Page 89 of (Un)Expected

“You’d do that for me?”

“Don’t you get it, Alex?” I said, pressing my lips to hers. “I’d do anything for you.”

FORTY

The ride back upstairs was a stark difference from yesterday. While I could still feel the overwhelming pull to Cole, it was overridden by a different feeling entirely.

Guilt.

My talk with Adam had alleviated a lot of it, knowing he supported Cole and I. However, I promised to be by his side, promised to help him out of his bind with the press. Now, I was ending our contract months early because I fell for the one person I never expected. Adam might not own my heart, but he was still my friend, and I hated that I let him down when he needed me the most.

Cole’s reflection caught my eye. His hands gripped the gold railing behind him, his gaze transfixed directly ahead of him. What was going through his head? If I was feeling guilty about us, was he feeling even worse?

My bond with Adam could never come close to the one he had with Cole. That kind of friendship couldn’t be replicated, not with the history between them. It was something I’d never experienced for myself—most of my childhood friends were still back in my hometown, and we lost touch the minute I moved to New York. What wasthat like, having someone to walk with during every phase of your life?

Would my relationship with Cole alter their friendship? Cole assured me Adam was happy for us, but Adam was an actor by nature. I knew he hid his more complex emotions behind his cheerful persona; was this bothering him more than he let on?

When the elevator doors opened, Cole stepped out immediately, but my feet refused to move, unable to face what was waiting for me on the other side of the room. I was a grown woman, and I owned my choices, but I was tired,so tiredof feeling like I had to justify my actions, of feeling like I was under a microscope.

For the first time in years, I was truly happy, and I refused to let anyone take that away from me, not when I had just gotten a taste of what life could be like with Cole.

As he realized that I wasn’t following him, Cole turned. “Alex…” he called out softly. “Are you okay?”

Was I?I felt like my emotions had run the gambit during that brief elevator ride. The only thing I knew for sure was that no matter what happened, Cole and I would face it. Together.

So instead of giving my insecurities a voice, I took Cole’s hand, giving it a soft squeeze before we got to the threshold of the suite. I barely had time to let go when Theo’s face appeared in the doorway, his ever-present scowl more pronounced than ever before.

“Get in here.Now.”

“Theo,” Cole warned, his hand going to my lower back and leading me inside.

“Don’t,” Theo said, following us into the sitting area where Adam was already waiting. “Do you have any idea of the shitstorm I’ve had to manage since last night?”

I looked over at Adam, hoping he could give more insight, but he just rubbed the bridge of his nose. He looked exhausted, like he’d been here with Theo forhours, trying to save us from his agent’s wrath.

Theo continued, staring at Cole. “Did you think you could beatthe living shit of one of the richest men in America and he wouldn’t try to press charges? The man is out for blood, Cole.”

“I don’t give a fuck,” he snarled. “He was going to hurt Alex. He’s lucky he’s still fucking breathing.”

My entire body tensed at his tone, hating that he could face repercussions for my mistakes. I was the one who put Nate into his orbit. My thoughts started to spiral, terrified about what would happen to Cole if Nate got his way.

Theo was practically radiating anger, but Adam spoke instead. “Alex, are you okay?”

My first instinct was to put on a happy face, to hide the depths of fear and rage that Nate had elicited inside me. That was my past, hiding his indiscretions for fear of other’s judgments. I refused to let him break me or those I care about.

“No, I’m not,” I said, turning toward Theo. “Nate Gibson and I used to be in a romantic relationship. He’s an asshole who gets off on putting his hands on women. My leaving him has been a sore spot for a while, and last night, he tried to make me pay.” I swallowed, trying not to think too deeply about the way Nate’s eyes glared with unprecedented rage as he whispered that he would kill me.

Theo sighed, running his hand over his face. “Fuck. I’m sorry, Alex. I’d love to say I’m surprised, but that guy’s always come off like a controlling asshole.” He leaned forward, tapping his fingers on his thigh. “However, without any proof, it’s your word against his. He has the bruises Cole left behind, the hospital records and the police report. Right now—well, honestly, we’re pretty fucked.”

“We?” Cole said, taking the word from my mouth.

Theo rolled his eyes. “Jesus, fuck, of course,we. Did you think I’d let some asshole ruin your name, Cole?”

Cole stared at him as if that waspreciselywhat he thought Theo would do. We’d both been under the impression that Theo only cared about Adam’s reputation, willing to let everyone else take the downfall if his client was shown in a positive light. We’d underestimated him.

Adam shook his head, standing to walk to the window. “What does he want? Money?”

“I tried that,” Theo answered. “He spewed some shit about wanting justice, tried to make it out like Cole’s unstable and at risk of hurting other people for no reason.”

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