Page 46 of Golden Ruin

“No, Lex. I gave my word that I’d be there. I’m not going back on that because of some dumb-ass podcast. And fuck anyone who doesn’t like it,” he adds.

By anyone, he definitely means Tiffany.

“But–”

“And when Jax starts school Monday, we’re dropping him off together, because that’s what he needs. Both of us.”

I’m breathing wildly when he finishes. Partly from playing verbal double Dutch, trying to get a word in, but also because I haven’t seen this side of him in a very long time.

The side where he stands up for me.

I’m not really sure what to say, so I stay silent.

“You and Jax are here with me, and you’re my responsibility. Not because you asked, but because I say so. I’m not hiding that. From anyone,” he throws in, and my stomach swirls into a knot.

It goes without saying that I think this is a terrible idea, throwing caution to the wind, but he’s determined to pretend the entire world isn’t watching us right now. Especially with Tiffany’s latest stunt. People are waiting on pins and needles to figure out what she was hinting at without coming out and saying it.

And Sterling and I venturing out in public together, looking like a couple… people will talk.

We lock eyes, and he smirks. “Don’t get nervous on me, Rodriguez.”

I take a breath, but it gets caught when he calls me that. “I’m not nervous, just… processing.”

“Stop worrying. Nothing’s gonna happen to you. Not on my watch.”

Those words linger, then I nod. “Okay. If you say so.”

His smile grows. “I say so.”

Having effectively put me in my place and fully putting the subject to rest, Sterling starts toward his bedroom.

“Night.”

I stare after him a moment before blinking. “Night.”

I have no idea why he’s so determined to help me, possibly to his own detriment, but I’ve just had an epiphany.

This is not the Sterling Golden I used to know, and now that we’ve officially been reintroduced… I think I kinda like him.

***

Sterling

“Hey.”

I ignore Tiffany’s fake-ass, polite greeting and get right to it.

“What… the fuck… was that?”

She’s silent, failing to explain herself as I pace my balcony, trying not to lose my shit. All I keep hearing on repeat is Lexi trying to pull away, thinking she’s the cause of everything.

“You had no fucking right,” I grit out. “Airing out personal shit on a podcast because you’re pissed at me?”

“Sterling–”

“And what the hell were you thinking involving my son? Lexi? For what?”

She lets out a bitter laugh. “Are you serious right now? You involved them,” she hisses. “You moved her into our house. Oh, excuse me, your house. After you told me I didn’t have to worry about her. Or do you not remember that part?”