“No, not right now. After work. At my hotel room.” Then she licks her lips, eyes her cupcakes, grabs one, and devours it. “I’m only breaking my eating sweets rule because they look too good to waste. Just because you buy me a bunch of gifts doesn’t mean I forgive you for acting like a class-A jerk.” She frowns. “Does the word ‘sorry’ hurt when you say it?”

I fold my arms across my chest. Gia knows she’s got me wrapped me around her tiny finger.

She. Fucking. Knows.

And that thought alone scares the shit out of me because she can break me, and if she did, I’d still come back to her like a dog with its tail tucked between his legs.

I’m not the apology type of person, so that’s all she’s gonna get out of me. “As much as putting my dick through a grinder.”

Because I don’t give a fuck if she’s pissed off at me, I give her a quick peck on the lips, getting frosting on my mouth. I dart out my tongue to lick the frosting off my bottom lip, then I head to my office.

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

Gunner

After work I head to the hotel she’s staying at.

Once we are inside her room, she takes off her oxford shoes and sets them by the door.

I lean against the white wall with my hands shoved in my pockets. She stands in front of me with her hands on her hips, tapping her foot.

I have to give it to her, she might be quiet around other people, but she doesn’t let anyone use her as a doormat. I like the fire that blazes in her eyes as she stares me down like she has the match to burn our relationship down. In a way she does.

“Start talking.”

“I hate my birthday, Rainbow.”

“I figured that out, but why?”

“I did something too shameful to talk about.” I rub the back of my neck. I plan to go to my grave with this secret. “It’s the main reason why I see a therapist.”

“And the reason why you drink as well, right?” I nod. Then she looks me up and down, like my secret is written on my body. “I’ve never seen you this angry.” Her voice is soft.

“I’m good at hiding it until I’m ready to fucking explode.”

The tension builds between us, suffocating me, so I loosen my navy tie and unbutton my cufflinks.

“The guy I was with used to explode a lot. He used to take his anger out on me.”

My blood fucking boils. I clench and unclench my fist a few times. I stride toward her, and she puts her hands up to stop me.