Page 83 of Heartbreaker

“Well,” he says, passing it back to me.

“Well what?” I snap.

“It’s settled.”

What the fuck?

I glare at him. “What’ssettled?”

“She needs you.” He shrugs. “So you’re gonna go to her.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Jade

When Royal askedme for my address because he wanted to send me something, I was expecting a mountain of flowers to arrive. What I didn’t anticipate was him standing there on my front porch delivering them personally.

“Royal?” I gape at him for a moment and then launch myself into his arms.

“Hey, baby.” He hugs me awkwardly since he’s holding the flowers with his good hand, but it doesn’t matter. Our mouths move together hungrily, as if it’s been a lot more than a week since we last touched, and I finally tug him inside.

“What are you doing here?” I demand, taking the flowers from him.

“I got the vibe you need me,” he says quietly, meeting my gaze.

My heart stutters with happiness, and tears inexplicably prick my eyelids.

I don’t know how, but he knew something was wrong.

And he just showed up.

“How did you know?” It seems important for some reason.

“Everything you weren’t saying told me something was up. And based on your reaction just now, I’m guessing I was right.”

For someone who says he isn’t good for me, I’m not getting that vibe at all.

I can’t remember the last time someone showed up for me without me asking. At least, someone who wasn’t after something.

“You have no idea.” Embarrassed by how emotional I’m feeling, I head for the kitchen to find a vase and he pads behind me. “But let’s get settled first. I’ll show you around once I put these in water.”

“This is beautiful,” he says a couple of minutes later as we walk through my living room. “I love the fireplace.”

“It used to be wood burning, but I had them make it gas. I don’t have the time or energy to build fires. My grandfather made the mantel, though. I’ll never change it.”

“It’s gorgeous,” he says. “And the windows…”

I have floor-to-ceiling windows on one wall, giving me a ton of light and an even better view.

“Yeah, that’s one of my favorite things about the house.”

I show him around, and somehow, we end up in the bedroom. I sink onto the edge of the bed and rub my temples.

“I’m really glad you're here,” I whisper, suddenly emotional again.

“Why didn’t you tell me something was going on?” he asks, sitting beside me and taking one of my hands in his.

“Because it’s my problem…Grandma taught me not to rely on anyone because people inevitably let you down. And she’s never been more right.”

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