Page 147 of Golden Ruin

I’m swept up in the celebration again, waving at Jax who’s still in West’s arms, tasting a piece of confetti because that’s Jax. But what I’m most aware of is the love of everyone in this crowd. For West, for Blue, for their future kiddos.

Several members of the team showed up, too. I can only imagine how good that feels, having them finally standing in solidarity after how things began. It’s like everything’s come full circle, and now that the dust has settled, we’re all still standing.

Better than ever.

Stronger than ever.

Sterling is at my side again, and I don’t miss how his expression’s changed. That same pensive look I’d noticed on Joss’ face is suddenly his now.

“Something wrong?”

He must sense that I’m worried, so he hugs me into his side. “No. I just… have a decision to make.”

The vague answer honestly does more harm than good, so I face him fully now. “Talk to me. What is it?”

He takes a deep breath, staring off at nothing in particular instead of meeting my gaze. “Marla Simon reached out to Joss.”

My blood immediately runs cold hearing the name of the podcaster who played a hand in trying to ruin my life, making me out to be a monster.

I cross both arms over my chest. “Why?”

“Well,” he sighs, “apparently, she wants to hear my side of things, wants to give me a chance to speak out, clear your name.”

I stare, waiting for him to mention clearing his own name too, but he doesn’t. That’s it. He’s done speaking. His character alone makes me soften a bit. Just the mention of Marla’s name got me rattled so easily, but now it’s like the anger drained right out of me.

Because who can be angry with a man like this standing with you?

“What are you thinking?” I ask.

He shrugs. “That I’m not sure I want to touch this shit with a ten-foot pole. That I want Tiffany’s bullshit to die for lack of attention.”

I hear him, but we also know how these things go. Once the public has their teeth in a thing, they don’t let go until there’s another scandal.

“I think I should do it.” His eyes soften when they land on mine. “Joss said that every day I stay silent, Tiffany’s story becomes your story. And I won’t have the entire world making you a target. Not if I can do something about it.”

I stare at him, watching the uncertainty leave his eyes as it’s replaced by quiet resolve.

“Then, I’m with you. If that’s what your gut is saying.”

He nods, still holding my gaze as he pulls me closer. “I’ll let Joss know I’m in. This shit has to end. And it ends with me.”

*

@QweenPandora

Isn’t there a saying that goes something like… “All good things come in threes?”

Well, if there isn’t, there should be. Because as of this afternoon, we officially know the Golden Crew will be expanding by another set of triplets in the coming months.

But let’s not forget that there was another announcement made today.

A subtle one made without any words at all…

I’m talking about the hard launch of #MrSilver and #LostAngel’s second-chance romance. There’s been speculation and whispering for weeks, but now we have it on good authority that these two are done pretending.

Whether you’re happy for the new couple or side-eyeing them after #TheSubstitute’s latest claims, it seems this is really happening.

Weigh in down in the comments if you think it’ll last this time.