Chapter 7: Lennox

Chapter Seven

Lennox

M y heart races, then skips beats, pounding in some erratic pattern that makes me feel like I’m about to die. Even breathing doesn’t seem to be working, since I can’t catch a solid breath of air to save my life.

My eyes ache, but I don’t believe Thorne deserves my tears.

He walked away with his hands in his suit pants pockets, like he didn’t have a care in the world, and I swear a little piece of me died that night.

I can comprehend that he was in a shitty situation. I get he had responsibilities to his job and that there was bigger picture stuff going on.

I just don’t know how to stop resenting him for the pain he caused me.

He made me feel like everything I thought was between us was nothing more than teenage infatuation.

And I’ve kind of always felt like I was more into him than he was me, so it hit on every insecurity that I obsessed about during our months together.

I can’t tell if I’m being unfair, because he broke my heart, or if I really do have the right to hate him.

I don’t realize I’m holding on to Rush’s forearm for dear life until he finishes unlocking the door to the room I’m staying in.

“Did you want to head inside? You’re frozen,” Rush says, running his fingers over the top of my hand that rests on his forearm. “I could feel it through my T-shirt, but damn, Lennox. You’re alarmingly cold.”

My head tilts as I look up at him.

His blue eyes sparkle like they always do, but there are little crinkles at the edges that I think might be due to concern. “Bear should have sent you off with a pair of gloves.”

My mouth falls open as I take a step around him and into the room.

They know each other?

I’m not sure why I’m surprised.

It’s a small town.

What happened last night will have already made the rounds, just like it would have in the small town I grew up in back in North Carolina.

“If I overstepped by asking Bear to keep an eye on you…” Rush frowns, and his dark blond hair falls over his forehead as he stares at the floor. “Then I’m sorry, but also, you’re still in soaking wet socks, and my instincts are kinda losing their shit about the way that guy had his hands all over you.”

“I’m not afraid of Thorne,” I say, swallowing around the lump in my throat. “The only thing he’s a threat to is my heart, but I don’t intend to let him close enough to break it for a second time.”

The door closes loudly as Rush releases it.

He chucks my jacket—the one the taxi driver returned—over the chair at the small table. His hands meet my waist, and he lifts me, setting me on the edge of the bed.

I do a double take as one of his knees hits the floor, and he lifts my leg, pulling off the double layer of socks that went up to my knee.

Once that’s tossed aside, he does the other leg.

“It’s better than you walking back barefoot, but your skin is turning blue.” He stares up at me, and I’m still so overloaded that I blink without saying a word. “Are you in the early stages of frostbite from the walk or in shock from seeing that man?”

My chin wobbles, and I glance away from his piercing stare.

My shoulders rise and fall as I shrug. “I’ll be fine.”

I always am.

It’ll hurt for a while, but I’ll live.

“Thank you for everything, Rush. You can go. I’m good.” I do my best to steel my voice, so it doesn’t wobble.

“You’re a terrible liar.” His calloused fingers meet my chin, tilting my face back to his. “Hopefully, Bear’s coat kept your chest and upper extremities warm. I’m going to run in and start the shower for you.”

“I can do it.”

“I don’t mind.” He pushes to his feet but offers me his hands. My fingers wrap in his, and he tugs me up. “I’ll get that going and be right back.”

I’m a little obsessed with the way he brushes his thumbs over my inner wrists.

It’s such a comforting move.

Only, it reminds me a lot of Thorne. When he knew I was anxious, he would hold my hand and tease his thumb over the same place. Anytime anything big went down at the club, we had to be careful.

Dustin knew we were hooking up, but Avan didn’t.

I don’t even know if it’s right to call Thorne my ex.

We never went on dates or did other relationship things, like meeting each other’s family. He didn’t even trust me enough to tell me that he was undercover.

Rush comes back to find me standing in the same spot.

I’m sure he thinks I’m an airhead.

The water runs in the bathroom, and now that I’m starting to thaw a little, it becomes clear exactly how sore my hands and feet are.

I try and fail to grab the zipper on Bear’s coat.

My cheeks heat as I shake out my fingers and try again.

Rush sighs like an old man. “Fuck knows when I turned into Bear, but here we are.” His massive hands brush mine away as he handles the zipper. “It’s strange, smelling your scent mixed with my brother’s.”

“Bear is your brother?” I ask as he helps tug off the coat.

“We’re twins—fraternal, obviously—but yeah, that’s why I asked him to keep an eye on you. We own the bed-and-breakfast and Dry Dock, but he mostly runs the club. I’ve been sticking over here, since we’re so short-staffed for the winter.” He steps back and nods to the bathroom. “I know omegas are resilient to heat, but I kept the temperature pretty mild. Take it easy while you adjust.”

“Thanks.” I give him a sincere smile as my arms prickle with goose bumps. “I appreciate it and not just this. Thank you for asking Bear to look out for me last night. I haven’t really been in the best place, and…” I’m sure he gets the picture.

“I can have that guy out of here in two seconds flat. There are no other hotels open at this time of year.” His brow wrinkles. “I mean, there’s The Exchange on the fancy side of the island, but?—”

“No,” I blurt out before I can stop myself. “Please don’t ask him to leave. Not for me. Things are complicated, but…”

My eyes ache.

I hate that I still get so emotional when I think of Thorne, but everything still feels so raw.

“If he leaves, you might never get the chance to clear the air.” He nods, running a finger over my cheek. “Got it. Either way, you need to warm up. You’re half frozen. Worry about the dipshit ex after you’re thawed.”

“I will,” I agree.

Rush finally steps back and heads out.

The room seems a whole lot colder once he’s gone.