Page 28 of Rulebreaker

Women love chocolate. And jewelry. And flowers. And…vintage records and guitars.

Or at least sexy, cock-teasing pop stars who drive me insane do.

And of course, Briar sees me pausing, me considering, because she bursts out laughing, long and loud and…

Yeah, I’m back to grumpy.

“Oh, Atlas,” she says when she regains control of herself, ponytail swinging behind her as she shakes her head and studies me. “You’re in deep aren’t you?”

The words are softer.

More serious.

Seeing too fucking much.

“I’m fine,” I mutter.

“You know,” she begins. “You could just be yourself. That’s pretty great.”

If onlymyselfwas enough to tempt the pesky pop star.

“Unfortunately, she’s a trickier puzzle than that,” I say, still muttering.

“Does that mean you’re going to let her go?”

Every muscle in my body revolts at the question, something that Briar sees because her mouth kicks up and she turns the handle, starts to pull open the door, answering for me before she disappears.

“Of course not. Atlas Delarosa never gives up.”

TEN

Lily

“This came for you, Lily.”My assistant, Desi, hands me a package as I come off stage and I give her the side eye.

“What’s special about this one?” I ask, since she usually leaves gifts in my dressing room.

“Well…” Her eyes twinkle with mischief, which sets me on edge. “You’ll see.”

Great.

Just what I need–a surprise.

Normally, I enjoy them, but I’ve been cranky the last few days and nothing seems to be helping me snap out of it.

I take the gold wooden box from her and suddenly my fingers almost tingle with excitement. Irecognizethis box.

And the words “Guinness Book of World Records” that are printed on the side.

I know exactly what’s inside–and how good it tastes.

The most expensive piece of chocolate in the world–La Madeline au Truffle. The truffle itself is made with 70%Valrhona dark chocolate, and the ganache is prepared with heavy cream, vanilla, and truffle oil. It encases a French Périgord truffle in the center and is then rolled in cocoa powder. It’s the most decadent thing you can put in your mouth if you’re a chocolate fan, which I am, and someone must have told Atlas that they’re my favorite.

I’m going to strangle Jade.

As much as I love her, and her newfound family, I can’t have this kind of–

I practically skid to a stop as I open the door to my dressing room.