Love Like Crazy. Crystal B. Bright

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СКАЧАТЬ had this video doctored. I told you exactly what happened.”

      Kat’s screeching voice pierced Laz’s eardrum. He continued playing the video, especially since Zinner couldn’t stop staring at the image.

      “Thank you for seeing me. It’s great that you want to talk about the progress of your next album. We have a pretty aggressive schedule planned, so it would be beneficial to get the ball rolling on the music. I was fine talking to you afterward on the tour bus with your manager.” Laz took a few steps back from her.

      “I’m not really down for a threesome, not tonight.” Kat pushed Laz down on a couch in the room, and then straddled him.

      “Um, that’s not me. I think that’s one of those drag queen impersonators.” Kat pointed to the image on the wall.

      In the video, Laz tried laughing off her antics in a polite yet reserved way. “Look, I would be a lucky man to be able to bed the famous Kat.”

      “Bed, couch, wall. I’m very flexible.” She swirled her hips. “Yes, you would be very lucky. I’m really good at what I do.”

      Laz put his hands on her shoulders. “I’m only here to talk about your album and that’s it. I don’t want or need anything else.” Laz, while trying hard not to touch her anywhere lower than her shoulders, managed to get himself from under her and stand.

      Even after he stood, Kat wrapped her arms around the back of his neck. She kissed his neck, chin and cheek. “I haven’t had you yet. I think this will be fun.”

      “Oh, God.” Kat hung her head down at the table while the incriminating evidence played.

      The video continued. “Wow. You are strong.” Laz pried her arms from around him. “Trust me. This would not be a good idea. I’m the jealous type. If I see you talking to another man, whew.” He shook his head. “I don’t want to think about how I would react. And since I’m the idiot for turning down this insane offer, I definitely won’t say anything to anyone.” He winked. “Our secret.”

      Kat cocked her head and crossed her arms over her chest. “What? You think I should be embarrassed or something, like I did something wrong? I’m a young woman. I have needs. It gets lonely out on the road.”

      The group kept their full attention on the video even when Kat tried interrupting their viewing pleasures with her frantic voice and gesturing.

      “Stop this.” Kat waved her hand in the air.

      Laz didn’t. He wanted his name fully cleared. Here he thought he had been polite to her, gave her every opportunity to bow out of the situation graciously, even pinned the lack of performance on him. Yet she still tried destroying him.

      In the video, Laz said, “All I want to do is talk about your music. You owe Universe—”

      “Universe can kiss my ass.” Kat punctuated her point by slapping her small ass cheek.

      Zinner cleared his throat. Laz enjoyed the slight tingling sensation that took over his body. Vindication felt good.

      In the video, Kat’s phone rang. “You wait right there. I’m not done with you.”

      “That’s what I’m afraid of.” Laz headed toward the shelf area.

      Kat answered the phone. “Hello?” She paused. She clicked a button on the phone first. “It’s my bitch of an attorney. This will be quick. Don’t you dare go anywhere or I’ll make your life a living hell.” She ducked into a room next to her dressing room.

      The end shot showed Laz grabbing his phone. “Insurance just in case.” He winked in the camera and stopped recording.

      Kat let her feelings be known about the video and her statement by throwing up on the floor. The stench of her vomit stung Laz’s nostrils until he had to turn his head away for a moment and breathe through his mouth.

      Laz, confident that he got his point across, ended the video. “You want to go to a gossip site and a magazine with your claims?” He pointed his phone to Kat. “May not be a good idea. I don’t want to do it, but if pressed, I’ll release this video.” His gaze dropped down to Kat’s hand. “Before you leave, make sure you put your purity ring back on. Fans are standing outside waiting for you to come back out. They want to believe in the image you’ve created.”

      This time when Kat cried, real tears rolled down her cheeks. She stood from the table. “Next week. I’ll be in the studio next week.” She waved her hand wildly in front of her. “No kicker needed.”

      “Wait.” Her manager tried to grab her other hand to stop her.

      “No. No more games. I tried holding out to get more money. I tried a lot of things.” She glared at Laz. “I’ll do what I agreed to in my contract. I’m sorry.” She turned to her attorney. “I don’t think you’re a bitch.”

      Her lawyer must not have believed her. She collected her belongings and walked out before Kat.

      Kat started to leave. When she got behind Laz, she grumbled, “Asshole.”

      “Hope you’re feeling better, Kat.” Laz slipped his phone back into his pocket.

      When Kat’s team vacated the conference room, Laz finally smiled, a first since hearing of Kat’s accusations a couple of days go. He turned to the staff attorney, expecting him to share in Laz’s delight. He looked more pissed than Kat.

      The attorney shook his head. “Should have kept your mouth closed.”

      Zinner addressed the attorney. “Prepare the gag order.” Then he glared at Laz.

      “Done.” The attorney picked up his tablet and left Laz there with Zinner.

      When the attorney closed the door behind himself, Laz faced his boss. Surely this man would have his back.

      Wanting to get Zinner’s opinion on the situation sooner rather than later, Laz spoke first. “I didn’t do what she accused me of doing. I never touched her.”

      Zinner snickered. “You idiot.” He shook his head. “Do you really think you’re the first person in the music biz accused of sexual misconduct with the talent? Hell, you’re not even the first person Kat has been with on this staff. This is not unusual, and you’re not special.”

      At that moment, Laz didn’t even feel heard.

      “I knew what she was trying to do.” Zinner swung himself back and forth in his chair.

      Laz nodded. “Yeah, take down my career.”

      Zinner held up his hand. “Bigger picture, kid. She wanted more money. It’s always about money. Nothing more. Nothing less.”

      “And you were willing to pay her more money for a delayed album and tour?”

      Zinner slammed his hand on the table. “Ten million is nothing compared to the revenue we could have generated from her. She is a pop music money machine. The pre-sales for the album she has yet to go to the studio for has already sold a quarter-of-a-million copies. Her tour would have paid us even СКАЧАТЬ