There’s nothing shady in his past, except for the fact that his father is a total bastard. But from what I’ve found, Theodoro hasn’t spoken to him in years.
Half an hour later, I step out of the shower feeling almost human again. I decide to text her and let her know I’m back in town.
I want to take her out to dinner. If we’re really doing this relationship thing, then she deserves the full experience.
Me: I’m back in Boston.
It takes over two minutes before I get a reply.
Lilly:So early? I thought you wouldn’t be back until late tonight. I had lunch with a childhood friend and then we went back to campus. He was showing me around. I hadn’t really explored yet.
Me: You didn’t mention you had company for lunch. Who was it?
Lilly:Benjamin Stone. Our families have known each other forever. His dad’s a politician.
Me: Wait for me. I’m coming to get you.
The rational part of me knows I’m acting like a caveman, but I can’t help it. Maybe because deep down I know Lilly is too good for my world—and that sooner or later, she’ll realize it.
Especially today—after everything I’ve witnessed these past weeks—I feel filthier than ever.
Despite Nora, Lilly still only knows the rose-tinted side of life. She has no clue how close the filth lies beneath the surface. She doesn’t know how far people will go to satisfy their twisted urges. How cruel they can be.
Another message comes in.
Lilly:Is everything okay?
Me: Yes. Just wait for me.
I know I’m being an asshole, but this feeling of losing ground messes with my head in the worst way.
I’ve never needed anyone.
Even Ethan, the one true source of affection in my life, isn’t someone I miss.
But right now, I feel like I’m losing something precious—because Lilly isn’t going to just sit around forever, waiting on me.
She has a whole life ahead of her. And more than that, she wants to live it fully.
What have I actually given her so far, aside from one night where I had to leave before even saying goodbye face-to-face?
I don’t know where this thing between us is going, but I know, as sure as hell is hot, I’m not ready to let her go.
Chapter 32
“Thanks for this. I don’t think I would’ve had the energy to walk around campus alone. There are so many buildings. It’s way bigger than the one in Paris,” I say to Benjamin, walking beside him.
After what I told him at the restaurant, I was afraid things might get awkward between us—but maybe he only asked me out because this new version of Ben flirts as easily as he breathes.
As we walk through the university grounds, I’m surprised by how many people greet him—especially women.
“You’re pretty popular.”
I could be imagining it, but I think his cheeks turn red.
“And you seem kind of obsessed with popularity,” he counters.
“Not really. I just want to fit in, but it’s not easy. I hate social media, for example.”
