More of Us ( A Love You More Rock Star Romance #3) - Laura Pavlov Page 0,73

this hard to save your marriage and your family. Why you fucking care so much about Exiled is beyond me,” I said, tossing my napkin on the table.

“My wife and my family don’t bring in any revenue.” A wicked smile spread across his face and I pushed to my feet.

“We’re done,” I said, slipping my jacket on.

“Oh son. We’re just getting started.”

I motioned to Lennon when he returned from the restroom, and he followed me out of the restaurant.

And a sick feeling settled in my stomach.

Because Steven Winslow was ready for battle.

And that was never a good thing.

Chapter Nineteen

Jade

It was the end of February, but the weather hadn’t let up. This year in particular was more bone chilling than usual, and the wind blustered around me. I trudged my way through campus. I didn’t get much sleep last night as Cruz arrived late, and we stayed up most of the night talking, laughing, and obviously doing other things—my cheeks heated at the memory.

We were making plans for spring break, as he’d have almost the whole week off with me. We were planning a trip to Mexico, just the two of us, and I couldn’t wait to soak up the sun and relax.

I left him asleep in my bed, before bundling up and heading out into this crazy winter wonderland. I tightened my scarf around my neck as I made my way through campus to my molecular genetics class. Of course, it would be the furthest building away. The walk usually didn’t bother me, but with my teeth chattering I couldn’t get there soon enough. The sidewalks had been shoveled, but a light layer of fresh snow still covered the surface.

“Jade,” a voice called out, and my shoulders tensed at the sound of his voice. I whipped around and came face to face with Dex.

My hands trembled beneath my gloves, and I reached in my pocket for my pepper spray. My fingers wrapped around it, as I stared, dumbfounded at the guy who’d attacked me less than a year ago. I pulled out my pepper spray and aimed it at his face.

“Get away from me, or I swear to God I’ll hurt you,” I shouted, looking around and just now noticing that campus was pretty desolate on this dreary morning. I saw a few people off in the distance and took a step back from him.

“I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to apologize. Please. It’s a part of my program,” he said. He looked different. His face was fuller, and his blue eyes shined more than they used to. He was bundled in a navy jacket and a green beanie.

I didn’t lower the pepper spray, but I didn’t walk away either. He wanted to own up to what he did. I couldn’t really fault him for it. I believed in redemption. Of course, I did.

“Well, get on with it then,” I said, my tone harsh.

“I’m truly sorry for what happened, Jade. There’s no excuse, obviously, and I don’t expect your forgiveness, but I needed to say it. I was messed up for a long time. And I don’t know why I did the things that I did. But I am sorry. I’m haunted by what I did to you,” he said. His gaze full of remorse.

“Well, that makes two of us,” I admitted. What Dex did to me still resided somewhere deep inside, leaving me less trusting than before.

“I wish I could turn back time and change things. I would if I could.”

I lowered my arm, still clutching the pepper spray, but no longer feeling threatened. “Well, I appreciate the apology. And I do hope you continue on this path.”

“Yeah, I’m just taking it one day at a time. My addiction cost me everything.”

“Not everything,” I said, shaking my head. “You’re still here. You’re young. There’s plenty of time to do good things, Dex.”

“Thank you. I want to apologize to Cruz, but he’s blocked me. They all have.”

“Time has a way of healing. Give him some time,” I said. “But if you’re behind