Because whatever’s between Nolan and me—whatever storm we are—I still have my own thunder. And I don’t need a handout. I don’t need a man stepping aside like he’s doing me a favor. I never have. If Nolan“White Knight Complex”Rhodes thought I needed saving, he never really understood me at all.
My chin lifts, that stubborn, wild part of me—the part that never has learned how to back down—burns hotter than ever.
Let them all underestimate me. Let them hand me losses, or pity, or a victory they think I didn’t bleed for. I don’t want the easy win.
I want thefight.
I always have.
And the next timesomeonetries to clear the path for me, they better pray I don’t bulldoze right through them anyway.
After my meeting with Laurel, I make my way back to my office to look up Nolan’s email and give him a piece of my mind.I am not a charity chase.
I cross the threshold of my office ad stop short at the sight of a sleek black box on my desk.
Not large. Not flashy. But it is deliberate.
Perfectly centered. Tied with a midnight-blue satin ribbon. A small, gold metallic card sits on top like the final, knowing touch. The navy-embossed script reads:
Tell me you’re still thinking
about that sink.
Because I sure as hell am.
My pulse skyrockets.
Not because I don’t know who it’s from.
But because I do.
I stare at it for a solid minute, heart hammering. It’s about to break through my ribcage.
My palms tingle with anticipation and something close to dread.
Is this a post-hookup gesture?
If so, it’s… intentional. A line being drawn in a place I swore I wouldn’t let it be.
I drop into my chair and immediately send a text to our group chat.
Emergency meeting. My office.
Now!
Two minutes later, Jeremy bursts in like he’s been launched from a cannon. “What’s wrong?”
Maya follows, far more composed, holding her phone. “This better be an actual fire or I swear to God?—”
I point to the box.
They both freeze, look down at it.
“Who’s it from?” Maya asks slowly.
“Nolan.”
“Girl,”Jeremy starts. “If he givesthisfor a glorified dry hump, and finger fuck, Ishudderto imagine what happens after full-on dick penetration.”
