redeeming cupid 01 - struck by eros by jenn windrow Read Free Book Online Page A

he’s more important than he really is.”
    Len kissed the top of my head, and I melted into him. The contact reaffirmed my stance that Len would not be meeting Ms. Jogging-To-Make-Her-Ass-Look-Better.
    Len was mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. I’d take whatever punishment Cupid dished out to stay with him. I’d fight dirty to protect my heart. Claws, teeth, kicks to the gonads. If Cupid had a problem with that he could climb down from Mount Olympus and tell me himself. Instead, he sent Grayson to do his dirty work.
    My partner stood in the window and pointed to Len, then to me and mouthed the words, “Get out here.”
    I shook my head no. His eyes popped wide.
    Grayson glanced back at Len’s retreating matching arrow, back at me, then back to where she strolled through the student commons. Farther away from us. Farther away from Len. Farther away from Cupid’s control. Grayson ran his hands through his hair. Then he stormed through the door, red face, flared nostrils, lips flattened.
    This was the first time I’d ever seen him pissed off. Not a good look for him. Or good news for me.
    “Noel.” His fists clenching and unclenching at his sides caused his biceps to bulge under his dress shirt, a little dance of muscles that distracted me. “May I have a moment of your time?” His posture was full of all kinds of don’t-mess-with-me.
    Len stepped in front of me. “Is everything okay?”
    Grayson turned his focus on Len. “Just a few work items I failed to mention. I’ll be quick.”
    The last thing I needed was for Grayson to unload all our dirty secrets in mixed company, and I was positive he would. Operation get-rid-of-fiancé was in full effect.
    I placed my hand on Len’s shoulder. “Give me a minute to talk to Grayson, and I’ll catch up.”
    “I’ll wait for you outside.” Len rubbed my back and shot Grayson a look that said I wish you were dead , then left through the door.
    Grayson grabbed my upper arm and pulled me back to the bathrooms. He opened the men’s room door, shoved me through, and twisted the lock. I leaned against the urinal, and crossed my arms in front of my chest, prepared for a battle.
    If I thought Grayson was mad before, it was nothing compared to the look of pure death on his face when he turned to confront me. “Mind explaining to me why Len’s fucking soul mate just got away?”
    “I’m not giving him up.” I stuck my chin out and gave him a look I hoped curled his innards.
    “And you think that’s going to be okay with Cupid, with Len, with the woman he’s supposed to be with?”
    I steadied my words even though my heart had just entered the Kentucky Derby. “So, they don’t meet and he lives a happy life with me. What’s the worst that could happen?”
    Grayson paced the small room. “You don’t know what the consequences are.” He stopped, hands on his hips. “Are you willing to risk his life for your own happiness?”
    “This isn’t a life or death situation. It’s love, plain and simple. I love Len and he loves me. We belong together and that’s the way it’s staying.”
    “I always thought you were selfish, but I chalked it up to me, to our situation. Now I realize you are truly selfish to the core.” He yanked open the door. “Fix. Your. Mess.”
    I stood at the sink and allowed my heart to slow from a gallop to a lope. I didn’t know the consequences of not connecting two soul mates, but I’d take whatever Cupid shot my way, as long as Len stayed in my life.
    Grayson could give me the pissed off, I-don’t-approve-of-your-choices attitude as much as he wanted, but Len’s soul mate was gone. Their once in a lifetime moment over. My heart fluttered like it had grown Cupid’s wings. The silly cherub lost. I got to keep the man.
    I stepped out of the bathroom. Grayson sat at a prime spot, middle of the room, and watched me emerge. I held my head high, refusing to meet his eyes, and walked past him.
    To the man of my dreams.
    Outside, Len greeted me with a