Page 39 of Broken Rules
“You should,” she says, nodding. “When’s the fight?”
“New Year’s Eve.”
Her eyes widened. “Will Gin approve the leave?”
She’s not in charge but won’t make it easy, especially after what happened.
“It’s not up to her anymore. Everything goes through Jared now, and I know that dick will say no.”
“Doesn’t hurt to ask.”
“Ask.” I huff a laugh, dumping hundreds of dollars of makeup into the trash can, then stare at the mirror, that word hitting me hard in the gut, my lip curling. “But I don’t care what either of them say.” The word smudges as I drag my fingers over the letters to make it unreadable, then clean my hand with a makeup wipe. “Are you still on a contract with Kylo? Do you think he’ll lend me his security? It’s mandatory to bring our own since the crowds have been getting rowdy.”
“Adam?” she asks, blinking a few times, holding back tears, and I feel like shit not wanting to ask her why she’s upset, she’s my damn best friend, but I can’t handle anyone else’s sorrow right now.
“Is that his name?” I ask, pushing down the emotions biting the back of my throat. “The blond guy who stands outside?”
“Yeah. Want me to ask Kylo?”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll come by and ask myself. You should get back to work. I don’t need you getting written up for me.”
“Hey, no way. You’re more important.”
I plaster on a meek smile, feeling even more selfish because she is the opposite, and I draw her into my side, her hug easing an ounce of my pain. Sadie helps me finish cleaning until Julianne strolls into the room, shaking her head.
“Sadie, Jared wants you in his office.”
Shit.
“Ma, it’s not her fault. I—”
She holds up her hand. “Don’t get into it, kid.” Turning toward Sadie, she adds, “Better get a move on it.”
Nodding, she glances at me before exiting to the main floor. Julianne sighs, touching my cheek while looking me over. I’m sure my face is starting to form Gin’s handprint.
“You okay?” she asks.
I lick my lips, adjusting the towel around my chest before smiling at her. “Of course I am. I’m a Russo.” Huffing a laugh, I add, “We’re built to endure misfortune…though best believe at the end of the day, we never forget.”
* * *
“Okay, walk in, ask Kylo, then leave. Simple. Easy.”
Except I stay planted in my car, staring at Lennox’s Mustang in the driveway. I was hoping he’d be at work. He should be at his place. Everything is fine—I pep talk as I get out, walking to the front door. Sadie answers a moment later as I knock, the ache settling in my stomach eases when it’s only her in the great room.
“Evie, hey, Kylo’s in his office,” she says, stepping aside so I can enter.
“Thanks.” I take in her outfit and smirk. “Nice shirt.”
She glances down at the oversized grey t-shirt that rests mid-thigh, her hair damp, and she can’t stop the smile that draws from her lips. “His closet was closer.”
I raise my brows. “Well, let me make this quick before Kylo decides he wants his shirt back.”
“Oh, stop,” she giggles, her cheeks turning pink.
We walk toward the kitchen, me turning down the short hall, and I slow my steps hearing Lennox talking. “Yeah, I figured we would. Love looks good on you.”
Kylo chuckles, leaning back in his seat as I slowly round the doorway, and I stop when Lennox meets my gaze. He’s slumped back in a chair, his legs wide open, just as he looks in our sessions, and I turn away as my heart beats faster.
