Page 138 of Empire State Enemies

The thought of her leaving now sends a wave of something I can’t quite name through me. I’m not done with this night, not even close. Without thinking, I pull her closer. “Stay the night.”

She meets my gaze, those gorgeous eyes holding some kind of struggle. “I can’t deal with getting hurt, Connor. We can keep it casual, but you gotta keep those mood swings in check and not push me away. I want to be there for you, but you can’t lash out at me.”

“Message received loud and clear. I’ll work on my mood control,” I say, not missing a beat.

I smile, playing it cool. I don’t know what the fuck is going on in my head, but I’ll be damned if she leaves my bed tonight. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her here with me.

???

I wake up with Lexi wrapped in my arms and a headache, like there’s a bass drum in my ear. And a massive erection pressing against her sexy backside. It’s a confusing mix of sensations.

The sunlight pours in through the window, casting a glow over her bare curves.

As much as I want to appreciate the view, I clamp my eyes shut, engaging in a silent battle with the pounding in my skull that’s unfairly competing with my hard-on.

“Morning.” Her voice breaks through the thumping. “Thisview. It’s even more stunning in the morning. Can people see in here?”

“No,” I mutter. “One-way glass.”

Eyes still closed, I can tell she’s moving, turning my way. Her sexy ass rubs against my arousal. My groan is both pleasure and pain.

“What’s wrong?” she asks, concern lacing her words. “You’re frowning.”

“Just a headache,” I mutter, my voice a gravelly mix of sleep and annoyance.

Her hands move to my temples, her touch soothing despite my mood. I pry my eyelids open to meet that hypnotic gaze brimming with sympathy I don’t want.

“I’m fine, Lexi,” I insist, a bit gruffer than intended. “It’ll pass.”

“What can I do to help?”

“You don’t need to help,” I say, getting more irritated by the second. Damn, why do I have to be such an ass? Instead of saying she’s doing plenty just by sticking around, I let my annoyance win.

“You’re not invincible, Connor,” she says softly.

“Don’t I fucking know it.”

“I mean, you’re human. It’s okay to feel pain and ask for help.” She pauses, giving me a small smile. “And to be afraid. Even tough guys can shed a tear.”

“Lexi,” I say, a warning growl in my tone. This is the last thing I wanted—for her to feel sorry for me. “Back off. I don’t need fixing. I’m not some project for you.”

Her eyebrows go up, clearly stung. “Isn’t that what you’re trying to do to me? Sending those hot builders to fix my messed-up floor?”

I can’t resist a smirk despite the jackhammers behind my ears. “Hot, huh? Next time, I’ll make sure the crew’s a bunch of scruffy old guys with plumber’s crack.”

Her eyes narrow at my teasing. “I’m serious, Connor. Trying to cover my mom’s care costs like I’m some charity case. Are you not treating me like your project?”

I’m about to shoot back a denial, but then, the truth of her words land. “All right, you got me there.”

And damn, why am I acting like some knight in shining armor? I’m anything but, and she’s far from a damsel in distress.

“How about we strike a deal then?” I propose. “We’re here to give each other a break, drown out the noise of our problems for a while.”

Her lips quirk. “Deal.”

I can’t help but throw in, “Frustratingly, I do have the means to sort your issue if only you’d let me.”

Because how the hell is she planning to tackle it? If she’s desperate enough to be snatching rich guys’ car keys, then what’sher grand plan for coughing up the cash when the next due date rolls around? I don’t voice these thoughts out loud. No need to shatter the moment we’ve got going here.