Page 74 of Perfect Alpha

Emotion makes his eyes shine, and I know that he only wants me to be happy. But he’s wrong in this case. The best thing for me is to finally let Cade go.

Even if I have to deal with seeing my ex-boyfriend at functions for the rest of my life, I’ll just need to find a way through it that doesn’t break me every time.

“I love you,” I tell him earnestly. “But go away.”

He grins and pulls me into another hug. “No. You know Cade. He’s getting in his own damn way of being with his dream girl. Help a guy out, Victory. Let him muddle his way through fixing his mistakes.”

“I can’t keep hurting,” I whisper. “I can’t trust Cade, not anymore.”

Anger flashes hotly in Bobby’s eyes. “You can trust him more than any guy in the world. Don’t tell me thisVincecharacter is better for you. You and Cade are perfect together, and you’re in love with each other.”

I shake my head. “I get to decide that.”

“You know he would–”

I wave dismissively. “Yes, he would be there if I truly needed help. I’m talking about myheart, Bobby, and that’s something you know absolutely nothing about.”

“Touché,” he agrees. “But I know you two. Hannah is just waiting for her maid of honor invitation, and Cade will have to choose between me and Gavin. If he values his life, it’ll be me.”

I laugh. “Sure, on his wedding day to some sweet Montana airhead.”

Bobby sighs and seems to realize he’s fighting a losing battle. “I’ll always be here for you,” he promises, “even when you’re making stupid mistakes.”

“Be nice to Savanna.”

He gives me his famous grin that has graced countless magazine covers. “Hey, I plan to bereallynice to her.”

We hug again, and he squeezes me extra hard before guiding me into a cab, passing the driver some money. “Text me when you get home safely.”

“I love you, Bobby.”

“Love you, too, baby girl.”

Not thinking about Cade wasn’t going well before tonight, but now I’m an emotional disaster. When I check my phone and discover Hannah sent a family picture, my heart sinks even further.

Cade legitimately looks exhausted and worn down. Hannah and Aidan are sticking out their tongues, but he’s only giving a half-smile that just looks sad. The dark circles under his eyes are like bruises, and the tightness in his jaw makes mine clench.

Hannah:Trying to cheer him up. You’d have better luck. Answer one of his messages, babe. Please.

Chapter 27

Cade

Noonecanmakeme as happy, horny, and infuriated as Victory Parker. I’ve called and texted her countless times, and she’s been officially ignoring me for far too long.

All I want to do is explain that Britt is an idiot. Shewasat the twin’s place with us, but I didn’t touch her or ask for naked pictures.

With lack of anything better to do, I’m brooding over a beer at the breakfast bar in the kitchen. Hannah frantically runs into the house with a crash of activity, which has to be a bad sign for my peaceful, solo dinner plans.

I haven’t even had a chance to take a sip or bite the burger I can’t wait to eat.

“My car won’t start – again – and I have to be at work!” she cries. “I thought you fixed it last time!”

“So did I. Okay, let me take another look.” I slide my chair back and Hannah drags me by the arm.

“No, just drive me. You can fix it later or tomorrow. Please?” Her baleful dole eyes are impossible to refuse, so I call Julia, who hurries over to help. I grab Aidan so she has one less person to worry about, and then we head out to my truck together.

“I need to find a regular sitter for him,” Hannah muses. “We can’t keep asking Julia for help. She doesn’t mind, but…”

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