“Always and forever.”
The words hit too hard. My chest tightens. He could always wreck me without even trying.
“That’s a lie,” I say, forcing the reminder out before I forget what he’s done.
“I’ll make it up to you.”
His gaze drifts lower, shameless. My cock stirs like it doesn’t know better. We will not solve this problem with sex, not this time.
I pull out my phone and open the browser to find the number. “Hi, this is Beckett Hansen. I’m staying in room…”
“Yes, Mr. Hansen, how can we help you today?” The concierge chirps.
“There’s a stalker fan camped outside my room.”
Pierce throws his head back and laughs.
“Oh, my. Alright…” I hear her soft voice tip into panic. “Are you safe? We’ll send security up right away. Please…”
I hang up the phone, practically hearing the alarm bells I had just set off.
Pierce doesn’t move. The smile doesn’t leave his face.
My chest feels tight. I want to yell at him, curse him out, shake him until he tells me what’s going on. I don’t think I can though. Maybe there’s a part of me that doesn’t want the truth. Maybe deep down I know the part of me that wants him to fuck the problem away is going to win.
“Are you coming home tonight?” He doesn’t take his eyes off me when the elevator dings and there’s a crackle of walkie-talkies.
“No.”
Two security guards in black suits step out of the elevator and pause, assessing the situation.
“I’ll see you right here tomorrow morning then.”
My heart thuds like he just asked me out on a date.
“Fuck you, Pierce.” I turn and flash the security team a weak smile.
“Everything alright, Mr. Hansen?” The taller one says, his hand slipping into the inside of his jacket.
“Yes, fine. Sorry to have bothered you.”
“Why don’t I escort you downstairs, Mr. Hansen?” The guard gestures to the elevator with the radio.
I glance back at Pierce as I get on the elevator. He still hasn’t moved. He looks dejected, his head hanging.
I close my eyes as the elevator drops. Thank god, there’s a handy rail to help me keep my balance as the floor tilts. Guilt and a little bit of fear circle in my gut.
“That’s my packmate, not a stalker. I’m sorry for making that up. We’re… I don’t feel well.”
“Mr. Hansen?”
The doors open up into the sun-filled lobby, blinding me. I nod at whatever the security guy is saying. I squint my eyes as I make my way to the garage. Now that the floor isn’t moving, my head starts pounding again.
It’s fine. It will be fine. You’ve skated with broken bones. This is nothing.
I pull my phone out of my pocket to get to my keys. Ash’s text is still on the screen.
I text back.
