? Are you ashamed?”

He pulled back. “No, I’m not ashamed, but I refuse to plead my case anymore. Even to you.”

“That’s not what it’s about. I need . . . something.”

“Sometimes, there’s no way out. Maybe there’s a way forward, but not without going through the waves. We’re a sinking ship, Amir.”

“No.” I shook my head hard. “You were afraid when you saw him. That matters.” My stomach turned when I met his dark gaze. “I know what happened. Or at least, I know enough.”

“Are you going to expose me, then? Tell them how I’m the victim? My poor young self, abused, assaulted, humiliated? It’ll change the narrative, without a doubt.”

“I can’t,” I whispered.

“Renshu’s right out there, waiting for answers. Go ahead and tell him.” He gestured at the door. “I won’t even blame you.”

I got to my feet and walked past him. I felt his eyes on my back, but he didn’t try to stop me.

Renshu looked at me with nothing less than aggravation on his face. “So?”

“I need you to get me in contact with Clara.”

“Not happening, Amir.”

“I’m going to fucking fix this, with or without you.”

“What are you going to do? Threaten her?”

“Threaten, bribe, beg, I don’t really care at this point. Whatever it takes.”

He shook his head. “You’re not thinking straight.”

“My priorities are perfectly aligned.”

“Are they? And what happens when it bites you in the ass? You think she won’t tell everybody that you attempted to suppress a story? If you don’t get charged with a crime, you’ll definitely lose your place on the team. It’s career suicide at minimum.”

“He’s right,” Avery cut in. “It’ll only feed the fire. If Remi’s choosing not to fight back, that’s his decision, not ours.”

“I suggest you think carefully about the future of your personal connections,” Renshu warned.

“Oh, just get out,” she snapped.

He blinked a couple of times before he dipped his head and retreated toward the door. I saw Remi standing inside the bedroom, but with a shake of his head, he disappeared into the darkness.

“I’ll get the guest room ready,” I told Avery. “Oli, are you and Dean staying here?”

He was sitting with his chin on his knees. All he did was nod, so I made my way to the linen closet. Avery came up beside me and wrapped her fingers around my arm with a gentle squeeze. I wanted it to be reassuring, but all I felt was numb.

Chapter 43

Remi

So be it, let the thunder come;

The rain bears witness to this vow.