Page 10 of Rulebreaker (Gamebreakers #4)

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. I recognize this 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.

“Jesus fucking Christ,” I whisper through clenched teeth.

I hear Desi and my tour manager, Flo, burst out laughing behind me.

“I’m going to fire both of you!” I grumble, staring at what’s probably around five hundred lilies, all over the room. What has to be every single kind–from the Night Rider Lily to the Big Brother to Lilium “Heartstrings”—they cover every surface of the room.

I sigh in spite of myself.

They’re beautiful–one of my favorites. Especially the Magic Star Lilies.

I walk over and gently finger the beautiful flowers.

I don’t bother reading the card because I already know who they’re from.

I should call. Text. Show some acknowledgement of Atlas’s ridiculous but thoughtful gifts.

Why is he so nice?

Sexy?

Amazing in bed?

And why does my traitorous body ache for him every fucking night when I close my eyes?

I’m in no position to get involved with him or anyone else. Technically, I’m still married–legally separated, but I struggle with the distinction. I’m free to do what I want but not free to move on. To start over.

To love someone.

Someone like Atlas?

“Damn…” Flo shakes her head. “If you don’t want this guy, can I have him?”

The strangest feeling rumbles through me. A cross between pain and fury that leaves me disconcerted. What the hell is that about?

I nearly stumble as I realize what’s happening.

Oh. My. God.

It’s jealousy.

The thought of Flo with Atlas makes me…jealous?!

I don’t get jealous. At least, I never have before. That’s why it took me a second to recognize it for what it is.

Shit.

“Don’t you like him?” Desi asks, genuine curiosity on her face. She’s been with me for five years and is absolutely essential to my life running smoothly. And Flo’s been with me longer, nearly a decade, so both of these women are important to me.

But neither of them knows about Stan.

Neither of them knows that I have a husband back in Tennessee.

Very few people know my secrets–Sandy, my attorney and accountant, and my manager.

That’s it.

I play it pretty close to the vest because I have to.

Don’t I?

“Lily?” Flo stands next to me, smiling down at the flowers before us. “You okay, sugar?”

“I’m just thinking,” I admit softly.

“About life, love, and the pursuit of big dicks?” Desi teases.

I snort. “Something like that.”

“You’ve had a lot of guys chase you before, but this one seems…intense.”

“You have no idea.”

“So you’re going to kick him to the curb?” Flo shakes her head. “I really don’t understand you sometimes.”

“I don’t understand me either. I just don’t know how I would add a man to…

this.” I motion all around us. “My life is nonstop, and so is his. We’re both busy.

We’re both successful. We both have responsibilities and obligations.

I don’t know how we would manage a relationship within the confines of everything else we do. ”

“Seems to me you make time for things that are important,” Flo says.

“And the people,” Desi adds. “I mean, if you don’t really like him and it was a one-off, that’s cool. Seriously, you don’t owe anyone shit. But from where I’m sitting, there’s something different about this guy.”

“What makes you say that?” I ask curiously.

“The way you react to him. Your body language just as we talk about him… and how torn you are. I can see it written all over your face–you want to call him. You want more. Why are you fighting it?”

I close my eyes for a moment and breathe deeply. “I don’t know.”

“Maybe you need to think about that. Life’s too short to let a good one get away.”

“But I don’t know if he’s a good one,” I whisper. “Not really.”

Except I do.

I know it with every fiber of my being.

Atlas is one of the good ones.

The only question is whether or not I deserve a good guy like him. Not with my baggage. And that pesky wedding ring. How would I even explain the situation with my much-older husband?

“How else will you find out if you don’t spend some time with him?” Desi asks.

“Look, you can tell me to shut the hell up but–” Flo begins.

“Like anyone can ever shut you up,” Desi says dryly.

Flo playfully lifts her middle finger in Desi’s direction.

“No one’s talking to you, missy.” She turns back to me.

“Anyway, I know I should probably keep my opinions about your personal life to myself, but you’ve been alone too long.

I don’t know who or what in your past broke your love bone–and you don’t have to tell me–I think you need to tell someone, though.

A therapist, one of your friends…maybe even your zillionaire new admirer.

This whole lone wolf thing? You deserve better.

Take that from someone who’s got fifteen years on you. ”

“Now why’d you go and do that?” I mumble. “Getting all philosophical and shit.”

“Someone had to.” She shrugs.

I smile because I appreciate them.

More than they probably know.

But this isn’t the time or place to have this kind of conversation.

“You guys want to share my two-hundred-and-fifty-dollar piece of chocolate?” I ask instead.

Flo’s mouth falls open. “You’re shittin’ me. Two-fifty for one piece of chocolate?"

“It’s a very special kind of truffle. Comes from France. Come on–it’s rich. And I don’t need the calories.” I open the box and gently lift the piece of chocolate onto a napkin. Desi produces a plastic knife and I manage to cut it into four pieces .

Flo eyes the piece she picks up warily. “I don’t know that I’d spend that kind of money on a damn piece of chocolate.”

“Even I don’t indulge often,” I admit, popping my half into my mouth. “Fuck…that’s good.”

Flo and Desi are more tentative but then Flo’s eyes close and she literally moans.

“Sweet baby Jesus in a manger in Nazareth…”

“Holy fucking shit,” is all Desi can say.

“What’d I tell you?” I ask with a grin.

“Seriously,” Desi says. “If you don’t want this guy, I do. Will you introduce us? Because if this is what it’s like to date someone uber-rich, I’m in. I don’t even care if he’s old.”

“He’s definitely not old,” I murmur, smiling.

No, Atlas isn’t old.

He’s gorgeous. Thoughtful. Smart. Successful. Hung like the proverbial horse.

And lordy, does he know his way around a woman’s body.

He ticks every one of my boxes.

So despite my best intentions, I know I’m going to reach out. Thank him. Maybe even do something I’m going to regret.

I just can’t seem to help myself.

Dammit, Atlas–what are you doing to me?