Page 53 of Bully Billionaire Dragon

“Whatever you say, TJ, but we’ve got some prep to do. We’re in the meeting room when you’re ready to join us.”

I grunt in understanding and Liam leaves without a second glance at me.

I am heartbroken, but I refuse to admit or acknowledge that realization.

No girl has ever affected me like this, and I will not let it stop me.

It already has, my dragon makes clear.

My dragon may be right, but I ignore him.

I shove my hands into my eyes until I see stars, trying to wipe any thoughts of Taylor Montgomery from my mind.

Once I feel like my mind is completely empty, I stand and walk to the meeting room.

I sit next to Pat as usual and wait for Lex to enter.

While we wait, everyone makes small talk as I play with the pen in my hands and stare at the ceiling.

I notice one light is out.

How can a billion-dollar business let a light die? Don’t we have too much money for these types of problems?

That question makes me laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Damon asks me.

“Light's out,” I point above us.

“Seems like it's not the only thing with a light out,” Pat mutters, and I glare at him.

I hate that they have all been treating me like a joke since I told them about Taylor and me. It makes me feel less than, especially since I know they blame me for the court date being set.

“Hey, he’s in mourning,” Lex starts as he enters the room after Pat’s muttering. “His mate isn’t with him, and that is something that hurts.”

Lex isn’t wrong, but we still don’t know for sure that Taylor is my mate.

“Maybe he should grovel to his mate and get her to drop the case,” Damon deadpans, and I glare at him.

I seem to be doing a lot of glaring today. Plus, I’ve been blowing up her phone every chance I get. I’m not going to go full stalker mode and show up at her house.

“Guys, stop this at once,” Lex demands, and everyone quiets down. “TJ must feel guilty enough as it is, on top of missing his mate. We are brothers, after all, which means we should be here for him. Not making him feel worse.”

My dragon smiles inside at Lex’s words, ever grateful to him for standing up for us.

“Thanks, Lex,” I say before looking at everyone else. “I know I messed up with Taylor, but we all know that we are not guilty. If we go over everything together, we can be sure we are prepared for the court case.”

Everyone nods or says their agreements.

“Then let’s get to it.” Lex hands out packets to each of us. “Here are the questions our lawyer, Mr. Finch, will be asking us at court to prove our innocence. Taylor said they had good evidence, but we know it has to be weak or false. Our usage of the app was legal, and we did nothing wrong.”

The questions I have are simple enough as I read them over, but a fear crosses my mind.

“Um, Lex…I don’t feel comfortable being asked about my relationship with Taylor.”

Lex looks me dead in the eye, “It won’t be asked of you. We know how important it is that Taylor is your mate. We will not ruin things for you.”

***

---