My brain starts spinning. My first thought isGood, that jerk deserves it.But my second thought is about the young woman on the screen in front of me and the pain she must have endured.
Gwen stays with me while I listen to Lily’s story of being seduced and entrapped by Tristan, only for him to leave her the second her brothers found them and offered him money. Every sentence twists another knot in my stomach, and my fists clench on their own.
After the video is over, I turn to Gwen. “So she’s been hiding out since this video?”
“Before that, I think. Maybe a year and a half, ever sinceeverything first happened with Tristan. Agatha was really upset in the fall before that. But she’s close-lipped about everything.”
I stand abruptly, the legs of the chair scratching against the floor. “I have to go.”
“Go? Where?”
“To see Lily.”
Gwen stands too, holding her arms up. “Ryder. Bad idea.”
“Why?”
She crosses her arms over her chest and fixes me with a big-sister glare. “What exactly are your intentions? You don’t have the best reputation, dear cousin.”
“Hey. She’s my best friend’s little sister. You said it yourself.” I furrow my brow. “I’m offended that you would even assume such nefarious things.”
“Oh, come on. The eternal flirt is heading to the tower where the lonely maiden has been held captive? I know exactly how that story ends.”
“Maybe you know how ONE story ends, but I swear, I’m not going there to try to hook up. I just…” I shrug. “I understand her.”
Gwen’s expression softens, and I think she gets what I mean now. “A common enemy.”
“Exactly.”
She sighs, her eyes flicking up to the ceiling. “Fine. But promise me you won’t do anything you’ll regret.”
“I would never.” I shake my head. “There’s nothing romantic there. Besides, I’m sure if Peter knew I could see her, he’d ask me to check on her.”
The mention of Peter always softens Gwen. She shoves my shoulder. “Go. Behave.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I pull my leather jacket off the hook and wave at Gwen, heading out into the chilly night, convincing myselfthat what I said to Gwen is true and I don’t feel any kind of romantic feelings toward Lily Stone.
CHAPTER 8
Lily
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF — RHAPSODY ON A THEME OF PAGANINI
Idon’t normally have issues sleeping. My brothers used to tease me, saying that I’d fall asleep anywhere. Middle of the mall in a puffy dress? I’d pass out on the benches. Fancy party for Stone Technologies? I’d make a bed with the chairs and conk out with the disco lights and thumping dance music.
But tonight? I can’t sleep a wink. Remember that overactive imagination? It’s going full force right now.
After Agatha came back from book club, she told me Ryder was there. Not that I’d been able to get him out of my mind anyway, but knowing he was around Agatha tonight set my mind off on another whirlwind.
I FaceTimed with my dad, which I do every evening at dinnertime. He mentioned talking to Bethany about the case, but he said the consultant doesn’t think letting me out is a good idea yet.
I have such mixed feelings about the whole situation that I don’t really know what to think anymore. Being alone up here has become my normal.
But do I want to be here forever?
Of course not. I want tolive. I want to play the piano professionally. I want to explore the Brookhaven seasonal festivals and travel to the Maldives to visit Peter. I want to fall in love, for real this time, and…everything. I want it all.
I just don’t know that I want it rightnow.
