Page 28 of Cold and Broken (The Titans of Founder's Ridge 1)

“Wow. How woke of you,” I joke.

“I have a sister and if someone ever did to her what happened to you today I would kill them. I want to kill Ferguson and you aren’t even related to me. Tell me if something like this happens again. You could have called Edward and he could have brought something for you to wear.”

“I’m not calling your butler to root around in my bras and panties and bring something to school for me to wear.” I side eye him. “That’d be weird as fuck.”

He shrugs. “It’s his job. He wouldn’t perv out touching your stuff or anything.”

“I know but still. It’s weird.” I look out the window as trees zip by. “Thank you coming. I was really scared. I couldn’t use any Krav Maga without flashing him.”

“Don’t mention it. You could leave a change of clothes in my car, just in case,” he says as we pull into the driveway. He grabs my bag again and puts his hand on my back as we walk up the front steps. “Meet me in the kitchen after you change.” Always a command.

10

Lilith

I get up to my room and see Dad’s been back. I check his room but he’s not in there. It’s probably for the best, I have three large bruises blooming on me. I walk into my bedroom and flop on the bed. I give myself five minutes to lie there and cry all the feelings out.

That could have been so bad. I pull myself together and grab yoga pants and one of Zion’s sweatshirts that I stole. I hit it with his cologne before I left so it would smell like him when I need that comfort. I definitely need it right now. I pull my phone out and text Mateo to cancel our date tonight. I don’t really want to be anywhere but home tonight.

When I get to the kitchen Connor is sitting at the island eating the cookies that Delores is making. He’s changed into jeans and a Founders Prep t-shirt that stretches against his muscles. He pulls out the stool beside him for me when he notices me.

“Sit.” His green eyes study me. “Delores made us more cookies.”

“Ugh.” I sigh. Cookies won’t help my cellulite issue. “I shouldn’t have any more after last night. Especially since I haven’t worked out today.”

Delores spins and plants her hands on her ample hips. “Nonsense. You’re young and healthy. You can handle a few of my cookies.” She slides a plate across to me. “Eat.”

“You two and your one word commands,” I joke as I take a bite.

Connor stretches his arm out on the back of my stool. When Delores turns around to work on something he leans over and whispers, “You okay?”

“Yeah,” I say quietly. “Better be careful, your inner nice guy is starting to show.”

“Calm down, Peasant,” he smirks. “There’s no part of me that is nice. Maybe I’m lulling you into a false sense of security.”

I put my hand on his thigh and whisper against his ear, “You don’t scare me, Junior.”

We hold eye contact and he rumbles, “I should.”

The moment is broken when my phone vibrates on the counter. It’s a text from Mateo saying he understands and asking for a raincheck.

“No.” Connor says.

“What?” I look up from my phone.

“Tell him no.” He points to my phone. “To the raincheck.”

“Why would I do that?” I scrunch my face up in confusion.

“I’ll fire him if you go out on a date with him.” He says nonchalantly.

“What?” I say incredulously. “Why would you do that?”

“Because I can.” He shrugs like it is a totally reasonable response.

“When I said your inner nice guy was showing it wasn’t a challenge to be the biggest dickhead on the planet.”

“Not a challenge, just a reminder.” He winks at me. “Since you just canceled your date are you coming to the game tonight?”

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