Hook'd Read Free

this Thursday."
    He nodded. "Good."
     
    *
     
    "Just take a deep breath, relax...you'll do fine," Yasmine advised, as his stylists brushed the lint off his blazer, while adjusting his suit, backstage.
    It was the day of his press conference and he was nervous beyond belief. Today he would have to get on stage and give his statement in front of the entire world. This would be the first time he ever spoke on the allegations since the incident last week. And with his brand now tarnished, he was forced to say his piece.
    "Remember what we rehearsed. Be brief. Don't disclose any more information than needed, just your feelings and concerns. And don't answer any questions."
    He nodded.
    Yasmine had been his publicist for 5 years now. A seasoned veteran in the business, she helped to build his brand, connecting him with the most prominent people in the industry. She knew how to spin a story so damn good, it even amazed him. He couldn't count the many times he had gotten caught up, whether it be cheating scandals, pictures and videos of him drunk or fighting, and other nonsense that landed him in the tabloids, only for her to revamp his image for the better. She was great at what she did. And with her help, his brand managed to remain intact. He just hoped this time would be the same outcome.
    Slick approached him. "Aye, good luck out there. You got this."
    "Thanks, Slick." They grasped hands, embracing each other into a hug.
    Cam stepped on stage and camera lights flashed at his entrance. He stood behind the podium. His brown eyes bounced around the small conference room, filled with TV cameras, journalists, news reporters, and bloggers, waiting for his speech. His heart pounded with intensity. He couldn't remember the last time he was this nervous. He adjusted his navy blue tie, and cleared his dry throat.
    "Uh..." He fixed the mic on the stand. "I know there’s been some allegations about me recently, and I came up here to address it. I just want the world to know, that those allegations are false. Every single one of them. I would never in my life, violate a woman. Ever. So, everything you hear in the media, is bullshit. Excuse my language." He stared at the TV cameras, not even bothering with the cue cards. "And to the woman who put me in this predicament...fuck you."
    Gasps filled the room, as cameras snapped endlessly.
    "On everything I love, I'm a see you soon. Best believe, you're gonna regret doing thi—"
    Slick snatched the mic. "Alright, that’s all. Thanks everyone for coming out today."
    He rushed a fired up, Cameron off the stage.
    "What the fuck was that?" Slick scolded in the empty hallway.
    "I had to get that off my chest."
    "By cursing the bitch out on national television? What is you stupid? You wanna ruin your rep even more?"
    "I don't give a fuck. The world needs to hear it, especially her—"
    Slick yanked his shirt, slamming him against the wall. "You wanna ever box again? Huh?"
    Cam pushed him off and Slick got in his face. "Keep fucking around and they’re gonna lock your dumb ass up. You already lost millions. You wanna lose some more? If you don't get your shit together, you gonna be finished out here! Is that what you want?"
    Cam glared at him, his nose flaring. 
    "Cam," Yasmine called, walking toward him. "What the hell happened up there?"
    Without a word, Cam stormed away.

Chapter 4      
     
    3 years.
    3 fucking years.
    For nothing.
    His career, his freedom, all taken away. Everything he had worked for. Gone.
    He couldn't believe the jury found him guilty. Despite the fact that there had been no evidence of forcible entry. Throughout the duration of the 2 week trial, various witnesses from doctors to police officers, even people from his team such as his bodyguard Big Polo, Slick, and others that had traveled with him to the club that night, recounted their own versions of the event leading up to that moment. None of his people dared to testify against him.
    His lawyer fought hard for his