There’s a moment of silence, and then Mia says, “She’s special, Tony. Not just because of whatever this is between you two. She’s been through hell with Eli, and somehow she’s still... still Lila. Still kind and funny and stronger than she knows. Don’t break her.”
“I won’t,” I whisper. “I promise.”
After we hang up, I sit in the darkness for a long time, replaying the conversation in my head. Mia’s right, I’m hurting Lila by not being honest with her. But telling her everything now could put her in even more danger. If Eli found out... if he suspected...
No. I made the right call. I’ll keep watching, keep protecting her from the shadows until I can bring her fully into the light. Until I can give her the freedom she deserves.
I pick up my phone again and open the security app, checking the cameras at Lila’s house. All clear. No sign of Eli returning early from his “trip.” Lila isn’t inside, I check her GPS on her phone and it looks like she’s at Mia’s, Only a few doors down.
Leaning back against the sofa, I realize how tired I am. The night’s events, the club, Lila, the confrontation with Mia, have drained me completely. But underneath the exhaustion is a current of something else. Hope, maybe. Or determination.
One way or another, I’m going to free Lila from Eli. I just hope that when that moment comes, she’ll be able toforgive me for the deception. That she’ll understand why I had to do it this way.
Because the alternative, losing her before I’ve even truly had her, is unthinkable.
22
Lila
The Uber ride toMia’s place feels surreal, like I’m floating slightly above the backseat. My skin still burns where he touched me, my lips still tingle from his kiss. Valerie and Mia flank me on either side, shooting glances at each other over my head when they think I’m not looking. They’re dying to ask questions, I can tell, but the Uber driver’s presence keeps them quiet for now. I press my forehead against the cool window and watch the streets blur past, wondering what the hell I’m doing with my life and why it suddenly feels more right than it has in years.
“You good?” Valerie whispers, nudging me gently with her elbow.
I nod without turning from the window. I’m better than good.
When we pull up to Mia’s townhouse, we stumble out in a giggling heap, our heels dangling from our fingers. The night air is cool against my flushed skin, and I tilt my faceup to feel the breeze. Above us, stars punch through the darkness, witnessing everything.
“Come on, princess,” Mia says, tugging me toward the door. “Save the stargazing for when we’re inside with wine.”
Her place is exactly what you’d expect. Stylish but comfortable, with photographs on every wall and throw pillows in shades of blue and gray. I’ve been here a couple of times, but tonight it feels different. Safer. Like a sanctuary.
“Alright, pajama time,” Valerie announces, heading for Mia’s bedroom. “I call the pink set!”
We change out of our dresses, wiping away makeup and pulling our hair into messy buns. I borrow a pair of Mia’s sleep shorts and an oversized t-shirt with a faded logo. The fabric smells like her laundry detergent. It’s comforting.
Back in the living room, Mia uncorks a bottle of red wine while Valerie arranges crackers, cheese, and grapes on a wooden board. I sink into the corner of the couch, tucking my feet beneath me. Everything feels soft-edged and warm, nothing like the sharp corners and cold silence of my house with Eli.
“Here,” Mia hands me a glass of wine, then settles cross-legged on the floor opposite me. “Now, spill it.”
I take a long sip, the wine smooth and rich on my tongue. “Spill what?”
Valerie snorts, dropping onto the couch beside me. “Don’t play dumb. What happened in that VIP room with Mr. Mysterious Mask?”
My cheeks flush hot at the memory. “Nothing much.”
“Bullshit,” Mia says, leaning forward. “You went in there looking nervous and came out looking like you’d been thoroughly kissed. Maybe more.”
I bite my lip, unsure how much to share. These are my best friends, but some things feel too private, too precious to voice aloud.
“Fine,” I sigh. “We talked. He told me some things about Eli that I already suspected. We... got close. That’s it.”
“Defineclose,” Valerie presses, nudging my knee with hers.
I roll my eyes. “We kissed. It was nice. That’s all you’re getting.”
It’s not the whole truth, but it’s all I’m willing to share. The rest, his mouth between my thighs, my hand wrapped around him, the sounds he made when he came, that’s mine alone.
“And what did he tell you about Eli?” Mia asks, her tone shifting from playful to serious.
