Chapter 4

Ezra's eyes frosted over, a harsh shield slamming down. He ripped his hand out of her grip.

"Is this another one of your twisted games? Did Foster Newton teach you this cheap lie to get me on that plane?" he mocked, his voice laced with venom.

Aubree's hands fell to her sides. The accusation felt like a punch to the gut.

She didn't hesitate. She planted her hands on the carpet and pushed herself up.

Ezra watched her stand, a flicker of dark disappointment in his eyes. He thought she was giving up.

But Aubree didn't step back. She stepped forward, forcing herself right between his spread legs, pressing against the edge of his wheelchair.

Ezra leaned back hard. "Step back," he warned sharply.

Aubree ignored him. She reached out and slammed both hands against his jaw, forcing his head up to look at her.

Before Ezra could react, she leaned down and smashed her lips against his.

His body turned to stone, his dark eyes blowing wide open.

Aubree's kiss was desperate at first, then it softened, becoming a firm, deliberate press meant to convey every ounce of her truth.

Ezra's breathing stopped. His hands dropped to the sides of the wheelchair, fingers curling tightly around the metal rims. His brain screamed at him to push her away, but she was warm and smelled like rain. His lips parted slightly, almost involuntarily.

The second he felt himself slipping, reality crashed back in.

Ezra brought his hands up, grabbed her shoulders, and shoved her back.

They both stood there, panting. Dangerous, dark emotions swirled in his eyes as he glared at her.

Aubree didn't back down, her eyes clear and fiercely determined.

"Stay," she begged softly. "Give me a chance to prove it."

Ezra stared at her for a long time, searching her face for any sign of a lie. He found nothing.

He closed his eyes, letting out a long, heavy breath like a man losing a war with himself.

He reached down and pressed the intercom button on his armrest.

"Kai," Ezra said, his voice low and raspy. "Tell the crew to stand down. We're not leaving."

The tension drained out of Aubree's body so fast she almost collapsed. Fresh tears welled up, but this time, a huge smile broke across her face.

Ezra avoided her smile.

"Go home," he ordered coldly. "Before I change my mind."

Aubree knew better than to push. She nodded obediently.

"Goodnight, Ezra."

She turned and walked to the elevator. As the doors slid shut, she saw him still sitting there, staring at the empty space she had just left.

Aubree took an Uber back to Long Island.

Sitting in the backseat, she wiped her face clean. Her eyes grew sharp and cold. She had saved Ezra. Now, she had to cut the cancer out of her own house.

Half an hour later, she climbed over the stone wall of the estate. The rain had slowed to a drizzle.

She walked up to the front porch. The heavy wooden door was slightly ajar.

She stepped into the entryway. A sickening, dramatic sobbing drifted from the living room.

Aubree walked silently to the edge of the living room and stopped in the shadows.

Her cousin, Brandi, was curled up next to Orville on the sofa, wiping her red eyes.

"Don't be too mad at Aubree, Uncle," Brandi sniffled. "She's just confused."