Page 141 of A Little Broken

Hades growls up at him, and Paxton’s eyes bulge. “You have abigdog.”

“He’s nothing but a big ol’ sweetheart,” Rory tells him.

“Don’t listen to her,” I call. “He hates everyone but Rory, including me, and I’ve known him since he was a puppy.” Realizing I’m still pressing my phone to my ear, I hang up our call so we can talk face-to-face. “Also, what are you doing here?”

Pax opens his mouth to answer when a low growl cuts him off.

“Aaaand, we’re gonna go hide so Paxton keeps his nether regions,” Rory announces.

Not bothering to hide his amusement, Pax counters, “I thought you said he’s a big ol’ sweetheart?”

“Best not to test it.” She forces a smile, then loops her fingers beneath Hades’ collar. “Come on, big boy.” Hades follows as shedarts down the short hall to the bathroom before locking the door behind them.

Which means I’m all alone. With Pax. In my safe space. After I had intimate photos leaked on the internet all because of him.

Clearing my throat, I repeat, “Seriously, what are you doing here?”

He lifts his hand, showcasing a simple black card between his two fingers. “Giving you all the cards.”

Confused, I stand from my bed and stride closer to him. “Pax, I was kidding.”

“Yeah?” He raises a shoulder. “Well, I’m not.”

I could tell him to leave. I could yell at him for being the cause of said photos being leaked, then slam the door in his face. There’s only one problem. I really don’t want to. Not after the party. Not after waking up in his bed after he took care of me. Not after the beach and the borrowed clothes and the ride to Grinds and the concert and this morning. So much is changing, it’s hard to keep up, but the scary part? I want to try.

I like Pax. I like him a lot. And even though it’s terrifying, I can’t convince myself to keep fighting it. Honestly, it’s exhausting, and I’m tired. Tired of causing friction with every single thing in my life.

“I thought you were sparring?” I murmur.

“I was.” His shoulder hits the doorjamb with a quiet thump as he leans against it. “And now, I’m here to apologize.”

“For what?”

“For the paparazzi being a bitch.”

I glance at the card still pinned between his fingers while attempting to catch up to the one-eighty my night just took. But seriously. Is he offering me his credit card? Why? And so, what? We got caught hooking up on the beach, someone decided to snap a few photos of it, and basically called me a money-hungry slut. Okay, that part wasn’t so great, but still. It doesn’t explainwhy Pax is on my doorstep or why he’s offering me his money when I’ve never asked for it.

“Talk to me, Birthday Girl,” he prods.

I tear my attention from the card pinched between his fingers, only to find Paxton observing me. Is he…nervous? And if he is, is it because of the article, or is it because he’s afraid I can be bought off? Honestly, the latter makes me feel…dirty. Dirtier than the article ever could. Especially after last night and this morning. I thought…I thought he liked me. Saw me. Understood who I am beneath all the bitchiness and the snark. The possibility I was wrong? It kind of hurts.

Keeping the realization on lockdown, I announce, “I’m aware the paparazzi are a bitch.”

“They are,” he agrees.

“Yeah, but it doesn’t mean you owe me anything.” My fingers dig into the edge of the door as I fight the urge to slam it in his face. “Honestly, I’m trying really hard not to be offended that you think buying me off will make me forgive you for something not in your control.”

The corners of his eyes crinkle with amusement as he slowly shakes his head. “That’s not why I’m offering you the card.”

“So, whyareyou offering it?” I demand.

His stupid smile threatens to cut through my bravado, but I hold strong.

“I’m being serious,” I push.

“I know you are.”

“So why are you smiling?” I snap.

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