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I take a step back, giving him an incredulous look “You ap on her résumé She couldn’t use you as a reference You could make her look crazy if she accused him publicly, if she tried to explain why she left here You say you don’t have that power, but you know you do You ended her professional life” Shaking et back to Nashville, I’ in my notice”

He’s on his feet at once, crossing the roo for me “Rocky, please”

Holding up my hand, I back away “Don’t touch me”

I storht onmy arm “Stop and let me explain…”

My voice is savage as I jerk my arm away “Stay away froht you were cruel”

“You’ve seen how he is” Patton’s voice is soft, pleading “I had to protect hi—”

“Renée was young You were old enough to knohat you were doing” I’ in my destination address

“What are you doing?”

“I’ you”

His voice drops “I won’t let you”

“You won’t let ht deep inside e”

My phone buzzes, and I look up to see Javier in a red Honda Civic arriving to takein his windshield

“Rocky, wait” He tries to reach forinto the car

“You hurt a defenseless person who came to you for help You hurtaway ain”

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