Page 44 of Broken Rules
Better not jinx anything.
My Jinx is the opposite of her name, bringing me more than good luck. I scratch behind her ear, and she purrs, rubbing her face against my chin, and I hope right now won’t be our last moments together—that everything works out. Exhaling a deep breath, I clear my throat as a knot settles within and clean a tear from the corner of my eye with my thumb.
“Alright, ya beast. Let’s get you fed.”
Picking her up, I kiss the top of her head and stroll inside the cabin, filling her bowls and quietly making myself something to eat since I’m unsure when my next meal will be. I take my time, get Sadie’s stuff in the car, and text Kylo about thirty minutes ago that I’ll be waiting in the car at 6:30, ready to go with Jinx, which I am, to which he replied thank you.
Fifteen minutes go by, and I look at Jinx sitting in the passenger seat. “Let’s go check on them.”
I grab her, keeping the car running as we head inside the cabin—just as Sadie strides down the stairs, her face red with tears dripping down her cheeks.
Fuck. Quickest plan, yes. Easy? Not in the slightest.
Kylo’s sitting on the top step with his head buried in his arms, his body shaking, and it’s taking everything in me not to go upstairs, needing to do my part. So I leave him—leave my best bud to ride in his sorrows alone, and I hate it. I’ll do my best to console Sadie. I text Adam to check on Kylo in a few minutes, then get in the car.
Sadie’s breathing spasms every so often as I drive, taking the longer route while she stares out the window, Jinx resting on my lap. We arrive at her apartment complex, and I park, sitting in silence. I want to say something to make her feel better, give her even a hint that not everything is as it seems, and her name slips from my tongue before I can even re-think.
“Sadie—”
“Please, don’t, Lex. I knew the rules, and I asked him to make me fall in love…and he did his job exceptionally well, that’s for sure.” She finally turns to look at me, wiping a tear that falls on her cheek. “I learned a lot this past month, more about myself than I ever have, and I’ll cherish every great memory. I’m going to be okay.”
“I know, but—”
“But nothing.” She reaches to stroke Jinx’s head before picking her up. “Have a good time in Vegas. Please look after Evie. She’s not in the right state of mind right now.”
I exhale a deep breath and nod. “I won’t ever let anything happen to her.”
“I know you won’t, that you care for her a lot.”
“Yes, but it doesn’t seem like our feelings are mutual.”
Her smile is reassuring as she takes hold of his hand. “You’re a great guy, Lex, and Evie sees that too. She’s just going through a lot right now with work, so give her time to unwind. Maybe she’ll feel better after getting away.”
“Thanks.” I smile back, then pet the beast. “I’m going to miss her wake-up cries every morning.”
Sadie giggles. “You can visit her anytime.”
We both exit the car, and I grab her suitcase from the trunk before drawing her in for a hug while kissing her temple. “Happy New Year, Sadie.”
She slumps a bit into my chest and sighs before pulling away. “You too.”
I get in my car, and she waves Jinx’s paw at me while I pull off into traffic, and an ache creeps into my chest. Though, heading to Evie’s home makes the hurt less potent, really wanting to see my girl, even if she’s not.
FIFTEEN
YOU’VE WOUNDED ME
There’s knocking, and I rub my sweaty palms on my jeans, blowing out a deep breath before pushing my shoulders back and walking to answer the door. Lennox is the last person I want to bring to Vegas, but there are very few people I trust—since Kylo relies on Lennox, getting him strictly as security shouldn’t be a problem, even if he ghosted me after our date. I also don’t like lying to Sadie, but whatever is happening right now seems serious, so I won’t argue with them.
Lennox and I come face to face as I swing the door open, and I melt from his rugged look, leaning against the frame as he gives me a slight smile. A core memory of how he made me feel good without touching my body hits me hard. How does my mind react one way, but my body desires another? I want to drag him inside for him to do everything I’ve done to myself and enjoy it, to lose control, be vulnerable in the most delicious way possible, and break all the broken rules.
“Why did you stop coming to see me?”
He pinches his brows together. “What do you mean?”
“It’s been a week. You’re at Vivid, but not once have you booked with me.” I stare at my feet. “Are you watching someone else?”
Gently lifting my chin to look at him, his expression softens. “Oh, Peaches. There’s only you. I’ve just been occupied.”
