Hot jets shoot deep inside her, and my orgasm seems endless. We tremble together, lost in the raw force of release, consciousness fading into a space where only the two of us exist.
There are no words to describe what just happened, so we simply hold each other—falling freely, deliberately, into the abyss of sensation—lost in a connection neither of us planned, but one we might never be able to escape.
Chapter 44
I toss my phone onto the bed, a little frustrated, after sending a message to my brother.
I know Amos told me Ethan was still unreachable, but after what I found out about one of their company’s real activities, I’m afraid something might’ve happened to him.
I did some research on pedophilia and didn’t find much beyond what I already knew: most of the time, it’s just sick individuals who sometimes exchange images of children among themselves. There aren’t that many organized groups, and only a few articles even mention them, referring to them vaguely as “pedophile rings.”
From politicians to actors and famous writers, there are plenty of well-known names caught up in scandals like this. And ever since I learned about it, I’ve been thinking about doing something to help those kids.
I have more money than anyone would need in multiple lifetimes. Maybe I could use a good part of it to defend those who have no one to protect them.
I talked to Amos about the idea of creating an institution to help these kids recover and give them a second chance. He seemed interested.
I even thought of a name:Trust Again.
Yes—because after meeting Bruno and seeing how he reacted when he thought Amos had abandoned him, I realized these children need more than financial support. They need love and care, too.
I wait another ten minutes just to be sure my brother really won’t reply, then I grab my purse and head for the elevator.
I’ve arranged to meet with a realtor today to look at an apartment, and Theo is going to meet me at the real estate office.
It’s about a ten-minute cab ride, so I need to hurry. I haven’t decided yet whether I’ll buy a car.
I mean, first I’d need to take lessons—I don’t know how to drive. I’d also like to join a gym. I need to work out a bit. I’ve always been sedentary. Aside from the mandatory PE classes in school, I’ve never done anything. My favorite sport is sleeping.
I reach the ground floor and greet the doorman, who’s talking to a beautiful redhead.
“Mrs. Sofia, I’ll make sure to receive your package,” he says.
“Thank you so much. I won’t be here to sign for it.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep it safe until you return.”
“You’re the best, Jacob,” she says casually, making the doorman, a man in his sixties, blush.
“Good morning,” I say, addressing them both.
The girl turns around, and I’m struck by the beauty of her green eyes. “Good morning.” Her voice is soft, at odds with her vibrant appearance. “My name’s Sofia.” She offers her hand.
“Would you be offended if I said you’re the perfect image of a romance novel heroine?”
She furrows her brow, looking confused. “I’m not sure I understand.”
“I’m a romance fan, and every redhead in those books has green eyes—though you’re missing the freckles.”
She laughs so hard she holds her stomach. “Oh my God, you’re great. Have you lived here long? I’ve never seen you before.”
I like her instantly.
Some people might’ve taken offense at my bluntness, and it’s a relief to see she just thinks I’m a bit crazy.
“I’m Lilly Ross. I just moved here a few days ago. I’m staying in my brother’s apartment—well, his and his friend’s—until I find my own place. Before this, I lived in Paris,” I blurt out, because once I start talking, there’s no stopping me.
“Welcome, Lilly. I just moved here recently, too. Maybe we could grab a coffee sometime? You’re the first person I’ve met in this building.”
