Page 48 of Property of Fox

I turn on my heels, not even bothering to look back at Eden as I storm towards the elevators around the corner, my heart pounding with betrayal and anger. Just as my finger hits the elevator button, I hear her voice pierce through my thoughts. “Wait!”

I stop mid-step, fingers trembling above the metal panel, and exhale sharply, wrestling with the storm brewing inside me. The elevator doors glow brightly in front of me as they slide open,revealing a space I suddenly feel too small for. I step inside, putting any distance I can between myself and Eden.

Eden steps closer, her breath hitching. “I’m sorry—really, I am!”

“Tell that to Brea.”

The elevator door slides shut in Eden’s face. I lean against the cold metal wall of the elevator, closing my eyes for the briefest moment. It's a desperate effort to shut out the rage swirling inside of my head. When the doors finally part again on our floor, I step out into the hotel hallway, clenching my fists at my sides. I need a drink. I charge into our room. The door slamming against the wall behind it. Finding the mini bar, I fling it open and down the first bottle I can find. I reach for the second when I feel someone behind me. I glance over to find Az standing in the open doorway.

“Care to explain to me why Eden just burst into our room in tears? What the fuck did you do now, asshole?”

I don’t even bother to mask the irritation in my voice. “You can ask her if you want the full story.”

Azrael steps inside, closing the door behind him before crossing his arms with an incredulous look on his face.

“This is about that woman.”

“Brilliant deduction, Sherlock.”

“If things went south with her, that’s on you, Fox. Not Eden.” Azrael shakes his head, frustration creasing his features. “You need to apologize to her.”

“Fuck that, Az. You strong armed me into this mess so the blame is on you, too. I didn’t want to do this. I didn’t want to fucking come back to Texas to this signing. I sure as fuck didn’t want to play fake boyfriend to Eden.”

“I didn’t force you to do a god damn thing.”

“Bullshit,” I roar. “You wanted to make Hallie happy by forcing me to help out her little author bestie. You didn’t oncethink for a fucking second about what I wanted to do. Tell me, Az. If I said no, would you have accepted that?”

Az grows quiet.

“Case and fucking point. So, no, I will not be apologizing to Eden or to her grabby fans.”

“No, you need to do it now.” His tone brooks no argument, and I can see the protective edge of a club president rising within him. It’s not just the MC mentality, it’s the older brother instinct.

“I said no.”

“Look, you’re not thinking straight. This girl has you so bent out of shape that you’re not seeing reason.”

“I am seeing things very clearly for the first time in my life.”

“You’re seeing what you want to see. You’re blinded by anger, man.” Azrael leans against the doorframe, studying me with an intensity that makes my skin itch. “That’s not who you are. I don’t know what happened with that girl, but maybe it’s for the best, man. We’re leaving to go back home tomorrow. Just leave that shit here in Texas and move on from it.”

“I’m not leaving tomorrow.”

Azrael raises an eyebrow, incredulity etching deeper into his face. “What the hell do you mean you’re not leaving?”

“I’m staying.” My voice is steady, strong.

Azrael's gaze flickers with concern, the muscles in his jaw tightening as he processes my words. “This isn’t some game, Fox. You have a life, responsibilities, a club that relies on you.”

“Yeah? And what if I want to chase something that feels real for once?” My voice echoes back at me, raw and fierce.

“Real?” Az raises an eyebrow again, incredulous. “You’ve known her for what forty-eight hours? Just fuck her already and get it out of your system.”

“Easy for you to say,” I scoff, running a hand through my hair in frustration. “You found your ‘real’ with Hallie. You wakeup next to someone who makes your heart race and keeps your world spinning. But I’m not like you, Az.”

Azrael steps closer, his eyebrows knitting together. “What are you saying? That this girl is it for you?”

“You’re one to cast rocks at glass houses, considering how you met Hallie,” I fire back at him. “Look, it may not make sense to you, but I’m staying even if she’s done with me. I have to try.”

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