"Your girlfriend's still asleep." And she has the gall to look gleeful.
"Lola's not my anything." I rub my hand over my face. "Dad told me you were having sex."
The horror on her face is real. "I was not!"
"That's what Lola said."
"You're not sending me away, are you?" she asks anxiously.
"No. I wouldn't."
The coffee is bitter and sugary, which is quite a feat.
"Are you sure? I like Luke, but...he isn't interested. I mean, he is, but I don't think he would cross lines." She frowns. "More importantly, I want my scholarship."
Part of me breathes a sigh of relief. "Thanks for your honesty."
"That's what we're going for, right? Honesty?"
"Yep."
She beams. "Good. Now it is your turn."
"Fuck, it is a trap."
"Trust goes both ways, and so does truth. Sooo, what the heck's going on with you and pretty Lola?"
"It's complicated."
"By that, do you mean she has no idea I have to pretend Silas is Simon and that you're not stalking her?"
I stare her down. "Not stalking." Not really. "More...watching."
"Why?"
"As I said, it is complicated."
She smacks my leg, hard. "Complicated is another word for cop-out. Are you madly in love with her? Obsessed? Which one?"
"Neither. There might be feelings, but really, she's in trouble?—"
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, and I just told her last night. I'm just trying to keep her safe from some bad men." I sip my terrible coffee.
"Does she know you have known for a while? Because that's not good." Then she stands. "Simon has waffle mix. I'm going to make waffles."
Lyndall leaves the living room, and my stomach turns to lead.
I want to protect Lola, but everything is hastening away from me. Starting with the Alex thing to me fucking her.
This isn't going to end well.
Fuck me.
I need to tell Lola everything before I screw it up for good.
Chapter Thirty-Five
