Page 151 of Golden Ruin

Sterling’s clearly feeling braver than I am, because he reaches for his phone first and starts to read. And it isn’t until his expression softens from concern to a faint smile that I get up the nerve to take a look for myself.

And there it is.

Sterling mentioned something in his interview about these things just having a way of working out, and without him slandering Tiffany’s name or dragging her through the mud, she’s being forced to lie in the bed she made.

Pandora’s just posted a list of all the brands that have officially dropped Tiffany, and my eyes pause on words like blacklisted and cancelled. There are quotes pulled from content creators who are also moms, bashing Tiffany for her dangerous accusations against me regarding Jax.

Tears pool in my eyes, but I’m quick to reach for a napkin, blotting them away because I spent way too much time on my makeup this evening. But… it’s nice.

Nice to be seen, nice to know people can feel what’s true, nice to finally be getting my life back.

I gasp when my phone lights up with one notification after another. “Shit.”

“What?” Sterling lifts his eyes toward my phone when I turn it toward him, not believing what I’m seeing.

My DMs are being flooded by one offer after another, all from brands that suddenly want to collaborate with me. Some of which I’d just seen on the list of sponsors dropping Tiffany.

Only, I’m not sure I want any part of that. My life is full. Between Jax, Sterling, work, and school… I’ve got all I could ever want.

“Damn. That was quick.” Shaking his head, Sterling lowers his phone. “I guess Marla’s podcast gets around pretty fast.”

“Insanely fast.”

We sit in silence because this month, and the several before it, have been a whirlwind. But as we sit at this table, finally settled and where we belong, I would do it all again to end up in this very spot.

My gaze follows Sterling when he rises from his seat just enough to kiss me from his side of the table. He pulls away after a few seconds, and this is what it’s all about.

Not money or fame or brand deals.

It’s about love.

We eat in peace in a public space for the first time since forever, and I’m already forgetting the hell we’ve been through by the time we make it home. We climb the stairs side by side, both headed in the same direction because I don’t want to be anywhere he isn’t.

This man who’s done everything in his power to make life feel safe again.

So, after we change and prepare for bed, there’s something I’ve been holding onto for a few days now. Something I think he’ll want to hear sooner rather than later.

“There’s been a new development, and… I think we should talk about it. Just promise you won’t be upset.”

He stands at his dresser in gray boxer briefs, removing his watch as he glances toward me.

“What is it?”

I slip beneath the covers. “I know we’ve talked a lot about boundaries and what our relationship will look like as it unfolds, but… I think we may need to re-evaluate.”

Concern etches his face, which I expected.

“Okay. What does that mean exactly?”

I pause, making sure I choose the right words.

“I’ve been thinking, and–”

“Lex, you’re killing me,” Sterling cuts in. “For the love of God, please just tell me.”

I meet his gaze, wanting him to know I’m completely serious when I speak.

“I… think you’re going to get really sick of me.”