I need to fucking know. Because coincidences don’t happen in this life. Tatiana plays mind fuck games. Could this be her making her first play? Her revenge for me going against her family?
Fuck.
“She’s out with Bella tonight for some girl time and a celebration. She’ll be safe, as we are going with them,” Reggie says.
“I appreciate you telling me,” I reply. “Send me that image, I’ll do some searches. Keep an extra eye on her for me, and if you see me anywhere near her, don’t fucking react, just let me do my job.”
Reggie runs a hand through his hair. “What job is this exactly? One from Declan? Why the secrecy if she’s Hallie’s friend?” he asks.
“She’s Lev’s daughter,” I say. “I’ve been watching out for her since we were kids.”
Rowan blinks. “You came here… wait, what?”
“Charlotte bringing me here with Declan was coincidental,” I explain. “I didn’t intend to nearly get tortured to death. But, I’d been here various times over the last eighteen years, right under your noses, and you had no idea.”
Reggie drags a hand down his face. “I need to tell Declan, Drago. And we probably need to tell Lily about everything soon,” he says.
“No. You don’t,” I reply firmly. “I will. Lev is arriving soon. My protection of Lily is no matter of the Quinns. It is personal, and I keep her safe for my friend. That’s all.”
“Does Lily know anything?” Reggie asks.
“No,” I say. “And it stays that way. Okay? I owe that man my fucking life, and I repay that by keeping Lily safe and letting her live a normal life. Don’t ruin that. Telling Lily is a last resort.”
I can’t tell her. Because the moment I do is the moment she’s propelled into my life. Which will only end in destruction, and I can’t let myself be the reason.
I can’t risk Lev finding out just how obsessively I’ve watched his daughter. Nor the true feelings I have for her. The reasons I can’t stay away. I don’t trust myself near her. I don’t trust myself not to ruin her.
Reggie exhales slowly. “Fine. But tell Declan. I ain’t keeping secrets. You’re my friend, but they’re my family.”
Smart. Loyal. That’s why they survive.
My phone vibrates in my pocket to let me know that Lily’s marker has shifted.
“You two head to the bar with the girls,” I tell them. “I’ll join later.”
CHAPTER NINE
Lily
The bar is packed, bodies pressed together, noise humming through the walls, but somehow we manage to claim a booth tucked into the far corner thanks to the Twins forcing the men out who had been sitting there before us. Bella’s men are now stationed on the opposite side of the room. A year ago, I would have thought it was excessive. Now, I feel steadier knowing they’re there.
They’ll handle any creeps before we even clock them. I don’t want to think about that tonight, not when I’m with my two best friends.
“Have you hung your new art yet?” I ask Bella.
I helped her choose something that really spoke to her. It was a sea of pinks, with tiny touches of silver and gold. It was strength and beauty tied together.
“Yeah, Reggie did earlier. Right above the bed, it’s beautiful.”
I lift my espresso martini. “It is.”
“So, what’s next?” Hallie asks.
“I’m actually off to Monaco in a couple of weeks to meet an artist,” I tell them, not hiding my excitement. I’ve been waiting to tell them.
“Oh my god! That’s amazing!” Bella gushes.
“I really hope it leads somewhere.”
