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.”