Page 36 of The Road Less Traveled By

Wanting to get out of here safely, I head towards them.

“We’ve got to get going, Bree,” I say as I lean down so she can hear me. I look to where Alex’s team is, and they nod, understanding that this area is jammed and not safe at all. Before they have the chance to swoop in, camera flashes go off like lightning.

When I turn around, all the cameras are pointed in our direction, and I know this exchange with his ex, Bree standing by his side, is going to make the internet by tonight.

I decide that enough is enough before I lean down to Bree’s ear. “We’ve really got to go.”

She nods at me, and before she starts to walk forward, she turns to Alex. “One kiss on the cheek, and that’s it.”

“Well, then let’s make it worth it.” He grabs her chin and brings her face to his lips.

I know everybody else missed it, but I didn't miss the flinch before he did that.

After a thousand camera flashes, Bree says goodbye and locks eyes with me. “Shall we?”

I nod at her, clearing the path as we head for the exit.

“The car’s in position,” Kenner says from my ear.

“I’m driving me and Bree. The rest of you follow us.”

“Got it, boss. I’ll close Bree’s door while you settle in the driver's seat,” Emerson says.

“Sounds like a plan, boys,” I say as I push the door open and head for the Tahoe.

A few seconds after I get into the car, Bree slides into the backseat and Emerson closes the door, tapping that we’re good to go before Ifinallyget us out of here.

I normally don’t drive to these things, but tonight was different, and I needed a little bit of that control back. Plus, if we’re followed, I trust my own driving skills over anyone else on my team. It’s not that they’re bad per se, but I can lose a tail far quicker.

I swipe my view to where Bree sits in the backseat, and by the way her leg is bouncing, her eyes all foggy, I can tell she’s disappearing from everything tonight.Not if I can help it.

“Did you have a favorite look from tonight?” Bree loves clothes. Her closet is practically filled with a bunch of designers I can’t pronounce.

She doesn't answer.

“I think my personal favorite was that light pink one. The dress, or whatever you call it.”

“The jumpsuit?” Her eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror, a smirk creeping up her face.

“Yeah, if that’s what it's called.”

“That was my favorite one too.”

I knew it would be based on the color.“I guess I just don't understand the appeal of something that looks like a dress but has pants attached to it.”

That earns me a small laugh.Bingo.“It’s not something you understand, Vince. It’s fashion.”

“Ah. Understood.”

The drive is silent for a few minutes more until Bree softly speaks again. “I don't think I’ll ever get used to all this attention on me.”

“If tonight was too much, I can cancel whatever Connie has on your schedule tomorrow.”

“No, it’s fine, I just—” She takes a big deep breath. “It’s nothing.”

“If there’s something on your mind, angel, I don't mind listening. Someone once told me I reminded them of a really shitty therapist.”

Bree smiles at that, noting my reference to something she said to me after we first met. “You’re not a shitty therapist, and can you blame mefor saying that? I don't think you said a word for the first two weeks after we met.”

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