Page 121 of Empire State Enemies

His compliment catches me off guard, sending an unexpected flutter through me that I quickly cover with sarcasm. “I know. You were pretty vocal about it when you were pounding into me.”

“I didn’t mean like that. I meant you’re pure through and through. You’ve got integrity flowing in your veins.”

I try not to let his rare, sweet compliment go to my head. Experience has taught me that Connor’s moods can change on a dime—now he’s all charm, but who knows when he’ll switch gears. I’ve learned that lesson the hard way.

“I just try to do the right thing when I can. It’s only in desperate times that I resort to extreme measures, like, you know, ‘borrowing’ keys to a luxury car.” I clear my throat awkwardly. “So, uh, what happened with Deano in the end?”

“Nothing for you to lose sleep over anymore. You’re safe. He’s taken care off.”

My eyes widen in horror.

He chuckles. “He’s not dead, Lexi.”

My shoulders slacken in relief.

“But he might as well be if he ever thinks of crossing your path again.”

His protective tone sends shivers down my spine.

“Thanks. Seriously. You could’ve easily ratted me out to the cops.”

He looks away sharply. “Then neither of us would be sleeping too soundly,” he mutters.

We’re wrapped in awkward silence until he speaks again. “I still think you should accept the money for the care home. You were right. If my mom had gotten sick when Killian and I werejust starting out, it could have derailed us completely. Set us back years.”

I smile weakly. “You and Killian would have powered through anyway. You both have that ‘never say die’ attitude.”

One side of his mouth quirks up slightly. “You’ve got that same drive, Lexi. You’re smart, hardworking. That attitude of yours could open doors—or get you in trouble,” he says, a hint of amusement in his voice. “I’d hate to see it go to waste. To see you settle for less than you deserve.”

To my dismay, my eyes start to mist up.

“You hate this PR grind, I can tell,” he continues, an unfamiliar gentleness softening his tone. “Getting the care home costs handled would give you the freedom to chase what you really want.”

I shake my head with a sad smile. “I can’t, Connor. Not like this. Plus I’ve got this other agency interview lined up already—better pay at least.”

His irritation seeps through, his jaw clenching tight as he gives me a stern look. “Screw that, Lexi. You can’t stand PR. Don’t waste your life mastering something you hate. Finish your psych course, dammit. It’s better to be a rookie in something you love than a pro at something that drains you.”

“I get that. But it’s easy to say when money’s no issue. I need some security. I need to know that Grace and I will be okay.”

His eyes harden. “I’m offering you financial security right here. No strings attached, no ulterior motives. Just take it. Let me help you.”

I stare at his handsome but guarded face, my heart somersaulting.

I’m not sure when things shifted.

For all our clashes, when did I start seeing him differently?

Maybe it was when I saw him talking to the college kids at the NexiHub, his resilience shining through as he inspired them to chase their own dreams.

Or when he forgave me for swiping his car fob.

Or seeing little traces of the fun, caring uncle underneath the billionaire exterior.

Or how he went out of his way for Grace, getting her résumé to his IT team.

Or perhaps it was during those seven-and-a-half minutes (or however long it was) when he rocked my world, making me feel alive in a way I hadn’t in ages.

Or maybe it’s happening right now, as he’s saying all these sweet things about me, as if he truly gives a damn. As if he truly sees me. Truly believes in me.