Paxton's Promise (Gloves Off #3)
L.P. Dover
FOR THE PAST week, Paxton had given me time to adjust to my life without Ashleigh by my side. She was gone to her cabin in the mountains, living the dream life. I was happy for her and Ryley, but I sure as hell was going to miss her. I had a feeling I knew what Paxton’s terms were going to be anyway. Maybe he’ll forget about me this week? Fat chance on that.
When the knock sounded on my door, I knew it was either Bradley or Paxton. For the past week, I had basically thrown Bradley to the side, and I could feel the hole growing bigger between us. Every time I was busy, I was with my fighters and he didn’t like it. We spent more time angry at each other than actually civilized. However, when I opened the door, it wasn’t Bradley. It was a tattooed fighter wearing f*ck me jeans and a tight black T-shirt. Walk away, Gabby.
“So we meet again,” he said simply. For a moment, his sea green eyes flustered me like they did every time I saw him. This time, I couldn’t let that happen.
Throwing open the door, I rolled my eyes and ventured back into the living room. He was going to come in anyway, there was no reason to stop him. “It appears so,” I grumbled. “I was wishing you’d forget about me. I guess the hundred pennies I threw in that well didn’t work.”
The door shut and I could hear him chuckle. “Sorry, love. No wish is going to get you out of our agreement. I gave you a week of freedom, but now your time’s up. You’re not thinking of backing out are you?” Instead of sitting beside me on the couch, he sat in the chair across from me, his gaze boring straight into mine.
“No. I made a promise and I’m going to keep it. I always keep my promises.”
“And the same goes for me,” he murmured, voice smooth and deep. “Now, how ‘bout we get down to business?” My heart sped up at the thought and a small smirk splayed across his lips.
“Fine,” I answered, clearing my throat. “I’m sure it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
The deep chuckle in his chest rumbled all the way down to my clit. “Oh, we’ll see about that, sunshine. First, I need to know. What’s the status with you and the douchebag baseball player?”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “I don’t think that’s any of your business.”
“It is now, considering for the next month you’re going to be with me and me only. You’re going to have to get rid of him.”
My eyes went wide. “Are you serious? What am I supposed to tell him?”
Nonchalantly, he shrugged. “I don’t give a shit what you tell him, as long as he knows to stay away from you. If he so much as causes a problem, I’m going to extend the month.”
“Don’t you think this is a bit extreme? Wouldn’t a week suffice?”
His expression grew serious. “You obviously have no idea how far out I put my neck on the line for you. I think a month is being very generous.”
After experiencing life in the Dark Side, I could see where he was coming from. Those people wouldn’t think twice about putting a bullet in my head. In fact, I’d say their humanity was long gone . . . just like Camden’s.
“Okay, fine,” I gave in. “A month it is. You don’t expect me to f*ck you though, right? That shit’s not going to happen.”
Paxton tilted his head back and roared in laughter. “Oh, Gabby, as much as I’d love to have you spread out for my delight, I would never ask that of you. But if you wanted it, I’d be happy to oblige.”
I scoffed. “Don’t worry, I think my lady bits can withstand what you’re offering. When does all of this start?”
“Tomorrow,” he noted, getting to his feet. “I trust you’ll handle everything with your boyfriend today?”
I stared at him in hopes he’d smile and tell me it was all a joke. Sadly, I didn’t get that. “Yes,” I sighed. “I’ll talk to him.”
He strolled to the door and I followed to make sure it shut behind him. Paxton opened it wide and stopped. His back was to me, but then he turned around, piercing me with his green eyes. “Good, then we won’t have any problems. If he really wants you, he’ll wait for you.” He stepped closer and circled a strand of my midnight hair through his fingers, his voice dipping lower. “It won’t matter though. I know you won’t go back to him after I get done with you.”
“Sorry to disappoint, but that’s not going to happen either,” I said, glaring at him.
“It wasn’t a wish,” he clarified. “It was a promise—and you know how I feel about those.” He winked and disappeared out the door, his footsteps calm and collected as he descended the stairs.
Growling in frustration, I slammed the door and stormed back over to the couch. Fuck him with twelve giant cocks. He didn’t know what the hell he was talking about. I was going to make damn sure that promise was a promise he couldn’t keep. What an arrogant prick.
Closing my eyes, I leaned my head against the couch and sighed. Only one more day of freedom. How was I going to spend it? The answer came with a text.
Bradley: I need to talk to you. Can I come over?
Here we go. If there was ever a time we should split up, it would be now. There was no way he was going to put up with me being with another man for the next month.