“She didn’t say—”
“I understand. I don’t deal with idiots either.”
As I let out all my anger, I don’t once glance at Amos, but I can feel his eyes on me.
My brother stands and starts to come closer, but I raise a hand to stop him. “Don’t you dare. You are not allowed to touch me. Better yet, you are not allowed to contact me or speak to me until I decide whetherIcan forgive you. Get out of my way, Ethan. We have nothing more to say to each other.”
He looks unsure and still doesn’t move, but I’m done. Now, my attention turns to the only person who really matters.
“You.” I point at Amos. “You’re coming with me. I’m done waiting for you to come find me, so I’m giving you two options: we leave here together right now, or we’re done.”
In a split second, he’s on his feet, as if waiting for permission, which seems completely out of character. There’s not an ounce of him that isn’t dominant.
“Let’s get out of here,” I say again.
“Lilly—” my brother calls.
“Enough, Ethan! Don’t say another word, or I swear I won’t be responsible for what I do.”
Amos finally steps in, takes my hand, and leads us out of the apartment.
Chapter 63
I’m losing my mind.
As we leave the apartment—Lilly not even glancing my way—I can’t stop blaming myself for the pain etched across her face.
It doesn’t matter that it was all a setup meant to protect her. It doesn’t change the fact that I willingly made Lilly suffer.
I’m so fucking pissed!
At Ethan first, for getting between us. But mostly at myself—for letting him talk me into this plan. I should’ve locked her in a fucking castle, if that’s what it took to keep her safe, but never hurt her feelings like this.
I picture myself in her place, walking into that room and seeing a half-naked man offering himself to her. The result wouldn’t have been pretty. I would’ve killed the bastard. But instead, Lilly was generous—and being the kind soul she is, she thought only of shielding the dancer from the embarrassment.
Her courage in exposing her brother’s setup didn’t surprise me. I know she’s a fighter. What did surprise me was that she still wanted me around afterward. I don’t know if I’d be so forgiving if the roles were reversed.
“Where are we going?” I ask, still in the elevator—more to try and get a reaction out of her than because I care. I’ll follow her no matter what. I’ll never leave her side again.
“I don’t want to talk, Amos. You can come with me or not, but I’m not promising we’ll talk.”
“I’m coming with you.”
She doesn’t even glance at me as we get into the car waiting for us downstairs. She doesn’t ask if I want to drive my own.
Her face is serious as she scrolls through her phone. When she’s done, she hands it to the driver.
About ten minutes later, we pull up in front of a well-known hotel owned by the Oviedo family—the youngest daughter is Lilly’s best friend.
Without waiting for anyone to open her door, she walks straight to the reception desk—never once looking back.
I follow in silence because I don’t give a damn what she’s planning. I’d walk barefoot on broken glass if that’s what it took to stay by her side.
“How many nights, miss?” I hear the receptionist ask. Even though I don’t understand what’s going on, I trust her decision.
Once we’re in the elevator, I ask why we’re here and not at her apartment.
“I don’t want you there,” she says bluntly. “I don’t know where we stand after tonight—and I already have enough memories of you in my place.”
