Page 49 of Property of Fox

Azrael’s face hardens, and I can see the inner conflict playing out behind his cool exterior. He’s not the kind of guy to back down easily, and right now, I’m giving him a real reason to dig in his heels. “You don’t even know her, Fox. She could be the biggest mistake of your life.”

“Maybe,” I reply, my voice steady despite the pounding in my chest. “But it’s a mistake I need to make. I can’t just return to Lafayette pretending none of this ever happened. You think I’m scared of commitment? No… I’m scared of regret.”

“Regret?” Azrael scoffs, his disbelief palpable. “What do you know about real regret? You’ve lived your life without looking back.”

“Yeah, well, that was before!” The words escape my lips sharper than intended, but they hang in the air between us like smoke from a dying flame. “Before I met her.”

He studies me, eyes narrowing like he’s trying to uncover some hidden truth lurking beneath the surface. “And what makes you think she feels the same? Hell, what makes you think she’ll even give you a second chance?”

“I don’t know!” I shout, frustration spilling over into anger as I shove the minibar door closed with an echoing bang. “But staying here gives me a shot at finding out. It’s better than running away with my tail tucked between my legs like some fucking coward. You taught me that much.”

Azrael sighs heavily. “You know this isn’t just about you, right? Every choice you make ripples through the club. It couldaffect us all.” His voice drops to a lower tone, one laced with worry, “I don’t want to see you get hurt or god forbid drag us into something messy.”

“Did you think about that when you dragged Hallie into a turf war with The Hellions in Mexico or were you just thinking with your dick? Seems to me you didn’t follow the advice you’re trying to give me now either.”

Azrael opens his mouth as if to respond, but he pauses. “Fine,” he finally concedes, his voice quiet and measured. “But if you fall flat on your face over this...”

I interrupt, the fire still burning bright in my chest. “I’ll own whatever happens next.”

“Just be careful,” he murmurs finally, the softness in his tone catching me off guard.

With a resigned nod, Azrael walks toward the door and pauses with his hand on the knob.

“Don’t let her break you, and for fuck’s sake, apologize to Eden.”

“I told you I will.”

“See that you do.” With a determined expression, he pushes open the door and strides out into the dimly lit hallway. I stand awkwardly in the doorway, my mind buzzing with thoughts of Brea and what could happen between us. My usual confidence falters as I realize I have no control over this situation. As I wait for her call, I know I need to find my own space before anything can happen between us.

The last thing I want is to be stuck in a shared room with Eden if Brea does show up. I’m not sure I’d survive it.

BREA

Ares.Fox is Ares from Eden's book, and I still can't believe it. I feel foolish for getting caught in his trap so easily. It also didn't help that he had enough charm to seduce an entire bar of single women. Despite his explanation, a part of me struggles to accept his lies. If only he had been honest with me from the start, maybe I could have avoided the conflicting emotions that have consumed me since yesterday. It’s as if the second he walked out of that door, my mind started replaying every work we said to each other over and over. I tried to read to get my mind off ofhim, but every single male character turns into him. Television is more of the same. Keira has been dying to binge watch a period drama with me for weeks, and we tried to start it last night, but I just couldn’t stand it.

Fox Sutton is ruining my life, and he’s not even here.

This shouldn't be happening. I barely know him, aside from the accident at the welcome party, my panic attack, that unforgettable kiss in his hotel room, and his skilled mouth devouring me in his truck.Shit. I can’t think about that.

Though, he knew what he was doing. His tongue should be insured.

Stop thinking about him and his magic tongue, Brea. It will do you no good.

The soft morning light filters through the thin curtains. I roll over in my bed, the soft cotton sheets slipping through my fingers as I try to find a comfortable position that will somehow banish thoughts of Fox. It’s useless. His name echoes in my mind like an incantation, one I can’t shake off even if it means losing precious sleep. My hand stretches over to the side of the bed he’d occupied yesterday. His scent still lingering on the pillow I clung to all night.

I think about him in his hotel across town. If he had stayed after all. It’s not as if I’d given him any indication to do so. He’s likely states away at this point, back to his regular life.

I have to get him out of my head.

As if the universe heard my frantic plea, Keira bursts into my room without knocking. The door swings wide, creaking on its hinges. I bolt upright under the covers as she flings something at me. A package that lands with a soft thud on the quilted blanket beside me.

“Jesus, Keira!” I screech in shock.

“Open it.”

I blink at the package, its glossy surface reflecting the morning light. "Keira...what’s this?" I ask hesitantly, eyeing my best friend, who stands grinning like she just saved me from drowning.

“Stop asking questions, and just open it, B.”

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