“Stop. Please.” She closes her big, dark eyes against me. “You wanted revenge and you got it. Don’t play games with me.”

  “I’m not playing anything. I don’t give a fuck about revenge anymore. If I did, I would have released the video I have of Parker confronting us at our engagement party.”

  That gets her attention. “You have video?”

  I nod. “It’s stored on my cloud if you want to see it. Every word, including the part where your brother admits to fucking my ex-fiancée behind my back. I could have sent that to the world and changed the conversation three days ago if all I wanted was revenge. But I didn’t.”

  “Why?”

  She can’t guess? “Because as much as I’d love for him to get the public spanking he deserves, I hated the things he said about you. I didn’t want you being hurt more than he already had. And this will probably sound crazy after the incident at the club, but I never wanted people to gossip about you; I just wanted them to believe in us.”

  “Oh, my gosh.”

  “The video is on my cloud. It will stay there forever if you want.”

  She drags in a shaky breath. “You’re giving up a lot.”

  “I’m not giving up a fucking thing I don’t want to.” I lift her face, willing her to look at me again. “The day you first came into my office, I was seething with the need to get back at your brother. I would have dropped that video on TMZ and walked away from you, too, if all I cared about was payback. But I stopped giving a shit about that days ago. There’s only one reason. Surely you can figure it out, princess.”

  Corinne’s big eyes focus on me. I see hope. I see fear. She wants to believe me, but… “Xavian?”

  “You need me to spell it out for you?”

  “Please.”

  I stand straight, backing her against the nearby wall until every inch of my body is pressed against hers, until I reduce her field of vision to nothing but me. “I love you.”

  Her bottom lip trembles. More tears fall down her cheeks. But she doesn’t say a word.

  Because she still doesn’t believe me? Or because it doesn’t matter?

  “It’s the truth, princess. People have left you all your life? I never will. They’ve withheld their love to manipulate you? I won’t. They’ve put you last? You’ll never be anything but first for me. That’s a promise.” I pull a scrap of paper from my pocket and hand it to her. “This is for you. No strings. No expectations.”

  She takes it with trembling fingers and scans it. Her eyes go wide. “A check. For five million dollars? Why? I don’t—”

  “You know exactly why. I just told you. Don’t be afraid to believe me.”

  “B-but…isn’t this the money you saved to go into business with your family?”

  I nod. “For the record, Bethany and Clint calmed down and called me about an hour ago to tell me that, if we can get the messaging right on my apology, they want to proceed with the partnership. Maxon and Griff never backed out of our planned venture. But I believe in you, in what you’re doing, in your passion for the pieces you create. So I want you to have this outright. It’s not a loan. I don’t expect any part of your company in return. I just want you to succeed.”

  “You’re serious?” I can’t tell whether she thinks I’m her knight in shining armor or I’m crazy. Maybe both.

  “It’s all yours.”

  She shakes her head. “I-I can’t take your future from you.”

  “You’re not. I’m giving it to you. I can make more money and I have time to invest in me. I’d rather invest in you first.”

  A sob wracks her. She presses a hand to her chest and the way she looks at me, like I’m her everything… My heart seizes up.

  Maybe I have a sliver of a chance with her. I’m fucking going to press forward.

  With my heart pounding, I settle a finger under her chin and lift her tear-stained face, making her meet my stare as I reach into my pocket again. “One more thing.”

  “This is already too much. I can’t—” I hold up the engagement ring I first slipped on her finger, and she gasps. “Xavian?”

  Her eyes have gone so big. I had this whole speech planned about how we belong together and that I intend to do my best every single day to make her happy. But I suddenly get tongue-tied. I can only manage to say the most important part.

  “Marry me, princess.”

  “What?” she breathes like she can’t possibly have heard me right.

  “Marry me.”

  She bites that lip again as her expression falls into something both horrified and sad. “But I ruined your life.”

  “No. Only you leaving me could do that.” I lift the ring closer. “What do you say? Can I put this on your finger?”

  Corinne opens her mouth, still gaping. “Did you actually b-buy that?”

  I nod, trying to stay calm. She hasn’t said yes…but she hasn’t said no, either. “About twenty minutes ago. It’s yours. I want you to wear it. I want you to say I do. I want to fill you up with babies so we can make a family of our own. I want you to be mine forever.”

  To my right, the click of the latch warns me we have company.

  Riley shuffles in and takes one look at us. His eyes narrow. He drops the styrofoam container that smells like cheeseburger and rushes toward me. Clearly, he’s pissed I’m here. And when his gaze falls on the engagement ring in my grip, his scowl deepens.

  Tough shit. I’m not leaving until Corinne answers me.

  “You’re not marrying her, you bastard! Get the fuck out of my room and away from her. Or I’ll ruin you.”

  Corinne

  My head is reeling. How did everything come to this?

  The last twenty-four hours have been some of the worst—and yet some of the best—of my life. Riley battering his way back into the hotel room falls into the former category. Xavian proposing is definitely in the latter. I’m still stunned.

  Xavian did ask me to marry him, right? I wasn’t dreaming?

  Mouth curled in a snarl, Riley glares at us angrily. I had no idea my ex even had a temper.

  Without hesitation, Xavian slides me behind him, sheltering me from Riley’s unexpected wrath. It’s not the first time he’s been protective. If I say yes to his proposal, I suspect he’ll always be possessive. That should not give me flutters…

  It does.

  “You can’t touch me, you fucking cockroach,” Xavian growls back. “This is between Corinne and me. Get out or I’ll destroy you.”

  Riley crosses his arms over his chest. “This is my room.”

  In that instant, I’m struck by the difference between them. Riley raised his voice, and he looks annoyed for sure. But he hasn’t reached for me. He hasn’t tried to reclaim me. He’s hardly even looked at me. Xavian, despite the one being threatened, is furious, aggressive, incredibly alpha, and seemingly ready to battle Riley to the death to protect me.

  Maybe that’s a metaphor.

  In that moment, I grasp what Xavian tried to make me understand in the shower. He was fighting for me—for us—pushing back against my preconceived notions, my insecurities, and the lies I’ve been telling myself about the kind of man I truly want.

  He was right about everything.

  I’d convinced myself that I belonged with Riley because he seemed safe. Because he didn’t strike me as the type who would abandon me. I didn’t believe in myself enough to strive for a lover who lit me on fire, body and soul. I didn’t dare even flirt with someone like that. I was settling for lackluster because I was too afraid to believe I could have more—especially last night, when I was caught up in all my forbidden feels for Xavian. I argued instead of listening. I gave in to fear instead of hoping. Instead of fighting with him for us.

  And for what? Riley didn’t care about me enough to pursue our future a year ago. Whatever his rationale for returning the engagement ring he bought doesn’t matter. He made his choice. I don’t care why he wants me back now.

  He didn’t love me enough then. And I don’t love him now.

  “Is the room really yours?” Xavian asks sharply. “Think carefully before you answer.”

  What is he getting at?

  I’m shocked when Riley turns to me, suddenly looking scared. “He’s full of lies, and he’s trying to tear us apart so he can keep using you for his revenge. Don’t believe anything he says.”

  Warning bells peal in my head. If I’m honest, they’ve been pinging since I arrived at the hotel eighteen hours ago. First, when Riley made a big production out of helping me from the Uber with my suitcase and tourists just happened to be standing by with their phones to video the moment. Then through the ensuing hours when, despite my tears, he barely held me, almost like he was afraid to touch me. And when I asked him why he decided to leave me last year but is now suddenly so eager to get back together, he didn’t have an answer. Well, not one that made sense. After Xavian’s question, Riley’s defensiveness makes me even more suspicious. Because my former fake fiancé might be a stubborn, brash, in-your-face, sexy-as-hell alpha male, but he’s never been a liar.

  I’m starting to think Riley has.

  “Shut up,” I snap.

  My ex rears back, probably because I’ve never said a cross word to him. “You can’t possibly believe him. He hates your brother and would do anything to take Parker down.”

  “Since when do you care about my brother?” He and Riley met once while we dated. Parker disliked him on sight because he wasn’t good enough. It was always a source of friction between me and Riley.

  “We both agree this guy”—he gestures to Xavian—“is scum. And he isn’t right for you.” He rips the check from my hand and scans it before he scoffs. “You don’t need his money. I already told you I’d lend you the funds. I’ll even forgive the debt once we’re married.”

  Married? That’s the first time he’s mentioned wedding bells. Why is he suddenly gung ho to get hitched? Because he loves me…or because Xavian asked? “He didn’t lend me the money; he gave it to me.”

  “He’s trying to buy you. You’re too smart to let him.” Riley scowls. “Aren’t you?”

  Is he trying to manipulate me? “How is what you’re doing better?”

  My ex frowns like my question is an insult. “I can’t believe you even have to ask.”

  “I’m trying to understand. It’s important.”

  “I-I…” He glances around—groping for a response?—and blusters. “I’d be happy to discuss my feelings for you. Tell him to leave and we’ll talk.” He turned to Xavian. “If you don’t go, I’m calling hotel security.”

  “It’s better if he stays so we get everything out in the open.”

  Riley’s face closes up. “I’d rather keep what’s in my heart between us.”

  “Why? I have no problem telling Corinne—and the world—that I love her,” Xavian lobs with a smile. “How about you?”

  Riley dismisses him with a wave. “It’s easy to spew lies.”

  “You would know.” Xavian grins acidly.

  I turn to him. “Do you know something I don’t?”

  He waves me away. “You’re doing a good job figuring out his bullshit. Carry on.”

  No idea what Xavian is getting at. I’ll sort that out as soon as I deal with Riley. “It should also be easy to tell someone you care about them…if it’s the truth.”

  My ex-boyfriend’s expression turns thunderous. “This jackass has turned you into someone you’re not. You used to be modest, sweet, and nonconfrontational. Now look at you. Orgasms in public. Arguing. Questioning my feelings. Can’t you see how much I care? I’m not in Hawaii because work sent me. I’m here for you.”

  “But only after someone else wanted me. And you lied to me.” Like Xavian intimated. Has Riley always been a little shady? Why didn’t I ever look deeper?

  Because Xavian was right. I was too afraid—to ask for more, to look too hard, to believe in myself and stand firm that I deserve better.

  “I didn’t lie,” Riley defends. “I just didn’t tell you the truth because—”

  “By definition that is a lie,” Xavian points out.

  “Butt out, Costa.” My ex grits his teeth. “This is between Corinne and me.”

  “No, Xavian is right. I’m seeing clearly for the first time. You know what? It doesn’t matter why you broke up with me last year.”

  “I told you, I was confused. I made a mistake. I’ve had time to think—”

  “Is that the only reason?” Xavian questions.

  “Shut the fuck up,” Riley snarls.

  “Whatever your excuse, it boils down to the fact you didn’t love me,” I tell Riley. “I don’t think you love me now, either. I’m not convinced you ever will. And that’s not enough for me.”

  My ex looks stunned. “What are you saying? That you’re choosing him?”

  Did he really just ask that? “You care more that I might say yes to Xavian than the fact I said no to you?”

  Xavian wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me close, dropping a kiss onto my nose. “Look at you go. I knew there was a reason I love you. Sweet and smart.” He drops his voice to murmur for my ears only, “And hot in bed.”

  I tsk at him, but he just grins from ear to ear.

  Riley gives me a condescending groan. “You’re being bamboozled. And you’re making a huge mistake.”

  “It’s my mistake to make. And I think I should go.”

  My ex steps between me and the door. “You belong here.”

  “I don’t.”

  Xavian smiles at me proudly. “When you’re ready, I’ll take you away.”

  Since I’d love that more than anything, I nod and head toward my suitcase. “I’ll get my things.”

  “Don’t forget. You still owe me an answer, princess.”

  To his proposal? “When we’re alone.”

  He nods as I shove all my clothes in my bag. When I head to the bathroom to grab my toiletries, I pass Riley, who’s not looking at me like I’ve broken his heart. He’s tapping frantically on his phone, not sparing me a single glance.

  I’m making the right decision. I feel it in my bones, and I’m finally confident enough to know that.

  “Bringing in reinforcements?” Xavian asks Riley cryptically. “Think carefully before you do. It won’t end well.”

  My ex hits send, then glares at him. “Fuck you. You’re not getting away with this.”

  “Okay, what’s going on?” As I dump the last of my bathroom items into my suitcase, I turn to Xavian. “What do you know that I don’t?”

  He shakes his head. “I didn’t want this. I mean, I was looking forward to ratting out this asshole.” He gestures to Riley. “But the rest of this shit show…”

  In the next instant, the door crashes open, sending Riley stumbling forward. My brother bursts inside.

  “Just arrived.” Xavian sighs.

  How is Parker here? Why is he here? Did he know I was here? I’m confused… I’m even more confused about the fact no one else is confused. In fact, no one else looks shocked in the least.

  Then it hits me. Riley was texting my brother…like they’re working together? And Parker came running. To what end?

  To separate me from Xavian. The answer is so obvious I can’t believe I didn’t think of it sooner.

  I’m not an angry person. I don’t scream or yell or insist on getting my point across to people too stubborn or mean to hear it. But I’ve put up with my brother’s controlling crap for too long.

  I’m done. It stops now.

  “How dare you!”

  “Me? You’re the one choosing Xavian. You can’t marry him!” Parker insists, grabbing my arm and tugging.

  Before I can tell my brother to back off, Xavian breaks his hold on me and lunges in Parker’s face. “You don’t ever touch her again.”

  “Or what? Don’t threaten me. I have other ways of ruining you.”

  That warning pings around in my brain, and I realize something I should have figured out long ago. “You never wrote Pushed Too Far because you felt a calling to write. Or even because you wanted to be famous. I would have understood either of those motives. But it’s always been about crushing Xavian, about getting revenge. Why? You’re the one who betrayed him, and all to prove that Hadley wasn’t the right woman?”

  “You don’t understand.”

  I do—more than ever. “That’s what’s wrong with you, your compulsive need to be right. To win every argument. Why can’t you just let people make their own mistakes and learn for themselves?”

  “That’s ridiculous when I can save them,” my brother yells, turning red in the face.

  “Because no one asked you to. I know Xavian never would.”

  “Nope,” he confirms.

  Parker snarls his way. “You would have married that slut, and she would have taken every dime you had and messed you up for good.”

  “She did anyway,” Xavian points out. “And you helped her.”

  My brother rears back. “That’s not true. I tried to save you. I tried to be a friend.”

  Xavian shakes his head. “Is that what you call fucking my fiancée?”

  “You don’t understand!”

  “I probably never will.”

  “I thought of you like a brother,” Parker rails as if that should explain everything.

  Xavian freezes, then looks my way. “If that’s how you treat a sibling, then I understand Corinne coming to me.”

  “You’re not marrying her.”

  Is my brother serious? “That’s my decision. Not yours.”

  He turns softer eyes on me. “Ninny, you don’t—”

  “Understand? I do. You keep calling me Ninny like I’m still four. You refused to give me my inheritance to grow the business I built from the ground up because you want me to take the ‘right’ path. Your path. Why can’t you just accept that I’m choosing my own path—my job, my husband, my life?”

  His expression turns pleading. “Before Mom and Dad left on that fateful trip, Dad told me I was in charge and to take care of you. I promised him I would. I swore I wouldn’t let him down. I’ve always tried to keep that promise.”

  Vaguely, I remember that conversation as he ruffled my brother’s hair and smiled. Dad always called Parker his little man. He tried to show us kids how to be good to each other and to do right. I know our parents’ deaths hit Parker really hard.