Page 61 of Empire State Enemies

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“Understood,” I say, hoisting my bag strap up with as much backbone as I can summon. “We should head out now. Time to put that media charm of yours to use, Mr. Quinn.” My voice surprises me by not wavering.

His eyes glitter with dark amusement. My misery clearly entertains him.

Good to know where we stand. But hey, at least I’m still standing.

“Just so you know,” I feel compelled to add, even though I know I shouldn’t push my luck. “Everything I do is for my family. Even my mistakes. That’s the difference between me and you.”

Our eyes lock, and for a split second, I think I spot a glimmer of something different in his—perhaps respect.

SEVENTEEN

Connor

I’ll admit it—I might have crossed a line by bringing up Grace’s sponsorship.

But damn, Sullivan’s reaction was something else. Clearly her sister is a sore spot that I jabbed at like an asshole. At least she proved she has some scrappy unyielding morals though, and that’s . . . mildly interesting, as much as she grinds my gears. She has lines she won’t cross, things she fiercely protects. I can’t help but grudgingly respect that.

The car ride over was tense as hell. Miraculously she agreed to let me drive her instead of taking public transit. Though she fought me hard there. Clearly wanted to avoid extended alone time. Can’t imagine why.

Are we clear?

I should have bent Little Miss Mouthy over my desk and tanned that sassy ass right then and there. Teach my insolent girl a lesson in respect.

Who the hell does this hellcat think she is, mouthing off to me like that?

And why in god’s name am I letting her get under my skin, challenging me without facing any blowback? To say LexiSullivan has been tearing through my peace of mind is the understatement of the fucking century.

There’s something about her defiance that’s . . . paradoxically captivating. She’s got some serious lady balls standing up to me like that. I’ll give her that—marks in her favor for sheer audacity if nothing else. And I guess I’m faintly impressed she didn’t crack and confess under the heat.

But now the little criminal has the gall to fume at me instead? Un-fucking-believable.

The talk at the campus was even more awkward than the car ride, if that’s possible. I spent the entire time trying to focus while Lexi’s silent rage scorched the side of my face, not to mention the growing ache in my ear.

Didn’t help having a hundred glazed-eyed college kids gawking back, half of them looking stoned out of their minds.

And I gotta wonder—how am I the villain here?

“You gonna sulk all damn day?” I challenge as we make our way off campus.

Lexi spears me with a fierce glare that either means she’s imagining me naked and entangled between her sheets, or picturing my severed head and dick in her freezer nestled next to a tub of Häagen-Dazs.

With her, it’s hard to tell, could go either way.

She halts, planting herself firmly on the sidewalk, hands defiantly on her hips. “Why the hell did you ask for me today if I piss you off so much?”

I run a hand over my shaved head, stifling a groan. I should’ve kept my mouth shut. The last thing I need is another confrontation, especially with the pressure in my ears building to a near-debilitating level. The entire Q&A session was a struggle. It took everything in me not to walk out.

Students openly rubberneck as they pass by. It’s not an ideal spot for a personal chat.

“The rest of your team bores me senseless. You make things slightly less tedious at least.” And I need as many distractions as I can get these days.

She narrows her eyes at me. “I don’t get you, Connor. I can’t figure out your angle here.”

You and me both, angel.

More students snap pics not-so-subtly. Still Lexi remains oblivious, eyes locked on me. “For what it’s worth, you were impressive on stage. You had every student hanging on your every word. Leadership suits you.”