Gavin peered at Scarlett from the corner of his eye. As long as he lived, he’d never forget the sight of her flying through the air at that weasel. His avenging angel. The one that would always stand with him.

“Was Kristy upset when you told her what happened?”

He shrugged. “You know Kristy.”

“So, yes?”

“She’ll get over it. She was glad you stopped the guy.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m not.” He took her hand and kissed her scraped knuckles. “I’m only sorry you got banged up. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

She was lying. He knew she was still upset. Who could blame her? Hell, he was upset. That asshole should’ve never been taking pictures of Aiden. True, she’d gone a little crazy, but she was protecting his son, so she got a pass. They would talk about it, but not until they were back in their room.

The cool hotel parking garage provided a respite from the Las Vegas sun. She clung to his hand as they made their way to the elevators. “Jack’s coming tonight.”

The finger she’d been chewing on came out of her mouth. “Why?”

“He’s going to start coordinating the custody agreement with a family attorney here.”

“That’s good.”

Scarlett’s sad expression wrecked him. He crowded her into the corner and took her face in his hands. “Look at me,” he demanded.

Her shocked blue eyes quickly softened, and her lips parted. It was an invitation that he gladly accepted. He licked the corner of her mouth. That was all it took. The fierceness of her kiss drew something savage from him.

Her hands went to his ass and pulled him close. They fit together perfectly. The warmth of her skin under her shirt shot lust straight to his bloodstream.

The doors swooshed open, and a couple walked in. He reluctantly let go of her with a final nip of her lip. The cool metal of the elevator wall as he leaned against it helped to lower his temperature. Scarlett plastered herself to his side. The desperation of her grip on his arm confused him. If she thought he was going anywhere without her, she was wrong.

The woman made a huffing noise and wrinkled her nose at them like she smelled something bad.

Silence filled the car as they made their ascent. When the bell dinged, the woman looked back at them with another huff.

“What’s your problem, lady?” Scarlett sneered.

The old bitty’s mouth dropped open, and she scurried through the doors.

Scarlett stepped to the opening and shouted, “You don’t know me.” She yanked a hair tie from her wrist and pulled her hair into a ponytail. “People like that make me so mad.”

The elevator opened into their suite. “I know they do,” he said. “You’ve got to learn to ignore ’em. What they think has no bearing on how I live my life.”

“You don’t understand.” She didn’t stop but headed straight for the bedroom.

He knew he should let her work it out, but that wasn’t his style. He snagged two water bottles from the fridge and went to find her. “Are you thirst—”

“I have to leave.”

“What?” She couldn’t have said what he thought she said. But the open suitcase on the bed confirmed it.

“I have to go. Leave. Right now.” She threw handfuls of clothes into her bag.

“Is this about what happened today?” This couldn’t be happening. He could fix it. Shit, he had no idea how to fix it. “Scarlett, I don’t understand.”

“Did you see me at the park? I attacked that man, Gavin. I physically took him to the ground. Who am I?” She pointed in the direction of the elevator with a handful of shirts. “And that woman? My hands itched to slap that superior look off her face.” She paced like an animal that had been caged way too long.

“Scarlett—”

“Last night I went off in a jealous rage because I don’t want anyone to look at you. Tell me, Gavin, how is that sustainable? You’re a freakin’ rock star. People look at you all the time. How am I supposed to handle myself with women pawing at you? I’ll lose my mind…I’m not fit. Just talking about it makes me nuts. I have no control. I’m exactly like my mother, Gavin. I’ll hurt you.” Her hair stuck to her sweaty face, and her miserable eyes filled with tears. “And what about Aiden?”

“What about him?”

“What happens when I hurt him too?”

“You would never do that. Never. You’re not that person.” He tried to take the clothes from her hand.

She wrenched away and screamed, “I’ve been that person since the night I met you! You’ve done this to me. My life was normal until I met you. My reputation was spotless until I met you.” Her trembling hand covered her mouth.

The garments fell from his numb fingers. This was his fucking fault? Sure it was, one more person’s life he’d ruined. And she was about to be another person to leave him.

Pink blotches stained her pale cheeks. “Oh, Gavin. I…I’m so—”

“Stop talking. Just shut the hell up.” He backed away from her. The helpless look on her face almost broke through his hurt and fury. Almost. She clutched his arm, but he shook her off.

“Please let me explain?”

“And then you’ll leave?” She refused to meet his eyes. “Answer me,” he yelled and hit the door with the flat of his hand.

“Yes.”

“Well, fuck that. I’ll save you the trouble.” He slammed her suitcase shut and shoved it at her. “Get the hell out of here. I’ve got no room in my life for cowards.” The accusation shot across the room and found its mark.

She stumbled a step. “I’m not a coward. I’m trying to protect you and Aiden. Can’t you see that?” Her gutted expression only made him angrier. Why wouldn’t she fight for them?

“Protect me? Ha! What I see is you trying to protect yourself. You want your boring, respectable, fake life back, and you’ve made it perfectly clear that I’m standing in the way of you having that. So go. Go!”

She nodded. “Okay.” With her bag in hand, she walked to the elevator and pushed the call button, never looking back.

He followed her into the living room. This was a nightmare. The shattering of his broken dreams opened the place where his meanness lived. The agony that slashed through him demanded she bleed too. “I’m glad you’re leaving. I don’t want you anywhere near me, or my son.” She physically jerked like she’d taken a blow. Bullseye.

“I understand,” she said without turning around. The doors slipped open, and she entered the car. When she turned to face him, the tracks of her tears were like a road map to nowhere. “Goodbye, Gavin.”

The doors slid shut on his future.

Son of a bitch.