Page 99 of Rulebreaker

I frown as a male shape, big and built and a little like Dash’s–

But a bit smaller…almost Colt’s?—

“You good?”

“What?” I jump, gaze whipping over to Royal’s. He’s frowning, something that’s less common since he fell for Jade.

“You good, man?”

I look back, but the shadows only reveal a family–a dad and mom, their young son at their side.

And I have to get back inside, get back to Lily.

“All good,” I say. “Dash has this.”

“He does.”

I take one more lingering glance.

But when that turns up nothing, I nod to the stairs.

“Let’s go make sure our women are good.”

THIRTY-FOUR

Lily

Resuming the tour was hard.Like, I wanted to sob and throw myself into Atlas’s arms and never let go hard. But he promised he’d fly out to meet me every few days, and the last thing I ever want to do is disappoint my fans.

As it is, I had to delay two weeks’ worth of shows, something I’ve never done before, but now that I’m back in the thick of things, it doesn’t seem that Stan’s death or the accompanying media frenzy impacted attendance at the concerts.

If anything, the support I’ve gotten has been eye-opening. Fans and industry executives alike seem to have already forgotten there was a scandal. Not that Harrison didn’t give it his best shot but Atlas is truly a force to be reckoned with. We both know that Harrison won’t give up without a fight, but Atlas and I are fully prepared.

I don’t want to think about Harrison tonight, though.

Atlas should be here any moment and then we’re going to a late dinner with Jean-Michel and Tiff, who came totown for tomorrow night’s show. I’m playing here in Boston the next two nights, and Atlas had a meeting in New York today, so we thought it would be fun for the four of us to have dinner.

The plan was for Atlas to fly out as soon as he finished his business in New York, and he’s running late, which isn’t like him, so I’m trying not to worry.

I’ve probably been emotionally clingy the last couple of weeks, still trying to process everything that’s happened, but Atlas has become my rock. Even though we’ve had to be apart geographically for some of the time, he’s been there for me emotionally without fail. I’m not used to having a man taking care of my needs, but he’s such a good guy.

Thebestguy.

He’s given me time and space to work through the stages of grief over Stan but still managed to be there for me in whatever capacity I need. I didn’t know there were men out there who could make a woman feel protected, safe, and loved without simultaneously feeling smothered.

But there are–and this one is all mine.

The lock on the hotel room door whirs as someone disengages it and I turn to see Atlas letting himself into our suite.

“I was getting worried,” I say, hurrying over to him. “And we have dinner plans.”

He wraps his arms around me and presses a light kiss on my lips. “I know. I’m sorry, I should have called, but I was focused on getting here. Traffic getting out of the city was horrific and it wasn’t great here in Boston either.”

“Well, I’m just glad you’re here.” I lean against him, resting my body against his. This seems to be my position of choice lately–the two of us pressed close together whenever possible–and I think he likes it too because he’s gently stroking my hair with one hand and caressing my back with the other.

“I had multiple meetings in New York,” he says quietly. “That’s partly why I was running late, but one of them was extra important. For both of us. And I have a surprise for you.”

“Oh?” I glance up curiously.