Page 132 of Blackwood

This man I swear.

ME:We are not going there.

LEX:Why not?

I don’t respond. Not right away. I just stare at my screen, a thousand thoughts clawing their way through my brain.

The door swings open. “Leaving me on read, baby? Rude.”

I jerk my head toward the door. “Lex, how the fuck did you get in here?”

He strolls into my room like he’s lived here for years, all slow swagger and smug grin. Black jeans. Black V-neck that hugs his tatted arms way too well. Dark hair a little messy.

God help me.

He shrugs. “Please, baby. Like a bunch of little Legacy chicks were gonna keep me from you.”

“This is Rosethorne.You can’t just walk in here like—”

“Like I own the place?” he cuts in, closing the door behind him and shrugs. “Looks like I fucking can.”

“You’re insane.”

“Not denying it.”

He starts walking toward me, slow and casual, like he’s got all the time in the world to ruin me.

“Lex,” I warn, sitting back on my elbows. “I’m serious.”

“So am I.”

He reaches the bed. Leans down. One hand braced beside my hip, the other brushing hair from my face.

“You okay, baby?”

“No. Not really.”

He nods, gentle for once. His grin returns, slow and cocky. “Come on. Get dressed.”

“Excuse me?”

“We’re going on a ride.”

“Lex—”

“No arguing. You’ve been sulking in here all day like a damn ghost. You need out. Fresh air. Fast engine. My hands on your thighs.”

I don’t move, just stare at him. He narrows his eyes, not playing. “Get the fuck up, baby. I will throw your little ass over my shoulder and take you out of this mansion kicking and screaming if I have to.”

I stare at him for a long beat. Then sigh. “God, you’re annoying.”

“And yet,” he tilts his head, lips quirking like he knows he’s right, “you’re already getting up.”

♥♥♥

I wrap my arms around his waist as the engine roars beneath us. The city blurs by—lights, noise, wind in my hair, Lex’s body heat pressed into mine. We ride across the bridge, down through Queens, until the streets start to quiet.

And then I see it, the skyline, wide open water.Lex parks the bike under one of those old gantry cranes and kills the engine. He hops off and holds out his hand.