“Because I was sick of being everyone else’s problem. I got myself into the mess. I wanted to get myself out. I was also humiliated. Half my professors now know what I look like naked, thanks to the photos Clifford posted all over campus.
“I didn’t tell anyone, not even my mom. Then one night when I was babysitting Jack and Mindy was out, someone broke into our apartment. He cut up my bed, my clothes, broke everything, didn’t steal anything though. I called the cops, and they didn’t find any suspicious fingerprints. But he left one of those pictures on my nightstand. I told the cops about it, which was”—my entire body blushes with the memory—“so embarrassing.”
“Did they lock the fucker up?”
“I couldn’t prove that the photo came from him rather than from one of the many I found and picked up at school. I told them I didn’t keep the ones I found at school. I destroyed them as soon as I’d found them. They said they believed me but they couldn’t prove it and suggested I get a restraining order.” I shrug. “Once Blake found out…” I cringe, remembering his fit of rage. “You can imagine.”
“How is this asshole still breathing?”
“Get this…” I lean forward, elbows to my knees. “You can’t kill someone for harassment. Go figure.”
The corner of his mouth twitches.
“There he is…” I point to his mouth. “I see you in there, Killian McCreery.”
He covers his face with one hand, peeking through his fingers. “Oh no…is my nerd showing?”
“A little.” I giggle.
“That’s not good. Ya know I have a rather studly reputation.”
“Oh, don’t think I missed it. Your”—I do air quotes—“reputation takes up half the state of Nevada.”
“Aww, Ax, baby.” He grins all crooked and cocky and breathtaking. “Jealousy isn’t your color.”
I fake pout. “That’s not the color of jealousy, Kill. That’s disgust.”
His jaw drops in mock offense. “Oh yeah?” He holds both arms up and flexes. “How’s this for disgust.”
I lean back and yawn, exaggerating by patting my hand to my mouth. “Excuse me, whew. I just suddenly got so bored.”
He coughs out a laugh, and I grin at how good it feels to have him back like this, realizing now how much I missed it.
His smile falls, and his amber eyes become thoughtful. “I want to see you again. What are your plans tomorrow?”
“I’m booked tomorrow from ten to four.”
He frowns. “All day, huh?”
“We can meet for breakfast.”
He shakes his head. “I can’t. I promised Fleur I’d take her to hike Red Rock Canyon, and I have to be back in time for a nine o’clock meeting with my publicist.”
Yep, I was right; everything has changed.
And his girlfriend. God, Axelle.
I jump up from the bench and press my fingertips to my forehead. “I’m so stupid.”
He must sense my change in demeanor and stands up too. “Hey, maybe we can get together after you’re done? You said four, right? I can—crap. I have a meeting at three-thirty. Who knows how long that’ll last?”
I wave him off, backing toward the door. “Don’t worry. We’ll, uh… We’ll figure it—oh!” I scream when the door behind me opens and slams into my back.
“Fuckin’ hell, Axelle.” Cameron grabs me by my shoulders to steady me. “Are you okay?”
I rub the ache in my back, my eyes darting between the worried eyes of the two men before me. “Fine. I’m fine. Perfect timing though, I was just coming to get you.”
“Already?” Cam’s glare tightens. “You sure you’re okay?”
Killian’s gaze tangles with mine for a few seconds, confusion working behind his eyes.
“Of course. I’m great.”
And then, as if I’m being chased by zombies, I run to the locker room, grab my shit, and meet Cameron in the lobby.
I’m looking over my shoulder to see if Killian is still here, when Cam’s phone rings.
“What?” He opens the door for me to walk through it. “Yeah, I just talked to him.” I point to where my car is parked, and he nods for me to lead the way. “I agree. I think it’s a smart move.” He stands there while I throw my bag into the back, and I wave him off as I climb into the driver’s seat. He doesn’t leave though; they never do, insisting on standing guard until I’m safely out of the lot. “I just signed an indefinite lease on the penthouse in London.” I freeze, eavesdropping on the conversation. “Yep. Killer’s meeting with his publicist tomorrow to handle the announcement. He’ll head back next week.”
It isn’t until Cam mouths you okay? that I realize I’m staring blankly at him. I force a smile and slam my door.
Killian’s going back to London.
I’m losing him again.
Thirty-two
Killian