Page 202 of Empire State Enemies

It’s wild how a few hours of craziness can flip your entire world upside down.

This morning, had you asked me about my grand plans for the night, I’d have confidently said I was destined for a meal and some drinks with Kayla, listening as she told me about her kinky sex with Justin. They’ve both come off the dating apps now.

Then I’d meet Grace and we’d go for some bubble tea before heading home, where I’d end up sleeping on the floor because she’s kicking so hard.

But instead, here I am.

With New York’s most notorious ex-playboy, his head nestled between my legs.

It’s the kind of decision you make when you’re totally, 100 percent thinking straight.

Now I’m in a long-distance relationship with the man of my dreams.

A man who’s willing to travel hundreds of miles just to be with me.

A man who looks at me like I’m his guardian angel.

One year later

Connor

I guide Lexi along the street, her hand clutching my arm as I lead her to the surprise. I’m not gonna lie, I’m a little on edge here.

“Connor, the last time you blindfolded me, we ended up on a different continent. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it was amazing. But it’d be great if I could pack my bags for myself.”

I smirk. “That’s not entirely accurate. The last time I blindfolded you, I had you bent over my bed, begging for mercy.”

“Okay, fine,” she says, smirking under the blindfold. “The last time in public. I sure hope no one on the street heard you say that.”

“Come on, just a few more steps.”

I slowly slide the blindfold off, watching her face closely for her reaction.

She blinks, taking in the Fifth Avenue townhouse we’re standing in front of.

“Wait, are we at Killian’s place? No, hold on . . . Killian’s is farther down, isn’t it?”

I feel a grin tugging at my lips. “It’s ours, Lexi. If you want it, that is.”

Her eyes go wide, jaw dropping. “What? You bought this?”

“Not yet. I wanted to make sure you loved it first. No point in dropping millions on a place if my girl’s not happy with it.”

She shakes her head. “Connor, it’s a townhouse on Fifth Avenue. Who in their right mind wouldn’t love it?”

I pull out the keys. “Fair point. Ready to see the inside?”

We step through the door, and Lexi does a little twirl, her face lit up with wonder. “Wow. Just . . . wow.”

But then she pauses, turning to me with a confused frown. “But I don’t understand, you love your apartment.”

I shrug. We’ve still being doing long-distance, if you can call it that. It’s easy when you have someone you want to see at the end of the journey.

But still, it’s not the same as having her here, with me, all the time. I spend at least three nights a week in Baltimore, or Lexi comes to New York. And yeah, it’s great. But I miss her like crazy during the week. The only upside is that I actually get some sleep instead of spending all night fucking.

Last month I got a hearing aid for my left ear. It’s been a game-changer. I can actually hear shit again, without feeling like someone’s stuffed cotton balls in my ear. And the immunosuppressants I’m on right now seem to be stopping the inflammation and disease from advancing.

As much as I’ve loved relaxing, I’m ready to dive back into work, full throttle. Five days a week, no more half-assing it.