Page 103 of Misconducts & Temptation

She parked the car smoothly, turning off the ignition before meeting my gaze.

"Why?" I pressed. "Why do you think that?"

"Because I believe in you," she replied without hesitation. Her eyes held mine, unwavering and sincere. "You're stubborn as hell and always get what you want when you put your mind to it. Why should this be any different?"

I fell silent, absorbing her words. No one had ever spoken to me like that before—like they truly believed in me.

No one except my mom.

"You really mean that, don't you?" I asked quietly.

"I wouldn't lie," she said simply.

"No," I agreed, a small smile tugging at my lips. "You wouldn't." Leaning in, I kissed her again, savoring the warmth and softness of her lips. When we finally pulled back, I couldn't resist teasing her. "You'd be really bad at that too—maybe even worse than your driving."

Her mouth dropped open in mock outrage. "Keaton Douglas!" she exclaimed.

"I'm only telling it like it is, babes," I said with a smirk. "Oh, and there's one more thing about this Mercedes I haven't told you."

She arched an eyebrow curiously. "And what's that?"

My smirk widened into a grin as I leaned closer. "We still have to break it in."

Chapter 31

Epilogue

From Titan to Temptation—Keaton Douglas on Life After Crestwood

By Kara Paige

June 10

Kara:Well, well, if it isn’t Keaton Douglas. Back from the dead. I’m actually surprised you agreed to this interview.

Keaton:smirksI missed you too, Paige.

Kara:That’s not what I said. You disappeared after the season ended—no press, no post-game interviews. Everyone wants to know: what happened?

Keaton:I took a break. Not illegal, is it?

Kara:Depends. Did you disappear alone?

Keaton:tilts his headThat’s an interesting question.

Elodie:from off-cameraIt’s a nosy question.

Kara:eyes wideningElodie Winters. Should’ve guessed.

Elodie:smiling Just Elodie Douglas now.

Kara:Wait—what?

Keaton:smirks againKeep up, Paige. I know you’re looking at a gig for the Detroit Serpents, but still.

Kara:flips through notesThere was no announcement, no pictures—when the hell did you two get married?

Elodie:Three weeks ago. It was private. No reporters, no cameras. Just us.

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