Page 72 of Rulebreaker

Not yet.

Not until I tell him everything.

If we can get past that, we’ll make it through anything.

I straighten my shoulders and toss my hair.

I’m going to do it right now–get it the hell over with.

I can’t stand the idea of?—

My confident stride stalls out the moment I open the door.

Atlas is standing there in a tuxedo, yet another gift bag dangling from his fingertips.

Everything I was going to say dies on my lips as I take in the most intoxicating man I’ve ever known.

“What, did you forget the bracelet?” I finally ask, opting for levity.

But he’s dead serious. “I can have it sent ahead for you if you want it.”

“It was a joke!” I’m so flustered now, I snatch the bag and open it.

A purse.

That matches the shoes.

Of course.

I can’t wear a dress like this and then toss my backpack overmy shoulder. “You’re going to mess up my lipstick now, aren’t you?”

He doesn’t even blink. “I don’t know–am I?”

I throw my arms around his neck but manage to refrain from kissing him. “Now will you tell me where we’re going?”

“Oak Ridge Winery in Northern California. I rented it out for the night.”

“Oak Ridge! I’ve been dying to go there.”

His smile is both disarming and wicked. “I know.”

TWENTY-FIVE

Atlas

Jean-Michel Dubois is arguablyone of the most powerful men in the world–and that’s coming from me.

I own companies, hit that billionaire status several years before…and I’m still a bit in awe of his prowess in the business world.

And the hockey world.

He owns the Oakland Eagles, has poached some of the league’s most talented players. And coaches, for that matter. Diana Connors isn’t the first female coach in the NHL, but she’s the one with the most impressive dossier.

“This is beautiful,” Lily murmurs, pulling me from my thoughts of hockey and back into the present.

And face-to-face with the fact that Jean-Michel is also a powerhouse in the wine business.

Oak Ridge specializes in petite sirah…and produces Lily’s favorite.