“I promised not to instigate something.Notto finish it.” I inflect a sharp tone, so she understands it’s a closed discussion. She’s suffered enough at the hands of that jerk. I won’t let him hurt her ever again.
“Semantics.” She crosses her arms.
She’s adorable as she tries to hold her resolve, but the rising fear in her eyes makes a strong appearance as she relents and takes a step closer. “Why wasn’t he moving?”
I shake my head. “Dunno. I didn’t think I hit him that hard.”
“It was about me, wasn’t it?”
The medic begins stitching my lip, giving me a reprieve from answering her question.
Annoyance crosses her features at the timing. Maybe if this takes long enough, she’ll let it go. The sooner we put all this behind us, the sooner we can move on with our lives. Together. Because all I want right now is to be with Bree, in whatever way she’ll have me.
Once he finishes, the medic hands me an ice pack.
Bree takes it from me and holds it up to my lip, making me hiss. “What did he say to you?”
I let the cold permeate my busted lip for a few seconds, then I tug her wrist away so I can talk. “I’m not sharing any of itbecause I refuse to let that asshat have any more power over you. Do you understand?”
Her eyes go wide, filling with tears.
And now I’m the asshat. I cup her face with my other hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so harsh.”
“No, it’s okay.” She shakes her head. “I can’t believe you did that. For me.”
I pull her closer, wishing I could kiss her, but settling for resting my forehead against hers. “I’d do anything for you, Bree.”
A voice clearing her throat pulls us apart. Bree jumps back, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, which intensifies my desire to kiss her. I don’t even care who would see us.
Rebecca glances between us. “Sorry to interrupt a private moment, but I thought I’d come and give you an update on Langston.”
Bree waves a hand in front of her. “I’m sorry. I should be handling the PR mess.”
Rebecca stops her from leaving. “Yes, but that can wait a few minutes more. Once the article link was live, I shared it with a few key people on the Board of Governors, along with the evidence Lily provided. And based upon the brief reply I received from the Chairman, I suspect an investigation will soon follow.”
“Thank you.” Bree lets out a sob through her smile. “Thank you for believing me.”
Rebecca seems almost startled. “Of course, we believed you. What that man did was reprehensible. There was no way we could just sit idly by and let him get away with it.”
She looks over at me next. “However, I also suspect this will result in a suspension for you. I’ll do my best to explain the extenuating circumstances and make it clear that he instigated the fight, but beyond that, it’s out of my hands.”
I nod. “I understand.”
Rebecca smiles. “You know, there could be a bright side to this. If you are suspended, you can visit your family early for Christmas.”
“That’s a great idea.” Especially if I can take Bree with me.
“I thought so, too.” She turns to leave.
“Rebecca.” I wait for her to turn around again. “I’m sorry for letting the team down.”
Her gaze darts from me to Bree before settling back on me. “You haven’t let anyone down.”
After she leaves, Bree and I stare at each other. She starts to laugh, but then slaps a hand over her mouth, which makes me chuckle.
But not for long. I wince in pain. “Ahh.”
“Sorry.” Bree lunges forward with the ice pack, touching it gently to my mouth.
