Page 55 of Broken Rules
Tears instantly emerge. That asshole has the nerve to think I’d meet a stranger for a private strip show, not just at any place, but a room at a brothel! Does Gin know? Is that why she called me first?
I hold my arms over my chest, leaning back on the cool tile, and weep, “My life’s complete shit—” Falling to my knees, I heave into the drain, but nothing wants to come out. “Lex!” I cry out, shaking while hyperventilating, and seconds later, Lennox rips the curtain open, stepping inside the tub to hold me close.
“Evie, it’s okay.” He strokes my damp hair off my face and kisses my temple, rocking me. “Shh, you’re okay, baby.”
His words are comforting, making me sob into his chest even more. I’ve dragged him into all this mess. “I’m sorry, Lex,” I choke, taking a shuddering breath. “I should never have come here. This is all my fault—everyone’s right about me. I’m a fucking loose cannon, a fuck up, and taking off my clothes is all I’m ever good for.”
“Hey, no. Look at me.” He places his hands on my face and swipes his thumbs along my cheeks. “First, do not apologize because you’ve done nothing wrong. Second, don’t listen to any of those assholes, they can think what they want, but nobody can define you—your work doesnotdefine you.”
I lick the water off my lips, staring into his eyes as his words hit me deeply, and I whimper, “Only I can define me.”
Lennox smiles. “Yes, only you.” He leans closer, his mouth inches from mine. “And tell me, Peaches, what do you see in yourself?”
Taking a deep, shaky breath, I blow it out and shrug my shoulders. “A woman who needs work,” I whisper, lowering my face. “Needing to figure out her purpose in life. Alone.”
“I can help you, baby. Let me in, and we can figure it out together.”
I draw my bottom lip between my teeth and slowly back away, hugging my knees. “No. I won’t drag you into my mess any further.”
“Let it be our mess now.”
“I’m sorry, but it can’t be, Lex.”
He sighs, bowing his head. “There’s something here, something between you and me—I hope you’ll allow yourself to see what I see one day.”
Turning the water off, Lennox holds both hands out, and I take them, standing nude before him. He doesn’t glance down this time, his gaze staying on my eyes, and he trails his knuckles across my cheek before walking out of the bathroom, leaving me alone, just as I wanted.
EIGHTEEN
CALL ME COMMITTED
My heart’s pounding as I pace the hotel floor, water droplets still dripping from my hair. Hearing Evie screaming for me with such panic made my pulse skyrocket. It pained me to see her panicking that way, and my first instinct was to jump inside to console her. I never want to see her in that state ever again—I’ll do anything to ensure it never happens again, even if she’s pushing me away. Evie holds my last name, that beautiful woman in there is my wife, and now I must protect her.
That’s my duty as her husband—until death do us part.
Evie strolls out of the bathroom, holding her towel close to her chest, and I smile, facing away for her privacy. I’ve seen her body countless times, but right now, she’s vulnerable. I want her to feel comfortable with me. A moment later, the couch dips, and I turn to face her as she sits next to me, fidgeting with the diamond ring that was once on her finger.
“Thank you…for helping me in there—normally, it’s easy for me to restrain my emotions, but that’s an issue in itself. I’m thankful for what you said to help get them under control.”
“Evie, I want you to be comfortable talking to me. I know I can be forward with you, but that’s because I enjoy your company, having you near.” Taking hold of her free hand, I add, “You are amazing, and I’ll do anything to show you how special you are to me.”
Glancing at the ceiling, she blinks back the tears threatening to spill, then lets out a shaky breath before looking into my eyes. “And I appreciate that, but this.” She holds the ring in her palm toward me. “I can’t keep this. We can’t stay married.”
“I have to disagree, and that ring belongs to you.”
She drops her hand onto her lap. “Lex, please, don't make this situation harder than it needs to be.”
I swallow the knot forming in my throat, not ready to give her up even if she believes getting married was a mistake. “Will you at least give me a chance to prove I can be a good husband? We don’t have to be together right away, but—”
“I have no doubt you’d be an amazing husband, but mentally, I’m not ready to be in a relationship with anyone.” Holding out the ring again, she pleads with her eyes for me to take it, and I can’t stand the pain behind them, so I do. “Thank you,” she whispers, leans forward, and draws me in for a hug.
My chest constricts, and I close my eyes, palming the precious metal in my hand before pulling back to wipe the tears that escape down her cheeks, leaving a kiss in its place, hoping that’ll show I won’t give up, that I’ll be here for her no matter what title we hold.
“Please know I’ll never be far, and if you’re ever feeling lost, you can look for me to help guide you home.”
Her head dips before she looks at me with tears brimming in her eyes. “And where’s home?”
I place her hand on my heart. “Right here, baby, whenever you’re ready. My door will always be open.”
