My fingers curl tighter around the door, using it to steady myself as I meet his eyes.
“I won’t let anything ruin your business. You’ll always remain my top priority.”
I drop my gaze to the stones beneath my boots. It could have been so much more. “Cool. I’ll see you later.”
I shut the door and hurry toward Bella, who’s waiting with a smile that softens when she sees my face. The twins are behind her, kissing her cheeks. It takes a second before I clock the difference between them—Rowan’s grin gives him away. Reggie’s quieter. Sharper.
“Hi Lily,” Rowan chirps.
Reggie nods once.
“Hey!” I squeak.
“You two behave at work!” Bella calls after them, laughing as they head toward Drago’s car.
“Come on, in you get.” She ushers me inside.
Her place is stunning—pink artwork, chandeliers, warmth everywhere. Her cat, Sassy, winds herself around my ankles.
“Hey you,” I murmur, crouching to scratch behind her ears until she purrs.
“Coffee or stronger?” Bella calls from the kitchen.
“Uh. I don’t even know what time it is. Coffee, please.” I perch on the barstool while she works.
“Hey, do you like caramel syrup? I’ve got a new one, and it is fucking gorgeous.”
“Sure. Sounds nice.”
She turns, eyes narrowing, hands on her hips. “Lily… Spill.”
“Honestly, there isn’t much to spill.”
She rounds the counter and stops beside me. “I know you well enough now to know when you’re upset.”
I sigh, resting my chin in my hand. “I thought he was different, Bels. Actually, I was delusional to think he was ‘the one’. After one weekend together. How ridiculous is that?!”
She doesn’t laugh. “You’re falling for Drago?”
“I was. Yeah. He makes me feel…”
“Safe? Happy? Loved?”
I nod. “All of them. Or so I thought.”
“What happened?”
Tears slip free before I can stop them. I swipe at my cheek, but Bella’s already pulling me into her arms.
“Oh, come here.”
I sob into her shoulder, and for once, I don’t feel stupid for it.
“It’s okay to be upset, Lily. I’m your friend. Cry whenever you want.”
I pull back, scrubbing at my eyes. “How could I be so stupid and get this so wrong?”
She chews on her lip. “I don’t think you did get it wrong. From what you told me in Monaco, he has it just as bad as you, probably worse. Like… Drago the gentleman?”
