Page 109 of Big Bad Bully
You’re my mate.
The words ring out in my head, but no sound comes from my lips, and she’s already walking away.
Already leaving me behind.
I stand perfectly still and watch the best thing that ever happened to me walk out of my life.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Aubrey
The next day, a knock sounds on my door.
I’m still in my pajamas even though it’s two in the afternoon. I have no intention of getting out of bed today, much less getting dressed.
Tomorrow I will drag myself back to school, get through finals, and graduate. I have the money from painting Billy’s mural to live on while I figure out next steps.
I still owe him the second one, but I can’t be in his penthouse right now. Not even with him at work.
The tears I’ve been holding at bay would overwhelm me.
Getting through the wedding last night was painful, but I couldn’t run away and cry my eyes out. It was my best friend’s big night. I had to put on my game face, smile, dance and cheer her on until she and Brick drove away in the limo we decorated with shaving cream and tin cans. I had to hide the fact that I was dying inside.
Billy haunted me like a ghost last night. He remained in robot mode–withdrawn and silent–but every time I turned around, he’d positioned himself on the sidelines where he could watch me like a bodyguard. Available to jump in and help when I needed it. Hanging back when I didn’t.
He’s still worried about my safety, but I refused to stay at his place, so he had two burly guys drive me home. They’re still parked outside on the street.
Sensing that he was hurting, too, made my heart break even more.
I kept questioning myself. I know he was in a trauma response from seeing his father. It’s not that I don’t cut him all the slack.
But twice he’s been directly asked whether I’m his mate–once by Brick and once by me–and he couldn’t answer.
I have too much pride to let myself get dragged around in his mess without even knowing if he wants me to stick around.
I figure I’m doing him a favor. Either he’ll decide he wants me, and he’ll show up for this relationship, and we'll get it all out on the table, or I let him out of a complicated situation, and he’ll feel relieved that he didn’t have to slum with a human anymore.
The knock sounds again. “Ms. Cook?” Even if I didn’t recognize that formal baritone, the accompanying yip of my dog forces me to sit up.
How did Grayson even get into the building? I didn’t buzz him in.
I groan and roll out of bed. I wrap a purple robe around my shoulders, so I don’t reveal too much in my braless state, and I stumble to the door.
The idea that Billy sent Pepper to me via Grayson stings. It more than stings–it’s like being flayed and having salt poured over the wounds. I guess he made up his mind.
We’re done. Have your dog back even though you’re not allowed to have pets in your apartment.
I pull the chain back, unlock the door, and open it. “Hey.”
Pepper is on a leash rather than in his travel bag, and he goes crazy for me, making joyful whimpers like a squealing pig and wagging his butt so hard it turns him in circles.
Tears spear my eyes. “Hi, buddy. I missed you, too.” I pick him up, and he licks my face frantically.
I blink hard, trying to keep from crying in front of Grayson.
“Mr. White thought you might want the company of your dog today. He worked things out with your landlady. He paid a generous pet deposit, so she’s willing to bend the rules for Pepper.” He unhooks the leash and folds it up.
Oh. I guess he does care. That makes my nose burn even hotter. My throat clogs with emotion. This might be easier if he was a big jerk. Then I could hate him and move on.
