Page 85 of Pretty Broken Doll

“Shilo.”

Ryann cuts off my rambling, gently lifting my chin with a finger. I swallow hard when I meet his imploring gaze.

“It just…made it easier for me to look at myself in the mirror.”

His eyes darken as he leans forward to kiss me, causing my heart to skip. “You’re the most exquisite thing I’ve ever seen.”

Feeling my cheeks heat, I duck my head, resting against his shoulder with burning eyes. It’s been such a heavy night—first my freak out, then the conversation about his mom. Honestly, I’m drained, and a yawn escapes me as I steer the conversation somewhere lighter.

“Your modeling pictures are on my phone, just so you know. Been there a while. Found them when I Googled you after my interview.”

A snort leaves his nostrils. “I figured as much during the Christmas party.”

“I can’t even remember that night.” My voice grows drowsy as sleep tugs at my eyelids, another yawn slipping out. His lap is warm and comfortable, like I knew it would be. “I woke up, and my sheets smelled like you.”

Huffing a quiet laugh, he reaches down to drain the water before lifting me out of the tub. “Let’s get dried off and go to bed. Since I’m sure you didn’t eat much at dinner, I’ll order us something.”

But I’m already so tired. My limbs feel heavy as he towels me off gently. When I raise my arms, he catches my sleepy grin, amusement softening his features as he helps me dress.

It feels good, being taken care of like this. Other than my mom and Paige, no one’s ever made me feel like I’m something special. Someone precious.

And honestly? I think Ryann likes having someone to care for, too.

Ryann

The week passes in a blur of tech demonstrations, Q&A panels, and endless meetings. Interest in AVA is off the charts, our systems flooded with pre-orders, and my inbox constantly pings with emails from investors. Despite the successful launch, work hasn’t slowed down—half my time is spent in the hotel room on conference calls until my eyes cross.

My life has always been this way, and for the longest time, I embraced it. If nothing else, it kept the loneliness at bay, even if I refused to admit it. But now? All I can think about is my little doll.

When Shilo’s at the convention center with Liza and the devs, earning first place in some tech competition, or even just going out to dinner with the group, I fucking miss him. What the hell is happening to me?

We’re in New York, and I don’t want to spend my time stuck in the world’s most uncomfortable chair, listening to analysts drone on about profit margins. I want to experience this city with him. Why am I even in this meeting? Isn’t the financial shit Declan’s department?

Pulling up his schedule, my jaw clenches when I see how light his workload is back in Seattle. A quick admin check confirms my suspicion: Ronin has been flooding my calendar with back-to-back calls. Of course. Another one of his tests, no doubt, to see how much I can handle, as if I don’t already have enough on my plate. Don’t get me wrong, Liza’s been handling everything like a pro, but even I can tell she’s starting to get frazzled. Perhaps it’s time I take my twin up on his offer.

As the meeting wraps up, I grab my phone and shoot him a text, asking if he’ll handle my next few calls so I can focus on the convention. His reply is almost instant—a thumbs up and a casual you got it, bro that makes me smile. How we went half our lives without speaking is beyond me because now, I can’t imagine my life without him.

Taking an Uber to the convention center, I gaze out the window, my thoughts drifting to Shilo. Our conversations over the past week replay in my head, the way we’ve grown so comfortable with each other. My cock twitches when I think of his body writhing above me in his new favorite position—how gorgeous he is, unabashed and unafraid. How intoxicating. I’ve spent every night buried inside him, discussing shows or games I know nothing about just to watch his face light up. I can’t seem to get enough. Fuck, I want him all the time.