Page 198 of Empire State Enemies

I barely register the sirens, the shouting, the chaos that’s going on around us.

It’s like tunnel vision. All I see is Connor.

I stare at him, my heart feeling like it’sgoing to explode. There’s so much emotion coursing through me, I don’t know how to handle it.

“I can’t believe you’re really here,” I whisper, my voice all shaky and lame.

He’s still holding me, his arms wrapped around me like he never wants to let go. And god, I never want him to.

“I made you a promise. I promised I would never let him hurt you, and I’m here keeping that promise. I realized, when I saw you today in that cab—”

“Cab?” I interrupt, confused.

“Outside the party. I was so close to just letting you go, to convincing myself that I couldn’t give you what you needed. But seeing you out there, in the world without me . . . it felt wrong.I’m meant to be there, to protect you, to love you. And I know now, without a doubt, that I have what it takes to be the man you need me to be.To put you first, to not take you for granted. I’m never letting go of you again.”

I stare at him, doing backflips of joy in my head. “I’m never leaving your arms, Connor. I love you so much, it’s insane. It’s terrifying and overwhelming and just . . . a lot. I thought I wanted a quiet, normal life, and I tried it—it was great, but . . . I need you. I need this, us.”

My heart feels like it might burst out of my chest, like that freaky scene fromAlien. Except in a good way.

“But wait, what about the hot professor?” I ask.

Connor looks at me, confused. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t you . . . aren’t you in love with the professor lady?”

“Damn, the tabloids never quit. Lexi, no. Clarissa’s a friend, a colleague. There is no other woman. There’s only you. There’s only ever been you. And you—do you have feelings for that teacher?”

I can’t help but smirk. “You’ve been keeping tabs on me! He’s a good guy, don’t get me wrong. But he wouldn’t take a bullet for me.”

Connor chuckles, his eyes smoldering with intensity. “I love you so much, angel. Will you give me another shot? I want to do it right this time.”

And I don’t hesitate. I don’t think. I just go for it. I launch myself into his arms like a koala, wrapping my legs around hiswaist and kissing him like my life depends on it.And in a way, it did.

The rest of the world fades away.

Never mind the fact that Deano is lying on the ground, groaning.

Never mind the sirens wailing, getting closer.

Never mind the fact that Grace is using this near-death experience as an opportunity to chat up one of Connor’s security guys.

Never mind the couple from the bench, who are now gawking at the scene.

Never mind my bubble tea has spilled all over the ground.

Never mind I can now feel a hard length pressed against my core in what can only be described as a highly inappropriate time and place.

None of that matters. In this moment of chaos, there is only me and Connor.

Because why settle for peace and quiet when you can experience intense, life-changing, all-consuming love?

Peace and quiet is overrated.

EPILOGUE

Later that night

Lexi