16

Oscar

There are few moments in life where I feel out of control.

When I’m skydiving, when I’m skiing, and when I’m bungee jumping are all examples that come to mind.

When I’m watching Dolly be hounded by my brothers for information is another.

“You can’t really think he’s going to come after me,” she says.

“You know he will,” Alex says. “Do you think he knows you’re here?”

“No,” I say. “They definitely think I either killed her or turned her in to the police.”

“We’ve gotten a lot of fake calls in the time since you took her,” Phoenix says. “I’ve got a team of people on it, but there’s only so much we can do right now.”

“What kind of fake calls?” Dolly asks.

“People asking about you, asking about Oscar,” he says.

“And that’s not normal?” Dolly speaks quietly.

“No,” I say.

“Not normal,” Ryan agrees.

“What happens next?” Dolly asks.

“We get back to work,” Phoenix says. “Oscar took the day off, but he can’t do this every day.”

“True,” I say. “The company needs me.” It’s not something I’m proud of. “I need to get back to normal.” I look at her. “And so do you.”

“Me?” Dolly asks.

“We spoke. We agree that it would be best for you to resume your daily duties,” Phoenix says.

“I don’t want to go back to work,” Dolly says. “I’ll quit.”

“You can’t quit,” Ryan says.

“You can’t make me stay,” she says.

“I can,” I tell her. “You’re mine now.”

“Stop saying you’re mine,” she says.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Alex says. She stands and moves to Dolly. She hugs her, pulling her close. “It’s seriously going to be okay.”

“You’re only saying that because you’re fucking a billionaire.” Dolly stage whispers. We all hear her, but I think she might have meant for us to.

“That hurts,” Ryan says. “She likes me for more than my big wallet.”

“Yeah, I like you for your big cock,” Alex says, flashing him a grin.

“Fuck,” Phoenix says. “Could you please just fucking stop?”

“Not sorry,” Alex says. She’s still hugging Dolly, whose head is on her shoulder now. “But the boys are right.”

“They’re wrong,” Dolly says.

“Your brother won’t hurt you,” I say. “We’re increasing security.”

“I’ll still be exposed,” she says.

“You’ll be safe.”

“You don’t know Craig,” Dolly says. “I’ll never be safe.”