PRAISEFORTHENOVELSOFSHAYLABLACK

“Scorching,wrenching,suspenseful,ShaylaBlack’sbooksareamust-read.”

—LoraLeigh,#1NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthor

“Wickedlyseductivefromstarttofinish.”

—JaciBurton,NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthor

“[Black]alwaysdeliversstrongcharacters,greatstories,andplentyofheat.”

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TitlesbyShaylaBlack

TheWickedLoversNovels

WICKEDTIES

DECADENT

DELICIOUS

SURRENDERTOME

BELONGTOME

MINETOHOLD

OURSTOLOVE

WICKEDALLNIGHT

(novella)

THEIRSTOCHERISH

HISTOTAKE

WICKEDFORYOU

FALLINGINDEEPER

ThePerfectGentlemenNovels

(withLexiBlake)

SCANDALNEVERSLEEPS

SEDUCTIONINSESSION

BIGEASYTEMPTATION

Anthologies

FOURPLAY

(withMayaBanks)

HOTINHANDCUFFS

(withSylviaDayandShilohWalker)

WICKEDANDDANGEROUS

(withRhyannonByrd)

Specials

HERFANTASYMEN

TitlesbyShaylaBlackwritingasShelleyBradley

BOUNDANDDETERMINED

STRIPSEARCH

AnimprintofPenguinRandomHous eLLC

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LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData

Names:Black,Shayla,author.

Title:Fallingindeeper/ShaylaBlack.

Description:Berkleytradepaperbackedition.|NewYork:BerkleyBooks,2016.

Identifiers:LCCN2016002069(print)|LCCN2016009632(ebook)|

ISBN9780425275474(paperback)|ISBN9780698164000(ebook)

Subjects:|BISAC:FICTION/Romance/Contemporary.|FICTION/Contemporary

Women.|FICTION/Romance/General.|GSAFD:Romancesuspensefiction.|

Eroticfiction.

Classification:LCCPS3602.L325245F352016(print)|LCCPS3602.L325245

(ebook)|DDC813/.6—dc23

LCrecordavailableathttp://lccn.loc.gov/2016002069

PUBLISHINGHISTORY

Berkleytradepaperbackedition/July2016

Coverphotographs:man©vuk8691/GettyImages;smoke©AmbientIdeas/ShutterstockImages;

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CoverdesignbyAlanaColucci.

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitheraretheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactual

persons,livingordead,businessestablishments,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental.

Version_1

Acknowledgments

Tomywonderfulassistantandfriend,RachelConnolly,forholdingmyhandandjugglingsomanytasksduringthiscrazytime,andfor
youramazinglykindwordsabouthowmuchyoulovethisbook.IcannottellyouhowgratefulIam.

ToShaylaFereshetianforbeta-readingthisbookformeinwhathastobeoneofthemostcomical,entertaining,andextremely

helpfulfashionsever.Thankssomuch,doll!!!WhenImetyouandrealizedwehadasharedloveofsnark,Iknewwehadmorethana
nameincommon.

Last(butneverleast),tomyhusbandofnearlytwenty-fiveyears.Youmaythinkyou’reonlythrowingtogetheramealormaking

meacupofteaorstartingmeafireorgettingmeablanketwhenI’mworking.Butyou’rewrong.YoumaythinkthatIdon’tnoticethe
wayyoutakecareofmywebsiteorshippingoranyoftheothermillionandonetasksyoudosoIcankeepwriting.That’snottrue.I’m
blessedandhumbledeverydaytobemarriedtotheonemanontheplanetwholovesme,respectswhatIdo,takescareofmewhenI
forget,playsavideogamewithmewhenI’mtired,isthebestdadinhistory,andstillmakesmelaugh.Loveyouforever!Happysilver
weddinganniversary,babe!

ChapterOne

TONE

Suttersquintedagainsttheglareoftherisingsunashewatchedtheincreasinglyfamiliar

sightsofLafayette,Louisiana,zippastthewindowsofhisblackpickup.Theearlyhourswerealmost
bearable,butheknewthemorningwouldbecomeahot,wetblanketbyninea.m.EveryAugustdayin
theSouthfeltlikeaspeciallevelofhell.

Whenhisphonechimed,heglancedatthedisplay:

UNKNOWNNUMBER

Hisfuckingpersistentfed.Justfabulous.“What?”
“Goodmorning,Sutter.”
Asfarashewasconcerned,anythinggoodaboutthedayhadjustswirleddownthetoilet.“What

doyouwant,Bankhead?I’mstillworkingonit.”

“Tooslowly.”
“Idon’tmoveanyfasterwithyoubreathingdownmyneck.”
“Electiondeadlinesarecomingup.Ifwe’regoingtostopTimothyCantonbeforehethrowshis

hatintotheringforgovernorofCalifornia,weneedtosewupourcasenow.Otherwise,he’sgot
enoughmoneyandfinancialbackingtoplowoverthecompetition.Weneedeverythingreadyto
indicthimashe’sdeclaringhiscandidacysowecancuffhimwhilewestartspillingjuicydetails.”

“You’veexplainedthis,”Stonesnapped.“I’vegotit.Giveitarest.”
FBISpecialAgentBobBankhead—orBlockhead,asStonepreferred—huffedintothephone.

“LilyTaylorboughtagunthismorningunderherMistySmithaliasandregisteredfora
comprehensivegun-safetyclassthisafternoon.HerInternetsearchessuggestsheintendstorun.”

GivenLily’ssuddenandferventinterestintheFloridaKeys,Stonehadthoughtthesamething.

Why,afteralltheseyears?Becauseherpreviousboyfriend,AxelDillon,hadfalleninlovewith
someoneelse?Wastheshybeautystuckonanearlymarriedman?

“Notsocockynow,areyou?”Blockheadbarked.“Youknowhowmanyyearsittookustotrack

downMs.Taylor,andthepoliticalcapitalitcostisn’tsomethingmybosswouldliketoexpendagain.
Don’tletherslipawayor...”

Thefeddidn’tbotherfinishinghissentence.Stoneknewthe“or”well.He’dalreadyspentenough

timebehindbars,watchinghisback,provinghistoughness,andsidesteppinginmatepolitics.Thatshit
stillmadehimbreakoutinacoldsweat.

“I’monit,”heswore.
“You’vehadthreemonths.Youhaven’tproducedasingleresult.”
StonereallywishedhecouldtelltheFBItofuckoffbecausehewasn’tasnitchandLilywasn’ta

pawn.Buthedidn’thavethatoptionifhewantedtoavoidanotherextendedstayatthelovelyFederal
CorrectionalInstituteinBeaumont.

“MyfirstcontactleftthecountrybeforeIcouldevenapproachhimwiththedeal.”Axelcertainly

hadn’tstayedaroundlongenoughtoseehimmeethistarget,LilyTaylor,akaSweetPea.“And
subsequentcontactshavebeen...”Painsinmyass.“Reluctanttoletmeseeher.”

“Noneofthatismyproblem.Dowhateveryouhaveto.Justgetmeafuckingwitness,oryou’llbe

headingbacktoprison.Youhavetwoweeks.”

Blockheadhungup.Stoneresistedtheurgetopoundhisphoneagainstthedashboard.Itwouldn’t

helphissituation.Instead,hementallyreviewedhisoptions.

Justyesterdayhe’dtriedtomoveforward—andhe’dbeenshutdownagainbyLily’stwo

staunchestguardians:MitchellThorpeandSeanMackenzie.Iftheydidn’teachalreadyhavea
beautifulwifebetweenthemexpectingtheirfirstbaby,Stonewouldsuspectulteriormotives.Butthey
simplywantedSweetPeahappyandsafe.

Theyweren’thisonlyobstacles.Stonehadkeepersofhisown.JackColeandLoganEdgington

weresupposedtoensurethathecouldclosethedealwithLilyTaylorwhenthetimewasright.

AsfarasStonewasconcerned,thetimehadtoberightnow.
Hepulledoverintoanearbyparkinglot,emptyjustbeforeeighta.m.,andopenedhislaptop.

Afterconnectingittohishotspot,heopenedafilewithastringofcodehe’dwrittenandembeddedit
inajpegofafunnycomicstripbeforehee-mailedit.Thenhewaited.Itwouldn’ttakelong.

Fifteenminuteslater,JackCole,his“boss”atOracle,afirmthatspecializedinpersonalsecurity

andmilitaryconsulting,called.Stonewasn’tatrainedoperative,justthetechnicalhelp.Andsince
Jackwasn’tasocialcreature,heknewtheguyhadn’tdialedhimtoshoottheshit.

Herewego...Stonepressedthebuttonandacceptedthecall.“What’sup,man?I’monmyway

intotheoffice.”

“Ineedafavorfirst.”
Jackhadasuperhotwife,acutelittleboy,anotherkidontheway,andplentyofbuddies,soStone

surmisedthisfavorrequiredhisparticularskillset.Ifmostanyoneelseheknewhadcalledforhelp,it
probablywouldn’thavebeenlegal.ButJackdidn’thaveacriminalboneinhisbody.

“Sure.”Stonesatback,feelingprettydamnoptimistic.“Whatdoyouneed?”
“Dekejustgotoffthephone,”Jacksaidofhisbusinesspartner.“Hisbrothers-in-lawcouldusea

handwithaproblemthey’rehaving.”

“Computer-related?”
“Yep.Doyoumind?”
Mind?Stonesmiled.Ifhehadminded,hewouldn’thaveinfectedtheirserversinthefirstplace.
Deke’swife,Kimber,hadtwobrothers,HunterandLogan.TheEdgingtonmenweretoughguys.

FormerNavySEALs.Fuckingheroesalltheway.Butmoreimportant,theyweren’ttechexperts,and
StonenowhadawaytogreasethewheelsandgetthistrainmovingsohecouldreachLilysooner.

“Sure.ShouldIheadtotheiroffice?”
“Yeah.Joaquiniswaitingforyou.”JackreferencedtheEdgingtons’stepbrother.“He’llwalkyou

throughtheissue.”

Thatwasn’twhatStonewantedtohear.“WillLoganbearound?”
BecauseStonereallyneededtomakeoneoftheseoverprotectivehensunderstand,andLogan

seemedthemostlikelyonetoseereason.

“Probably.Why?Yougotamancrush?”Jackteased.
Stonehadn’texpectedtoliketheguyshenowworkedwith,buttheyweredamngoodatwhatthey

didandhadwickedsensesofhumor.

“Nomorethanyou’rejonesingoverthatdudewhomakesthosecustomknives.”
“Keith?”Jackscoffed.“He’safreak.”Afterapause,hewenton.“AndLoganmightbe,too.Good

point.”Aftertheybothhadalaugh,Jackinstructed,“Keepmepostedaboutthescopeoftheir

problem.”

“Yougotit.”
Hearrivedattheirofficelessthanfiveminuteslater.JoaquinMuñozmethimatthedoor.Hewas

asombersortwhoonlyseemedtosmilewhenhelookedatortalkedabouthisfiancée,Bailey.The
guywasheadoverheelsforhisballerina,whoappearedequallyintoherbigbruiserofasecurity
specialist.Infact,theLatinoloverprobablycouldhavemadeabigsplashinHollywoodifhe’dbeen
lesssurly.

Asusual,themanwasallbusiness.ProbablybecauseheownedathirdofwhathadbecomeEM

SecurityManagement,thepersonalsecuritycompanyhe,Hunter,andLoganhadtakenoverwhen
CalebEdgingtonretired.

“What’sup?”Stonecalledasheclimbedfromhispickup.
“Thisfuckingvirus.Ithitsuddenlythismorning.God,Ihatecomputerssometimes.”
Stonehadnodoubtthatworkforeveryoneintheofficewouldbeatastandstilluntilhepurged

theparticularlynastycodehe’dplantedontheirserver.“Icanfixthat,nosweat.”

“Thanks.Iappreciateyoucomingonsuchshortnotice.”
Thepleasurewasallhis.“Noproblem.”
“You’resavingourass.”Joaquinthrustouthishand.
No,Loganwasgoingtosavehis—andLily’s.Stonelikeditwhenaplancametogether.
AfterheshookJoaquin’shand,theyheadedforthedoor.Stoneturnedtothebigguy.“Sowhatare

thesymptoms?Whathaveyoutried?”

JoaquinscowledandlaunchedintoanexplanationthatStonezonedthrough.“Alltheusualtricks

aren’tworkingonthisvirus.Ican’tseemtogetridofit.”

BecauseStonehadwrittenitforjustthisoccasion,andhe’dknownexactlywhattheywoulddoto

eradicateit.Hecouldn’tlie;pridebeamed.Goodtoknowhehadn’tlostallhisskillswhile
languishingbehindbars.“I’llfixit.”

“Quickly,Ihope.”Theothermanwenton,frustrationvisibleonhisface.“We’vedisconnected

everythingwecanfromtheserversinthehopesitwon’tspread,butit’sbroughtouroperationtoa
grindinghalt.”

“Gotit.Leadtheway.”
AsStonewoundthroughthebuildingthathadoncebeenafactory,itsstarkconcretewallsdidn’t

provideanounceofvisualinterest.Downaflightofstairstheyreachedaroomsochillyitcould
havepassedforcoldstorage.InsidesatabankofserversalltwinklinglikeChristmastreesinstraight,
symmetricallines.Ah,hefeltathomehere.Peopleoftenpissedhimoff.Computerswerefarmore
straightforward.Theydidn’tlieandweren’thardtofigureout.Theydidn’tbetrayhim,andhenever
hadtoguesswherehestoodwithamachine.Everyencounterwithonewassimplyamatterof
determiningwhowasmoreclever,andStonemadeithisbusinesstowin.

Joaquinsethimbehindadeskwithacomputer.“Letmeknowifyouneedanythingelse.”
“CanIgrabacupofcoffeefirst?”heasked,mainlybecauseheknewLogankepthisdeskasclose

tothecoffeemachineashumanlypossible.

“Yeah,youknowwhereitis.Ihavetogetbacktoanothersituation.Ifyouhaveanyother

questions,Loganisbackthere.”

“Hunter?”Justincasehisyoungerbrotherneededfurtherconvincing.
Joaquinshookhishead.“BabyPhoenixhadaroughnight.Hehasacold,soHunterandKata

stayedupwithhim.Icancallhimforemergencies.”

Hehopeditwouldn’tcometothat.“Thanks.I’lldomybesttotakecareoftheproblemwithout

involvinghim.”

Withanod,Joaquinwanderedoff.Stonefollowedslowlyuntiltheothermandisappearedintohis

cubicleareaandstartedbarkingintothephone.Thenhecrepttowardthecoffeemakerandbreweda
cup.Withasteamingmuginhand,StonepokedhisheadaroundthecornerandfoundLogan
swearingoveramapspreadacrosshisdesk.

“Hey,”hecalled.
TheyoungerEdgingtonseemedlikethefriendlysort,atleastuntilsomeonepissedhimoff.
Loganliftedhishead,piercinghimwithblueeyes.“Thankfuckyou’reheretofixthisvirus.

We’resocareful.Ihavenoideahowthishappened.”

“Thewritersofmaliciouscodedelightinbeingmoreunderhandedthanyou.”Hesmiledatthe

irony.

“Yeah?Theycangofuckthemselves.Theycouldbeputtinglivesatrisk.”
Stonehadthoughtofthatandfeltvaguelyguilty.Thegoodnewswasthathewoulddisinfectall

theirmachinesquickly.He’deveninstallafewextragoodiestokeepthemsecurefrompotential
outsidethreatsinthefuture...assoonashe’dsecuredLogan’sassistance.

“Asshats,”hemutteredinvagueagreement.“ButaslongasI’mhere,Iwanttotalktoyouabout

SweetPea.”

EvenspeakinghernicknamemadeStoneunbearablyhard.
Shortlyafterhe’dwalkedoutofthepen,he’dtestedhispick-upskillsandrealizedthathestillhad

game.Hell,ifanything,gettingasshadbecomeeasiersincewomenapparentlylikedabadboy.Every
womanexceptSweetPeaakaMistySmith—bothbullshitaliasesforLilyTaylor.

Stonedidn’twantanyonebuther,andthatwasinconvenientashell.Butafterspendinghisfirst

thirtysecondswithher,thechemicalzingbetweenthemhadlefthimbeyondintrigued.Hewasn’teven
surewhyhe’dsototallyfixatedonhershysexiness,butheburnedtoknowwhatsortofwomanspoke
thatsoftlyyetworesiren-redlipstick.Whatwasshetryingtohidewithallthatvampyblacklining
suchvulnerablechocolateeyes?Ifhecouldpryopenherdefensesandherthighs,notonlywouldthey
becombustibletogether,Stoneknewhecouldhelpsaveher.

Toobadthat,aftertheirpromisingfirstmeet,she’dbegunavoidinghimasifshe’dratherhave

theplague.

Logan’sstareturnedsomewherebetweengrimandinhospitable.“Dude,youaskedyesterday.The

answerisno.”

“Bankheadcalledthismorning.Ihavetwoweeks.We’verunoutoftime.”
Theformerfrogmanhissedacurse.“Sonofabitch.Idon’tlikethis.”
“Notmyfirstchoice,either.”
“Theplanwouldworkbetterifyoutwohadbeenseeingeachotherallsummer.”
Truethat.Butshewouldn’ttakehiscalls.Stonesuspectedshewasdodgingtheheatbetweenthem,

butthatwasn’tall.Somethingelsehadspookedher.

Forthehundredthtime,hewonderedwhatshewasthinking.Whywassheafraidofhim?How

couldhepersuadehertotestifyagainstCantonbeforetheguydecidedtosnuffoutalltheskeletonsin
hisclosetpriortotheelection?

WhatwouldLilyfeellikeunderhim,whimperingandcallinghisname,whenhethrustdeep

insideher?

“ButI’mstillnotsureyourollhardenoughtogiveSweetPeawhatsheneeds.”Loganscowled.
Maybe,maybenot.LoganandJackhadspentthebetterpartofthreemonthstryingtoteachhim.

Hehadn’ttrekkeddowntheDominantpathinthepast.Buthe’dbewhateverLilyneededinorderto
makeherhappyandsecureherhelp.

Thenhewouldbeafreeman.

Thelusciouspinupbeautywashisget-out-of-jail-freecard—literally.Ifsheagreedtoplaynicely

withthefedsabouttherapeandmurderofErinGutierrez,hecouldputthepastbehindhimandtryto
forgethowbadlyhe’dfuckeduphislife.Whilehe’dbeenaway,he’dinheritedenoughmoneyfrom
hislateuncleVincetolivesomewherebetweenfrugallyandcomfortablyuntilhefoundanewcityto
callhomeandacorrespondingjob.

Butrightnow,itwasdamninconvenientthathecouldn’tseemtofocusonLilyTaylorasa

witness,ratherthanawoman.

“I’dliketofindout,”hetoldLogan.Hell,he’dwelcomeanychancetobenearher.“Getmeface

timewithherandI’lldomybest.”

“Tellyouwhat.Youfixthisprobleminlessthananhour,andI’llcalltheothersonyourbehalf.If

not...”ThemockregretinLogan’sexpressionwasall“toobad,sosad.”

ItwasStone’sturntosmilebecausethejokewasonLogan.“You’vegotadeal.”
Sippinghiscupofjoe,Stoneturnedtomakehiswaytothebankofserversandbumpedintoan

unfamiliarguy.Darkhair,midnighteyes,allthelevityofanundertaker.Stonemethisgazestraight
onandrealizedthatevenatpoint-blankdistance,theguyhideverythingbehindasteelystare.

“Stone,thisisPierce.”Loganintroducedthem.
Firstnameorlast?
“One-Mile,”thedudecorrected,stilltakingStone’smeasurewithdeadeyes.
Logansighed.“One-Mile.He’sourresidentsniper.Ratherthanhisgivenname,he’dprefertobe

knownbyhislongestkillshot.Godsavemefrombigegos.”

Holyshit.Stonetriednottolookimpressed.Hedoubtedthisdudewantedanyadmiration.He’d

betOne-MilehadcomefromthearmyandprobablydoneafewtoursinAfghanistan.Despitehis
insistencethateveryoneusehismoniker,hewasthetypewhoneverwantedanyonefawningoverhim
forperforminghisdutytohiscountry.

Stonestuckouthishand.“Hey.”
One-Mileshookitwithanabsentnod,focusedinsteadonLogan.“I’dliketospeaktoyou.”
“What’sup?”
“Iquit.”Afterhe’ddeliveredhisnews,theleanwhipofamanturnedawayasifhe’dfulfilledhis

dutyandbegantowalkoff.

“Nope,”Logancalledafterhim.“Youcan’t.I’vegotacontract.Yousigned.Wepaidthebonus,

andyoucashedthecheck.Endofconversation.”

One-Milestoppedinhistracks.
Anothermanappearedinthehallandsidledpasthim,glaringdaggers.“Fuckingdouche.”
“Thefeelingismutual.”
“Giveitarest,youtwo.”Loganrolledhiseyes.“IfIcanworkwithmyolderbrother,youcan

tolerateeachotherlongenoughtogetyourshitdone.”

BeforeStonecouldevenwonderwhatbeeftheyhad,thenewcomerrakedahandoverhis

military-shortblondhair.“Iwillnevertrusthimenoughtobeonanoperationalteamwithhim.Ifhe
wantstoquit,Isaygoodriddance.”

Loganslammedafistonhisdesk.“Cutter,Idon’tgiveashitifPiercesleptwithyourbestfriend.”
“One-Mile,”theguycorrected.
“Whatever.”Loganwavedahandthroughtheair.
“No!It’snotwhatever,”Cutterinsisted.“Ican’tworkwithBrea’srapist.”
“Ihadherconsent,”One-Milesnarled,hiseyesfinallycomingalivewithhate.
“Youmanipulatedhersothatshehadnochoicebuttosayyes.”Cutterclenchedhisfists.
“Shehadachoice.”One-Milecrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Ifyouwantherthatbadly,you

shouldhaveclaimedhersometimebetweenjuniorhighandthisJuly.Youhadplentyoftime.Butit

tookyouthatlongtofindyourdick,andthat’snotmyproblem.She’sminenow.”

CutternarrowedfierceeyesatOne-Mile,asifhe’dlosthismind.“She’snotevenspeakingto

you,asshat.”

“Misunderstanding.”
“No,reality.Somethingyou’reobviouslynotfamiliarwith.Ifshewindsuppregnant—”
“That’senough,”Loganshouted.“Idon’tcareifyoubeatthehelloutofoneanotherafterhours,

butstopbringingyourpersonalshittowork.Ifyoucan’t,I’lllockyouinaroomtogetheruntilyou
learntogetalongoroneofyoukillstheother.Idon’tcarewhichatthispoint.Beprofessionalanddo
yourdamnjobs.”

SilencefellinthewakeofLogan’sverbalbeatdown.Cuttersworeandstompedaway.
One-MilecockedhisheadandregardedLoganwithasolemnexpression.“Ididn’trapeher.”
“Sinceshehadtochoosebetweensavingherbestfriend’slifeandsleepingwithyou,I’dsayyou

coercedher.Itdoesn’tgetmuchlowerthanthatinmybook.”

Yeah,Stonedidn’tdoubtthat’showLogansawthatsituation.AllofJackCole’spalshadCaptain

Americacomplexes.Theywereheroesthroughandthrough.Theyrefusedtobendtheirvaluesfora
dog-eat-dogworld.Theyfiguredouthowtomaketheworldbowtothem.Avagueshameclogged
Stone’sveins.Everytimehethoughthelikedtheseguys,herememberedthathedidn’tbelong.

LoganrubbedatthebackofhisneckandglaredatOne-Mile.“Getthefuckoutofmyface.”
“Rogerthat.”Piercegavehimamocksaluteandmarchedaway.
Oncetheguywasoutofsight,Loganletoutalong,lowcurse.“Iswear,somedaysIgetwhymy

fatherretiredanddumpedthisshitinourlaps.Hunter,Joaquin,andIinheritedthosetwowhenthe
colonelsteppeddown.They’reexhausting,andwithtwingirlstoddlingaroundmyhouse,peaceis
alreadyatapremium.”

Stonesmiledfaintly.“Thosedudeslooklikeapainintheass.”
“Toobadshootingthemwouldbeillegal.IthinkI’dbedoingtheworldafavor.”Heglancedat

theclockonhiscomputer.“You’veonlygotfifty-oneminuteslefttofixmyproblemifyouwantme
totalktoThorpeandSeanaboutarrangingtimeforyouwithSweetPea.”

“Bastard,”hepoked,notworried.“I’monit.”
Stonepivotedaway,backtothechillyroomwiththegleamingrowofhardware—and,hehoped,

hisfuture.

***

“I

don’tlikeit.”SeanMackenzieglaredacrossthetablefromStonethatevening.

Asalways,Thorpewasinlockstepwithhisbuddy.“She’snotready.”
“Why?”Stonedemanded,sittingwiththemaroundthekitchentableatDominion,theexclusive

BDSMclubThorpeowned.

Granted,hehadn’tseenLilyinmonths,butwhenhe’dmethershehadn’tlookedreadytofall

apartatAxel’simminentdeparture.Supposedly,she’dcompletelyimplodedoncethemanhadgone.
Stonewantedtoknowthereason,sohecoulddeviseaplantohelpher.

“We’vebeenoverthis.”Thorpescowled.“Axelwasherpillar.Heproppedherupandgaveher

boundariesand—”

“Icandothat,”Stoneinsisted.“LoganandJackhavespentthelastthreefuckingmonthspreparing

metobewhateversheneeds.Letmedoit.”

“Alltheoreticalknowledge.”Seanshookhishead,thenglancedThorpe’sway.“ButStoneisright.

Bankheadcalledmetoday,too.SodidacoupleofmyformercolleaguesfromtheBureau.He’s

gettingthesqueeze,soit’snowornever.Axelisn’tcomingbackanytimesoon?”

Thorpeshookhishead.“Notforanothermonthatleast.Italkedtohimthismorning.Heand

MysteryhavedecidedtostayintheUKuntilherfatherhastoflytotheStatestostartfilminganew
movie.”

AfamiliarCajuncursesoundedoverthespeakerphone.JackColecouldn’tbeinDallastodayso

he’dcalled.“MaybeifyouletAxelinonourplanandaskedhimtocontactSweetPea—”

“He’dobjectlikeamotherfucker.”Thorpegrimaced.“Besides,ifLilyisgoingtostartrelyingon

Stoneforguidance,thenwecan’taskAxeltoprovideit.”

“Exactly,”Stoneinsisted.“AxelleftyouinchargeofLily’swell-being,Thorpe.Letmeseeher

againsoIcanstartbuildingtrustbetweenus.ButIneedeveryminuteofthesetwoweekstoconvince
hertotestify.”Still,thetriosaidnothing,andStone’sfrustrationmounted.“Weagreedmonthsago
thatshewon’thaveafutureuntilshefacesherpast,right?Axelcan’thelpherdothat.OnlyIcan.”

Despitetheirgrumbling,theyallreluctantlyagreed.
“Thenstopdickingaround.You’rekeepingherinlimbo.”StonelookedSean’sway.“Look,Iget

whyyourefusedwhenthefedsaskedyoutotalkLilyintotestifying.Wealldo.Cantonisapsycho
withatrailofdeadbodiesinhiswake,andCallieispregnant.”

Seannoddedgrimly.Heclearlyhatedshirkinganythingthatresembledhisduty.“ThorpeandI

can’triskourwife.”

NotlongaftertheFBIapproachedSean,aformeragentwhoknewLilyTaylorwell,Jackhad

neededahackerwithStone’sskillsetandpulledstringstohavehimreleasedfromprison
temporarilytoassistwithaclient’snastycybersecurityproblem.WhileworkinginDallasonenight,
StonehadtakenasinglelookatSweetPeaandhe’dwantedthatpetitebunchofcurlsandfrills
fiercely.Determinedtodowhateverittook,hefinagledameetandgreet.Basedontheirinstant—and
mutual—attraction,SeanandthefedshadconcoctedaplottotaskhimwithpersuadingLilytotestify.

Admittedly,theideawasbrilliant.Bystrong-armingStonetosoftenLilyupforthestand,theFBI

wasn’triskingthelifeofaformeragentorhislovedonesifCantoncaughtwindofthescheme.It
onlytookasinglethreattocontrolStone,whomthefedsnodoubtsawasathoroughlyexpendable
resource.Bestofall,ifStonesucceeded,hissentencewouldbecommuted.Awin-winforeveryone.

“AndifthefedsdragLilyinonawarrantasamaterialwitness,itdoesn’tmatterifshesaw

Cantonparticipateinthegangrapeandmurderofherbestfriendatsixteen.Theycan’tforceherto
testify,”Stoneadded.“Convincinghertotellajurywhatsheknowswillbeonehellofahardsell
becausethelasttimesheagreedtodotherightthingandbetheprosecution’sstarwitness,Cantonhad
hermomandlittlebrotherslaughtered.YouandtheFBIdidn’tsendmebacktoprisonsoIcouldhave
theopportunitytoconvinceher.Letmedoit.Useme.IfyouwanthersafeinthelongrunasmuchasI
do,thenwe’vegottohelpherputthisassholeawaybeforehegainsmorepower.”

“Don’tpretendforonesecondthisisn’taboutyou.”Thorpeglaredhisway.“Youdon’twantto

gobacktoprison.”

“Whodoes?Mostpeoplearen’teagerforincarceration.Butwe’veallagreedthatLilyhasbeen

livingahalflifesinceshecamehere,andyou’velether.”

Allthreemenfellquiet,theguiltoftheirsilenceheavy.
“He’sright.Youneedtoactsoon.”Calliepokedherheadintotheroom.“Hi.Sorry.Iknowyou

didn’taskformyopinion,butStonehasagoodpoint.”

“Pet...”Thorpewarnedashespunaroundtotheprettybrunette.
Sheventuredcloser,absentlyrubbingherexpandingbellyasshedroppedakissonbothThorpe’s

andSean’scheeks.“Don’t‘pet’me.Earlier,ItalkedwithSweetPea—Imean,Lily.Istillcan’tbelieve
that’sherrealname.She’swithdrawingfurtherintoherself.Youtwoknowshedoesn’twanttoleanon
eitherofyouanddivertyourattentionfromme.”

GiventhesweetnessLilyhadexhibitedinthatoneprecioushourhe’dspentwithher,thatdidn’t

surpriseStoneatall.

“Butsheneedssomeone,”Calliewenton.“She’snotsleeping,andsheadmittedthather

nightmaresaregettingworse.”

Stonesatupstraighter.“Nightmares?Aboutwhat?”
Calliegavehimanapologeticgrimace.“Shewon’tsay.Idon’tthinkevenAxelknew.”
ThatgaveStonepause,thenalittlebitofhope.Ifshe’dlovedthebigbastard,wouldn’tshehave

sharedhernocturnalfearswithhim?StonewantedtobemoreimportanttoLily.Hewantedtobethe
manshetrustedwithallhersecrets.

Hisfuturedependedonit,too.
“C’mon,youguys,”heurged.“We’vetalkedaboutadozenreasonswhyweshouldproceed.

You’vepreparedme.I’vegotthis.Theonlyreasonnottoisbecauseyoudon’thaveanyfaithinher
abilitytocomeoutofhershell.She’snotbrokenbeyondrepair.”

ThorpeandSeanexchangedaglanceandseemedtogetonthesamepagewithoutaword.Then

Thorpeleanedtowardthespeakerphone.“Jack?”

“Yeah.AsmuchasIhatethethoughtofthrowingSweetPeatothewolf—nooffense,Sutter—or

puttingherindanger,Idon’tthinkwecanwaitanylonger.”

Seanpulledouthisownphone,sentatextortwo,thenlookedbackhisway.“Allright.We’rea

go.ContactBankheadassoonasshesaysyes.”

“What’syourplan?”Thorpeasked.
“I’vegotsomeideas,”Stoneansweredvaguely.“Leaveeverythingtome.”
Nooneatthetablelookedasiftheylikedthesoundofthat,butthefedshadtappedhimforthis

task.AndStonerelishedit.Yes,hecouldavoidgoingbacktoprison,buthealsofuckingwantedto
gethishandsonprettylittleLily,explorethesparksbetweenthem.

“Look,”Jackbegan,onlytobeinterruptedbyapoundingnoise.“Someone’satmyofficedoor.

Forfuck’ssake...Hangon.”Footstepsretreated,andthesoundofadooropeningfollowed.
“Logan?”

“Areyouonthephonewiththatfucker?”Loganbarked.
Stonetriednottosmile.“Hi,Logan.”
“Youplantedthatvirusinournetwork.Islavedallfuckingmorningtomakesurethatnothing

wasaffected,andyoudidthatshitonpurpose.LasttimeI’mopeningane-mailfromyou.”

“Iknewyoucouldn’tresistDilbert,”heteased.
Aroundthetable,everyoneelselaughed.
“Yousuck,”Logangrowled.
“Ihadtodosomethingtomakeyouguysreevaluatethesituation.Sorry.Desperatetimes,

desperatemeasuresandallthatshit.Butwe’reonthesamepagenow?”Apairofnods,asighedyes,
andanassentinggrumblelater,Stonestood.“Good.IwanttoseeLily.Now.”

ChapterTwo

momentLilyTaylorhadbeendreadingforninemonthshadfinallyarrived.Aroundher,the

emergencyroombuzzed.Peopleinwhitecoatsandscrubsscurriedaroundthefreezing,sterilespace
wearinggrimexpressions.Becausetheyknewhowmuchshewasgivingup?

Thepainwrackingherbodybarelypenetratedherhead.They’dinjectedsomethinginherIV

finally.Nowshefeltasifshewerefloatingoffthetable.Vaguely,shewonderedifhermotherwould
comeorifshe’ddecidedtowashherhandsofherteenagedaughterafterall.

Normally,itwouldn’tmatter.Shehadherbestie.Erinhadagreedtoholdherhand.Herfriend’s

brother,Corey,hadswornhe’dbackherup,too.

Inoneterribleafternoon,everythinghadchanged.
“Push!”awomaninbloodstainedbluescrubsshoutedather.
Wherewasthedoctor?
Still,theurgewouldn’tbedenied.Sheboredown,onepushflowingintothenextuntiltimehadno

meaningbeyondthepaingrippingandthesweatdrenchingher.Pressurepulledandtuggedather
middle,nearlycrushingher.Shescreamed,thenclenchedherteethasshestruggledupandgavea
mightypush.

Atonce,theagonyandthestressended.Lilywiltedbackbutstayedawaketosavortheveryfew

momentsshewouldgetwiththemostpreciouspersoninherlife.

Anursebenttoher,fillingherlineofvisionwithaclinicalexpression,buthereyesheldpity.

AroundLily,machinesbeeped.Everyoneelsebustledtoclusteraroundatableafewfeetaway,
shoutingatoneanother.Stresschargedtheroom.

AnxietyfilledLily,replacingthelanguidfeelingofaccomplishment.“What’sgoingon?”
Shedidn’thearthesoundsofababycrying.
Panicked,shetriedtoclimboffthetable,butthenursewhowouldn’tanswerhershovedanother

needleinherIV.Thennothing...

Withagasp,Lilyopenedhereyesandsatupinthedark,emptyroom,tangledinthedampsheets.

Herheartraced.Shelookedaroundtheshadowedroomandheavedasighofrelief.Present.Dallas.
Dominion.Anothertime,anotherplace.Aftersevenyears,shewishedthegoddamnnightmareswould
stop.

Tearswelledinhereyes—poolinginthecorners—butshecouldn’tquitespillthem.She

trembled,foughtforair.Wouldsheeverhaveanormallife?Lilyneededtoburyherpastandstop
beingafraidofthefuture.Standonherowntwofeet.

Herheadacknowledgedallthat.Thatscaredgirlwho’dlosteveryoneshe’deverlovedhadno

ideahowtomakethathappen.

Hatingherselfforherweakness,shereachedforhercellphoneandstartedtodialherfriendand

formerprotector,Axel.Beforeshecompletedthecall,sherememberedthathewasinLondonwith
hisnewfiancée.Eventuallytheywouldreturn,buthehadhisownlifeandafuturehecouldn’twaitto
begin.

Hedeservedmorethantokeepdealingwithherbrokenpast.
Withasniffle,sheclimbedoutofbed,abitembarrassedthatshe’dfallenasleeponthejob.But

shecouldn’tseemtodropintoslumberinhersolitaryapartmentthesedays,soshecametowork
exhausted.

Lilyroseandsmoothedoutherclothes,thenpattedherhairbackintoplace.Foryears,she’dfelt

almostsecurehereatDominion.Untilrecently,she’dstoppedlookingoverhershoulderquiteso
much.Yes,she’dalwaysknownherpasthoveredthere,breathingdownherneck.Butnowshefeared
ithadcomebacktohaunther.

Maybeshewasbeingparanoid,butshewouldswearshe’dseenaguywatchingheratthegrocery

storeoneday,thenbumpedintohimatafastfoodjointthenext.Anothergirlmightwriteitoffas
merecoincidenceorthinkhewasfollowingherbecausehewasinterested.Butshedidn’tbelievein
coincidence,andhehadn’tflirtedwithheratall.Infact,hehadwatchedherwithadissectingstarethat
madeheranxiousandafraid.Hecertainlyhadn’togledherasifhecouldn’twaittostripherbarethe
wayStoneSutterhad.

Maybeitwastimetopackup,moveon...justincase.She’dbeeninDallasforyearsnow—

plentyoftimeforCantontohavecaughton.

AccordingtoAxel,whenshewasfeelingscaredoroverwhelmedlikethis,shewassupposedto

callThorpe.ButheremployerhadhishandsfullwithSean,Callie,andtheircomingbaby.Lily
refusedtodumpherpersonalproblemsinThorpe’slap.Hell,hestillcalledherSweetPeaorMisty—
justlikeAxel—becauseshe’dnevertoldanyofthemherrealnameorherrealtruth.Settinghim
straightwouldbeanuncomfortableconversationafteralltheseyears.Notthatshe’dputhimorany
ofherfriendsatrisk.

Theonlypersonshemighthavetoldwhatshewasfeeling?Stone.He’dsuckedherinwitha

singleburningstareandmadehertremble.Hisseeminglydevil-may-careattitudeandtherockingtats
onhisbulgingbicepshadintriguedher.Hewasquickwithasmileoraquip.Heseemedgentleonthe
surface.Hecameacrosslikesomeonewhomightunderstand.She’dbeensodamngiddytospend
timewithhim.

Lilybitherlipagainsttheachethatbloomedinherbelly.Whatafoolshe’dbeen.
Shehatedwalksdownmemorylane,buthermindtrekkedthepathanyway,takingherbackthree

months,tothenightthey’dmet.

Zebhadledhertoawell-litplayroom.Stonehadbeenwaitinginside.He’dzippedhisgaze

aroundtozeroinonherasZebusheredherthroughthedoor.Darkeyesnarrowed,bodycoiled,
StonehadgivenLilytheimpressionofamaleanimalonhighalertashesizeduphisprey.

Afterquickintroductions,Zebhadsmoothedahandacrossthesmallofherbackandbenttoher

ear.“Heaskedtomeetyou.”

Lilyhadnoideawhy.AsshelookedintoStone’sface,she’dseenhunger,thekindthatmadeboth

uncertaintyandexcitementjetthroughherblood.She’dblushedbecausedespitebeingtwenty-three,
she’dhadsexwithexactlytwomeninherlife,andneitherhadreallymadeherbreathcatchorher
heartrace.Withjustaglance,Stonemadeitclearthatheintendedtoseduceherandgiveherpleasure
untilshescreamed.Inthatmoment,knowingAxelwasinlovewithMysteryandthatshehadtostart
lookingforward,notback,she’dmetStone’shotstare.

“Hi,there.”

Evenhishuskyvoicesenttinglesofexcitementracingacrossherskin.Lily’schesttightenedasif

shecouldn’tbreatheproperly.

“Hi.”Thewordhadcomeoutbarelyawhisper,buthegaveheranencouragingsmile.
“She’salittleshy,ourSweetPea,”Zebsuppliedwiththesortofwatchfulglareshe’dexpectfrom

anolderbrother.“Talktoheraboutpopcultureandshe’llrelax.”

Lilyblushedagain,thistimeinembarrassment.Mostmendidn’tcareaboutcelebritycrushesand

breakups.Shelovedkeepingup.Theirlivesseemedsobrightandinteresting.TaylorSwiftdidn’thide
intheshadows.JenniferLawrencewasn’tworryingaboutherpast.Theyhadsomuchconfidence,and
Lilyhopedthatsomedaysomeofthatwouldruboffonher.

“Idon’tknowmuchaboutit,”Stonesaid,thatvoiceofhislikeacaress.“ButIwanttohearabout

everythingthatinterestsyou.”

“Wecantalkaboutsomethingelse.”
“Remember,nosuddenmovesandnothingsexual,”Zebwarnedashebackedaway,hoveringat

thedoor.

Shetriednottorollhereyesathisoverprotectivespiel.Thankfully,Stoneignoredhimand

approachedherslowly,toweringsoshehadtocranebackherheadtostudyhishard,chiseledface.

Thenhecuppedhershoulderandshebarelymanagedtobitebackagasp.Hot,sure,electric,his

touchwasn’tlikeanythingshe’deverfelt.Zebhadlaidhispalmonthesmallofherbackjust
momentsagoandshe’dfeltnothing.WhydidStoneaffecthersodifferently?

Lilypeeredintohisdarkeyes.Shedidn’thavetoaskifhefeltthepullbetweenthem.Hemadeno

attempttohidehisdesiretogethernakedandputhishandsonher.

Wasbeingromanticallyinterestedinsomeonesupposedtofeellikethis?Shereallywouldn’t

know.

Hewalkedheracrosstheroom,toabenchusuallyusedforsubrestraint.Longandsomewhat

narrow,itwasn’tthemostcomfortablebutstilloneofthefewplacesintheroomtosit.

AfterStonehelpedherdown,heperchedbesideher,histhighnearlypressedtohers.She

experiencedthatdifficultybreathingagain.Asifherbodywereadiviningrod,allhersensesseemed
attunedtohim.Herstomachknottedintoanervousball.

“Youokayhere?”heaskedsoftly.“Doyouneedmetoputmorespacebetweenus?”
Mentally,sheprobablydid.Butsheansweredhiminstinctively.“No.Tellmeaboutyou.”
Heshrugged.“Notmuchtosay.I’vebeenlivinginSouthTexasforawhilebutI’mworkingwith

JackColeonatechnicalprojectnow.I’macomputerguy.Isawyouafewweeksago,thenightof
Thorpe’sbirthday,andIthoughtyouwereoneoftheprettiestwomenI’veeverseen.”

Heatcreptupherfaceagain.Thecurseofhavingafaircomplexion.Shehadtogetcontrolofher

reactionsandstartactingmorelikeanormalwomanifsheeverwantedtohaveanormallife.Stone
mightnotbeaforeverguy—whoknew?—butmaybetheycouldtrydatingorsomething.

“Irememberseeingyouthatnight,too,”sheadmitted,notquitemeetinghisintense,darkstare.
Hecurledafingerunderherchin.“Lookatme.”
Onceshecomplied,hesmiled.AndLilywasn’tsureshe’deverfeltmoreconnectedtoanother

humanbeing.Herskinsizzled,herbodytrembled—andshedidn’tevenwanttothinkaboutwhathis
meregazedidtohergirlparts.

“Tellmeaboutyou,”hemurmured.
“I’vebeenDominion’sreceptionistforthelastfewyears.”And...what?Shecouldn’ttellthe

manherpast.Shehadnoideawhattosayaboutherfutureplansoraspirationssinceshecouldn’tlook
aheadknowingCantonmightcatchuptoher.“LikeZebsaid,Ifollowpopculture.Ialsoliketoread.”
Sherolledhereyes,triedtopokefunatherself,andnotthinkaboutthefactthatshefeltlikeahigh
schoolgirlwithherfirstcrush.“I’mshy.”

“You’redoinggreat,”hepraised.“Doyouhaveafavoritesportorhobby?”
“I’mnotsogoodatanythingthatrequiresaball,butIsewalotofmyowndresses.”Shefluffed

thefullredskirtofherswingdress;thensherealizedhowmanymendidn’tcareaboutsewing.“You
mustthinkthat’sboring.”

“No.Iwouldn’tbeanygoodatit.”Heshrugged.“ButIfinditinterestingthatyoucanmeasureout

clothandputpiecestogethertomakesomethingtowear.”

“No,youdon’t.”
“Seriously,”hevowed.“It’sprobablylikemetellingyouaboutthewebcodesIunravel.”
Hehadapoint.“Yeah,Idon’tknowhowyoudoit,butitwouldbecooltowatch.”
Stonesmiledwide.“Exactly.So...whatwouldbeaperfectdateforyou?”
“Ihavenoidea.”Tobehonestornot?Lilygnawedonherlip.Ifsheeversawhimagain,she

wouldalreadyhavetolieaboutsomanyotherthings.She’drathertellhimthetruthwhereshecould.
Ifhethoughtshewasafreak,thenhewasnevergoingtolikeherforheranyway.“I’veneverbeenon
one.”

Thattookhimaback.“Never?Baby,whynot?Haveallthemeninyourlifebeenblind?”
Shelaughed.“Ilefthomeyoung,andatfirstIwasjustfiguringouthowtomakeendsmeet.When

Icametoworkhere,theenvironmentwasalittleintimidatingatfirst,youknow?”

Hegrinned.“IhavetoadmitmyfirsttrekthroughthedoorswasmorethanIbargainedfor.”
“Youdon’t...”HowdidsheaskavirtualstrangerwhoseemedtogiveoffaDomvibeifhe’d

evertoppedanyone?

“I’mintriguedandI’dbewillingtolookintoit,butsofar,no.”Hetookherhand,histhumb

grazingherfingers.“What’sthedealwithyouandAxel?”

ShesquelchedhergriefthatAxelwasnolongerherprotector.Itconflictedwiththeexcitement

shefeltaroundStone.Whichconfusedher.Besides,Axelneededtomoveonwithhislifeand
embracethewomanheloved.“We’renottogetheranymore.Andwedidn’treallydate,perse.”

Stonefrownedasifhedidn’tquiteunderstand.Truthfully,herrelationshipwithAxelwouldn’t

makesensetomostpeople.Anditdidn’tmatternow.Hehadhisfuture.MaybeStonecouldbeapart
ofhersinsomesmallway,evenifonlyinherfantasies.

“Um...Whatelse?Untilafewmonthsago,Ihadacat.Amale.Itookhiminasastraybuthegot

cancerandIhadtoputhimdown.InamedhimBongobecausehelikedtobouncearoundthehouse
likeadrum,”sheadded,thenshookherhead.“Doyouhaveapet?SorryI’mbabbling.Youmakeme
nervous.”

“Sorrytohearhedied.”Hesqueezedherhand.“Nopets.AndI’llbehonest.Youmakemealittle

nervous,too.”

Lilycouldn’thelpthesmilethatwidenedherlips.“You’rejustsayingthat.”
“No.Here.”Heliftedherhandtohischestandplaceditoverhisracingheart.Thehard,rapid

thumpunderherpalmmadeherinsidesjumpwithdelight.“Youfeelthat?”

Shenoddedearnestly.Andasifshecouldn’tcontrolherself,hergazedroppedtohislap.His

heartwasn’ttheonlythingfillingwithblood.Lilyclosedhereyesandstifledagrin.

“Ido.”Shebitherlipasshewithdrewherpalm.“Myheartisbeatingfast,too.”
Wasthatadmittingtoomuch?Shelookeddownatthehandsshewrunginherlapandrealizedthat

herskirthadriddenuponthesideandexposedherblackthighhighs.

LilyyankedtheskimpyfabricdownandlookedupintimetoseeStone’sstaregluedtothesight.

“That’sembarrassing.”

Hisfacetightenedasheswallowed.“Notatall,baby.You’resexy.”Hegaveheradeeprumbleof

masculinelaughter.“ForgetIsaidthat.IaskedAxeltosetupthismeetingsoIcouldgettoknowyou,
notsoIcouldtalkyououtofyourclothes.Atleastnotyet.”Hewinked.“SoyouworkforThorpe?”

Sheacceptedthesubjectchangebutcouldn’twipethepleasedlittlesmileoffherface.Big,

attractiveStonethoughtshewassexy.Hedidn’tseemtocarethatshedidn’tknowwhattosayand
fumbledoverherwords.“Ido.Idon’tthinkhereallyneedsareceptionist,andItrytohelpwith
inventory,organization...whateverhecan’tgetto.I’vealsopitchedinwiththetasksCallieusedto
complete.She’shadatoughpregnancyattimes.”Lilysmiledfondly.“Buteverytimeshe’ssickor
tired,ThorpeandSeanarebothsoattentive,Ican’tdecidewho’smoreoverthetopintakingcareof
her.She’shadaterriblepast,soI’mhappyforher.”

“That’sthoughtful.They’reluckytohaveyou.”
“Iliketohelp.Thorpehasgivenmesomuch...”Sheshookherhead.Stonedidn’tcareabout

that,either.“SoyoudotechnicalthingsforJack?”

Heshrugged.“I’vebeenhelpinghimwithacase.It’sbeencomplicatedbutsuccessful.”
“Jackisgreat.Alltheguyshereare.Thorpeonlygrantsmembershiptopeoplewhohaveareally

positivevibe.HeandtheEdgingtonbrothersaresomeofmyfavoritepeople.”

“Butyouneverdatedanyofthemembers?”
Lilywasn’tsurehowtoanswerthat.Shecamewithalotofbaggage,andevenifthemenof

Dominiondidn’tpreciselyunderstand,theyknewitwasheavy.Ofcourse,they’dchosenwomenwho
couldgivethemtheirhearts,souls,andbodies.

Becausesheprobablycouldn’t,sheshouldstopwastingStone’stime.
“No.Ishouldgo.”Shestoodandfluffedoutherskirt,thenheldoutherhand.“Ienjoyedmeeting

you.”

“Whyareyouleaving?”Hewrappedhotfingersaroundherwrist.Shecouldhaveescapedifshe

wantedbutthesecondheputhishandonher,Lilyachedtoeasecloser.“Idroveoverfivehoursjust
tomeetyou.Don’tgo.”

Shebitherlip.Theexcitedgirlinsideherwantedtocaveimmediately.Shewasflatteredandshe

likedhim,probablymorethanwassmart.Ontheotherhand,she’dneverfeltthiswayaboutaman
andhescaredtheheckoutofher.

“Ifnoonetoldyou,I’mnottypical.”
“I’mnot,either.Somaybethatmakesusagoodmatch.Isthereanythingwrongwithseeingifwe

are?”

Whenheputitlikethat,no.But...“I’maproject.”
Heseemedtomullthatoverashisgriparoundherwristtightenedeversoslightly.“Thatterm

indicatesyouthinkthere’ssomethingwrongwithyou.Maybethere’sjustsomethingwrongwiththe
peopleyou’vebeenwithinthepast.Maybetheysimplyweren’trightforyou.”

“Youthinkyouare?”sheasked,morebreathlessthanshe’dlike.
Heshrugged.“Howdoweknowifwedon’ttry?”
Anothergoodpoint.
“Ittakesalongtimeformetotrust.”Afterthisconfessionandadmittingthatshe’dneverdated,

shedidn’twanttogoforthetrifectaandblurtoutthatshewasafraidofsex.Lilywantedtobeatleast
somewhathonestwithhim,butthatwasmorethanshecouldmakeherselfsayjustnow.

“Let’stakeitonedayatatime.I’mattractedtoyou.Ithinkitmustbemutualbecauseyoukeep

eatingmeupwiththoseprettyeyes.”

Ohgod.Sheprobablywas.Lilyfeltheatscorchhercheeks.
Whenshetriedtotugfromhisgrasp,heheldfirmbuthisexpressiongentled.“That’snothingto

beembarrassedabout.Ilikeyou.I’mhopingyoucouldlikeme,too.Itdoesn’thavetobemore
complicatedthanthatrightnow.”

Lilythoughtofahundredobjections,mostlycenteredaroundherinsecurities.Shedidn’twantto

seemlikeaheadcase,andshelikedthewayhemadeherfeelbothbeautifulandadoredwithjusta

glance.“Iguessnot.”

Justthen,thelightsintheroomwentblack.Thehumoftheairconditionerceased.Foramoment,

herheartstopped.Itwasprobablyparanoia,wonderingeverytimesomethingoutoftheordinary
happenedifCantonhadfoundher.

“SweetPea?”Stonecalledashisfirmgriponherwristturnedreassuring.Hewoundhisother

armaroundherandanchoredhishandprotectivelyonherhip.“Youokay,baby?”

“Alittlescaredofthedark.”Shesqueezedhereyesshut,notwantingtorememberwhy.
Stone’svoiceandpresencewasabalm.Surprisingly,insteadoffearingthebigman,shehadthe

sensethathe’dprotecther,andsheedgedcloser.

“That’sit.Comehere.”Gently,heguidedherdownontohislapandnestledheragainsthischest

beforehewrappedhisbeefyarmsaroundher.“I’msureit’snothing.ButIwon’tletanythinghappen
toyou.”

Acrosstheroom,LilyheardZebopeningthedoor.Notasliveroflightenteredtheroomfrom

thenormallybrighthall.

“Thorpe?”theDungeonMonitorcalledout.
“Thepowerprobablysurgedorsomething.”Stonesoothedherashecaressedherhairandeased

herheadontohisshoulder.“Breathe.I’vegotyou.”

Shealmostfeltsafe.Maybehiswordsorvoicehadcalmedher.Maybeitwasthewayhe’d

broughthercloseashe’dreassuredher.ThisfeltlikebeingwithAxel...butdifferent.Hisnearness
didn’tmerelycomforther.Forthefirsttime,beingclosetoamanexcitedher,too.Lilyletherself
meltagainsthim.

Zebapparentlysteppedintothehallbutleftthedooropen.ShecouldhearhimandThorpecalling

backtoeachother.Thebreakerhadtripped.They’dbeabletorestorepowerinaminute.

Problemsolved,Lilyletoutahugesighofreliefanddrankinthemomentoffeelinglikea

normalwomanenjoyingalonetimewithaninterestingguy.

ThenStonecuppedhercheekandledherfacedown,hermouthclosetohisown.Hiswarmbreath

featheredoverherlips.Shefrozeandfoughttheimpulsetolungeforwardandclosethedistance
betweenthem.

“Idon’tthinkIcanwaitanothersecond,butstopmeifyou’renotreadyformetokissyou,”he

whispered.

Lilydidn’thavethewilltoresisthiminthatmoment.Asafreshmaninhighschool,she’dfirst

kissedRickMensellbecausehe’dbeenthecutestboyandeverygirlhadwantedhim.Asagrown
woman,she’dfirstaskedAxeltokissherbecauseshe’dneededtoknowifshecouldbearaman’s
touchagain.NeitherguyhadmadeherfeelatenthofthethrillthathavingStoneSutter ’smouth
hoveringoverhers,teasingherwithhisalmost-kiss,did.

Shedidn’tthinkshecouldspeak,soshetiltedherheadinstead,positioninghermouthperfectly

againsthis,anddroppedabrushoffingersonhisshoulder.Thatwasalltheencouragementhe
needed.

Aheartbeatlater,hesettledhislipsonhers.Hedidn’texperimentorbothertotesttheirfit.He

kissedherasifhealreadyknewhowthoroughlyheintendedtotakehermouthandhowgoodit
wouldfeel.Foradeliciouseternity,Stonecuppedherjawandheldherexactlywherehewantedher.
Shecouldn’tmisinterprethistouch,whichsaidheintendedtotakeeverybitofherthatshe’d
surrender.

Henudgedherlipsapart.Somethingshockinglyalivedasheddownherspine.Adizzyeuphoria

filledherhead.Lilyclenchedherlegstogether,feelinganachetightentherethatcouldonlybedesire.

Withthetenderpressofhisfingersagainstherface,heguidedherashedovedeeperintothekiss

andslidhistongueagainstherown.She’dkissedAxelthiswaybefore.Butithadnevermadeherfeel

antsyandhot,likeshewantedtowritheagainsthim,stripherclothesoff,andbeghimtotouchher.

ShebarelyknewStone.Theyhadnohistory.Whydidsheacheforhimsodesperately?
Suddenly,thelightsflickedon,glintingbehindhereyelids.Lilytriedtoeaseawayandsurveythe

situation.Stoneonlyheldfirm,strokingherjawwithhisthumb,andkissedherwithmoreurgency.

Shelethim.Ashepossessedhermouth,theworldandallitsproblemsmeltedaway.Sheforgotto

bescaredorworrythathewouldwantmorethanshecouldgive.Shedidn’teventhinkaboutthefact
thattheywerevirtualstrangers.Instead,shesankagainstthewarmthofhissubstantialbodyandinto
thefantasyofbeingnormalenoughtointerestamanwhoseemedbothincrediblymasculineandkind.
Andgod,hesmelledgood.

Lilygatheredhernerveandslidherhanddownhisshoulder,overthedefinedmusclescoveredin

ink.Hemusthaveahighthresholdforpain.She’dscreamedandheldinsobsthroughthefirsttwenty
minutesofherlonetattoo.

Pushingthatmemoryaway,shefocusedonhiskiss.Onhim.
Shewrappedherhandsaroundthemind-bogglinggirthofhisbicepsandtrembled,pressing

closer.Hegrabbedhertighter,hisfingersslidingdownhernapeashegaveherlipaplayfulnip,
pressedakissjustunderherjaw,andsmoothedapalmaroundthecurveofherhip.

Shewantedtoaskhimtopeelhisshirtoffjustsoshecoulddrinkhimin.She’dbetthesight

wouldmakeherdaydreamyandtingly.Hecertainlyknewhowtokiss.Withasimplepressofhis
fingers,heguidedherheadback,thenshiftedtheangleofthekiss,maneuveringherintoopening
completelytohim.Littlebylittle,Lilyfoundherselfwillingtocedehercontrol.

“That’senough.”Zeb’shardvoicefromthedoorwaybroketheircocoon.Thelightshadreturned,

illuminatinghisscowl.“Axelpromisedyouameeting,notagropefest.Lethergo.”

Stonestiffenedbutpulledback,lookingintohereyesashepushedoneofherchestnutandfuchsia

curlsfromherface.“Youokay?”

Ahalf-drunksmilewobbledacrosshermouth.“Yeah.”
Sheslidtoherfeet,buthewrappedanarmaroundherasifhedidn’ttrustherlegstoholdher

upright.Goodinstinct.Thesecondshetriedtostand,hershakingthighswobbled.Adruglike
weaknessstillpumpedthroughherveins,infectinghermuscles.Andwhenshelookedathim,she
couldhardlycatchherbreath.

Hesentamegawattsmiledownather.“Youlookprettywithyourcheeksflushedandyourlips

swollen.”

Lilyfeltpretty,too.Shefeltlikeawoman,notabrokenresponsibilitysomeonealwayshadto

pickupandcarefor.

“Idon’tknowwhatyoudidtomebut...”Shesighed,unabletoputthisfeelingintowords.Itfelt

likethosetimesasagirlshe’dgonetotheparkandputherarmsout,spinningaroundandaround
untilshe’dfallendown,gigglingandhappy.

“SomethingIcan’twaittodoagain,baby.Letmetakeyoutodinner.”
Thatsoberedherupabit.Sheblinked.“I-I’msupposedtobeworking.IcameintoseeAxel

tonightbutwhenwedecidedheshouldmoveon,IaskedThorpeifheneededme.Ihaveafewtasksto
complete.Sorry.”

Stonedidn’tsayanythingforalongminute,justbroughtherclosertohimanddrilleddowninto

herwithadarkstarethatmadeherkneesthreatentogiveway.“Howaboutthisweekend?I’lldrive
out.Wecaneatandtalk.Orwecanstayhereandtalk.Whatevermakesyoufeelmorecomfortable.”

“I’dlikethat.”Shetriednottolethergiddinessshowtoomuch.Maybehe’devenkissheragain.
“Iwanttoseeyoumore,SweetPea.Tellmewhatwillsetyoumostatease.”
“I’mnotreallysure.ImostlysawAxelhere.”

“Sinceyoutwodidn’tdate.Gotit.”Whenshenoddedheragreement,heslantedaspeculative

glanceherway.“ButhewasyourDom?”

Sheswallowed.WouldthatturnStoneoff?“Andmyprotector.Hehelpedmefeelsafe.”
“Didn’tyousayhejustleftyou?”Hesoundedannoyedonherbehalf.
She’dletAxelgowithaheavyheart,knowingshehadtostopdragginghimdown.“Itwastime.

I’mfine.”

Lilyknewshemightbelying.Shewouldn’tpineforAxelasalover.Butshewouldverymuch

missherfriend.

“IshouldbeagoodguyandtellyouIcanwaituntilyou’resure.Butafterthatkiss,Idon’teven

knowifIcanwaitthreedaystoseeyouagain.Idon’tknowifI’llstopthinkingaboutyoubetween
nowandthen.”

Shedidn’tthinkshewouldstopthinkingabouthimeitherbuthearinghimsaythatmadeherfeel

socoveted.

“Here.”Lilypluckedoutapenfromthedeeppocketofherfullskirtandreachedforhishand.

Shedraggedtheballpointacrosshispalmandwrotehernumberinpurpleink.“Callmeifyoufeel
likeit.Okay?”

“Iwill.”AnddespiteZeb’sglare,Stoneleanedinandbrushedalingeringkissonherlips.“Be

thinkingaboutwhatyouwanttodoSaturdaybecauseIwillcomeforyou.”

Shemerelysmiledhisway.Hegaveheronelastheatedglanceandturned,headingfortheexit.

ZebwatchedhimleaveandshutthedoorbehindStonewithashakeofhishead.

“What’swiththedisapproving-brotherbit?”LilyfrownedatZeb,fistsonherhips.“Iknowyou

andAxelarefriends,butI’mnotcheatingonhimoranything.Wewereneverexclusive.”Axelhad
merelywatchedoverherandkeptawayanymanwhocameontooaggressivelyorclearlyhada
booty-callagenda.

“Thatguy,Sutter?Heisn’tgoodforyou.”Zebscowled,hismouthtwistingunderthatinfamous

darkbeardofhis.

“Whywouldyousaythat?Heseemednice.”
“Hebutteredyouupwithcompliments.”
WasZebsayingshedidn’tdeservethemandhadbeendumbenoughtofallforhislies?“Hecame

allthewayfromLafayettetoseeme.”

“Andhedamnnearpeeledyourclothesoff,too.Heknowsyouaren’twithAxanymore.Idon’t

wanthimthinkingthatmeansyou’renotsurroundedbypeoplewhowillstepinifhecrossestheline.”

NowZebwasbeingbeyondoverprotective.Stonewouldhavestoppedwithjustawordfromher.

“Whatdoyouthinkhe’ddotome?”

“Withhiskind,youneverknow.ButI’mwatchinghim.I’llmakesureThorpedoes,too.”
Lilyrearedback.“ThisisthefirsttimeI’velikedaguy.Romanticallyliked.Andyou’retryingto

scaremeawayfromhim?”

Heshrugged.“You’rebetteroffwithoutthatdude.Sincehejustcamefromthebighouse,I

assumethatmeansheplaysinthebigleagues.Idon’tthinkyou’rereadyforthat.”

“Thebighouse?”Hecouldn’thavemeantwhatLilythoughthehad.
“Yeah.He’safuckingfelonfreshoutofprison.Someoftheguysaroundheremightpullaprank

nowandthenorpartyalittleharderthantheyshould,butnoonebreakslaws.Iheardhebeattheshit
outofsomeguywhilehewasawayandgotputinsolitaryforamonth.He’sbadnews.”

Stonewasanex-con?Acriminal?
Lilygaped,tryingtoreconcilethemanshe’djustkissed,theonewho’dmadeherfeelspecial,

withaviolentthugwho’dspenttimebehindbars.

Cantonwastheworstsortofoffender.He’djustbeensmartenoughnevertobeconvicted.Andhe

surroundedhimselfwiththeviolentgangbangerswholikedasideofrapewiththeirmurder.WasZeb
sayingStonewasthesame?

Herentirebodyicedover.Shestumbled,fallingontothebench.
Inherpocket,herphonebegantovibrate.Lilypulleditfreeandglancedatthedisplay.Anumber

shedidn’trecognize,areacode337.Lafayette.Mosteveryonewholivedthereandwouldcallher
she’dprogrammedintohercontactlistsotheirnamewouldpopuponherdisplay.Thiswasjusta
number,andherspinetingled,tellingherthatStonewasalreadyringing.

Acriminal.Afelon.Amanwho,underthatsmilingfacadeandpolitedemeanor,mightbecapable

ofterrible,heinousactsthatwouldgivehernightmaresforanotherhalfdozenyearstocome.

Tremblingandholdinginacry,shedeclinedhiscall.

ChapterThree

ISTY?”

Thorpestoodinthedoorwaylaterthatmorning,yankingherfromthebittersweet

memoriesofheronemeetingwithStoneandbringingherbacktothepresent.

Whensheheardthenamethatithadbecomealmostsecondnaturetoanswerto,shespunaround.

Yearsago,Lilyhadpickeditbecausethat’swhatshe’dcalledhercatandshe’dhopedshewould
remembertoanswertosomethingfamiliar.

Thorpelookedeveryinchtheimposingauthorityfigureinaperfectlytailorednavysuit,witha

well-groomeddarkbeardframinghishardjaw,andgrayeyesthatsaweverything.Fromthe
beginning,LilyhadalmostregardedThorpeasafatherfigure.Andtheexpressiononhisfacenow
toldherthathehadsomethingserioustosay.

Shetensed.“Yes,Sir.”
Heraisedabrowathersuddenformalitybutdidn’totherwisementionit.Hesimplyshutthedoor

behindhimandenteredtheplayroom.“Calliesaysyouhaven’tbeensleepingathome?”

SheshouldhaveguessedthatherconcernedfriendwouldsaysomethingtoherDomandLily’s

boss.“I’msureitwillpass.I’msorryfornappingonthejob.”

Unlessshesawthatguywhoseemedtobefollowingheragainoranythingelsesuspicious.Ifthat

happened,sheprobablywouldn’tclosehereyesforaweek.Shewouldalsoneedtodisappearfrom
Dallas.Bettersafethandead.

Thorpesighedashecamecloser.“I’mnotangrythatyouslept,SweetPea.I’mworriedaboutthe

reasonsyou’renotsleepinginthefirstplace.Isthereanythingyouwanttotalkabout?”

AndpotentiallybringtheviolentwrathofTimothyCantondownonhishead?“No.”
Shecouldprobablytellhimthatshefearedshe’dbeenfollowed,butthenshe’dhavetotellhim

whythatpossibilityterrifiedher.Andthey’dberightbacktotalkingaboutTimothyCanton.Besides,
she’dboughtagunthismorning.Inanhourshe’dbestartingthegun-safetyclassshe’dregisteredfor.
Shedamnwellintendedtobecomeself-sufficient.

“You’vestruggledsinceAxelpairedoffwithMystery.Hedidn’twanttoleaveyouforthislong.

WasIwrongtoencouragehimtospendtimeawaywithhisfiancée?”

“Notatall.I’mnolongerhisresponsibility.”
“No,”heagreed.“You’reminenow,andI’vedoneapoorjobofunderstandingyourneeds.Talk

tome.”

Shewasnotachildandshouldn’tneedhisguidance.Hedidn’thavethetimeorenergyforher.

Mostofall,shedidn’twanttospillhergutstosomeonewhowouldn’tbeapermanentfixtureinher
life.ThepartthatinvolvedCantonwastoodangerous.Therestwassimplytoopainful.

“Thorpe,Sir...Iappreciateyourhelpbutit’sjustapatchofinsomnia.”

“Sotheperpetuallylongface,theavoidingoutingswiththeothersattheclub,theepisodewiththe

halfbottleofvodkalastweek...Thatwasallyoubeingperfectlyhappyandwell-adjusted?”

Lilyhatedthatevenwhenshethoughtshe’dslippedsomethingpastThorpe,hestillsaw.Axelhad

askedhimtowatchoverherbecausesometimesshefeltoverwhelmed.Andgodknewshe’dmade
someterribledecisionsinthepast.

Shesighed.“I’malittlelonelybutotherwisefine.IwantAxeltobehappy.I’vemissedhimbut

he’sbetteroff,andI’mthrilledhe’sfoundsomeone.”

“Soyou’relonely?”Thorpeappearedtomullthatover.
Slowly,shenodded.Whydidshefeelasifshe’djustwalkedintoatrap?
“Sinceyou’veeschewedallthegirltimeCalliehastriedtotalkyouintothissummer,I’mgoing

toguessit’snotfemalecompanionshipyou’remissing.Beforehisdeparture,Axelaskedmetobe
responsibleforyourphysicalsafetyandemotionalwelfare.”

Oh,thiscouldn’tbegood.“Youdon’thavetotakecareofme.I’magrownwoman.”
“ButAxelprovidedyouwithguidanceandhelpedyououtwithwhateveryouneeded.That’swhat

you’vebeenmissingthissummer.SoI’vebeenthinkingtheselastfewdaysaboutanewprotectorfor
you,onewhocanmentoryouanddevotefarmoretimetoyouthanI’mable.”

Herheartfroze.Lilywasn’tsurehowshefeltaboutthatwhenshecouldn’tbehonestwithhim

aboutvirtuallyanything...andshecouldn’texorciseStoneSutterfromherthoughts.He’dbeenthe
causeofhersummermalaise.Sure,shemissedAxel...butshe’dneverstoppedthinkingaboutthat
kissStonehadgivenherorwonderingwhatcouldhavebeenbetweenthemifsheweren’tsoafraidof
hisviolentpast.

Someonenewmightbegoodforherbut...“Idon’tknowifI’mreadyforthat.”
MaybeshecouldplaythefragilecardandputThorpeoff.Butforhowlong?Andhowcouldshe

moveonwithherlifeifshedidn’tchangeanythinginit?SheandAxelhadbothneededtheirtime
togethertobeoverfordifferentreasons.Granted,shewasn’tdoingwellalone.Whenshemade
emotionaldecisions,theyusuallyturnedouttheworst.MaybeThorpewasrightandsheneededa
distractionsoshecouldfinallypurgeStonefromheryearnings.

“Ithinkyouare.Iknowamanwhocouldbegoodforyou.Whydon’tyoumeethim,spendtime

withhim?Maybeyoucouldtryopeningup.Hemightmakeyouhappy.Ifnot...”Heshrugged.
“We’llreevaluate.Butgivehimacoupleweeksandgenuinelytrybeforeyouwalkaway.”

Lilysighed.Thorpe’sinterferencemadeherbristle,buthe—andAxel—onlywantedwhatwas

bestforher.Andshehadbeendesperatelylonely,evenbeforehisdeparture.Ifsheconsidered
Thorpe’spropositionlikeablinddate,itmightwork.Ifitdidn’t,she’dhaveafunnystorytotell.“All
right.I’lltry.”

“Good.Remember,hecanonlyhelpyouasmuchasyoulethim.”
EverywordThorpesaidwastrue.Axelhadproventhat.Hehadbeenextremelypatientand

draggedinformationoutofherovertime.Asshe’dcometotrusthim,hersenseofsecurityhad
grown.Overandover,he’dprovenhimselftobesolid.SomeofhereveningswithAxelhadbeenher
happiest,eveniftheyhadn’tbeenromanticandshehadn’tbeenemotionallyfulfilled.She’dfeltsafe.
ToLily,thatmeanttheworld.

Thoughshewasn’tsureshewantedanewmentorandprotector,sheprobablyneededone.
“You’reright,Sir.”Shestaredatthedecorativeconcretebeneathherfeetandwonderedwho

Thorpethoughtwouldbegoodforher.Zeb?Thatnewguywhosenameshecouldn’tremember?
Someoneelseentirely?

Thorpeheldouthishand.“Comewithme.”
Now?Sheblinkedup.ResolutionfirmedThorpe’sfeatures.Hewasn’tthesorttoputoffuntil

tomorrowwhathecouldaccomplishtoday.Sheshouldhaverealizedthatifhe’dbotheredwitha

speech,hewasreadytoexecutehisplan.

Withawrysmile,Lilyslidherpalmintohisandsavoredthemomentsofcomfort.Beingwiththe

bigclubownerreallydidfeellikehavingafatherfigureshecouldtrust.Sinceherowndadhadrun
outwhenshewasfour,itwasnice.

Together,theywalkeddownthehalltoThorpe’soffice.Inside,shespottedSeanleaningagainst

thewallbesideThorpe’semptyleather“throne”onthefarsideoftheroom.Inachairfacingthe
desk,shesawanothermanfromtheback,onewithbuzzeddarkhairandstrong,wideshoulders.

Hebegantospinaroundinhischair.Combatbootsandlonglegsencasedinfadedjeanscame

intoviewfirst.AsolidtorsowrappedinagrayT-shirtappeared,ripplingwitheverymove.Inked
bicepscaughthergaze,alongwithveinedforearmsandbighands.Heradiatedformidablepower.

Withoutevenseeinghisface,Lilyknewexactlywho’dcome.
StoneSutter.
Hisnearnesssentahotflushrushingfromhertoestohercheeks.
ShejerkedastunnedglanceupatThorpeandyankedherhandaway.Themanalmostnevermade

mistakes,becauseheconsideredeverythingcarefullybeforeheacted.Buthecouldn’tpossiblyhave
thoughtthisthrough.Ifhehad,hewouldneverhavepairedheroffwithafelonwhomadenosecret
ofthefactthathewantedinsideherpanties.

“No.”Sheshookherhead.
Stoneswiveledtofaceher,andtheireyesmetforanelectricmoment.Shefeltdizzyand

overwhelmed.Herkneesweakened.Evenbeingthisclosetohimmessedwithherhead.

Thorpe’sfacehardened.“Whynot?”
Ameresixfeetaway,Stonestood,hisstarefusedtoher.Henoddedingreeting.“SweetPea.”
Shedidn’tacknowledgehim,justbackedaway,unabletotearhergazefree.“Ican’t.”
Felonsweren’tgoodguys.Theyrapedandmurderedandlaughedastheydisposedofagirl’s

bodylikethecontentsofthekitchengarbage.

“Nottwominutesago,youpromisedthatyouwouldtry,”Thorperemindedherwitharaised

brow.“Nowthatyouknowwho’sagreedtotakeyouinhand,you’rerefusing?Explain.”

“Wedon’tsuit.”Forsomanyreasons.Sheneededafriendwhowouldbebyhersideandprovide

awillingearwhenneeded,notamanwhocomplicatedeverything.Stone’spastaside,themanlitup
everycellinherbodyinawayshedidn’tknowhowtoprocessorfight.

“Thatwasn’ttheimpressionIgotwhenIkissedyou.”Stoneprowledcloser.
Lilycouldn’tdecideifshewantedtoblushfuriouslyorpunchhim.Instead,sheignoredhim

altogetherandsentanimploringglancetoSeanbeforewhirlingbacktoThorpe.“Hescaresme.”

“Why?”Stoneasked.“DidIdomorethankissyouwhenwemet?”
Lilypressedherlipstogether.Thorpedidn’tobjecttoStone’slineofquestioning,merelylooked

atherasifhewasdamninterestedinheranswer,too.

“No,”sheadmitted.
“DidIforceyoutokissme?”
“No.ButI—”
“Feltlikeawomanwhenyouwerewithmeandwantedmore,whichmadeyourunscared?”he

challenged.“LietomeandtellmeI’mwrong.”

Avagueshameslicedthroughhercomposure.Whilehewasn’tfaroffthemark,itwasn’tthe

wholetruth.Hecouldn’tpossiblyunderstandthat.

“CanItalktoyouforamomentalone?”sheaskedThorpe.
Ifshecouldexplainhiscriminalpast,surelyThorpewouldunderstand.
Hedidn’tsayanythingatfirst,merelyglancedatherandStone,thenpeeredovertoSeaninsilent

question.Callie’sothermanapparentlyansweredinthatwordlessdudelanguageLilycouldn’tgrasp.

“No,”Thorpefinallysaid.“Yousworeearlierthatyou’dgivesomeonenewacoupleofweeks.

Youhaven’tevengivenhimacoupleofminutes.”

Shecouldn’tdenythatbut...“Please.Don’t.”
WasitpossiblehealreadyknewStone’spast?Itwasn’tlikeThorpenottoperformhisdue

diligence.Lilysighed.Maybeshewasoverreacting.OrmaybeZebhadbeenmistaken.

MaybesheshouldgiveStoneanothertry.
“Twoquestions.That’sallIwanttoaskyou,”shepromised.
Thorpeshookhishead.“Askhimfirst.Ifyoudon’tgetsatisfactoryanswers,thenI’llseeyou.But

don’tcometomeifyou’renottrying.I’mgivingyoutoughlovebecauseIcare.”

Heheadedforhisofficedoor.
Seanfollowed,pausingjustbeforehecrossedthethreshold.“Ifyouwantmoreinlife,youhave

totakechances,Misty.Happinessisn’teasyanditdoesn’tfallinyourlap.Youhavetograbit,takeit
down,andmakeityours.It’stimeyoudidthat.”

Lilydidn’thavefirsthandknowledgebutshesuspectedtheywereright,whichonlymadeStone’s

presencemoreconfusing.Maybehewouldbethebestthingeverforher.Itwasalsopossiblehecould
finallybetheonewhoputhersixfeetunder.

Theybothturnedtheirbacksonher,andStonetrailedthemen,shuttingthedoorbehindthem,

cuttingherofffromherfriendsandonlypossibleescaperoute.

Sheandtheonlymanshe’deveractuallydesiredwerealone.
Toughlovewasscary.
Herheartthundered.Evenherbreathtrembledinandoutofherlungs.“Letmeout.”
“Notuntilyouexplainwhyyou’vebeendodgingmeforthreemonths.Ikissedyouandaskedyou

onadate.Youagreed.Tenminuteslater,youactedasifIwasn’tevenonthesameplanet.What
happened?”Heglared,anditfeltliketheworstofAxel’sdispleasurebutwithfarmorecensureand
impact.

“You’renotmyDom.You’renotevenaDomatall,sodon’tusethatexpressiononme.”
“See,that’swhereyou’rewrong,baby.Forthelastthreemonths,I’vebeentrainingwithJack

ColeandLoganEdgington.Yeah,yourfriends.TheyboththinkI’dbegoodforyou.ThorpeandSean
obviouslydoaswell,whichiswhythey’veaskedmetowatchoveryou,giveyoufriendship,support,
advice,and...whateverelseyouneed.Knowingallthat,areyoureallygoingtokeepfightingthe
pullbetweenus?Canyoutrulysayyou’rehappywiththestatusquo?”

No,butshedidn’tneedhisquestionsconfusingherrightnow.Mayaswellgoforthetruth,getit

outintheopen,andcallhimonit.Ifhedidsomethingviolent,hopefullyThorpeandSeanweren’ttoo
farawaytohearherscream.“I’mnottooafraidofwhateverpullyouthinkwehave.It’swhyIletyou
kissme.ThenIfoundoutaboutyourpast.Iknowyoucamefromprison.”

Understandinglithisface.“You’reright.Let’stalkaboutit.”
“I’veseenenoughviolencetolastmealifetime.Idon’tneedsomeonewholivesbyit.”
“I’mnotaviolentman,unlessprovoked.”Hecockedhishead.“YouhavenoideawhyIwentto

prison,doyou?”

“You’reafelon.Youbeatthecrapoutofsomeonesobadlytheygaveyousolitaryconfinement.”
“That’strue.”
Hedidn’teventrytodenyit.Lilywasshocked.
“Butyou’vealsogotsomeveryselectiveinformation.Iwentdownforacomputer-relatedcrime.

Iplayedacollegeprankonanassholewho’dstolenmoneyfrommywidowedgrandmotherand
braggedaboutit.So,withthehelpofacoupleoffriends,Isetupane-mailscamuntilhecoughedup
thesameamountofmoneyhe’dtaken.ThenIreturnedittoher.”

“Thatdoesn’tsoundlikeafelony,”sheaccusedwithnarrowedeyes.

“Itwasn’tuntilthebuddieswhohelpedmesetuptheschemeandIalldecideditmightbeaneasy

waytomakesomecashandgetoutfromunderourstudentloans.Oneofmyfratbrothersworkedat
abankandfiguredouthowtogettheaccountnumbersande-mailaddressesofmultimillionaires,as
wellasopentemporaryaccounts.Iwasthetechnicalguywhocreatedthefalsemessagestobilkthem
outofmoney,interceptedthefundsastheywerebeingtransferred,anddivertedthemtotemporary
accounts.Thenanotherpalfiguredouthowtosiphonthefundsoutandturnthemintoclean,liquid
cashthroughsomeofhisconnections.Collectively,weneededtoraiseabouthalfamilliondollarsto
bedebt-free,whichwedidbythestartofoursenioryear.Wesuccessfullylaunderedmoneyandwere
settograduatewithoutowinganyoneanything.Butwegotgreedyanddecidedtopullonemorecycle
tostartourfutureswithacushion.”Heshrugged.“I’mnotproudofwhatIdid.Myonlydefenseisthat
Iwasyoungandstupidandentitled.Ipaidforit.Ididtwenty-twomonthsofhardtime.Ilearnedmy
lesson.AsfortheguyIbeattheshitoutof?Thatwaspurelyformypleasure.Hewasachild
pornographer.”

Lilyblinkedathisexplanation.Ifthatwasalltrue...Shedidn’tknowhowtofeel.Hereally

wasn’tviolent?Hewasn’tlikeCanton?

“Iwouldhavebeattheshitoutofthechildpornographer,too.”Thewordsslippedfromherlips.
Hesmiledandletoutabreath,relaxingabit.“Iwouldneverhurtyou.”
Thosewordsraisedherredflags.Wherehadsheheardthatbefore?Oh,yeah.Canton.Andmaybe

shewasbeingtoosuspiciousbythrowingStoneinthesamerealmashertormentorfromherteenage
years.Ontheotherhand,ifshe’dbeenmorecautioussevenyearsago,hermomandbrother,Brady,
wouldstillbealive.SowouldErin.Beingtootrustingoncehadcosthereverything.

ShehadnowayofcorroboratingStone’sstorywithouttalkingtoThorpe.Anddidheknow

anythingbeyondwhatStonehadtoldhim?

Ontheotherhand,wouldAxelhavecondonedtheirinitialmeetingbackinMayifhe’dthought

foraninstantthatStonewouldhurther?

Never.Atleasthewouldn’thaveifhe’dknownbetter...
Damnit,shewasconfusingherself.Shedidn’treallylikemakingsnapdecisionswithouttimeto

thinkthingsthrough.Shelikedtodoodleanddoyogatosortthroughherthoughtsandfeelings
beforesheacted.Shedidnotdoherbestruminatingwhenshewasbeingpressuredandasix-foot-plus
mountainofmanstaredatherasifheexpectedaresponse.

“Ineedtogo.IhaveanappointmentIcan’tmiss.”Itwasn’talie...justnotthewholetruth.
“We’renotdonetalking.”Hesidledcloser.“GivemeachancetoproveI’mexactlywhoandwhat

Isay.LetmeshowyouthatIhaveyourbestinterestsatheart.”

Evenifhewas“only”athief,thatdidn’tmakehimnecessarilysafe.Shefearedthat,ifshelethim,

hecouldstealherheart.

Butwhatifshewerelettingthebestthingthateverhappenedtoherpassherby?
Lilybitherlip.“HowaboutifIpromisetocallyoutonightwhenI’mdonewithmy

appointment?”

Heeasedcloserstill,nowdisconcertinglyclose,andbrushedacurlfromherface.Eventhatlight

caressmadehertingle.“I’dratherbewaitingherewhenyougetback.Weneedtotalkthisout,baby.”

Bythen,shemighthavespokentoThorpeandheardsomethingthatwouldgiveherpeaceof

mind.Didn’tsheoweittoeveryonewho’dbeentryingtohelpherforyearstoatleasttryanewpath?

Shegrimaced.“Ifyouwantwhat’sbestforme,whyareyourushingme?”
“BecauseIknowwhat’sbetweenusisn’tsomethingyoufindeveryday.TheattractionIfeelfor

youisnotlikeanythingI’veeverexperienced.Ilikeyou.You’resweetandsexy.Iknowyoucalled
yourselfaproject.Ilikeachallenge.We’lltakeanythingphysicalasslowasyouwant,butIwon’t

acceptyourefusingtotalktome.Ifitmakesyoufeelsafer,we’llonlyseeoneanotherhere.Butwe
willgettoknoweachother.Youwilldoyourbesttoopenuptome.”

“Allright.”Lilycouldn’teffectivelyarguewhenhemadesomereallygoodpoints.“WhenIcome

back,we’lltalk.”

Heletoutanotherbreathhe’dbeenholding.“Tellmeaboutyourappointment.”
Shethoughtaboutlyingbutrealizedshe’dalreadytoldThorpethetruth.Iftheycomparednotes

anddiscoveredshewasalreadybeingdishonest,itwouldn’tgowell.“Gun-safetyclass.”

“Whendidyoubuyagun?”
“Thismorning.”
Hiseyesnarrowed.“Why?”
“Agirlcanneverbetoocareful,”shesaidflippantlybecausethetruthwastoodangerousforhim

andeveryoneelse.

“Whydon’tIgowithyou?”hesuggested.
Lilydidn’tthinkshecouldsuccessfullyfireagunatatargetfiftyyardsawaywithhimbreathing

downherneck.“YoupromisedwewouldonlyseeeachotherhereatDominionsoIwouldfeelsafe.”

Hegnashedhisteeth,clearlynotthrilledthatshe’dusedhisownlogicagainsthim.“Atleastlet

mewalkyoutoyourcar.”

Eventhoughbeingnearhimmadehernervous,shehadnogracefulwaytorefuse,soshenodded.
WhenStoneopenedtheofficedoor,Lilyhadtobrushpasthim.Shecouldn’tbringherselftomeet

hisgaze.Herstomachknottedassheallbutdasheddownthehall.Shefelthimrightbehindher,
hoveringandpossessive.Desirepouredoffhim,burningherskin,makingherbodytrembleandher
breathcatch.

Somehow,shehadtoputdistancebetweenthem.Otherwise,shefearedhewouldrattleherenough

toturnherupsidedownandinsideout.Then,infiveminutesflat,shemightbeonherback,legs
spread,anddesperatelyinfatuatedwithsomeonewaymoreunderhandedandworldlythanshewould
everbe.

Lilyhightailedittotheparkinglot,blanketedbytheworstoftheAugustheat,andsprintedforher

littleyellowVolkswagen.Whenshenearedthedriver ’s-sidedoor,sheclickedthefobtounlockitand
preparedtoduckinside.

Hisvoicestoppedherwhereshestood.“Whattimewillyoubeback?”
Lilyclosedhereyes,overwhelmedbyanotherwaveofuncertainty.Whenwouldshestop

distrustingpeopleandfigureouthowtoembracesomethingthatlookedlikeafuture?“Istilldon’t
thinkthisisagoodidea.”

Stonestalkedtowardher,thegentleconcernonhisfacenearlybucklingherknees.“Wediscussed

this.Iwon’teverforceyoutodoanythingbuttalktome.I’llalwayshopeyouwanttogivememore,
butIintendtogetinsideyourheadandgiveyouwhatyouneed.”

Damnit,hisdeepvoicedidsomethingtoher.Sheshouldn’twanthim.Toodangerous.She

shouldn’tgettangledupwithhim.Tooproblematic.

“Ican’teventellyouhowmuchIthinkyou’llbehurtingme.”
Thosedarkeyesofhisseemedtotakeherapartwithoutaword.Beforeshecouldstophim,he

brushedhisthumboverherbottomlip.“Ican’teventellyouhowmuchIthinkyou’rewrong.”

Forawildmoment,herheartstopped,thenbegandrumminginafrenziedbeat.Thefluttery,

femininepartofherwantedtothrowherarmsaroundhim,rubupagainsthim,andtakethepassion
hesoobviouslyburnedtogiveher.Butasmuchashemadeheracheinplacesshetriedtoignore,she
fearedwantinghim.Evenifhewasn’tacriminalintheviolentsenseoftheword,shewouldn’tknow
whattodowithamanlikeStoneSutter.

“I’veexplainedmypast,”hewenton.“Youdidn’tseemopposedtospendingtimewithmewhen

Axelarrangedourintroductionafewmonthsback.What’schanged?”

Maybeshejustneededtogivehimabitofhonestytomakehimleave.
“Ithinkyou’retoomuchformetohandle.”Lilyjerkedawayandwrenchedhercardooropen.

Sheleanedintotossherpurseonthepassenger ’sseatandhopinside.

Sheopenedhermouthtosaymore,butabouquetofflowersonthedriver ’sseatstoppedhercold.

Thefamiliar,pungentscentofitsblossomsoverpoweredhernostrils.

Everylastbloomwassomesortoflily.
Asifshe’dseenasnakecoiledontheseat,shegaspedandjumpedback,heartpounding.Shesent

aterrifiedstareStone’sway.“Didyouleavethese?”

Thatwouldbethesimplestexplanation,theonethatwouldn’tfreakheroutsomuch.Whetherhe

hadcomeheretotakeherunderhiswingorsimplytosweet-talkherintobed,maybehe’dbrought
thisbouquettoeasehisway.

Buttheflowersmostassociatedwithfunerals?Theflowersforwhichshewasactuallynamed?
Hepeekedinsidethevehicleandpluckedatthecolorfularrangementwrappedinplastic.His

expressionchanged,andhelookedreadytobeatthehelloutofsomeone.“No.Doyouhaveanother
maninyourlife?”

“Idon’thaveanymaninmylife.”
“That’snolongertrue.”Stonepulledherintohisarms.“Whowouldleaveyouamessagethathe

wantstoburythepast?”

Whentheirbodiesmadecontact,Lilyrealizedshetrembledfromheadtotoe.Asafraidasshe’d

beenofStonejustminutesago,nowhemadeherfeelinfinitelysafer.Butsheforcedherselftopull
awayandtriedtotampdownthepanic.Shehadtothinklogically.Whoeverhadbrokenintohercarto
leavetheflowershaddonesointhepastfewhours.Hadthatpersonbeentheonewatchingherlately?

“Whatdidyousay?”sheasked.
Heheldalittlecardbetweentwofingers.Inneatblackpen,someonehadwritten

LET’SBURYTHE

PASTFORGOOD.

Lilyslappedahandoverhermouth.Thenotehadn’tbeensigned,buttheonlypersonsheshareda

terriblepastwithwasakiller,andhewasn’tthesorttoextendanolivebranch.Noamountoftime
wouldchangethefactthathisdefinitionofburyingthepastwouldbetoputherinthecold,hard
ground.

Ohgod,TimothyCantonhadfoundher.
Whatifheoroneofhishiredgoonshadbeenwatchingherlately,waitingforthechancetooff

her?

“I-Idon’twanttobelate.Ineedtoleave,”shetoldStone.
Butwhereshouldshego?Tohergun-safetyclass?Or,betteryet,thefreewayheadingeastbound?

Ifshedroveallafternoonandthroughthenight,shecouldbemorethanhalfwaytoFlorida.
AccordingtoherInternetsearches,theKeyswereagoodplacetodisappear.

“Talktome.”Stoneburstinonherthoughts.“You’reobviouslyafraidofsomething.”
Somanythings,itwouldprobablymakehimlaugh.
“I’mfine,”Lilylied.Yes,hemightprotectherfromherpast—foraprice—butwhowould

protectherfromhim?Evenifhemeanthernoharm,amanascapableandmasculineasStone
wouldn’twantawomanwhojumpedateveryshadowandwasn’tgoodinbed.Besides,sherefusedto
puthim—oranyone—indangeragain.

Shemanagedtofumblehalfwayintothelittlecarandsetherpursedown.Thecloyingodorofthe

flowersmadeherstomachheave.Itremindedherofeverythingshe’dlostandwouldneverhave
again.Itunderscoredthefactthatsomeonewantedtokillher.

Stonegrabbedherbythewaistandpulledherout,turninghertofacehim.“You’renotfine,and

lyingtomedoesn’thelpeitherofus.You’reafraidoftheflowers.Why?Whosentthem?”

“Youhavetoletmego.”
Hisfacedarkened.“MaybeAxelleavingmadeyoubelievethatyou’realoneoryouhavenoone

toturnto,butI’mhere.Ifyou’llexplainwhytheflowersscareyou,I’llfixit.”

God,ifonlyitwerethateasy.Shewouldhavelaughedifsheweren’tsoterrified.“Youcan’t.”
“Tryme.”Thatdeepvoicesoundedsoserious,grave.
“Sorry.”
Lilybrokefreeandtriedtodashintohercaragain.Heslammedthedoorandstoodsquarelyin

herpath,obviouslynotintendingtoletherleave.

Shegrippedherkeystighter.“I’vegottogoorI’llmissmyappointment.”
“Perfect.Thenyou’llhavetimetoexplainwhat’sfrighteningyouenoughtomakeyoushake.”
Whycouldn’thebelikeeveryothermanandignoreher?“Don’tworryaboutme.”
Stonesnorted.“Ifyouthinkthat’spossible,youdon’tknowmeverywell.Butwe’llfixthat.”
No,theywouldn’t.Lilycouldn’tlivewithherselfifStonebecameanotheroneofTimothy’s

victimsbecauseofher.ItwouldhurteverybitasbadifheturnedouttobeoneofCanton’sgoons
cometodoherin.Ohgod.Coulditbeacoincidencethatheandtheflowershadappearedwithina
fewminutesofeachother?

God,shedidn’tknowwhattothink.
Stonecrossedhisarmsoverhischestandraisedachallengingbrow.Thestareofadispleased

Dom.

“Getoutofmyway,”sheinsisted.
“Nothappening.”
“Ifyou’retooarroganttoheartheword‘no,’that’syourproblem.”Lilyturnedherbackonhim,

lockingthecarwithapressofabutton.Shedartedaroundthefarsideofthevehicleandacrossthe
nearlyemptyparkinglot,haulingasstowardDominion.

She’dprobablyneverseehimagain,andwhilethatdistressedherwaymorethanitshould,

separatingnowwouldbebetterforthemboth,especiallyifhemeantherharm.Evenifhedidn’t,he’d
beallright.Eventually,he’dpairoffwithanotherwoman.Butthatwasbetterforhim,too.AndLily
wouldhavesomepeaceofmindthatherheartwouldremainintact.

WhenshereachedDominion’sdoor,sheusedherkeycardtoopenthelockandrushedinside,

slammingthedoorbehindher.Thorpestoodtherewithawatchfulglower.

“Whatwasthatabout?”Hefrownedherway.
“Cansomeonefillinformeforafewdays?I’mtakingavacation,”Lilylied.
Oncesheknewherfewjobresponsibilitieswerefulfilled,shecouldbegoneinlessthananhour.

Shedidn’thavemuchtopackbackatherlittleapartment,justherclothesandafewtreasured
mementos.Thenshe’dstartalloveragain.Newidentity,newplace,newfaces.

Thorpescowled.“Notifwhatyou’resayingisthatyou’dliketoavoidtheprotectorI’vechosen

foryouwithoutgivinghimatry.”

Arattlingatthedoorstartledher.ItcouldonlybeStone.
WhenThorpereachedforthehandletolethimin,sheshookherheadfrantically.“Don’topenit.

Stonescaresme.”

“Anyparticularreason?”
“Heknowswhy.”Mostly.Kindof.Enoughtokeepthembusyhashingitoutwhileshe

disappeared.

Theimposingowneroftheclubstaredatherwithshrewdeyes.“WaitinAxel’sroom.I’lltalkto

him.IfI’msatisfiedwithhisexplanation,I’llstandrightbesideyouuntilyoutwoworkitout.”

Notonyourlife.“Allright.”
NowthatCantonknewwheresheworked,Lilycouldn’tputanyofherfriendsatDominionat

risk,especiallynotThorpe,Sean,andCallie.Theywereexpectingababyinafewmonths.Shewould
justdieifanythinghappenedtothem.Shedidn’twanttolietoThorpe,butifshedidn’the’donly
insistonsolvingherproblem.

AsLilyheadeddownthehall,sheheardThorpeopenthedoortoStone.Theclubownerspoke.

Stone’svoicerumbledinreturn.Theywerebothstraightshooters.Itwouldn’ttakethemlongto
comparenotes.IfStonetrulysoughttohelpher,thenhe,likeThorpe,wouldbeconcernedandwant
answers.

Lilyintendedtobegonebythen.
Shecrepttowardthebackdoorandletherselfout.Thehumidafternoonnearlysmotheredher

withheatasshecreptaroundthebuildingandsprintedforhercar.She’dgiveherselffiveminutesat
herapartmenttogatherupwhatshecouldandhopethatdecisionwasn’tfatal.Ifitwas...well,she’d
morethanearnedherdeathsentence.Ifshemanagedtomakeitoutalive,she’dhavetolearntostart
alloveragain,morealonethanever.

ChapterFour

HAT

thefuckisgoingon?”Thorpecrossedhisarmsoverhiswidechest.“SweetPeaseemed

moreangryandnervousthanscaredwhenIleftherinmyofficewithyou.Nowshelooksterrified.”

“Ithinkwecanguesswhatthismeans.”Stonedidn’thavetimeforTwentyQuestions.Heheldup

thecardhe’dfishedoutofthebouquet.“Andexactlywhowouldleaveflowersinhercar.Notjustany
flowers,lilies.Shefoundthemandherentiredemeanorchanged.Sheseemsbeyondscaredandshe
won’tletmehelpher.”

Thorpeglancedattheoblongwhitecard.“Soyoudidn’tleavethem?”
Stoneshookhishead.“Andnoonebesidesyou,me,Sean,Jack,andtheEdgingtonbrothersknow

herrealidentity?”

“Noone.IhavenoideahowCantonsuddenlyfoundher.Wehavetomovefastandgetherinto

hiding.Damnit,I’drathersendherwithyou,butshedoesn’tknowyou,”Thorpepointedout.“She
obviouslydoesn’ttrustyouandyourpast.”

Stonestifledhisdisappointmentandheldinacurse.Somehow,hehadtogetpastherfears.
LilyTaylorhadbeendealtsometoughbreaksinlifeandsheneededhelp.Hecouldhelpher.She

definitelypressedallhisbuttonsasafemale.Withpetitecurves,shelookedlikeawetdreamofa
pinupgirl.Herswingdresses,fishnets,andstilettosneverfailedtomakehimhard.Today,she’dworn
herbangsinasofttwistawayfromherdelicateface.She’dchangedherhaircolor,andnowlong
platinumringletsbounceddownherback,thesidesheldtogetherathercrownwithabrightredbow
thatmatchedherlushmouth.

“That’swhythenexttwoweeksarecritical.”Forbothherandme.“Youhavetoletmewatchover

her.Icankeephersafeandconvincehertotestify.”

Thorpescowledlikeadisapprovingfather.“No.Untilsheacceptsyou,she’smyresponsibility.

I’llhandleit.”

“She’skeptallthesamedark,uglysecretsfromyou,too.Clearly,shedoesn’ttrusteitherofus.”
Thorpepaused,thengrittedhisteeth.“UntiltheFBIcametoSeanafewmonthsagoandasked

himtogetinvolved,Ididn’tknowanythingaboutherpast.Ineverwantedtopry.SweetPea—Lily—
alwaysseemedtoodelicate.”

“Orjustverygoodathidingherissues.I’llgettothebottomofeverythingandmakesureCanton

doesn’tgettoher.YouhaveCallietothinkabout.Thatmonsterwouldabsolutelyuseyourwomanto
getwhathewants.”

Thorpemulledthatoverforalong,uncomfortablemoment.“He’smanipulatedherusingthe

peopleinherlifebefore.LetmetalktoSweetPeaforaminute.Waithere.”

Beforehecouldrespond,Thorpewasgone.Stonecursed.Andpaced.Hedidn’twanttobeatany

man’smercy,butThorpecouldproveaformidableallyifLilycontinuedtobedifficult.Shemight
nothavesharedthedetailsofherpastwithherboss,butthatcouldbeLily’sdesiretokeephimsafeas
muchasdistrust.Thoughitchafed,Stonehadtoletthisplayout.

He’danticipatedwaitingforawhile,butThorpechargedbackdownthehallalmostimmediately.

“Sheleft,damnit.Comewithme.”

Themandidn’twaittoseeifhewouldfollow,justshovedopentheclub’sfrontdoorandpushed

hiswayoutside.Stonebargedoutbehindhim,worriedforthegirl.Theybothstoppedshortatthe
absenceofLily’scutelittlecarinthelot.She’dhurledtheflowersoutofhervehicle,andpetalsof
white,pink,yellow,orange,andpurpledottedtheblacktoplikeforgottenconfetti.

Thorpeshookhishead.“Axeldeserveshispeace,butIworrythatnomancanreachLilyexcept

him.”

“Ican.She’srunningscaredandsheneedsreassurance.Shealsoneedstounderstandthereare

consequencesforactingalonewhenshe’sindanger.I’llmakemyselfloudandclear.”

Justthenanelectronicdingfilledtheair.Thorpedughisphonefromhispocket.Hecursedagain.
“Damnit.That’smyreminderthatCalliehasanappointmentwiththeobstetricianinthirty

minutes.”Hefurrowedhisbrow.

Personally,Stonecouldn’tpictureThorpeinanofficefilledwithpregnantwomen.He’dgive

“bullinachinashop”anall-newmeaning.

“WithCantonoroneofhisthugsnearby,Idon’tthinkyoushouldleaveheralone.”
“She’sgotSean.”ButThorpedidn’tsoundcompletelyassured.
Stonepressedhim.“DoyouwanttotakeachancewithCallie’ssafety?”
“You’reright.Ineedtofindherandstaybyherside.”
“I’lltrackLilydownandtextyou,”Stonevowed.“I’mtheonewhohastoconvincehertotestify,

soyouneedtoletmehandleherfromhereonout.ButIhavetofindherbeforeshedisappears.”

“Allright.”Thorpecockedhishead.“Butthisdoesn’tgiveyoufreelicensetodowhateveryou

wanttoLily.Ifyouhurtherinanyway,everyonewhoknowsandlovesthatgirlwillbesofarup
yourass,we’lldisembowelyouwithastraightpin.Gotit?”

Hurtingherwasthelastthinghe’deverdo,butnoconvincingThorpeofthatnow.He’djusthave

tofigureitoutforhimself.“Asbluntasyouare,there’snowayIcanmisunderstand.”

“Good.I’llexpectatextsoon.”Themansenthimanacidsmileashestraightenedhissuitcoat.

“Don’tmakemehuntyoudown.”

ThenThorpewasgone.
Stonegrimaced.Itwasn’tasifhe’dbeenconvictedofanythingclosetorapeormurder.Infact,if

heconvincedLilytotestify,hemightbeabletohelphermovebeyondherpastwrongsandliveafull
life.

Buthecouldn’tlie.Thoseflowers—andwhattheyimplied—worriedhimlikehell.
Stonejerkedhiskeysfromhispocket.Whereto?Thegunrange?Gutinstincttoldhimno.She

hadhergun.Evenifshewasn’tconfidentwithit,ifshebelievedthepastwascomingbacktohaunt
her,shecouldwelldecidetofleeandfindsaferground.Theonlythingshemightdobeforeleaving
townwasgrabsomethingsoutofherapartment.Hefiguredhehadafewminutes—tops—tocatchup
toherbeforeshewouldbegoneforever.

Hesprintedtohistruckandtoreoutoftheparkinglot,runningredlightsanddodgingcarsto

makeittoLily’splace.Whenheturnedintohercomplex,hepulledintoawell-manicured
semicirculardrive,thenspedtowardherbuilding.Asheapproached,gardenerspaused.Aman
wearingaDodgerscapsatinarockeronhisbalconyandwatched,divertinghisattentionfromhis
iPadtopeekattheunfoldingdrama.Stoneignoredthem.

Hehadtofindherapartmentand—withoutlettingonthatheknewheridentity,whichwouldscare

thecrapoutofherevenmore—hehadtowinhertrustenoughtoconvincehertorelyonhimstarting
now.

Unfortunately,hehadnoideahowtodothat,buthe’dbetterfigureitoutfast.

***

FIGHTING

downpanic,Lilydashedtotheclosetinherlittleefficiency.Shereachedforherluggage,

throwingbothpiecesonherbed.Onebyone,sheyankedherclothesfromtheirhangersandsnagged
themfromdrawers,shovingthemintoabeat-upduffelandhersmallbrownsuitcase.Sheglancedat
herphone.Herfiveminuteswasnearlyup.Shehadtograbherjewelry,shoveasmanyofher
toiletriesasshecouldintothetoteshekeptinthebathroom,andflee.

Panting,shemanagedallthat,thenscoopedupherlaptop,phonecharger,andtablet,too.Witha

franticgaze,sheglancedaroundthelittleunit.Whatcouldn’tshelivewithout?

She’dbettertakeitnowbecauseshewasn’tcomingback.
Aftergrabbingafewextrabucksshe’dtuckedawayinatinshekeptonthekitchencounterand

hopingitwouldbeenoughtoseeherthroughuntilshefoundwork,shespuninacircle,searching
forherpurse.Findingitonthebednexttohersuitcase,shestuffedthemoneyinherwallet,then
scannedthelittleplaceshe’dcalledhomesinceshe’dmovedtoDallas.Sheknewshewasforgetting
something...

Kneeling,sheglancedunderthebedandfoundaboxofkeepsakesshe’dbroughtfromher

formerlife.Therewasn’tmuch:anoldbirthdaycardfromhermom,apressedcorsageErinhad
givenherbeforethey’dgonetothehomecomingdancetogethersinceneitherofthemhadadate,and
thehospitalbraceletshe’dwornononeofthesaddestdaysofherlife.

Underallthat,shefoundaheavybooksheknewaswellasherownface.Itslippedintoherpalm

asifithadbeenmadetofitthere.ShecaressedtheblackvelvetcoverofherVistaRioHighSchool
yearbook,fingerstrailingoverhernameembossedonthefront.Thatextrahadbeenafrivolous
splurgebuttotallyworthitatthetime.Allherbest—andworst—memorieslayonthesepages.

Whensheflippedthetomeopen,thefrontcovercreaked.Sheskimmedthepagesofcandidshots

andorganizedactivities,seeingacollectionofpeopleandplacesshe’donceknownsowell.
Realizingsheshouldn’tbutunabletoresist,Lilythumbedherwaythroughuntilshefoundapicture
ofErinandherhammingitupforapeprally.Withbigsmilesandcheerleadingskirts,sheandher
bestiehuggedtightly,cheekspressedtogether.Behindthem,herfriend’sbigbrother,Corey,
photobombedthemwithhisfingersupandhistongueout,hisexpressionpurerock.

Littledidtheyknowthatinafewshortmonthsshewouldbetraythemterribly.
Withafrown,sheslammedthebookshutandshoveditintheboxagain.Shedidn’thavetimeto

runbacktoherbedandcurlintothefetalposition.Shedefinitelydidn’thavetimeforthis
evisceratingwalkdownmemorylane.Shesimplyhadtogetthehellout.

Lilyclosedallherluggageup,tuggeddowntheblinds,andleftthelightoninthelivingroom.It

wasonlyamatteroftimebeforeCantonfiguredoutwhereshelived.Maybethelittletablelamp
wouldfoolhimoranyonehesentheretokillherthatshewascozieduponthecouchwithaglassof
chardonnay,zonedoutonTV.Maybeitwouldbuyherenoughextratimetomakeacleangetaway.

Asshestackedupherstuffandheadedforthedoor,sheglancedoutthekitchenwindow,which

overlookedacorneroftheparkinglot.Ablackpickupshe’dneverseenhereskiddedintoview,
enginerevving.Herheartstopped.

Stone.

Hertimewasup.Ifshedidn’thurry,shewouldbetoolatetomakeherescape.
Andtheywouldbothbedead.

ChapterFive

TONE

spedthroughtheparkinglot,lookingforLily’sunit.Thebig,multibuildingcomplexwas

spreadoutoverawideareawithameanderingroadinthemiddle.Damnit,wherewasshe?Hedidn’t
seehercar,either.

Afterdrivingtotheexit,heturnedaroundandtrolledtheparkinglotagain,thistimechecking

downallthesidepathsforhercar.Ifshehadcomeheretopackup,shewouldn’tbefarfromthat
littleyellowvehicle.

Craninghisheadtoseedownasmallerlanetotheright,hecaughtsightofabright,sunnycolor.

Heburnedrubberandhauledasstogetthere.

“C’mon.C’mon...”HeprayeditwasLily’scar.Becauseifhecouldn’tfindher,he’dhavetohunt

herdown,whichprobablymeantheadingfortheKeysandhopinghecouldfigureoutwhichofthe
seventeenhundredislandsshemighthavefledto.Whatafuckingnightmare.

Asheskiddedaroundthecorner,hesawherhustlingtowardthelittleBug,rollingasuitcase.She

alsocarriedaduffelononeshoulderandanotherbigtoteontheother.Inherhands,shestruggledto
holdaclearlyheavybox.

Suddenly,asshesteppedoveracurbshecouldn’tsee,shetripped.Theboxtumbledoutofher

handsandclatteredtotheconcrete.Shefelltoherknees.Thetotesliddownherleftarm.Theduffel
cutintoherright.Thekeysfellfromherfingersandskitteredacrossthelot.

Sheleapttoherfeetandstartedgatheringeverythingagain.Thefearanddefeatonherface

stabbedStonesquareinthechest.ButhegaveLilycredit.Sheswallowedbackhertears,thenshoved
thecontentsoftheboxbackinsideandrearrangedherluggage,refusingtoletthesetbackstopher.

Stonewasevenmoredeterminednottogiveherasecondopportunitytofleefromhim.
Asshefinallyreclaimedeverythingshe’ddropped,hejerkedtoastopsidewaysbehindher

Volkswagen,blockingherexit.Heshovedhisextendedcabintoparkandhoppedout.Shecaughtsight
ofhim,thenstartedracingforhercar.

Hedoveforherkeys,butLilyrealizedwhatheintendedanddroppedeverythingagain.Because

shewascloser,shemanagedtoscoopthemupfirst.Hecouldhavetakenthemfromherbutthat
wasn’tgoingtobuildhertrust.

“No.”Sheshookherheadadamantly.“Letmego.”
“Don’tleave.”
“Ihaveto.”
“Iknowyouthinkyou’reindanger.Someonefromyourpast,right?Youdon’twanthimtocatch

youorputanyoneyoucareaboutatrisk.”

Herbigeyeswidenedwithsurprise.“Howdidyou—”

“Iwasbornbutitwasn’tyesterday,baby.Letmehelpyou.”Hereachedforher.
“HowdoIknowyou’renotinvolved?Youseemtounderstandthissituationprettywellandyou

justgotoutofprison.”Shestoodandgrippedhertote,thenbeganbackingaway.“Don’tcomenear
me.”

Stonesentherareassuringstare.“Ihavenothingtodowithanyonetryingtoscareyou.Hell,Jack

Colegotmeoutofprisontohelpsolveacybercrime.”

“DidAxelknowthat?”
“No.
“ThenIdon’ttrustyou.”
Clearlyshe’dbeendeeplyattachedtoAxel,andthatmadeStonejealousashell.“Ifyoudon’t

believeanythingelse,thenbelieveI’mheretohelpyou.”

Lilyshookherheadandgatheredherscatteredbelongingsagain.“It’snotthatsimple.Youdon’t

understandhowruthlessthismonsteris.It’sbetterifIgo.TellThorpeandAxelIsaidgood-bye,”she
chokedout.“Thankthemforeverything.”

Whenshetriedtodashpasthim,hesnaggedherarm,holdingherjusttightenoughtomakeher

stay.“Baby,letmehelpyou.”

“Youcan’t.Besides,youlookatmelikeyou’dultimatelywantsexinreturn.Idon’tlikeitandI’m

nogoodatit.”

“Whoa.”Hehelduphishands.“Ineversaidanythingaboutanexchangeofprotectionforsex.”
Shekeptonasifhehadn’tspoken.“SometimesinbedIfreakoutorcryor...God,Ineedtostop

babblingandgetoutoftown.”

AsLilydartedforhercar,Stonefiledawaythatassessmentofhersexualprowessandblocked

herpath.“Don’trun.Nostrings.Ipromise.”

“Thenwhywouldyoubother?”
Stonetriedtothinkthroughhisanswerfast.Thetruth—thatheneededhertotestify—wouldscare

thehelloutofherrightnow.Hecertainlycouldn’ttellherthathewantedhersobadlyitwasfucking
withhisbrainpanbecausethatwouldfreakherout,too.Unfortunately,thatdidn’tleavehimwith
much.“Ican’tstandtoseeyouterrified,andIpromisedThorpeI’dkeepyousafe.”

“Ifyoudon’twantsex,youfeelsorryforme,andIcan’thandlethat.Justletmegobeforethis

guyfindsyouwithme.He’llkillyou.He’llkillusboth.”Shelookedreadytobeg.“Pleasemoveyour
truck.OtherwiseI’lljumpthecurbanddriveoverthegrasstogetaway.”

Herlittlecarwouldn’tmakeit,butStonewouldbetshe’dgiveitahellofatry.Andhewas

runningoutofoptions.Thelastonehehaduphissleevepissedhimoffbutifitworked,he’dgetover
himself.

“Belogical.Thepersonwholeftthoseflowersisn’taniceguy,right?”
Ifanything,shepaledmoreassheshookherhead.“No.”
“I’mgoingtoventurethathemightevenbesomesortofcriminal.”
Lilypressedherlipstogether.Herchintrembledasshefoughtherfear.“Theworst.”
Fromeverythinghe’dbeentold,Cantonwasasociopathicprickwhodeservedaplaceofhonor

intheninthcircleofhell.“Youdon’tknowanythingaboutbeingacriminal.”

“Iknowaboutrunningfromone.”
He’dgiveherthat.She’dmanagedtokeepherselfaliveforthepastsevenyears.“Butdoyouwant

tokeeprunningfortherestofyourlife?Howlongbeforeitwearsyoudown?Howmuchlongerdo
youwanttokeepleavingfamilyandfriendstostartover,allalone?”

Hiswordsseemedtosliceatherheart,andhehatedthewaytearsfilledhereyes.“Idon’thavea

choice.”

“Youdo.Maybeittakesacriminaltothinklikeone.”

Sheglancedupathiminsurprise,asifthatthoughthadneveroccurredtoher.Thenshefrowned.

“Yousaidyou’renotaviolentperson.”

“Prisonteachesamanalotaboutthelengthshe’llgotoinordertostayalive.”
“Youcan’tkillhim.”Hervoicetrembled.
IfCantonhadfrightenedLilythismuch,thenitwouldbeStone’spleasure.“Icanoutsmarthim,

findotherwaystomakehimdisappear.Letmehandlethis.”

“Whywouldyouwantto?”
“Doyouwanttohavethisconversationagainorstartmakingadentintheproblem?Youdon’t

owemesex,andIdon’tpityyou.Canweleaveittherefornow?”

Lilypaused,lookingtorn,likeshewantedtosayyesbutdidn’twanttodraghimintoher

nightmare.

“Baby,”hecrooned.“Don’tworryaboutme.Whoeverheis—andyoucantellmeabouthimlater

—Igotthis.I’llkeepyousafe.”

Shestilldidn’tjumponhisoffer.Normally,Stonewouldappreciatethatshewasthoughtfuland

logicalandwasn’tabouttolethimbulldozeher.Today,itwasdamninconvenient.

“It’smyproblem,”shemurmured.
Andshedidn’twanttobeaburden.Heunderstood.Alltoooften,hehadabitchofatimeasking

forhelphimself.“You’reinoveryourhead.”

Lilyletoutabreathasifshecouldn’tdenythat.“Idon’tknowhowlongthiswilltake.Youcan’t

putyourlifeonhold—”

“Letmeworryaboutthat.It’shandythatthemenIworkforrefusetoleaveawomanindanger

whentheycanhelp.Iagreewiththem.Callmeold-fashioned.Oracaveman.They’rebothtrue.Let’s
go.”Heretrievedthebulkyboxshe’ddroppedearlieranddraggedtheduffeloffhershoulder.“Bring
yourtoteandgetinthetruck.”

Finally,reluctantly,shenodded.“Thanks.Idon’thavemuch,butI’llpay—”
“Youdon’towemeadime.”Iresurged.Hefelthisfacetense,hisjawfirmintoahardline.“AndI

don’twanttoargueaboutit.”

Thistimewhenhegesturedhertothetruck,shenodded.“Thanks.”Ashesettheitemshe’dtaken

fromherintothecoveredbed,shesetthetoteonthefloorboardofthepassenger ’sseat.“Canyou
backyourtruckupafewfeet?Ineedtomovemycaroritwillgettowed.I’drathermakesure
Thorpegetsitincasethenextsadsackhetakesinneedswheels.”

Stonesawthesignthatproclaimedhercarsatinafifteen-minutespot.“Yeah,butifyourun,I’ll

huntyoudown.Thinklongandhardabouthowthatwillend.”

Lilyscowled.“I’mgoingwithyoubecauseitmakessenseandyou’rerightaboutbeinginover

myhead.You’resupposedlywiththegoodguys.Yousayyoudon’twantsexandyoudon’tpityme.
That’sgreat.Youalsodon’townme.”

Notyet,butthedaywasn’tover.
“Inorderformetoprotectyou,you’regoingtohavetolistentomeandfollowdirections

withoutquestion.Youknowhowtodothat.”Heraisedabrowather.

AnditburnedhimthatAxelhadtaughther.
Sheflushed,thenloweredhergaze.Somethingaboutthegesturemadehimhardashell.Hisentire

bodytightened,lungssqueezed.Anacheforherthathadbeencoileddeepformonthsbegantounfurl.
Stoneforcedhimselftobreathe.Nowwasn’tthetimeforthis.

“Ido,”sheadmittedsoftly.
“Nowmoveyourcar.I’llfollowandwatch.”
Keysinhand,sheheadedtoherlittleyellowBug,skirtswishingwiththebreeze.Hebackedaway

andgaveherenoughspacetomovehervehiclefromthesideofthebuilding,intoanassignedspot

underanoverhang.Hefrownedwhenshesteppedoutofthecar,thendashedbacktohistruckand
reachedintohertote.“Thecomplexissuednewparkingtagsyesterday.Ineedtohangitfrommy
rearviewmirrororthey’lltowmebeforeIcanmailmykeystoThorpe.”Butitwasn’tahangtagshe
pulledfromherbag;itwasashinynewgun.Lilypointeditinhisface.“Theguywho’safterme
knowswhatmycarlookslike.Getoutandgivemeyourkeys.”

Soshecoulddisappearalone?“Notachance,baby.Youwon’tshootme.”
“Youdon’tknowhowdeterminedIam,”sheinsisted.“I’lldoit.I—”
Adeafeningexplosionrenttheairasaballoforangefireburstandswelled.Hearthammering,he

whirledaroundintimetoseetheblazeroarandbelchwhileitswallowedLily’scarwhole.

ChapterSix

theyspedawayfromDallas,Stonedugintohispocketforhiscellphone.Besidehim,Lilyhad

thankfullystoppedtremblingandhadfallensilent.Thatfuckingbombhadchangedeverything,and
aftermentallyscramblingforaplan,he’dtoldhertheywereheadedtoLouisianaandhewouldn’t
hearanymorearguments.She’dshovedapairofbudsinherears,retreatingintoherselftodeal,and
staredoutthewindowinsilenceasthesceneryzippedby.

Holdinginasigh,hedialedJack,whoansweredonthefirstring.“Whatthefuckisgoingon?

ThorpecalledmewhenyouleftDominion.DidyoufindLily?”

“Atherapartment,yeah.Justbarely,”Stoneadmitted.“Shepulledagunonme.”Andheadmired

themoxieshehadtotrythatmove.“Butthenhercarexploded.IfIhadn’tfollowedmyinstinctthat
she’drunorifI’dbeenafewminuteslater...”

Therealizationthatshecouldhavediedmadehisgutchurn.
“Hercarexploded?Likeabomb?”
“Exactlylikethat.”
“Merde,”Jackswore.“ThankgodyougottoherbeforeCanton.That’swhat’simportant.When

wedidn’thearfromeitherofyou,Iworried.Youprovidetechnicalassistance,notoperative
intelligence.”

“Icanholdmyown.”He’dlearnedalotinprison.“Rightnow,I’mheadedbacktowardLafayette

butIneedaplacetohideher,somewheresecludedanddifficulttotrace.Yougotasafehouse?IfIcan
isolateher,Icanfigureoutwhattodonext.”

“I’malreadyaheadofyou.I’lltextyoudirectionstosomeplaceCantonwillneverfind,andifhe

does,thegatorswillfindhimfirst.Inthemeantime,I’llgetwithSeantoseeifwecantrackdown
anyoneintheDallasPDworkingthiscasewho’dbewillingtokeepusapprisedoftheirinvestigation,
thetypeofincendiarydevice,andhowsophisticateditwas,anysuspectsorwitnesses.Whatever
informationmighthelp.”

“Whenwegettoyourlocation,I’llseewhatIcandigupwithalittleonlinetrollingandhacking.

Someonesomewhereknowssomething.She’ssufferedfortoolong.Thisshitisgoingtostop.”

“Testifyingwillbereallydamnhardonher,butshe’llfinallyhaveafutureonceit’soverand

she’llthankyou.Butyoudon’thaveverylongtopersuadehertocooperate.”

“Thanksforthereminder,”Stonereturnedflippantly.
“Sorry,just...”Jacksighed.“Thetwoofyouwillbespendingallyourtimealoneatmyold

fishingcabin.It’sgotthebasics.IkeepitstockedwithgroceriesbecauseMorganandIgooutthere
wheneverwecan.Thekitchenmostlyrunsonpropane.Extratanksareintheshedoutback.There’s

surveillanceequipmentintheroomattheendofthehall.Onebedroom...butyoucanmakethat
workinyourfavor.”

“How?Ican’tfuckherintocomplying,”Stoneprotestedinalowvoice.“Couch?”
Lily’swordsaboutbeingbothbadatandafraidofsexechoedinhishead.Stonedidn’tbelieveshe

couldpossiblybeterriblebetweenthesheets.Asgorgeousasshewas,asgivingasshetriedtobe,he
justcouldn’tpicturethat.Hedidn’tknowwhatthedealwasbetweenherandAxelandwhethertheguy
hadgivenheracomplexaboutherprowess,butStoneintendedtomakeherfeelawholelotbetteras
soonasshelethim.

Herfearofsexwasatotallydifferentproblem.SothatlonebedinJack’scabinmightspookher.

Untilshewasabletostarttrustinghim,theycouldn’tmoveforward.

“Noonthecouch,notifyouwanttostanduprighttomorrow,”Jackquipped.“CanIgiveyou

someadvice?”

“Shoot.”Maybetheguyhadsomethinghelpfultosay.Asitwas,Stonehadnoideahowhewas

goingtokeepLilycalm,muchlessconvincehertobetheprosecution’smainwitnessagainstaman
who’doncewipedouteveryoneshelovedandnowobviouslythreatenedtodoawaywithher.

“I’vebeeninthissituation.WithMorgan,actually.Wewerestrangersatthetime.Imanagedto

keepapsychofromshootingherinbroaddaylight.ThenItookherouttothecabintohide.Ifyou
wanttosaveLily—andyourownass—getinsideherheadfast.”

“ShehasnoideathatIknowanythingaboutherpastorhertrueidentity.”HeglancedLily’sway.

Shewasstilllookingoutthewindow,listeningtohertunes.Logically,heunderstoodthiswasherway
ofkeepingspacebetweenthemwhilesheprocessedandcalmedherselfdown.Butthewayshekept
himatarm’slengthgratedonhisnerves.“Iwanthertotellmewhosheisandwho’safterher.Iworry
thatifItellherIalreadyknow—thatwe’veallknownforthelastfewmonths—she’snevergoingto
trustmeoragreetotellajurywhatshesaw.”

Jacksighed.“I’mnotbeingbluntenough.She’sasubmissivelookingforsomeonewithafirm

handtobelongto.Learnherbackwardandforward,thenfigureoutexactlywhatsheneedsandgiveit
toher.Ifyoucandothat,she’llfollowyoutotheendsoftheearth.”

“Iknowthat’swhatyouandLoganhavebeencoachingmeforduringtheselastthreemonths.I’ll

giveiteveryfuckingthingI’vegot.”

“Ihavefaithinyou.Afterall,youputoneoveronJoaquinandtheEdgingtonbrotherswiththe

Dilbertvirus.Thatwasprettyclever.Turnthatsameshrewdmindonher.Andjustsoyouknow,the
cabincomeswithafullyequippedplayroom.Havefun.”

Jackhungup,andStonestaredathisphone.Onthescreenafewsecondslater,uppopped

directionstotheplace,alongwithafewinstructionsonhowtodisablethecabin’ssecurity.

Stonetuckedawaythedeviceandlookedacrossthecabofhistruck.Heresistedtheurgetoplace

apalmonLily’sthigh,stillbarelycoveredinashortpinkskirtandwhitethighhighs,nowwithholes
inbothknees.Thankfully,shedidn’tlookasifshe’dscrapedherselftoobadlyorbeenotherwisehurt
intheblast.Butshewasterriblyquiet.

Heoptedtotouchhershoulderandwaiteduntilshetookoutherearbudsandshutoffthemusic

blastingfromherphone.“Youhungry,baby?”

Sheshookherhead.“Howdidyouknowwheretofindmyapartment?InevertoldyouwhereI

live.”

“I’mahacker,remember?”
Herfrowntoldhimshedidn’tlikethatanswer.“SowhereinLouisianaarewegoing?”
Didshethinkhewouldtellhersothatshecouldpotentiallystartplanninganexitstrategy?“Jack

gavemealocationwherewecanhidewhilewefigureoutsomethings.I’veneverbeenthere,butI’ll
findit.”

Lilygnawedonherlip.“Youcan’tmakemyproblemgoaway.You’lljustruinyourlife.”
“Newsflash:It’salreadyprettyscrewedup.Idon’thavealottoloseexceptyou.Tellmeabout

thisdirtbagwho’sscaringyou.”

Sheshookherhead.“Don’tdothis.Youcan’tkeepmeinhidingforever,andthat’sprobablyhow

longitwouldtaketobringthisguydown.Iftheplaceyou’retakingmeissafe,great.I’llusethattime
toregroupandfigureoutwheretogonext.Whenyougetbored,I’llhaveagameplanready.”

“LikeheadingtotheKeys?”hechallenged.
Thatgotherattention.Sherearedback.“H-howdidyou...You’reahacker.Gotit.”
“Baby,whenyouwouldn’ttalktome,Iwantedtoknowallyoursecrets.Ipickedapartyour

Internetsearchesandscouredyourbrowsinghistory.”

“Areyousureyou’renotastalker?”
“I’mjustamanwho’sworriedaboutyou.Whenyoufirstblewmeoff,Ididn’tknowifyouwere

stillinlovewithAxel.ThenIjustwonderedwhatthehellyouwereupto.”

“Whyareyouhelpingme?Really.Youbarelyknowme.”
“Well,eversinceyourcarexploded,JackColeandIareonthesamepage.I’mgoingtoguess

Thorpeis,too,especiallysinceheaskedmetobeyourprotectorevenbeforethen.Texthimandlet
himknowI’vegotyouandthatyou’reokay.Letmeseebeforeyousendit.”

Lilylookedasifshewantedtoobjectbutfinallysighedandtappedonthekeys.Withahintof

rebellion,shepracticallywhippedherphoneinhisfacetoshowhimthatshewas,infact,texting
ThorpethemessageStonehadrequested.

Henodded.“Sendit.”
Shepressedherfingertothescreen.“Done.”
Thensheblinkedbackathim.Herlackofexpressionbotheredhim.Shelookedasifshe’d

crawledintosomeprotectiveshellwherenoonecouldreachheranddecidedtostay.Shealsolooked
exhausted.Thedarkcirclesunderhereyesdidn’tgivehimanydoubtthatshe’dbeenlosingsleep.He
wouldfixthatASAP.

“Good,”hepraised.“Nowputyourphoneonairplanemodesoitcan’tbetracked,justincasethis

badguyhasabeadonyou.”

Lilybitherlip.“I’dfeelbetterifThorpecouldfindus.”
Stonewishedheknewhowtoreassureherwithjustawordoratouch,butshedidn’ttrusthim

enoughforthat—yet.“Jackwillknow.Butthefewerpeoplewhocanlocateyouelectronically,the
saferyou’llbe.”Hegrippedthewheel,theglareoftheafternoonsunglintingintherearviewmirror.

Sheclutchedthephoneinhersmallhands,herblacknailpolishnearlyblendingwiththedevice

itself.“WhatifIneedtotalktosomeone?”

“I’vegotmyphone.”Hepattedhispocket.
Finallyshecomplied.Hebreathedasighofrelief.
“Nowwhat?”sheasked.
“Trustme.”
Butshewouldn’tuntilhehadearnedit.
Ifshewouldtestify,Cantonwouldprobablygoawayforalongtime.Shecouldresumeherlife,

evenbeLilyTayloragain.Butwithoutthatoption,takingdownagubernatorialcandidatewouldn’tbe
asimplefeat.Andmakingherdisappearfromhisradarforever...Thisguyhadreachandpull,soit
wouldn’tbeeasy.

“Solet’stakethisfromthetop.Whoisthisguyandwhatdoeshewant?”
Shemerelysenthimasidelongglance,shovedherearbudsbackin,andcrankedupthemusic.
Stonegrittedhisteeth.Patience.Hewantedtopressonandgettheanswerstohisthousand

questionsaboutherpast,butherdayhadbeenharrowingandoverwhelming.Shehadn’teaten,hadn’t

slept,hadn’thadamoment’speace.Oncehetookcareofthoseneeds...Thenhe’dripthosebudsout
ofherearsandstartpeelingawaythelayersofhersecretsuntilshegavehimeverythinghewanted.

***

THE

lateafternoonwashotandharshasStonepulledupinfrontofasmalldockarea.“We’realmost

there.”

Lilylookedaroundandsawonlyaricketyvesselfloatingattheendofthelittlepier.“Wehaveto

takeaboat?”

“It’saskiff.Thehouseismeanttobesafe,notnecessarilyconvenient.”
Aroundher,theswampfeltalive.Cicadassungascypresstreesreachedforthesky,their

branchesweigheddownbySpanishmoss.Afungus-likegrowthclungtothetopofthesludgybrown
water.Shedidn’tevenwanttoknowwhatreptilesandothercreepythingscrawledunderthesurface.
Abeadypairofeyesskimmingtheoppositesideoftheshorelinesuggestedgatororwhateverelse
livedouthere.

“Idon’tknowaboutthis.”
Stoneluggedhersuitcase,duffel,andboxallatonce,andshetriednottonoticehowhisarms,

shoulders,andchestbulged,ripplingwitheverymove.“You’llbealotsaferatthecabinthanifyou
stayhere.Cottonmouthsliveintheseparts.Ithinkthey’renocturnalcreatures.”Heshrugged.“Iknow
they’revenomous.Butit’syourcall.”

“You’rebackingmeintoacorner.”
“I’mtryingtosaveyourlife,”hesaidashedumpedmostofherluggageintotheskiffand

climbedin.

Shegrabbedhertoteandslammedthecardoor,tiptoeingcarefullytotheshoretoavoidanything

thatmightbiteandkillher.“I’veneverbeentoaswamp.”

“Hopefully,neitherhastheguychasingyou.”Hereacheduptograbherduffel,thenpilediton

topofherotherpiecesbeforeholdingoutahandtohelpherin.

Onceshe’dsettledintothenarrowseatoppositehim,hepulledthekeyfoboutofhispocketand

hitabutton.Sheheardanelectronicbeepandthetruck’slightsflashed,signalingthatthevehiclewas
locked.Lilyhadasinkingfeelingthatmightbethelastmodernconvenienceshesawforawhile.
God,shewasinwayoverherhead.Heck,she’dneverevenbeencamping.Shecertainlydidn’t
understandanythingaboutwhereshewas,onlythatprettymucheverythingaroundhercouldkillher
beforeCantonevencameclose.

Besidetheboat,movementcaughtherperipheralvision.Thewatersloshed.Somethingmoved

justunderthesurface,notfivefeetfromher.Sheheldinascream.

Stoneshookhisheadashepluckedouthisphoneandusedtheflashlightfeature,illuminatingthe

bottomoftheboat.

“Whatareyoudoing?”sheasked.
“Makingsurenothingcrawledintotheskiffbeforeweleavetheshore.”
Thoughshewonderedifhesaidthatmerelytoyankherchain,Lilywasstilltemptedtocrawl

ontohislapandbeghimtoprotectherfromanythingthathadmorelegsorteeththanshedid.

“We’reclear,”hemurmured,killingthelightandpocketingthephoneagain.
Hegrabbedtheoarsandstartedtorow.
“Theboatdoesn’thaveamotor?”Thathorrifiedher.
“Skiff,andno.Thewateristooshallowandthechemicalrunofffromtheengineisn’tgoodfor

theecosystem,accordingtoJack.It’snotalongride.Hangtight.I’llkeepyousafe.”

Lilybelievedthat.Forwhateverreason,he’ddecidedtosaveherfromCanton.He’dkepther

fromexplodinginhercar.Nowheseemeddeterminedtodragherouttothemiddleofnowhere
until...what?Shehadnointentionofcoughingupherpastsothathecouldlearnallhersecrets.She
wouldn’tgiveanyonethatsortofpoweroverher.Norwouldsheputanyoneinthatmuchdanger.

Theboatrideseemedlikethelongestfiveminutesofherlife.Shewaitedforagiantreptileto

snatchherfromtheboatandchompherintoawaterygravelikeasceneoutofahorrormovie.She
shriekedassomethingheavybumpedthesideoftheboatbutitswamon.Egretsandheronsswooped
aroundasorange,gold,andbrightpinkraysslantedthroughtheclouds,dazzlingwiththedying
daylight.Somethingelseshecouldn’tidentifycalledintothecomingeveningasthewindblewhot,
humidairoverherskin.Themosquitopopulationoutherehadtowayoutnumberhumans.

Finally,theynudgedupagainstanotherdock.Stonestoodandliftedherthingsontotheadjacent

pierwithseeminglylittleeffort.Thatcraphadweighedatontoher.

Hehoistedhimselfout,everymuscleinhisback,shoulders,andarmsbulgingonceagainuntilhe

stoodontop.Thenhereachedahandouttoher.

Sheblinkedupathim.“You’rejustgoingtoliftmeup?”
“Yougotabetteridea?”
Lilylookedaround.Shortoftryingtotakeagiantstepovertheslimy,life-infestedwatersand

potentiallyfalling,shedidn’t.Grimacing,sheheldoutherhand.

Withachuckle,hepulledherup,thentiedtheboatoffandturnedaround.“We’rerightover

there.”

Shefollowedsuitandsawwhatappearedtobeasmallbrowncabinwithawraparoundporch

blendinginwithitssurroundings.Itwasn’tremarkable.Shewasn’tevensureitwasstable.But
anythinghadtobebetterthanhangingoutwheresomecreaturemightdecidethatshe’dmakeagood
dinner.

“Leadtheway,”shesaidfinally.
Stonepickeduphersuitcaseandduffel.Sheretrievedhertoteandreachedforthebox.
“I’vegotit,”hetoldher,liftingitbetweenbig,capable-lookinghands.
Whycouldn’tshestoplookingatStone?Whydidshewanthimthismuch?Lilyalreadyknewthat

nomatterhowsexyshefoundhim,shewouldn’tenjoyactualsexwiththeman.Sheneverdid,even
withsomeonelikeAxel,whomshetrusted.

Atthefrontdoor,heshinedthelightfromhisphoneonakeypad.Theshackmightappearonthe

ricketyside,butthatelectronicentryandthecamerastuckedundertheeavesoverheadsaidotherwise.
Oncehe’dpunchedinthecode,heopenedthedoorandusheredherin,cartingherstuff.

Lilygropedaroundthewallforaswitch.Whensheflippeditup,nothinghappened.“Nopower.”
“Jackkeepsafewofthebreakersoffwhenhe’snotusingtheplace.Letmegoflipthem.”
Stonedisappearedoutthefrontdooragain,leavingherintheshadowedroom.Withthelastofthe

daylightslantingthroughthewindows,shesawanoldbluecouch,abeigechair,andacoffeetable
thathadseenbetterdays.Darkhardwoodfloorsfeltsolidbeneathherfeet.Thespaceopenedtoa
serviceablekitchen.Itwasn’ttheRitz,butitwasn’tanyworsethanthechildhoodhomeshe’dshared
withhermotherandbrother.Bonus,shewouldbettheydidn’tseegunviolenceandgangactivity
here.

Amomentlater,brightlightsilluminatedthecozylittleplace.Shetendedtolikeloud,eclectic

decor,butthisplacehadakitschy,homeyvibe.Therefrigeratorandkitchentablelookedlike
somethingoutofthefifties,andthelivingroomfurniturewasn’tmuchnewer,butshe’dbet
everythingherewaswellusedandwellloved.

Stonesteppedbackinsideamomentlaterandlockedthedoorbehindhim.“Haveaseatatthe

kitchentable.I’llputourstuffawayandhavealookaround.Thenwe’llfigureoutsomethingthat

resemblesdinner.”

Lilykindofwantedtoarguebecauseshedidn’twanthimtogettheimpressionthatshe’dsimply

complywithwhateverhewantedherto.Butthetruthwas,despitehernapearlier,shewasstillbeat.
Thisdayhadwornherout.Andifshewasbeingtotallyhonest,somethingabouttheedgeof
commandinhisvoiceincitedazipofexcitementdownherspine.

Hedidn’twaittoseeifshecomplied,justpickeduphercrapandheadeddownthehall.AsLily

watchedhimretreat,sheheldinasigh.Shealmostnevernoticedamanbeyondhiseyes,hishands,
andhisbehavior.ButshetookonelookatStone’sassandthoughtshemightswallowhertongue.

God,shehadtogetherheadtogether.Nodoubthewouldhaveamillionquestionsforheronce

hecameback.She’dbeentryingtodecidehowtoeffectivelyskirtthetruthorifsheshouldsimply
feedhimabunchoflies.Shestillhadn’treachedanyconclusion,andnowshehadonlymomentsto
decide.

Sheheardthethumpofherluggagehittingthefloorinanearbyroom;thenhisfootsteps

resoundedthroughthecabin,comingcloser.Herstomachknottedintoatangleofnerves.

Heappearedintheopeningbetweenthekitchenandthehallway,bracingabighandonthewall.

Hisbicepsflexed,thecoloredinktheresnagginghergaze.

“Youhungry,baby?”
Tobecontrary,shewantedtosayno.Butshereallywasfamished.“Yes.”
Withacurtnod,hepeekedintothefridge.“Whatareyourkitchenskills?Minesuck.”
“Minearegood.”She’dbeenfeedingherselfandherlittlebrothersincesheturnednineandher

momhadpickedupanotherfull-timejobinabetterpartoftown,whichhadbeenfarawayfrom
wheretheycouldaffordtolive.ButthatwasLosAngeles.“What’sinthere?”

“Besidescondimentsandbottledwater,eggs,yogurt,afewveggies...”Heshutthedoorandbent

toopenthefreezerbeneath.“Lookslikewehavesomechickenandhamburgerpatties.Andlotsof
frozencrawfish.”

Lilyshuddered.“Notmuchofafishfan.”
“BythetimefolksfromLouisianagetdonecookingcrawfishandputtingitintoanétouffée,it

doesn’treallyresemblefishanymore.”

Still,sheshookherheadandrose,peekinginside.“Ifyou’llhandmethehamburgerpatties,I

thinkIhaveanidea.”

Hepassedherthefrozenmeat.“Goodtohear.Icouldeatadozeneggsbymyselfandstillbe

starving.”

Takingafewitemssheneededoutofthefridge,shewinced.Sheneededtoremembershewasn’t

cookingforonenow,andStonecouldprobablyeatenoughforthreeofher.“Anythingherethat
resemblesbooze?”

Henarrowedhiseyes.“No.”
“Youdidn’tevenlook.”
“Idon’tneedto.We’renotdrinkingtonight.Iwantyoucompletelysober.”
Thatsucked,butsheshouldprobablykeepaclearheadforallthequestionshewouldsurelyask

her.“Givemeaboutthirtyminutes.I’llhavefoodready.”

“I’vegotnowheretogo.”Hepulledoutachair.“Exceptwhereveryouare.Sowhydon’twestart

atthetop?Themanafteryouisnamed...”

Sheturnedonthegasstoveandfishedaroundthecabinetsuntilshefoundapan.“Homicidal

Maniac.I’mnotfillinginthatblankforyou.”

Stoneclenchedhisjaw,obviouslywishingthatshe’dstopstonewalling.Hesimplydidn’tgetthat

shewasdoinghimafavor.

“Inordertodefendyou,IhavetounderstandwhatI’mupagainst.Ifyoudon’twanttogivemea

name,Ineedtoknowwhatsortofcrimeshecommitted.Whatishecapableof?”

“Anything.Everything.”Shetossedthehamburgerpattiesintothewarmpan,tryingtofocuson

themundanesothatimagesofErin’slastdayonearthdidn’tcrippleher.“Drugs,extortion,
racketeering,rape,murder.Ican’tproveit,butIthinkheoncehadaringofsexslaveshesoldoffto
fat,richmen.Hedeniedit,butitwasamazinghowmanyyounggirlsdisappearedfromour
neighborhood,seeminglywithoutatrace.Hedoesn’tpossessashredofhumanity.”

“Andyoufoundthatoutandlivedtotellthetale.”
Shedidn’tknowhowtoanswerthatwithoutimplicatingherselfsoshejustshruggedandlistened

tothemeatbegintosizzle.Amomentlater,shepokedherheadinthefridgeagain.Itwasagood
excusenottomeetStone’sdemandinggaze.

“Howoldwereyou?”
“Sixteen.Andthat’sthelastI’msayingaboutit.”Shegrabbedwhatlookedlikearugula,abagof

thicksandwichrolls,andsomeshavedParmesan.IfthiswasJack’splace,heknewhowtoeatdecently.

“Didhehurtyouphysically?”
Lilyhadn’texpectedthatquestion.Stonesoundedonedge,liketheanswercouldreally,trulyset

himoff.“Me?No.”

Justeveryoneshe’devercaredabout.
“Soyouwitnessedacrime.”
She’dwitnessedabsolutehorror.
“I’mdonetalking.”Sheflippedthefirstoftheburgers,moreforsomethingtooccupyherself

thanforanyrealneed.

Stonedidn’tsayanythingforalongminute.Atfirstshewashappyforthesilence.Thenitbegan

toworryher.Shedidn’tknowhimwell,butinherexperienceasilentStonewasathinkingStone.

Lilylookedoverhershoulderathim.Sureenough,he’dfixedhisstareonher,hiseyesfullof

speculation.Buthedidn’tsayaword.

Somehow,thatmadehermorenervous.
“DoyoulikeParmesan?”sheaskedinanely,thenberatedherself.Thefirsttacticofagood

interrogatorwastoleavesilenceforthewitnesstofill.

“Sure.Tellmeaboutyourfamily.”
“MydadranoutwhenIwaslittle.Therestaredead.”Toprecludehimfromaskingthenext,

obviousquestion,shecounteredwithaqueryofherown.“Whataboutyou?”

“WhenIwasarrested,thefedsdecidedtomakeanexampleofmeandmybuddiessothatother

affluentkidswouldunderstandtheyweren’tabovethelaw.Aroundthattime,mygrandmotherfelland
sufferedsomeinternalbleeding.Shepassedaway.Afewmonthslater,shortlyafterthesentencing,my
motherdiedofaheartattack.Weneverreconciled.Ididn’tgettoattendherfuneral.Myfather
severedalltiesafterthat.Ispentalotoftimebehindbarsreelingfromthefactthatonedecisioncost
meafuture,myfamily—everything.Thatansweryourquestion?”

“Yes.”Itcertainlywashonest.Sheletoutabreathasshescouredthenearbycabinetsforapairof

plates.

“Howdidtherestofyourfamilydie?”heasked.
Sheshouldhaveknownhewouldn’tsimplygiveup.
“Itdoesn’treallymatterbecausethey’regonenow.”
Stonelookedasifhedisagreedbutdidn’tsayso.“Whereareyoufrom?”
Shecheckedtheburgersandgrabbedthesandwichrolls,slicingtheminhalfwhiletryingtokeep

hercalm.“Nottalkingaboutmypast.”

“HowlonghaveyoubeeninDallas?”

“LongerthanIshouldhaveapparently.”
LilyglancedatStone.Hedidn’tlookthrilledbyheranswer,buthewasfarfromlosinghiscool.

“I’mnottheenemy.”

“Thatremainstobeseen.Itoldyouwhenwefirstmetthatittakesmealongtimetotrust.”She

ploppedtheburgersdownonthebuns,thencrackedopentwoeggsintothehotpan.

“Youdid,”heacknowledgedwithanod,thenrose.“I’llchecktomakesurewe’relockeduptight.

Don’twantanyonegettingin.”

Orout.
Astheeggsfried,shelistenedtotheairaroundher.Everythingsoundedsostill,quiet.Shewasn’t

usedtoit.AtDominion,somethingalwaysseemedtobegoingon.Peopletalkedandplayed,often
loudly.Eveninherapartmentbuilding,herneighborshadbeenyoungprofessionalsandsingle
parents.She’dalwaysheardvoicesandtelevisionsordoorsslamming.

Now?Absolutesilence.Itmadeheruneasy.Forthefirsttime,shewishedStonewouldcomeback.

She’dsayshewasbetteroffwiththedevilsheknew,butshedidn’treallyknowmuchabouthim.An
ex-conwithasadstory,he’djumpedintosaveherforreasonsonlyheunderstood.Shebitherlip,
uncertainwhattomakeofhim.

Frowning,sheflippedtheeggs,waitedafewmoments,thenfinishedplatingthesandwichesand

threwsomeParmesanontop,alongwithalittlesaltandpepper.

Asshesetthefoodonthetable,Stoneenteredagainandsat.“Everythingsmellsgood.”
Shescroungedupacoupleofpapertowelsandsomesilverware.“Ifyou’restillhungryafterthis,

Icanmakeyouanother.”

“Thanks.”Herosefromthetableandhuntedthroughacabinetinthelivingroom,thenreturned

withabottle.“Youobjecttovodka?”

“Youchangedyourmind?”
Hegaveherasinglesharpnod.“YoustopwhenIsayso.Isthatclear?”
Lilyswallowed.Somethinginhimhadchanged.He’dmorphedfrominterrogatortoDom.She

hearditinthetoneofhisvoice.Sheriskedaglancehisway.Yeah,itwasalloverhisface.

Againstherwillandbetterjudgment,arousallacedherblood,makinghertingleinsome

uncomfortablypersonalplaces.Adisturbingexcitementleftherbreathless.Shecouldn’tseemtonot
stare.Andthatonlymadehernipplespebbleandtheachebetweenherlegscoiltighter.

Sherippedhergazeaway.“Yes.”
Helookedasifhehadsomethingelseonhismind.Herlackofprotocol?Sherefusedtocallhim

Sir.Shewasafraidthatonceshestarted,shewouldneverstop.

Withadefiantglance,sheliftedherchin.“Areyoupouring?”
“Yep.”Heproducedashotglassfromhisbigfistandtippedthebottle,fillingit.“Go.”
“Whyareyougivingmebooze?”Tointerrogateherwhileshewasundertheinfluence?
Hecockedhisheadandsentherashrewdstare.“Whydidyouaskforit?Anddon’tgivemesome

flippantshitthatyou’rethirsty.”

No,sheknewthatwouldn’tbesmart.“BecauseIstillfeelasifI’mshakingalloverfromthecar

bomb.Ihaven’tsleptindays.”

“Andyouwerehopingtoescapeforafewhoursbypassingout?”
“Somethinglikethat.”
“You’llsleep.I’llmakesureofit.Drink.”
“Areyougoingtoplymewithmorequestions?”sheaskedsuspiciously.
“Nottonight.”
Lilywasn’tsureshebelievedhim,butthechanceforalittlebitofoblivionwastoomuchtopass

up.Sheliftedtheglassandsenthimamockingsalute.“Cheers.”

Withoutanotherword,hedugintohissandwich,eschewingsilverwareinfavorofgoodold-

fashionedeatingwithhishands.Aseggyolkrandownoneofhisfingers,helickeditoff.Insteadof
beingannoyedordisgusted,shefoundhimsexy...primal.Hemoanedandclosedhiseyeswhenhe
ate.Hisstrongjawworked.HisAdam’sapplebobbed.Shecouldn’tstopstaring.

Whatwaswrongwithher?
Lilywasn’tsureshewantedtheanswertothatquestion,soshetossedthevodkaback,relishing

theburnofthealcoholdownherthroat.Thenshedugintohersandwich,carefullycarvingitwithher
knifeandfork.

Whenshelookedupagain,shefoundStonewatchingher.“What?”
Aglancerevealedthathisplatewasempty.“Thatwasfantastic.”
Hisopinionprobablyshouldn’tmatter,butshecouldn’thelpthethinribbonofpleasurethat

woundthroughherathisapproval.“Thanks.”

Hefellsilentasshefinishedwhatshecouldofhersandwich.Knowinghiseyeswereonher,she

couldn’teatanymore.Withhisbigpresenceandintentstare,herattledher.Tensionthickenedtheair
betweenthem.Lilyhadneverfeltanythinglikeit,butsheunderstooddamnwellthatitwassexual.

Lickingherlips,sheshovedtheshotglassclosertothevodka.“Another?”
Stonetookalongtimetoanswer.“Allright.Ifyou’llagreetotrytosleepafterward.”
Astiredasshefelt?Andtoavoidmorequestions?“Sure.”
Hepoured.Shedrankandsavoredtheburn.Funny,shefeltmorerelaxedbutnotunwired.And

nothingwasgoingtomaketheterrorofhercarblowinguplessthantwentyyardsawayfromher
disappear.

Stonescrewedthetopbackonthebottleofvodka.“I’lldothedishes.Youtakeashower.The

bathroomisthefirstdoorontheleft.Thebedroomisdirectlyacrossthehall.Meetmetherewhen
you’redone.”

Shestiffened.“Why?”
“Nottoviolateyouagainstyourwill.Ihaven’thurtyouyetandI’mnotplanningonit.”
Lilyhadtoadmithehadapoint.“Allright.”
Withanod,hebeganclearingthetableandwashingthedishes.Sheretreatedtothebathroomwith

hertoteandsuitcase.Afterarelaxingbathintheoldclaw-foottubthatfeltlikealittlesliceofheaven,
sheshouldfeelmorerelaxed.AllshecouldthinkaboutwasthatStonewouldbewaitingforherinthe
bedroom.

Lilydugthroughhersuitcase.Shefoundablushsilk-and-lacenumberthatCalliehadgivenher

forherbirthday.Itwasgreatforluxuriousslumberinthesummerbutwaytooseductive.Instead,she
grabbedoneofAxel’soldT-shirts,stainedwithdyefromoneofhermanyhair-colorexperiments.
Theshortsleeveshungdowntoherelbows.Thehemfelltoherknees.

Shewashedherfaceandtookdownthevictoryrollsthatsweptthelongbangsfromherface.

Thenshebrushedthecurlsfromherhair,lettingthestrandsfallpasthershoulders.Afteraquick
brushofherteeth,shedraggedinadeepbreath.Nowornever.

Thefivestepsacrossthehallweresomeofthehardestshe’devertaken.Whenshewalkedintothe

bedroom,Stonestoodbesideafour-posterbed.He’dtuggeddownthecozyblanketsandsheets.

“Getin,”heinstructed.
Whenhesteppedbacktogiveherroom,sheclimbedintothebed,hergazeneverleavinghis.She

pulledupthecoversasiftheywouldprotecther.Asifsomepartofherdidn’twanttostripoff
everythingsheworeandtrytoactuallyenjoythetouchofaman.

Butno,she’djustfreezeup.Likeshealwaysdid.
Stonesweptherhairbackfromherfaceandbenttoher.Lily’sheartrevvedashecamecloser,

closer...Butheonlykissedhercheek.

“Closeyoureyes.Rest,”hemurmured.
“Whereareyousleeping?”
“I’llfigureitout.IwanttocheckinwithJackandreassureThorpebeforeIcallitanight.”
Hedidn’tsayanythingelse,justshutthedoorbehindhim.Shefeltalone—inabadway.Usually,

shepreferredsolitude.Tonight,shesimplyfeltlonely.

Lilytossed.Turned.Shapedherpillow.Rolledtoherside,thenherback.Everytimesheclosed

hereyes,shesawterrororsadnessor...Stone,whoconfusedher.Lilyhadnoideahowlongshe’d
beenseekingsleep,onlythatthesheetshadturnedwarm,theceilingfanwascompletelyineffective
againsttheAugusthumidity,andshedidn’twanttolietherealoneanymore.

Asifhe’dreadherthoughts,Stoneopenedthedooramomentlaterandeasedinside,hisfootfalls

nearlysilent.“You’renotasleep.”

Whyrehashtheobvious?“No.”
Hewatchedher,takingherin.Thenhereachedbehindhishead,grabbedahandfulofhisshirt,

andpeeleditoff.Histattooscoveredbothshouldersandspilledontohispectorals.Hewaseverybit
aspowerfullybuiltasshe’dimagined,andasshestared,shecouldn’tbreathe.

“Stone?”
Hedidn’tanswer,simplykickedoffhisshoesandshuckedhispants.Herbreathcaughtatthesight

ofhiminnothingbutapairofdarkbriefs.Heputunderwearmodelstoshame.Hisbody—andhis
erection—lookedbeyondhard.

Buttheexpressioninhiseyesundidhermost.Understanding,concern,tenderness.Caring.God,

whywashelookingatherthatway?

Hesaunteredtothebedandpulledbackthesheetsontheotherside.Lilythoughtsheshould

objectbutshedidn’t.Shewantedtoknowwhatheintended,wasdesperatetofindoutwhatthoughts
bouncedaroundinhishead.

Whenheclimbedinbedbesideher,hedidnothingbutopenhisarmstoher.“Yes,Ihavean

erection.Iknowit,justlikeIknowyousawit.Restassured,Icancontrolit.Comehere.Iwanttohold
youuntilyoufallasleep.”

Itwasasweetnotion.“Iwon’tbeabletonodoffwithsomeonetouchingme.”
Eventheideamadehershudder.
“Humorme.”Hemotionedhercloser.
NodenyingthathescaredLily,butapartofherjustcouldn’tpassuptheopportunitytotouch

him,feelhisstrength.Besides,hewouldn’tleaveherinpeaceuntilshecomplied.

Withasigh,sherolledoverandlaidherheadonhischestandlistenedtothebeatingofhisheart.

ChapterSeven

HEN

Stonewokejustaftersixa.m.withhisarmsallfullofLily,hewantedsobadlytowakeher

withakiss,thenrollherontoherbackandburyhimselfinsideher.Fornow,hefoundhimselfequally
contenttoholdherclose.

Throughthegrayfingersoflightfilteringthroughthebedroom’slonewindow,hewatchedher

sleep.Shelookedyoungandsoinnocentthatithurt.Nestledagainsthisbody,she’drelaxedutterly,
givinghimhertrust,eveniftemporarilyandunconsciously.Butifhelaywithhermuchlonger,he
wouldwakeherupinawayguaranteedtofreakheroutandearnhimakickintheballs.Besides,he
hadworktodoifhewantedthembothtobefree.

Stonecreptfromthebedandbrewedacupofcoffee.Nodoubt,heneededtheliquidbrainpower

beforestartingthisday.

He’dbarelyswallowedhisfirstsipwhenJackColestrodethroughthedoor,carryingafewbags,

whichhesetonthekitchentable.“Morning.”

“Hey.Lilyisstillsleeping.”
“Perfect.Howdidyoutwogetonlastnight?”
Nothalfaswellashewouldhaveliked,butshewasn’treadyforanyofthemillionandone

sexualthoughtsburningbehindhisretinas.“She’swoundtight.Likewesuspected,trustisgoingtobe
ahugeissue.Anotherwomanmightsoftenupenoughtotellmesomethingthatresemblesthetruth
aboutherpastinthenexttwoweeks,butI’mnotsureaboutthisone.Ican’taffordtochipawayather
slowly.”

“Nope,”Jackagreed,grabbingacupofcoffeeforhimself.
“I’vebeendevisingaplantocutthroughhersubterfugeabouthernameandpast.Ijustneedto

gathermoreresearch.Shouldn’tbehard.Thenwe’llgetthetruthonthetablesowecanstartdealing
withit.”

“Isthisplangoingtosetyoubackinthetrustdepartment?”
“Probably,butnotforlong.Ijustdon’tseeamoreexpedientwaytostarttalkingaboutthetruth.”
“Youworkonthat.Inthemeantime,Ihavesomeinformationforyou.ThepresssaysthatCanton

andhiswifeareheadedtoanundisclosedlocationforalovelyvacationoffthegridbeforewhat’s
expectedtobehisannouncementtojointheracetothegovernorship.”Jacksneered.“That’satall
tale,fromwhatI’mhearing.Hiswifeisinrehab—again—andhe’ssupposedlygonecampingwitha
coupleofhisaidessomewhereinTexasnearthecoast.”

“InAugust?Intheheat?”Stoneshookhisheadastheysatatthekitchentable.“That’sbullshit.

Thistimeofyear,themosquitopopulationthereisinthemillions.Ifhe’sstayinginatent,they’lleat
himalive.”

“Hewouldknowthatsincehespenthissummersasakidwithhisgrandparentswholivednear

Galveston.”

“Ontheotherhand,itwouldn’ttakehimtoolongtodrivefromGalvestontoDallas...or

whereverLilymighttravel.Iassumehebroughttheaidesalongtodohisdirtywork?Afterall,aguy
likethathaspeople.”

“UnlessLilyispersonalenoughforhimtoriskeverything,yes.”Jackshrugged.
Yeah,theycouldspeculateabouttheplansofthisviolentassholealldayandstillbewrong.Stone

didn’twanttowastethetimeorenergynow.“Thanks.”

“Everythingelsegood?”AtStone’snod,hewenton.“We’vefinallygotdecentcellserviceout

hererecently,sothatshouldmakecommunicatingeasy.I’vebroughtyouafewmoregroceries.
Hollerifyouneedanythingelse.I’mgoingtokeepdrillingdownonCanton’slocation.”

“Ifthatsonofabitchisclose,Ineedtoknow.”
“Youdo.”Jacksighedandlookedasifheknewsomethinghedidn’twanttoimpart.“Ihavesome

othernews.SomehowAxelgotwindofLily’sexplodingcar.He’sheadinghomeonaflighttoDallas
thisafternoon.”

ThatwasallStoneneeded,forAxeltocomeracingouthereandunderminewhatlittleprogress

he’dmadewithLily.Ifshehadsomeonetorelyonthatshetrustedmore,Stoneknewshe’dnever
looktohim.“Fuck.”

“Exactly.Thorpewilltrytoholdhimoffforafewdays.I’lldomybesttoembroilAxelin

somethingelsebut...Ican’tmakeanypromises.”

“Thorpestilldoesn’twanttotellAxelthat‘Misty’isn’treal?”
Jackshookhishead.“HethinksitwillonlysuckAxeldeeperintothesituation.I’veknownthe

guyforalongtime.He’sgotahellofaprotectivestreak.He’lltakethatgirlunderhiswingagain.
Probablyinsistonhidingher,too.Andmaybeshewouldlethim.Ithinkshe’drathergoon
pretendingthatLilyTaylornolongerexists.”

“Iagree.”AndStoneintendedtoabsolveherofthatnotionthismorning.“Thanksfor

everything.”

HeandJackworkedwelltogether,anditwasnicetohaveanallyinhiscornerrightnow.They

almostfeltlikefriends.StupidbecauseStoneknewhewasnohero.Butthatdidn’tseemtomatterto
themanwhosatacrossthetable,sippingacupofjoe.

“Noproblem.Oh...”Jackstoodandfishedintohispocketandretrievedakey.“Iforgot.Ifyou

wanttousetheplayroom,you’llneedthis.”

HedroppedthelittlesliceofpreciselyformedmetalintoStone’spalm.Noonehadsaidthathe

shouldbeginearningLily’strustthroughsexorromance...buttheyclearlyweren’tagainstit.

Stoneleashedhisexcitementashepocketedthekey.“Perfect.I’lltouchbaseifthereareany

developmentshere.Callmeifyou’vegotnews.”

“Willdo.”
ThesecondJackleft,Stoneheadeddownthehalltowardthelockedplayroomdoor.Hemaynot

havestartedhissexlifeasaDominant,buthecouldn’tdenythathelikedbeingincontrol.

Ashepassedthebedroom,hespottedLily’sluggageandgrimaced.Gettinghiscoverstory

straightcamefirst,soheshovedthekeybackinhisjeansanddraggedthepiecesofherluggageinto
thelivingroom.

Onebyone,heopenedthem.Oncehefoundthedetailsheneededandherpastwasoutinthe

open...Well,thatkeywasburningaholeinhispocket.Hedidn’tintendtoletitsmoldertheretoo
long.

Fornow,hecrawledbackintobedwithher.Withinmoments,shecurledaroundhim.Hersoftness

andscentarousedhimasifshe’dstrokedherhanduphiscock.ButStoneresolvedtosavorevery

momentofthedelicioushelluntilshewoke.

***

LILY

wokecozy-warmandwrappedinStone’sarms.Atsomepoint,she’dlaidherheadonhischest

andsimplydroppedintoslumber.Inthepast,she’donlyeverdonethatwithAxel,andithadtakenhim
monthstocoaxthenecessarytrustfromher.Stonehadbrokendownthatbarrierinnexttonotime.

Ohmygod.
Shejerkedoutofhisarmsandjackknifedup,staringoutthewindowthatwascoveredingauzy

blackdrapes.Sunlightstreamedfromhighinthesky.Shehadn’tjustsleptthroughthenight;she’d
conkedoutandsnoozedthroughmostofthemorning,too.

Staringdownatthemuscled,mostlynakedex-con,Lilywasn’tsureshewantedtoknowwhy

she’dtrustedhimonanylevelsoreadilyandeasily.

“Youdon’thavetojumpup.Wehavenowheretogo,”hesaidlazily,hiseyesstillclosed.
Sheswallowedhardandtriedtobreathe.Somuchintimacy...Theirbodieswerenearlyplastered

together.Thesheetssmelledlikehim,woodsy,musky.Intoxicating.

Detrimentaltohermentalhealth.
“I-Ishouldgetup.”
WhenLilytriedtocrawlfromthebed,Stoneclampedahandaroundherwrist,nothardenough

tohurtherbuttightenoughtomakecertainsheknewhedidn’twanthertoleave.“We’regoingto
talk.”

Meaningheplannedtoaskherallthequestionsshe’drefusedtoanswerlastnight.
“I’vealreadytalkedasmuchasIintendto.”Sheyankedherarm,buthedidn’tgiveaninch.“Let

go.”

Hecrackedhiseyesopen,andhisdarkexpressiontoldherthathewasn’tinthemoodfor

pushback.“Here’swhat’sgoingtohappen:Youhavetenminutesinthebathroom.Brushyourteeth,
washyourface,changeyourclothes—whateveryouneedtodo.Thenyou’llcomebackhereand
listentosomethingsIhavetosay.”

Lilydidn’twanttoagree,butitwouldgiveherareasontoescapethedizzyingmasculinityofhis

presenceandlethercollectherwitsagain.

“Fine.”
Whenhereleasedher,sheescapedandtookeverysecondofthosetenminutesinthebathroom,

plusanotherfewtosteadyherself.

Finally,hepoundedonthebathroomdoor.“Time’sup.AndIhavecoffee.”
Whensheemerged,shefoundhiminyesterday’sclothes.He’dobviouslycleanedupsomewhere.

Kitchen?Moreimportant,heheldtwomugsofsteamingbrew.

“Followme.”Hecockedhisheadtothebedroom.“Sit.”
Warily,sheperchedontheedgeofthebed.Herewardedherbyhandingheramugofliquid

caffeine.Stonesatontheothersideandsippedhiscoffee,staringatherovertherim.

“Didyousleepwell?”
Sheflushed.“YouknowIdidsinceitappearsIsleptalloveryou.”
Hefrowned.“Thatbothersyou.Why?”
“BecauseIdon’ttrustyou.”Butthatwasn’tentirelytrue.Somepartofherregisteredhimas

nonthreateningtoherphysicalsafetyorshewouldneverhavesleptfiveminutesbesidehim,much
lesstenhours.

“MaybeIdon’ttrustyou,either.”

“Whatdoesthatmean?”Shefrowned.“It’snotlikeI’mgoingtorapeyou.”
Hesethiscoffeedownonthenightstandbesidehim.“AndI’mnotgoingtorapeyou.IfI’d

wantedtolastnight,itwouldhavebeendamneasy,”hepointedoutwithanacerbicsmile.“Butasit
happens,Idon’twantyouanywayexceptwilling,panting,andbegging.”

Awaveofheatrolledthroughherbodyathiswords.She’dsayhewasthinkingwishfully,but

whenshehadawakenedallplasteredagainsthim,herrationalmindhadnearlypanickedwhileher
bodyhadn’twantedtoletgo.Ifshedidn’tsteelherselfagainsthim,wouldallthatneedingand
whimperinghe’ddescribedcomenext?

Trashingthethought,sheshookherhead.“Youkeepdreamingbig.”
Stonesentherasmileofsupremeconfidence.
Hisexpressionsetheroff.“Wipethatsmarmylookoffyourface.Orareyousoconvinced

you’regod’sgifttowomenandthat,ofcourse,I’mgoingtofallallovermyselftogetyourpantsoff
andjumponyourpenis?”

Heburstoutlaughing.“No,baby.I’mconvincedtheheatbetweenuscan’tbedenied.Butyou’re

funny,whichisapointinyourfavor.BecauseIalsoknowyou’relyingtome,whichisn’t.”

“Lying?”Achillranthroughher,leachingoutalltheheatshe’dfeltonlymomentsbefore.“What

doyoumean?”

Stonereachedbehindhim.Shethoughthemeanttograbhismugandswigthecoffee,buthe

turnedbackaroundwithanall-too-familiarblacktomeinhandanddumpeditonthebedbetween
them.

Shegasped.“Youhadnoright...”
Whenshereachedforheryearbook,hegrabbedherwrist.“LilyAlexandraTaylor.That’swho

youreallyare.Youliedtome,Thorpe,Axel...everyone.Andyoudiditforyears.Don’tdenyit.
OnceIsawthisnameembossedonthefrontofthecover,Ilookedupthecorrespondingpicture.
ImaginemysurprisetofindoutthatMistyisn’tyournameatall.AfewInternetsearchesgavemea
wholelotofinformationaboutyou,likethefactthatyou’reconsideredateenrunaway.”

Lilyshookherhead,alreadytryingtospinmoretalestothrowStoneofftrack.Buthisdarkstare

rippedawayhercomposure,warningherthathealreadykneweverystoryshe’dconcoctnowwould
bebullshit.

“You’regettingyourselfintosomethingyoudon’tunderstand.Pleasedon’tdothis.”
“YouthinkIdon’tgetamanlikeTimothyCanton?”Hescoffed.
HearingStonesaythatmonster ’snamemadeLilyfreezefromheadtotoe.Shegapedathim.

“You...”

“Figuredoutthenameoftheguytormentingyou?Nottootough.Thepolicequestionedyou

abouthim.Youdisappearedlessthanaweeklater.Icanputtwoandtwotogether.He’sjustathugwho
putalittlespitandpolishonhisstreetcredandfiguredouthowtomorphhisdrugmoneyinto
politicalpower.He’snothardtounderstand.”

Stonehadguessedthetruthsoquicklyandaccurately.Ifhecouldfigureoutallthatinanight,

whatelsecouldhedivineduringthenextfewdays?Weeks?

“Sonowthatyourbigsecretisout,whydon’tyoutellmewhathappenedsowecanstartworking

togethertotakehimdown?”

Shescrambledoffthebed,shovinghermugonthelittlenightstandandshakingherhead

frantically.“Thereisnotakinghimdown.You’reinsane.”

Stoneclimbedoffthebedandblockedherpathtothedoor.“You’reinsaneifyou’dratherkeep

runningthantry.”

“Iknowwhathe’scapableof.There’snowayIcanstophim.”

“Ifnotyou,thenwho?YoumakehimsoundbiggerthanGodzilla,likehe’sdefeatedeveryone

elsewho’severcomeupagainsthim.”

“Yes!”Shedidn’tknowhowelsetomakehimunderstand.
“Unlessyouwanthimtokeepdestroyingotherinnocentlivesandkilling,itsoundsasifyou’re

theonlyonewhocanmakesurehegetswhathedeserves.”

ThatgaveLilypause.She’dconsideredthatbefore,butshelackedthedeviousnessandthemight

tovanquishhimalone.Yetifshedied,someofhisworstsecretsdiedwithher.Thennoonewould
everknowtheterribletruth.Thethoughtofdoingnothingtostophimfromkillingsomeoneelse’s
lovedonesanddestroyingtheirfamiliesslashedhermorethanavaguesenseofshame.

Shedroppedherfaceinherhands.Tearsdidn’tcome.Ofcourse,itcouldn’tbethateasy.Why

shouldshebeallowedtopurgeallthisgriefandguiltandmoveon?

“Solet’sstartatthebeginning.”Hisvoicehadgonegentle,butshedidn’tmistakethesteel

beneath.“Howdidyoucomeintocontactwiththisfucker?”

Wasshegoingtoanswerthatquestionandputhimatrisk,too?Butifshedidn’t,wouldn’tshebe

leavingotherunsuspectingpeopleindanger?God,shedidn’tseearightanswer.

“Ineedtimetothinkaboutthis.”
Stoneshookhisheadbeforesheevenfinishedspeaking.“That’sonethingwedon’thave.We

havetoshutCantondownnow.He’sabouttodeclarehiscandidacyforgovernorofCalifornia.So
unlessyouwanthiminchargeofthewholestateanditspopulation...”

ShockpeltedLily.Shecouldn’tbreathe.Herfeetalmostwentnumbbeneathher.“Thatcan’tbe.

Everyonefromtheneighborhoodknowshe’saviolentdrugdealerandacrook.”

“Well,he’sneverbeenconvictedofanything,sowiththerightspindoctors,hispastlookslike

policebullyingandsmeartacticsfromhisopponents,bothpoliticalandotherwise.”Hesenthera
cynicalsmile.

Feelingdizzyandcold,sheclappedahandoverhermouthatthethoughtofsomeonelike

TimothyCantonbeinginchargeoflaws,taxes...andchildren.

Asshereachedouttosteadyherself,shestumbled.Stonewasrighttheretocatchher.“Together,

wecanputhimdown.”

Sheturnedtohim,incredulitydroppingherjaw.“Whyareyoubothering?”
“You’veaskedmethisquestion.”
“Istilldon’tunderstandtheanswer.”
“Letmemakemyselfclear.”
Stonepulledherbodyagainsthisandgrabbedhercheeks.Hestared,hisexpressiondelvingdeep.

Shefeltthezingandjoltoftheirconnection.Withhisgaze,itseemedasifhewilledhertounderstand
thathewantedherineverywayandrefusedtoacceptanythingless.

Lily’sheartbegantothrum.Herbloodheatedandchargedthroughherveins.Herbreasts

tightened,andshereallydidn’twanttothinkaboutwhyshecouldfeelthesoftachebloominglower
again.Shewaited,suspended,anticipationracingoverherskin.Yes,sheshouldpushhimaway.

Somehow,shecouldn’t.
Hebenttoher,swoopingdown,loomingcloser.Rightorwrong,goodorbad—itdidn’tmatter.

Lilyrosetomeethim,clutchinghishardshoulderswithdesperatefingersandpressingherself
againsthimwithagaspashecapturedherlips.

Justlikethefirsttime,hedidn’thesitateortesthiswelcome.No,hecuppedherjawinhisbig

handsandtiltedherheadtohissatisfactionbeforehedevouredherasifhe’dbeendyingforhertaste.

Theirbreathsmingled,andshesankagainsthissolidwarmth.Whatwasthischemicalreactionto

himthatshecouldn’tseemtofight?Whydidherwilltoresistalwaysevaporateassoonashetouched

her?Inthatmoment,hefeltnotonlylikesomeonewhocouldprotectherfromeverythingbadinthe
worldbutlikethemanwhocouldbringherbody—maybeevenhersoul—tolife.

Lilyclungtothetautbulgesofhisbicepsandopenedtohimeagerly.Latershe’dworryabout

whatshe’ddoifStonewasn’tallheclaimed.She’dhadsolittlepleasureinherlife,andLilywanted
todrownintheblisshegavehernow.

Suddenly,hewrenchedaway,breathinghardandstaring,asifheneededtoaffirmthatshefound

theirkisseverybitasmind-blowingashedid.Shedidn’tanswerwithwords,justgrippedhimtighter,
unabletohidethedesirejettingthroughherinahotwhirl.Therushofitwasscaryashellbutnew,
exhilarating.Awhite-knuckledthrill.Shewasn’treadytolethimgo.

“Lily,”hebreathedbeforehecockedhisheadanddescendedagain.Theirlipsfusedtogetheronce

more.Theirtonguescollided.Andshemeltedinhisarms.No,sheunraveledcompletelyashetook
hermouthinanurgentpress,claimingherwhileutterlydismantlingherresistance.

Whenshefeltlimpandbreathlessandwillingtodoanythingformore,hebackedaway.“Arewe

onthesamepagenow?”

“Youcanhavesexwithanyone,”sheblurted.
“ButwhenI’mwithsomeoneelse,Ican’thavesexwithyou.Besides,it’saboutmorethanthat.I

don’tliketoseeyouhurtorafraid.Whenyousmile,Ifindmyselfdoingthesame.Ihaveacrazy,
maybeirrationalneedtopursueyou.I’mnotfightingit,andIwishlikehellyouwouldn’t.”

Weirdly,sheunderstoodexactlywhathemeant.Herneedtobewithhimseemedcrazyand

irrationaltoher,too.Butthatdidn’tmakeitanylessreal.

Sheslumpedagainsthim.“Idon’tunderstand.”
“I’mnotsurewe’remeanttounderstand,baby.Justdeal.”
Maybehewasright.Whatevershefeltwasn’tsomethingshecouldanalyzeorcontrolbut...
“It’sallhappeningtoofast.Us,thisthingwithCanton...”
“Ifyoudragyourfeet,youmaybetoolatetosaveyourselforanyoneelse.Haven’tyoukepthis

secretslongenough?Whyshouldyoubeareverythingalone?Icanhelpyou.”Hebrushedhis
knucklesalonghercheek.“Iwanttohelpyou.Youjusthavetoletme.”

Lilyblinkedbackathim.Howmanytimeshadshefelttheweightoftheuglypastpressingdown

onherchestuntilshecouldn’tbreathe?Howoftenhadshewishedthatshecouldshareallthefears
andwretchedguiltwithatleastonepersonwhowouldunderstand?

“IfItellyouwhatyouwanttoknow,Idon’thaveanyproof.Howcouldwepossiblytakehim

down?”

“IfIknowwheretolookthroughhisrecords,Icanunearthhissecrets.Wecanturnthemoverto

thepolice.Jackwouldhelp.SowouldtheEdgingtonbrothers.I’llbetSeanMackenziewouldusehis
resources,too.”

“TheFBI?”ThethoughtofgettingtangledupwiththefedsscaredthehelloutofLily.Wouldthey

punishherforwithholdingthetruthforsolong?

Ontheotherhand,hadn’tsheearnedit?
Stonenodded.“Somebranchoflawenforcementwithteethisgoingtohavetogoafterhim.”
Shefrowned.Somehowshe’dimaginedthatanex-conwouldadvocateamorevigilanteformof

justice,likeflat-outkillingCantonhimself,butifhewasn’taviolentcriminal,shesupposedhis
involvingcopsoragentsmadesense.

“I’mscared,”shewhispered,barelyhearingherselfoverthewhooshoftheairconditioner

kickingintocombattheheat.

“Iknow.”Hereachedforherhandandsqueezedit.“I’mgoingtohelpyou,butIneedmore

details.HowdidyoucomeintocontactwithCanton?”

***

LILY

bowedherheadandlookedasifshewasgatheringhercourage.Stonedidn’tthinksheintended

tosayanythingforalongmoment,andhetriedtosortthroughotherargumentshemightuseto
persuadeher.

“Cantonwasthelocaldruglord,”shebeganhesitantly.“Herananentireneighborhoodwitha

tightfistedruleandenforceditwithabsoluteviolence.Hetriedtoappearupstanding,buteveryone
whoknewhimknewthetruth.MyfriendErin—herbrother,Corey,wasoneofhisstreetdealers.
Theirdadhadrunoffandleftthemwithnomoney.Theirmomwasabingedrinker.Coreywasjust
tryingtofeedhimselfandhisyoungersister,keeparoofovertheirheads.Theyhaditrough.But
then,thewholeneighborhooddid.”

“Sowhathappened?”
Shedraggedinajaggedbreath.“Coreygotarrested.Atthetime,hismomwasinjailfordriving

whileintoxicated.Hewasworriedabouthissister.Erinwasmybestfriend,onlyfifteen.I’mguessing
hedidn’twantchildprotectiveservicescomingtogether.I’msurehedidn’tlikejail,either.For
whateverreason,hegavethepoliceinformationaboutCanton’soperations.Theydraggedthescum
inforquestioningbutcouldneverproveanything,sohegotoff.Whilemybestie’sbigbrotherwas
tryingtolielow,Cantondecidedhe’dmakeanexampleofCorey’sfamily.”Wringingherhands,she
paused,shuttinghereyesasshegatheredherfortitude.“Heandsomeofhisthugsrapedandkilled
Erin.”

“Afifteen-year-oldgirl?”Motherfucker.Stonehadknownthat,buthearingtheanguishinher

voicesomehowmadeitmorereal.“Andyousaw?”

Shenodded,tearspoolinginhereyes.“Yeah.HediditsimplybecauseCoreywastryingtobe

braveandescapehislifeofcrime.”

“Cantonknowsyousawtheincident?”
“Yes.”
“Heletyougoafterward?”
Shehesitated.“Yes.”
Heranswerdidn’tmakesense.
“Why?”Stonescowledandtriedtodissectherwithaglance.
WhenLilyshruggedandbowedherhead,unabletolookathim,itconfirmedhisinstinctsand

madehisgutsclench.Heneededtokeepdigging.

“WhywouldacarefulbastardlikeCantonletsomeonewhocouldbothidentifyhimandturn

witnesswalkfreeafteracrimesoheinous?”

“I-Idon’tknow.”
Stonedidn’tbelieveherforaninstant.“I’mnotstupid.Tryagain.”
“IguessCantonwantedmetotellCoreyeverythingthathappenedsothathe’dknowbetterthanto

testify.”

Maybe,butthatstillsoundedoff.“Whydidn’tCantonjustkillCorey?Whywouldheleaveyouto

telltheguyandpotentiallycreateanotherenemy?”

“Idon’tknowwhyCantondidn’tjustoffhim.Ican’treadhismind.Maybebecausenoonecould

findCorey.”

“Noone?Notevenyou?”
Lilyshookherhead.“Ineversaworheardfromhimagain.”
“SoyouneverhadthechancetotellCoreywhathappenedtohissister?”
“No.”

Stoneheardawealthofguiltinthatoneword.She’dbeentearingherselfupaboutthisforyears.

Becauseshehadn’tbeenabletosaveErinGutierrez?BecauseLilyhadsurvivedandherfriend
hadn’t?“Didyoutellthepoliceanythingafteryouwitnessedyourfriend’smurder?”

“Iwantedto,butIdidn’tdare.”Lilyhadgoneghostlywhiteandhesensedherterror,evenafter

alltheseyears.“Butsomehow,thecopsfoundoutIsaworknewsomething.Theydraggedmeinand
askedmealotofquestions.”Shestoppedandwrappedherarmsaroundhermiddle,staringresolutely
atthefarwallandlookingsofragile.“Ican’ttalkaboutthisanymorerightnow.”

Stonestudiedherandscrubbedahandoverhischin.HesuspectedthiswaswhenCantonhad

killedhermotherandlittlebrother.Asbadlyashewantedtopressherfordetails,Stonefearedshe
wouldbreak.Whatshe’denduredhadbeenalotforanyonetohandle,muchlessachild.“We’llleave
itherefornow.”

Sheclosedhereyeswearily.“I’mevenscaredtotalkaboutit.WhenIwasateenager,Cantonhad

eyesandearsallovertheneighborhood.Justlikethen,I’mafraidhe’slurkingaroundacornernow,
waitingtokillme.Forthepastfewdays,I’dbeenfeelingasifsomeonewaswatchingme.NowI
knowIwasright.”

Stonejolted.“Whodidyouthinkwaswatchingyou?”
“Idon’tknow.Iranintothisguyacoupleoftimesaroundtownoverthepastfewdays.Ionly

noticedhimbecausehestaredalot.”

“You’resexy,baby.”
Shedismissedthatimmediately.“Hedidn’tlookatmelikehewantedme.Hestaredahole

throughme.”

ThatsetoffStone’sprotectiveinstincts.“Hadyouseenhimanywherebefore?”
“NotthatIremember.”
“Didyougetagoodlookathim?Howtall?Race?Distinguishingmarksortattoos?”
“Hewasprobablyfivefootten.WhiteorlightHispanic.Heworeabaseballcap,soIreallydidn’t

getagoodlookathisface.”Sheshrugged.“ThefirsttimeIsawhimIjustthoughthewascreepy.
WhenIspottedhimthenextday,Iwantedtoflee.”

Unfortunately,herdescriptionsoundedlikealotofmenandwasn’tenoughtohelphimnarrow

downanidentity.“Didyoutellanyone?”

“No.”
Ofcoursenot.She’dbeenbelievingforyearsthatshewastrappedinthishellalone.
“Fromnowon,youtellme.”
“Stone...”Sheglancedhisway,herchocolateeyespleadingwithhimtodropthequestioning.
“Noarguingaboutthis.I’mgoingtotakecareofyou.Together,we’regoingtofixthis.”
“But—”
Hecutheroffwithagentlepressofhislipstohers.Nomatterhowbadlyhewantedto,Stone

didn’tnudgehermouthopenandtasteheragain.Hedidn’ttrytopeelherclothesawayandlowerher
tothebed.Hemerelytoldherwithoutwordsthathewasthereforher.

Slowly,shestoppedtrembling.Theirbreathingsyncedup.Sherelaxedagainsthimwithasigh.

“Youknow,youconfuseme.”

“How’sthat?”
Lilyfrowned,lookingasifshewashavingatoughtimeputtingherthoughtsintowords.“Alotof

craphappenedwhenIwassixteen.PeopleI’dknownmywholelifebackedawayfromme.They
didn’twanttogetinvolvedbecausetheywereterrifiedofCanton.Mymotherthrewmeoutofthe
house.Oneofthejanitorsletmesleepatschoolforawhile,buteventuallyhetoldmeIcouldn’tstay.
Neighborswouldn’ttakemein.Myboyfriendbrokeupwithme.I’dbeenworkingatadiner,but
whenImissedafewdays,theyfiredme.Overnight,everyoneI’deverreliedonwasgone.”

Whathadthatdonetohertrustinpeople?Stonecouldonlyimaginehowagirlwouldhave

processedsuchviolencefollowedbythatkindofbetrayal.

“Baby,I’mhere.”
“Itseemsthatway.”Hereyeslookedsuspiciouslyfullwithtears,buttheyneverspilled.He

wouldn’thaveblamedherifsheboohooedhereyesoutafterthattale.Instead,shesuckeditup.“I
barelyknowyou,andyou’vebeenunderstandingandhelpfulandkindofperfecteverytimeI’ve
turnedaround.Thanks.”

Stoneknewdamnwellthatifshehadanyideathatheneededhertotestify,she’dtakeeveryoneof

thosewordsback.Butafterhearingherstory—atleastthepartsshewantedtotellhim—howcouldhe
notwanttohelphergetherlifeback?

“You’rewelcome.”Hetriedtoswallowhisguiltandturnonthecharm.“Iknowonewayyoucan

repayme.”

“I’mnothavingsexwithyouasawayofsayingthanks.Trustme,I’mdoingyouafavor,”she

assured.

Hewantedtotellherthatshemustbecompletelywrong.Withherhairgatheredintoaponytail

awayfromhernakedface,shelookedsoearnestandinnocent,yetstillsexy.Sure,helikedthe
mysteriouscateyesshecreatedwithallthatblackeyelinerandherbloodredlips,thestockingsthat
showcasedherslenderlegs,andthefigure-huggingclothessheworethatwereoftendecoratedwith
polkadotsorbows.Butwhoshewasunderallthatintriguedhimevenmore.

Whenhe’dfirstmether,Stonethoughtshe’dbeenaprettymouse,tooshytocomeoutofherhole

andtooafraidtotestify,eventhoughjusticereallyneededtobeserved.Nowhesawhowincredibly
strongshewastosimplyhavesurvivedallthatasateenagerandthenstartherlifeoveragain.

“No,you’regoingtohavesexwithmeeventuallybecausewebothwantitandyoudon’twantto

saynoanymore.AndI’mgoingtoprovetoyouthatyou’reanincrediblewomanbothinandoutof
bed.”Hekissedherforeheadandreleasedher.Hedidn’twanttodoanythingthatwouldpressLilyfor
morebeforeshewasready.“WhatIwantnowissomethingIcan’tdoformyself.Soyousee,I’mnot
perfect,kindoforotherwise.Sowouldyouputmeoutofmymiseryandmakemesomebreakfast?”

ChapterEight

daypassed.Afteradinnerofsimplechickenandrice,StonedidthedisheswhileLilyfilledthe

tubinthebathroomontheothersideofthekitchenwall.Ashestuckhishandsinsudsywater,hetried
tofocusoncleaningplates.ThatwasliketryingtothinkofGrandmaduringsextostaveofforgasm
—annoyingandineffectual.

Afterhe’dslippedbackintobedthatmorningwithLilyandwaitedforhertowake,she’dcurled

upagainsthim,onethighthrownoverhis.Ithadfeltlikethelongesthourofhislife.Warmandsoft
andsmellingsofemale,she’ddrivenhimcrazy.IthadbeenallStonecoulddotoresistfindingout
forhimselfwhethershewaswearingunderwear.Buthe’dbeenagoodboyandhadn’tcoppedacheap
feeltoanswerhisquestion.

Whenhe’dconfrontedherwithhertrueidentity,Lilyhadretreatedintohershell,obviously

tryingtogetherbearingsagain.Besidestidyingupthecabin,shehadreadabookfromtheshelfin
thelivingroomaboutCajunhistory.Theplacedidn’thaveanyTV,soshe’dwatchedamovieonhis
phoneandcaughtuponherfavoritepopculturesites.Dinnerhadbeenalmostsilent.He’dwilledher
tosaysomethingwhenhe’dtriedtoengageher.She’donlyspokenonce.

“Whoelseknowsmyrealname?”she’daskedasshepickedatherrice.
“ThorpeandSean.”
“WhichmeansCallieknows.”Aflashofangercrossedherface.“You’reputtingthemindanger.”
“Don’tyouthinktheyhavearighttoknowwhothey’reharboringsotheycanbepreparedincase

Cantonshowsup?”

Herguiltyexpressiontoldhimthatshesawhispointandhadn’tconsidereditinthatlight.
“Theywon’tcastyouout,”hereassured,takingherhand.“JackColeknows,too.He’shelping

me.We’retryingtotrackdownCanton’swhereaboutsnowandseeifwecanfigureoutwherehe’s
beenandwhathe’sbeenuptolately.Ihackedintohissystem.AllIcanseeisthathedoesn’tliketodo
muchonhiscomputerbesidesplayfantasyfootballandwatchporn.IfIdidn’tknowbetter,his
Googlesearcheswouldconvincemehe’safourteen-year-old.”

“Ididn’tsayhewassmartorsophisticated,”shedrawled.“Justthathehadasharpcriminalmind.”
“I’llstartlookingathisstaffandbuddiesnext.”
Shenoddedabsently,thenwithdrewherhand.“DidThorpetellAxelaboutme?”
Thatpossibilityseemedtodisturbhertothecore.Stonetriedtounderstandthatherformer

protectorhadbeenherpillar,andshewouldhaveanabidinginstinctnottodisappointtheman.But
Stonewishedlikehellthatshewouldn’tdwellonherformerloverandhisfeelings.

Thatwouldstoptonight,assoonashecouldunderstandherattachmenttoAxelwellenoughto

discernhowtoworkaroundit.

Stonewasn’tstupidenoughtofixateonhisurgetoslideLily’snakedbodyagainsthisandfillher

withhisachingcockwhentheyhadimportantcatch-a-killerthingstodo.ButwhilehewaitedonJack
andotherstoinvestigateCanton’slocationandplots,heandLilyhadsolittlediversionintheswamp.
Hefoundithardtothinkaboutmuchotherthanher.Besides,AxelwasduetolandinDallasinafew
hours.Iftheguywasflyinghomefromanothercontinentbecauseheworriedabout“his”SweetPea,
StonedoubtedthatAxelwasgoingtoletlittlethingslikealongrideinthecarorastatelinestophim
fromreachingLily.

Stoneknewdamnwellhehadtofigureouthowtobecomeimportanttoher—tonight—orhe’d

probablyloseherthesecondAxelwalkedin.

ThatdamnkeyJackhadgivenhimearlierstillburnedaholeinhispocket.Afterhestackedthe

lastofthecleandishesonthetowelonthecounterbesidehim,hecreptdownthehalltothelocked
dooradjacenttothesurveillanceroom.

Afteraturnofthekey,Stonestopped.Apaddedtableinthecenteroftheroomtookupmostof

thespace.Besidesthat,acoupleofwhatlookedlikeexercisematshadbeenspreadacrossthefloor.
Shelveswerefilledwithplasticshoebox–sizecontainers,eachstoringitsowntoy.Awallof
pegboardheldwhips,floggers,restraints.Itwasn’tfancyorelegant,butitwaseffective.

Hewalkedtheperimeteroftheroom,staring,hisfootstepsloudintherelativesilence.Heneeded

agameplanandheneededitfast.AccordingtowhatJackandLoganhadtoldhimviaThorpe,Lily
hadneverallowedanyoneatDominiontotouchherexceptAxel.Asfarastheyknew,themanhad
neverpunishedherwithpainorhumiliation.Stoneunderstoodwhy,knowingwhatshe’dwitnessedas
agirl.Axelhadn’trewardedherwithsex,thougheveryonesuspectedthatheandLilyhadsometimes
hadit.Andstill,sheclaimedshedidn’tenjoyitandwasn’tanygoodatit.

SoAxelhadbothpunishedandrewardedLilywithhiswords.Stoneknewhehadtobedifferent

withoutcrossingtoomanyofherboundaries.

Tallfuckingorderwhen,asSeanpointedout,hisknowledgewasalltheoretical.Buttherewasa

firsttimeforeverythingandhiswasnow.He’dfinallytopLilytonight.

Stonedrewinadeepbreathandcenteredhimself.ThatDominantpartheincreasinglyidentified

withfilledhim,expandinghislungs,makinghisbloodrace.Hehadtokeephiscool,focusonher,
andnotlosehisheadtotheneedsofhisdick.

Beforeshemadeitoutofthetub,hefoundafewimplementshehopedwouldinterestherand

spreadthemoutonanarrowtableunderarowofshelves.Hedimmedthelightsintheroom,then
shutthedoor.

Assheemergedfromthebathroom,dressedinthatsplotchy,ugly-assT-shirthesuspectedshe

woretoturnhimoff,heblockedherpathbeforesheheadedbacktothelivingroom.

“Ihavemorequestionsforyou.”
Shesighedandsenthimanexpressionthatsaidshe’dratherenduresomecrazyChinese

fingernailtorturethantalkaboutherpast.

“They’renotaboutCanton,”heassured.
“Oh.”Shelookedrelieved.“Okay.”
“Italsoisn’tarequest.”
Assoonashiswordswereout,shefroze.Theawarenessonherfacetoldhimthatsheunderstood

thecommandinhistone.“Idon’tknowifIcandothiswithyou.”

“Dowhat?”Hewantedtobeperfectlyclearthatsheunderstood.
“Submit.”Shedroppedhergazeandbowedherhead.
Lilywasn’tsureshecouldsubmittohim?Unconsciously,shejusthad.
Stoneliftedhispalmandstrokedhercrown,thenbenttokissthetopofherhead.“Youdon’t

knowuntilyoutry.”Heheldouthishand.“Ithinkyoucan.Comewithme.”

Shehesitated,hergazetornandfixedonhisoutstretchedhand.Shedebatedsolong,Stonefelt

sureshe’drefuse.Somethinginhischestwrenched.Howthefuckcouldhepersuadethisbruised,
woundedwomantoputherfaithinhim?

Beforehecoulddevisesomeotherideatowinherover,Lilyslidherhandintohis.“I’lldomy

best.”

Itwasn’tapromise,andhe’dwantedone.Logically,Stoneknewshecouldsimplybreakit,so

maybeherhonestywasbetter.

Heledhertotheplayroomandeasedthedooropen.Ashesteppedin,shegotherfirsteyefuland

gasped.

“Youdidn’texpectthis?”
“No.”Sheshookherhead.“Wow...Iwouldneverhaveimaginedaplacewitharefrigerator

builtaroundthesameyearmygrandmawasborntocomeequippedlikethis.”

Stonelaughed.Helikedherslightlyoffbeatobservationsandsenseofhumor.Shehadalottobe

seriousabout,butsomehowshemadehimlaughwhenheleastexpectedit.

“I’mfullofsurprisestonight.Kneelonthematoverthere,andwe’llnegotiate.”
Hersmilefaded,andhewouldhavelamenteditslossifaprettyblushhadn’ttakenitsplace.“Yes,

Stone.”

Thewayshesaidhisname,withthesamereverenceshe’dsay“Sir,”madehimhardandmore

determinedthanevertowinherover,bodyandsoul,tonight.

Withoutaword,sheapproachedthemats.Suddenly,shestopped.“Um,I’veonlyeverdonethis

withAxel.Whenwewerealone,Iusuallywore...somethingdifferent.”

Stonewouldratherseeherwearsomethingotherthanthegarmentsshe’denticedAxelwith,but

thiswasn’tabouthim.“Doyouneedtowearthattonighttobecomfortable?”

Lilyhesitated.“Ithinkso.It’spartofmyritual,givesmecomfort.”
Sinceshehadeveryshredofclothingsheownedwithher,Stonecockedhisheadinthedirection

ofthehall.“Goahead.”

“I’lljustbeaminute.”
Thewomanwastruetoherword,butitseemedlikeadamnlongminute.Curiositywaskilling

Stone.Heimaginedeverythingfromabodystockingtocompletenudity.Andhestartedtosweat.If
sheshowedupwearingabsolutelynothing,wouldhebeabletousehisbrainandstayontopofthe
scene?

Whenshereturned,hespunaroundtoseehertiptoeintotheroom—andlosthisjawwhenit

droppedsomewherearoundhisknees.

Sheallbutfloatedinwearingawhitebabydollnightgownwithruffledstrapsoverhershoulders,

almost-transparentflowersoverthepertswellsofherbreasts,awidebandaroundthewaistthattied
intoabigbowattheback,andsheerfabricthatbrushedherthighswitheverystep,clearlyrevealing
thatsheworetinylacypantiesbeneath.

Howthefuckwashesupposedtousehisbrainifallthebloodheneededtopoweritfledsouthto

hiscock?

“Isthisallright?”sheaskedsoftly.
Hecouldaccuseheroftryingtotorturehim,butshealreadylookedsouncertainthathedidn’t

dareputheroff-balance—atleastnotyet.

“Youlook...”Stoneblewoutabreath.“I’mprobablynevergoingtoforgethowsexyyouare

rightnow.”

Atremulouslittlesmilebrokeoutacrossherface.Hersweetblushfollowed.“Thankyou.”
“Justbeinghonest.”

Asshesanktoherkneesandsettledherselfonthemat,sheliftedbigeyestohim.“Beforewe

start,canIaskyouaquestion?”

Thatgavehimpause,buthecouldn’texactlysaynoifhewantedtowinhertrust.“Sure.”
“Whydoweneedtobeinheredoingsomethingsopersonalifyou’rejustgoingtoaskme

questions?”

Stonehadanticipatedherwantingananswerforthat.Hepulledoverarollingstoolfromthe

cornerandsatinfrontofher,focusingutterlyonherandheralone.“Becausethequestionsare
personalandwe’regoingtobuildtrustwhilewe’redoingit.What’sgoingon,bothwithCantonand
withus,istooimportanttohaveanythingless.”

Thelittlebitofchallengehe’dseenonherfaceslippedoff.“You’reright.It’sjust...everything

ishappeningsofast.Iusuallytakemoretimetothinkaboutthings.”

“IfIcouldslowitdownforyou,Iwould.”Becausehecouldn’tnottouchher,hefilteredhis

fingersthroughthesofthairathernape.“I’llbearasmuchforyouasIcan,butthat’sanotherreason
youneedtotrustme.Ifyoudon’t,you’lltrytohandleeverythingyourself,thewayyouhavefor
years.Andyou’llhavenoonetoturntoifyougetoverwhelmed.”

Assoonasthewordswereoutofhismouth,heworriedshe’dpointoutthatshehadAxel.God,

thethoughtevenmadeStonewanttogrithisteeth.

Instead,shenodded.“You’reright.Whatdoyouwanttoaskme?”
Hebreathedasighofrelief.
“First,weneedasafeword.Thinkofoneforme.I’dprefersomethingyou’veneverused

before.”Itmightbeabitselfish,buthe’drathershechoseonesolelyforthemandtheirtimetogether.

“Howabout...‘lunar ’?”Sheglancedatthemoonrisingoutsidethewindowasthesunset.
“‘Lunar ’itis.Ifyousaythat,I’llstopeverything,andwe’lldecidetogetherwhethertoproceed

differentlyornotatall.Whatareyourhardlimits?”

“IfoundoutthatI’mnotgoodwithpain.Itrieditafewtimes.Thesensationstemporarilyblocked

outeverythinginmyheadandmademelivestrictlyinthemoment.Thatwasniceatfirst.Butitalso
leftmerawandalonewithallmythoughtsoncetheycamerushingback.Ultimately,Ifeltworse
afterward,notbetter.Ididn’thavethehearttotellAxelafterhe’dgonetosomuchtroubletofinda
sadist.Bythen,hewasgettinginvolvedwithMystery,soitdidn’tmatteranyway.Oh,I’mafraidof
blindfolds.Anddefinitelynothingwithknivesorneedles.”Sheshuddered.

“AnywhereIcan’ttouchyou?”
Shesenthimanapologeticgaze,lookingabitlikeasadangelsurroundedbyherplatinumhair

andfrothywhitegarment.“Ineverreallyknowuntilthatmoment.IttookAxelalongtimebeforeI
wasmostlygoodwithhimtouchingmewheneverandwherever.”

Inotherwords,onceshe’dtrustedtheguy.Hadthattakenweeks?Months?Stonefinallydecided

he’dbebetteroffnotknowing.Hehadtonighttomakethiswork.

“Iwanttounderstandyourexperienceandwhereyouareemotionally,”hetoldher.“Howlong

wereyouunderAxel’sprotection?”

“Almostthreeyears.Thorpeaskedhimtolookafterme.Hetriedhimself.”Shesmiled.“Ithinkhe

wastoodistractedbyCallieeventhen.Hisheartwasn’tinit.AxelandIgotalong,soitwasanatural
pairing.”

“WhydidThorpethinkyouneededsomeonetolookafteryou?”
“Itstartedasaprotectionmeasure.WhenIfirstcametoDominion,someoftheDomswantedto

playwithme.Irefusedeveryone.WhenThorpeaskedwhy,ItoldhimIwasn’tready.Floatingthe
storyaroundtheclubthatIbelongedtoAxelprecludedothersfrompropositioningme.”

Soithadn’tbeenanygrandloveshe’dfeltforAxel—atleastnotatfirst.“YoutrustedAxeland

reliedonhim.Youwerefriends,right?”

“Yes.”
“Howmuchmorethanfriends?”
Shebowedherhead,finallybreakingtheireyecontact.Stonefeltthelossacutelyandrealizedthat

whenhecouldn’tseeher,hecouldn’treadher.Andhecouldn’thandlethat.

“Hedidhisbesttotakecareofme.”
“Youmeansexually?”
“Yes,”shesaidsosoftly.
Stonehadknownit,buthearingthatstillbuggedthepissoutofhim.“Andhetoppedyou,too?”
“Yes.”
“Didhespank,flog,whip,orotherwiseengageinimpactplaywithyou?”
“Notmuch.He’snotanysortofsadist.”
Painseemedtopushherbuttonsinthewrongway,andStonecouldeasilylivewithoutit.“Didhe

restrainyou?”

“Sometimes.AfterIcametotrusthim,thatgoteasier.Ievenlikediteverysooften.”
“Howoftendidyouhavesexwithhim?”
“Occasionally.”
Whatdidthatmean?Stonecrookedafingerunderherchinandliftedhergazeagain.“How

occasionally?Onceamonth?”

Shegavehimaself-consciousshrug.“Morelikeonceortwiceayear.”
Heranswershockedthehelloutofhim.Themathmeantshe’dhadsexwithAxelamerehandful

oftimes?Thatstunnedhimalloveragain.Why?

Stonefrowned,mentallydebatingwhichofthethreequestionspeltinghisbrainwouldbestserve

hisneedsnext.Hefinallychosethemostpressing.“Becausehedidn’twantitmoreoftenoryou
didn’t?”

Lilytookalongtimeanswering.“Both.”
ThatstunnedStonesilentforalongmoment.Inonesense,itprobablyshouldn’thavesurprised

himbecauseLilyclaimedshedidn’tenjoysex.Butwhyhadn’tAxelwantedhermore?Wasthatthe
reasonshebelievedshewasn’tanygoodatsex?

“Ithinkheusuallyhadsomeoneelseheenjoyedsexwithmore,”shevolunteered.Andshe

soundedreallyshamedbythat.“Henevertalkedaboutitwithmebut...”

“Whousuallyinitiatedthesexwhenyouhadit?”
Hereyesfilledwithmoistureandherlowerliptrembled.“Canwetalkaboutsomethingelse?”
“No.Iaskedyouaquestion,Lily.”
“That’snotmynameanymore.”Shesniffled,buthertearsdidn’tfall.
“Yes,itis,”heshotback.“Italwayshasbeen.Itwillbeagain.You’renotMisty.”
“IpreferSweetPea.”
Stone’sfirstinstinctwastoshutherdownbuthecheckedit.Finally,heknewsomethingshe

wantedthathecouldgiveher.“Ifyouanswermyquestionstomysatisfaction,I’llcallyouthatforthe
restofthenight.”

Sheponderedhiswordsforatensemoment.“Iinitiated.Always.”Sheslumpedhershoulders.

“Axelnever...Hehelpedmebuthedidn’treallywantme,notlikethat.IonlyaskedhimwhenI
neededtobeheldorgotsomecrazy-assideathatIcouldbeanormalwomanwithanormalsexdrive.
Andeverytime,thewholeexercisewouldremindmeforanothersixmonthsormorethatthatwasn’t
true.”

Swallowinginshock,Stonestaredather.Whensheturnedherfaceaway,hedroppedhisfinger

andletherhaveamomentofpeacewithouthimstaringdownather.Withouthimdrillingintoher
soul.

Deepinside,Lilyseemedtofeeleverybitasbrokenasshesounded.Hesawthatonherface.

Hearditinthecatchofhervoice.Damnit...

“Didheevergiveyouanorgasm?”
“Sometimes.WhenIcouldgetoutofmyheadenough,andwehadafewhourstodevotetothe

cause.LikeIsaid,I’mnotverygoodatit.”Shesoundedbothshamedanddepressedbythat,too.

StonehadasuspicionthatthoughAxelhadn’tintendedit,theguyhadmadeherfeelmorelikea

burdenthanawoman.Nowonderorgasmhadbeendifficultandrare.

“Doyoulovehim?”
“Yes.”
Herquickanswerslappedhim.Stoneclenchedhisfists.
“Asmorethanafriend?”heclarified.
Lilydidn’tanswerrightaway.“Maybe.He’stheonlymanI’vehadanysortofrelationshipwithas

anadult.He’stalkedmethroughsomanyofmyfears.I’msureyouthinkI’mstillaheadcase,butI’m
waybetternowthanIusedtobe.”

Sheprobablydidseeitthatway,andmaybeitwastrue.Butthatwasn’tlove.Stonesimplyhadto

provethattoher.AndthaturgewaswaymoreabouthisownfeelingsforLilythanhisneedto
persuadehertotakethestand.

“Whenwefirstgottogether,Icouldn’ttoleratesexatall.He’shelpedmewithsomecoping

mechanisms,”sheadded.

Stonewasn’tsurewhethertoshakeAxel’shandorpunchhimintheface.Maybeboth.Andmaybe

he’dhadotherreasonsforbeingintimatewithLilyonlywhenshe’daskedforit.Whatever.Thatwas
doneandover.NowStoneintendedtodoeverythingdifferentwithouttriggeringherfears.

“Thankyouforyourhonesty.Iknowitwasn’teasy.”
“Beingdishonestaboutmyfeelingsandneedsultimatelyhurtsmemorethanyou,”shesaid,

almostasifshewererecitingsomethingthathadbeendrummedintoherhead.

WhileStonesupposedthestatementwastrue,hesuspectedhehadAxeltothankforthat,too.
“Ithurtsbothofus,”hecorrected.“Look,I’mnottryingtogetlaidrightnow;Iwanttohelpand

understandyou.I’mdoingmybesttomakeyoulikemewithinthecontextofourlarger,more
dangeroussituationwithyourpast.Ihaveafeelingthattrustbetweenuswillbeimportantifweboth
wanttodefeatCantonandcomeoutofthisalive.Sobeforewegoanyfurther,doyouneedtosay
something?Askmeanything?”

Sheblinked,thendroppedhergazeagain.“DidyouthinkofmewhenIdidn’ttakeyourcalls

theselastfewmonths?”

“Everyfuckingday.”
Shefrowned.“Why?Itwasonekiss.”
Theshakinginhervoicetuggedathim.Hedidn’twanthertobeworriedorafraid,butthefact

thatshewantedtoknowifshe’dbeenonhismindwasprettydamnendearing.

“HellifIunderstandit.”
“Haveyou...beenwithanyonesinceyougotoutofprison?”
“Yep.”Hehopedthatdidn’tupsethertoomuchbuthewasn’tgoingtolie.“I’mnotasaint.”
“Sincewemet?”
“I’vehadopportunitiesbut...no.”
Herheadsnappedupagain.Sothatgotherattention.
“D-didyoureallylikekissingmethatmuch?”
Axelhadn’t?Stonescowled.Herraw,vulnerablequestionsconfusedhim.Mostwomenprotected

theirheartsandfeelingswithwaymoresophisticatedmirrorsandsmokescreens.Lilysimplyasked.

Stoneslidoffthestoolandgottohiskneesinfrontofher.Yeah,itprobablyupsettheD/s

psychologicalbalanceorwhatever,butLilyneededthetouchofamanrightnowwaymorethanshe
neededtheauthorityofaDom.

Hecuppedherfaceinhishands,thumbscaressinghercheeks.“Baby,Ikissedyou...andthatwas

itforme.Ihardlythinkofanythingelse,exceptimaginingwhatitwillfeellikewhenIdoalotmore
thankissyou.”

Shetriednottosmile.Andshedidn’treply,buthewasdamnhappythathisadmissionhadn’t

freakedherout.Infact,hehadabetterunderstandingofthestateofLily’sheartandmind.Nowhehad
toputthatinformationtogooduse.

Hisfatherusedtocomplainjokinglythatwomendidn’tcomewithusermanuals.Stonehadnever

reallyunderstoodhisdad’scomplaintuntilnow.Hecouldn’thelpbutfeelasifhehadonlyoneshotto
bindLilytohim.Tomorrowtherestoftheworldwouldprobablyinvade.Ifhefuckedup,hemight
notgettheopportunitytoswayherinhisdirectionagain.Sohehadtopulloutallthestopsright
fuckingnow.

“WhenyouhadsexwithAxel,wheredidheusuallytakeyou?Bed?”
Sheshookherhead.“Sofa.”
Lilydidn’telaborate,andStonefoundthatoddbutdidn’tpress.Instead,hestoodandpeeledoff

hisshirt,hidingagrinwhenshestaredraptly.

“Waithere.”Heleftandfoundhisphoneinthebedroom,thenflippedthroughthescreenstofind

themusicstreamingservicehesubscribedto.Whenhefoundachannelofsexyelectronic
instrumentals,helaunchedthefirstsongandreenteredtheplayroom.

“Thatokay?”heasked.
“Yeah.Musichelpsmerelax.”
Exactlywhathe’dbeenhoping.“Closeyoureyes.”
Shehesitated,closedthem,andopenedthemquicklyagain.“Ihavetroublewiththat.Ineedtosee

what’shappening.”

Hewouldremindherthatsheneededtotrusthimtotakecareofherduringascene,buthe

understoodthatfeardroveher.Ontheotherhand,he’dbetthatwhenshewastooawareofwhatwas
happeningaroundher,shecouldn’tshutoffherbrainenoughtoletpleasuretakeover.Axelmayhave
letLilyhaveherway.Stonecouldn’taffordto.Onsomethings,hehadtobeawarenottopushhertoo
farpastherlimitstoofast.Butrightnow,shewouldneverunravelforhimifhedidn’t.

“I’mhere.I’vegotyou.We’reinasecurehouseinthemiddleofaswamp.There’snooneout

herebutus.Putyourselfinmycare.I’lltalkyouthrougheverything.”

Lilyseemedtowrestlewithherself,bitingherlipandstaringathim,silentlyaskingifhewould

harmherwhenshecouldn’tsee.Thatfacehurthim,deepdownwherehewantedtomakeherhappy.
Buthedidn’trushher.

Finally,shecametotherightconclusionandslidhereyesshutagain.
Inreward,hestrokedthecrownofherhead.“Goodjob,SweetPea.”
“IknowIaskedyoutocallmethat,butcouldyou...”Shesighed.“Ilikeitbetterwhenyoucall

me‘baby.’Noonehasevercalledmethat.Itmakesmefeelsexy.”

AndAxelhadprobablycalledherSweetPeaorMistyallthetime.Stonetookitasagoodsign

thatshewantedthingsbetweenthetwoofthemtobedifferent.

“Baby,itwouldbemypleasure.”
Shegaveahappylittlesigh.
Hewalkedbehindherandkneltsohecouldwhisperinherear.“I’mgoingtogiveyoupleasure

now.Ready?”

“I’mnervous.”

Stoneplacedhishandsonhershouldersandstrokedhiswaydownherarms.“Nothingbut

goodnessfromhereonout.Ipromise.”

“Yes,Stone.”
Shebarelybreathedthewordsandtrembledunderhistouch.Fuck,ifthatdidn’tarousethehell

outofhim.Mostofthewomenhe’dtakentobedhadbeenjaded,afraidtobevulnerablewiththeman
insidethem.ButLilyseemednottohavemuchofafilterwhenitcametoshieldingherreactions.She
laidherselfbaremoreoftenthansherealized,andhewouldn’twanttochangethatforanything.

“Movethehairoffthebackofyourneck,”hewhisperedagainsthernape.
Heheardherbreathcatch;thensheraisedbothhandstolifttheshimmering,palemassandpushit

tooneside,exposingthenarrowcolumnandthatdelicatesweepoffleshintoherothershoulder.

“Good,”hepraised,thenfollowedthatupbypressinghislipsagainsthersensitiveskintherein

reward.Fuck,shesmelledgood,sugary-sweetwithahintofsomethingspicy.

Hebreathedherin—andhisdickwentharder.Howthefuckwashegoingtorestrainhimself

fromthrowinghertothematandshovinghiswayinsideher?Hehadto;shewasn’treadyforthat,
Stoneknew.Butdamnifhedidn’tburntotakeherineverywayknowntoman.

“Tellmehowyou’refeeling.”
“Alittlerestless.”Shesquirmedasshesatback,buttonherheels.“Alittleachy.”
“Aroused?”heprodded.
“Yes,Stone.”
God,helovedhearinghisnamefromherlips,especiallyinthatslightlybreathytone.
Hestrokedhershoulder,peelingawaythefrillylittlestrap.Hislipsfollowedhishand,settinga

slowtrailofkissesallthewayovertheslope.Lily’sbreathcaughtashemadehiswaybackup,
addinganipofhisteeth,followedbyasoothinglickofhistongue.

Whenhereachedherneckagain,hemoanedinherear.“Youtastesweet.”
Sheshudderedinhisarms.
“Areyoureyesstillclosed?”heasked.
“Yes.”
“Doyoufeelsafe?”
Thistimeshetookabitlongerinanswering.“Havingmyeyesclosedmayneverbecomfortable

forme,butit’snotareflectionofyou.”

Sosomethingabouthavinghereyesclosedmustremindherofabadexperience.Herfriend’s

rapeandmurder?Hehadtokeepherfromfallingintoherownmemoriesandfearsandfailingto
reachorgasm.

“Picturetheplayroomwe’rein.Rememberthesoftlighting.Feelthematunderyourknees.Can

youdothat?”

Shenodded.
“Areyouuncomfortablebeyondwhatyoucanbear?”
“No,”sheassuredsoftly.
“That’swhatIwanttohear.Now,keepthatimagefirmlyplantedinyourmind.Don’tletyour

thoughtsusurpthatvisualwithanythingelse.Ifyoustarttodrift,bringbackthehardwoodfloorsand
playequipment.Picturemerightherewithyou.”

“Yes,Stone.”
Thesensualsongendedthenslidintoanother,thisonewithsomechantingandpantinganda

seriouslysexualvibe.

“Focusonthemusic,”heinstructed.“Youhearthat?Youlikeit?”
Shenodded.
“Tiltyourheadback.More.Yes,alltheway.”

Onceshecomplied,Stonetrailedafingertipfromthetipofherchin,downherthroat,intothe

hollowbeneath,anddescendedslowlytowardtheswellsofherbreasts.“Canyoufeelmebehind
you?”

Shenodded.“Youputoffsomuchheat.Yourskinissoftbuteverythingbeneathismuscledand

hard.EverytimeItakeabreath,Ismellthatyou’reaman.”Sheletoutashakybreath.“Ilikeit.”

ThatwasmorehonestythanStonehadexpected,andhedecidedtorewardheragainwithanother

kisstoherneck,anothermurmurinherear.“You’resodelicateundermyhands.”Hecaressedher
armsagain,thenlethispalmsdriftdowntoherwaist.“Sotenderundermylips.Tellme,baby...are
yournippleshard?”

“Ithinkso.”
Butshedidn’tknowforsure?Thattoldhimthatherbrainandherbodymightnotbesyncingup

yet.“Touchyourselfandfindoutforme.”

Lilydidn’tmoverightaway.Wasshewonderingwhyhedidn’tcheckhimself?Shedidn’task,

simplyplacedherfingertipsoverthebabydoll’swispyfabricwhereitcoveredherbreast,then
yankedherhandawayquickly.“Yes.”

Hesmiled.“Areyousure?Checkagain.Bereallythorough.”
“Youjustwanttowatchmetouchmyself,”sheaccusedbreathlessly.
“Damnstraight.”
Shedidn’tobeyrightaway.Stonefeltthesecondshewentupinherheadandthoughttoomuch

aboutthemechanicsofwhathe’dasked.Thenhe’dbetsheweighedhowshewouldlooktohimorif
arousingherselfmorewhilehewatchedwouldearnherpraiseormakeherfeelashamed.

“You’retakingtoolong,”hewarned.
“Ican’tstopthinkingthatyou’regoingtobelookingovermyshoulderandwatchingme.”
“Let’smakethatworrygoaway.I’lljusteasearoundyouandplantmyselfrighthere,”hesaid

inchesfromherface.“Sonow,I’mnotlookingoveryourshoulderanymore.I’mjustlooking.”

Hercheeksturnedaprettyrosyshadeandsheopenedhereyes,focusinginonhim.“You’re

goingtoleeratmewhileItouchmyself?”

Hechuckled,likingthedreamyexpressioninhereyes,herslightlydilatedpupils.“Prettymuch.

Unlessthatbothersyouforsomereason.”

“No.It’sjustnotwhatI’musedto.”
“Iknow.Rightnow,there’sonlyusandwhateverwewant.”Hecuppedhercheek.“Yougotthat?

I’mnotjudginganything.Ijustwantyoutobeallright.Iwantyoutofeelpleasure.”

Lilynodded.“Beingwithyou...it’ssodifferent.”
“I’mnotAxel.”Andthoughheunderstoodwhyshestillhadthemanonhermind,itpissedStone

offthatshecouldn’tthinkabouthimwhenhewasinfrontofher,half-nakedandwanting.

“Obviously,”sheagreed.
Hegrabbedforhispatience.“Differentisn’tbad.”
“Itisn’t,”sheacknowledged,andheletoutasighofrelief.“WhatImeantwasthateverything

feelssodifferentwhenthepurposeoftheplayistofeelgood,notsimplytoscrewmyheadon
straight.It’s...nicetobewanted.”

Herwordstookhimaback.Heshouldhaveputtwoandtwotogetherearlierandrealizedshe

wasn’treallyusedtoindulgingaman’sdesire.Ontheotherhand,ifThorpewasright,shehadthe
heartofasubmissive.Shewantedtoplease.IthadbeenonethingtoobeyAxelwhenhe’dmerelybeen
tryingtoleadherdownapathtohelphergrow.Itwasanotherforhertoactuallysatisfyamanshe
wouldkneelforandeventuallygiveherselfto.She’dwantthat.

AndStoneintendedtogiveittoher.

“I’mstillwaiting—andnotverypatiently.Touchyournipple.Takeyourbreastoutofyour

nightgownandcaressthathardnub.RightwhereIcanseeeverything.”

Lily’sbreathingturnedchoppy.Shetrembledabitassheliftedherhandsfromherlapandpulled

thesideofherbabydolldownwithonehandandliftedhersweetbreastabovethefabricwiththe
other.Thesightofthegentleswellinherhandarousedthehelloutofhim,butwhenshedraggedher
thumbacrosstheturgidpinkpeakandsuckedinalittlegasp,Stonenearlylosthisfuckingmind.

“That’sit.Again.”
Whenshecompliedandlookedathimwiththebigeyesseekingapproval,hecouldn’tresist

cuppinghishandaroundhershoulderandcomingcloser.

“Didthatfeelgood?”Hiswordscameoutroughandlow,andhehopedthatwouldn’tscareher.
Thebravegirlgavehimalittlenod.“Knowingthatyou’rewatchingandlikingwhatyouseeisits

ownpleasure.”

Justhertonemadeitclearshehadn’texpectedthat.
“Doyouevertouchyourselfwhenyou’realone,makeyourselfcome?”
Atthatquestion,shefrowned.“Notsomuch.Ifeelawkward,weird,touchingmyselfwhenI’m

alone.InevergotthechancetobeforeIlefthomeasakidsinceIsharedabedroomwithmylittle
brother.Iknowtoysexistsothatit’smoreexpedientandlessmessy,butIdon’tlikehearingthings
buzz.Idon’tlikeplastic.Andthenthere’sthewholefeeling-too-alonething.Masturbationjustisn’t
forme.”

Stonewouldbetshejusthadn’thadtherightimpetus.Inthepast,she’dprobablytrieddoingitfor

thesamereasonshetriedsexwithAxel,tofeelnormal.Whenshefiguredouthowtotuneherbrainto
pleasureandsimplyindulged,hesuspectedshe’dfeelverydifferentlyaboutthesubject.Andifhaving
himwatchturnedheron,thenhewastotallygame.Becauseseeinghertouchherselfevennowwas
abouttomakehiscockbustthroughhiszipper.

“Keeptouchingthatnippleforme,”hecoaxed.“Justflickitbackandforth...Yeah.”
Hereyesslidshut.Despitethefactthathe’dtoldherearliertoclosethemandfocus,nowStone

feltshutoutofherexperience,andthathewouldn’ttolerate.

“Lookatme,baby.”
Lilywasslowtocomply.Sheliftedherthumbawayfromherbreastbeforeherlashesfluttered

open.“AmIdoingsomethingwrong?”

“No.Iwantyoutotouchyourselfagainbutlookatme.Rightatme.Don’tlookaway.”
“Youreallywanttowatchme?”
“Fuck,yeah.”
Anervouslittlesmilecreptupherface,butshedidn’trefuse.Instead,shedraggedherthumbover

thehardpointagain.Attheflickofherdigit,Stonewatchedherpeakbend,bounceback,thenharden
evenmore.Shewassoclosethathecouldnearlytouchithimself.Hell,hecouldnearlytasteit.His
mouthwateredjustthinkingaboutworkingthestiffbudwithhislipsandtongue,givingheraslight
stingwithhisteeth.

Hegroaned.Atthesound,hereyeswidened.Sheblinked,thenlookeddownhisbody,rightwhere

hishardcockfoughttoescapehispants.

Stonegrabbedathisbulge.“Thisisforyou,baby.Thisiswhatyoudotome.Watchingyouis

excruciatingtorture,andyetIcan’tstop.Pinchyournipple.Squeezeit.Justlikethat,”heencouraged.
“Doesitfeelgood?Canyoufeelthebloodfillingit?Doyoulikethetingleandbite?”

Herbreathwasn’tquitesteadyasshenoddedandtriedtoclosehereyesagain.“Yes.”
“Openthoseprettyeyes.Lookatme.Don’tlookaway.”
Withaflutterofherlashes,shedidashedemanded.Hereyeshaddarkenedfromthecolorof

meltedchocolatetosultrymidnight.Stonecouldn’thelphimself.Hehadtotouchher,stakeaclaim.

“Doitagain.Don’tstopuntilItellyou,”hemurmuredacrossherskinashebrushedhisknuckles

alonghercollarbone.

Hereyeswidened.Sherewardedhimwithgoosefleshandalittlewhimper.Thenshedidexactly

ashe’dinstructed,takingthehardnubbetweenherthumbandfingerandgivingitasqueeze.

Herwhimperbecameamoan.
“Harder,”hecommanded.“Doitnow.”
Tohissatisfaction,Lilyobeyedreadily,almostviciously;thensheraspedtheedgeofher

fingernailacrossthesensitivepeak.Ittightened,turningrosyasitfilledwithmoreblood.Stone
watchedinutterfascination.Andwhenhermoanbecameahigh-pitchedkeening,hesmiled.

“That’sfuckingpretty,baby.Canyoudothattotheotherbreast?”heaskedashetuckedhis

fingersundertheotherstrapofherbabydollandlifteditoffhershoulder,lettingitfalluselessly
downherarm.“Showme.Teaseyournipple.”

Lilydidn’thesitatetoliftherotherbreastfromthenightgownandrevealtheperfectswellalong

withitstightberrytip.

“Damn,”hechokedout.“Sofuckingbeautiful.Lookatyou.”Hetrailedhisfingertipsinalight

caressdownthesideofherbreast,thenwithdrewquicklyincasesheobjected.Butheshouldn’thave
worried.Lily’seyessoftenedinthanks.

Assheletoutasigh,shefirstbrushedthenewlyexposedkernelgentlywithherthumb,then

frownedasifthesensationdispleasedher.

Sheblinkedathiminconfusion.
“Youwantmorenow,”hesupplied.“You’resensitiveandyouwanttofeel.Pinch,tug,twist.Make

thatnipplecomealive.Showmehowyouwantthemtouched.”

Withashakybobofherhead,Lilyclampedherfingersaroundthebarelytouchedpeakandgave

itahardyank,aviseofapinch,thenascrapewithhernail.Herwholebodyseemedtomeltasshe
tossedherheadbackwithashiver.

Stonethoughthemightcrawloutofhisskinwithwantingher.Hecurledahandaroundhernape

andforcedherstarebacktohis.Hernot-quite-focusedeyesandpleadingglancebegantounhingehis
restraint.

“That’sthewayIliketoseeyou.Youlikeit,too.Icantell.”Heleanedcloser,whisperingagainst

herlips.“Doitagain,butteasebothyournipplesatonce.Rightnow.”

Themomentsheclenchedhernipplesbetweenherthumbsandforefingers,sheyelped.Thenshe

groanedassensationhither.Stoneswallowedthesoundbycoveringhermouthwithhisownand
surgingdeepinside.Inthismoment,heownedher.Andhecravedmore.Helovedtheideaofhaving
everypartofherbelongtohim,spreadoutforhisviewingpleasure,readywheneverhewantedher.
Whichwouldbealways.Butwithsuchabeauty,whocouldblamehim?

Shekeenedoutandhedrankinherneed,itchingtotouchthosesweetnippleshimself.Ashe

changedtheangleofthekissandroseonhiskneesaboveher,bringinghercloser,helethisfingers
trailfromhershoulders,downtotheswellsofherpoutybreasts.Hecoveredherhandwithhispalm,
helpinghersupportthedrawn-upcurvewhilehecaressedherso-softskinanditchedtoputhis
fingersrightwherehersworked.

Themomentshereleasedthereddeningtips,hemovedin,dragginghisthumboverwhathadto

behersupersensitiveflesh.

Lilytoreherlipsfromhis.“Stone!”
“YoulikeitwhenIdothattoyou?Doyoulikemyfingerstuggingonyournipples,baby?”
“Yes.”Shestared,lookingsomewherebetweenpleadingandhelpless.
“You’reaskingformorewiththatexpression,”hewarned.“Justbeggingmefortheanswertothe

gnawingachegrowingbetweenyourlegs.You’rewet,right?”

“Iam,”shesaidwithsuchtorturedhonesty.
“Haveyoueverfeltthisneed?”
“Notthissharply.Youcan’tleaveme...”
“Iwon’t,”heassured,brushingherrighthandfromherbreastandtakingover.“Youlikeyour

nipplestoyedwithandyoulikeitrough.Ilovetouchingyou,baby.I’lltakecareofit.”Whenshe
flushedalloverathiswordsandherlittlecandypeakshardenedagain,hegroaned.“Lookatyou.
God,Idon’teverrememberanythingsexier.Youwantmore?”

Shenoddedadamantly,demandingwithoutaword.
“Youwantmoreofmyfingers?”Hepinched,teased,toyed,twisted,enjoyinghergaspsandthe

wayshewriggledasiftheacheofhercuntwasbecomingtoomuchtofight.“Ordoyouwant
somethingmore?Doyouwantmetosuckyou?”

Whenhebenttoherbreast,hetestedbothherarousalandherfearbydrawinghernippleintohis

mouthandrollingitaroundonhistongue.Lilygaveananimalcryofdesperationandwrappedher
armsaroundhishead,clutchinghimcloser.

Withapop,heeasedherbudfromhismouthandsmiled.“WouldyoulikeitifIdidthattoyour

otherbreast?Let’ssee...”

Hedidn’thearanythingthatresembledhersafeword,sohekissedapathfromthehollowofher

throat,hislipscoastingdownvelvetskin,allthewaydowntothehardcreststabbingtheairasif
silentlydemandingattention.Gently,hesurroundedthenubwithhislips,thenlavedit,histongue
proddingitbackandforthoverherarousedflesh,justbarelythere.

“Thatenough?”heteased.
“No.”Sheclungtohisshoulders.“More.Please.I’m...lost.”
Somethingaboutthewayshebeggedtoldhimthatshe’dneverdonethatinherlife.Satisfaction

andadesiretoownherslammedhim.Stonewantedtobetheonlymanwhoeverheardherintrue
need.Hewantedtobetheonlymanwhosatedit,too.

“Lost?”Hegaveheramockfrown.“Oh,baby.I’llhelpyoufindexactlywhereyoushouldbe.Lie

back.”

Stoneworriedshewouldrefuseordemur,butafteramoment’shesitation,shenearlymeltedinto

themat,thedelicateswellsofherbreastspointingtowardthesky,thetipscallinghisnameinasiren
songhecouldn’tresist.

Lilyflungonearmoverherhead.Theothershedrapedacrosshermiddle.Shelookedlikea

seductivegoddessfinallywakingtothepowerofherownbodyandsensuality.“Likethis?”

Hetookherin,thegauzywhitegivingherfairskinaluminescentquality.Shelookedlikea

fuckingpearl,allglowing.Stonecouldn’ttakehiseyesoffher.“Almost.Nowbendyourknees.”

Withafurrowofconfusionwrinklingherbrow,Lilyplantedherfeetflatontheground.Gravity

causedthehandkerchiefhemofthebabydolltoslidedownherthighs,revealingacreamylengthof
legandahintoflaceunderneath.

“That’snice,baby.Reallynice.Youwouldlookevenprettierifyouspreadyourlegsforme.”

Whenshehesitated,lookinguncertain,Stonebackpedaled.“Justalittlemore.That’sall.Get
comfortable.”

Sheswallowed.“Youwon’thurtme?”
Asarousedashewas,Stonestoppedeverythingandcaressedhercheek.Whenshepeeredupat

him,fearanduncertaintycreepingbackintoherexpression,hemurmuredasoothingsound.“Never.
Whateverhappensbetweenus,I’llneverdoanythingbutprotectandpleasureyou.”Hecaressedhis
waydowntoherbreastandfilledhispalmwithit,histhumbtakingaslowslideoverthesensitivetip
again.“Ever.DoyouhaveanyideahowgoodIwanttomakeyoufeel?”

Exactlyashe’dhoped,thatturnedLily’sthoughtsawayfromwhateverdisturbedherandturned

herbacktowardbliss.

Lilyarchedintohistouch,hereyesdriftingshutforthebarestofmomentsasshegroaned.And

shespreadherlegswider.

Whenhebentandtookhernippleintohismouthandfondledtheother,hereyesflewopenwide.

“Stone!”

“Youlikethat?”
“Yes,”shepanted.“It’s...Iacheeverywhere.It’stoobig.Can’tfightit.”
“Don’ttry.Iache,too,baby.I’mabsolutelydyingtoseeyougiveintopleasure.Doyouwant

that?Doyouwanttocome?”

Ashecontinuedtolickandpinchhernipples,hestared,hisgazedelvingintohersuntilshe

scratchedatthematsandnoddedfeverishly.“Idon’tknowwhat’shappening.”

“Justpleasure.FollowmeandI’llmakesureyougettoorgasm.Dothatforme,baby.Weboth

wantyoutoreachit.”

Shepanted,herfacesofteningwithneed.Hervoicethinnedwithdesperation.“How?”
“Letmetouchyourpussy.”

ChapterNine

OUCH

her...there?LilyhadneverusedthewordStonehadjustutteredinherlife.Truthfully,only

Axelhadevertouchedbetweenherlegs.Somewhereinthebackofherhead,she’dneverbeenableto
forgetthathehaddoneittobehelpful,outoffarmorepitythandesire.

ButthesexualheatinStone’seyes,theflushofredslashingdownhischeeks,theseductionofhis

words—theyallpromisedthatsympathywasthelastthinghefeltforher.He’dbeensopatient,so
encouraging.Withhim,shefeltfreeandsexy.Notlikeaburdenbutawoman.

She’dbeendesperatetofeelthiswayforthepastthreeyears.
“Ifyouwantmetotouchyouandmakeyoufeelevenbetter,allyouhavetodoisrelaxandletme

slipmyhandunderthoselacypanties,”hemutteredgruffly.Hisedgeofimpatienceturnedheron.
“I’lldotherest.”

Thepullofhismouthonhernippleagainelectrifiedher.Shewantedtofeelhimeverywhere,

wantedtoknowjusthowmuchpleasurehecouldgiveher.Butasbadlyassheached,theflashesofthe
pastsimplywouldn’tbebanished.HorrificimagesofErin’slasthouronthisearthpeltedher,those
momentsCantonhadrippedawayherjeansandherinnocencewithaterriblegleebeforeheended
herlife.Shestillheardthescreams,stillsmelledtheblood...

“I-Ican’t,”Lilysobbedasshetriedtopushhimaway,shovingathishandsandclampingherlegs

togetheragain.“It’stoomuch.Idon’t—”

“Shh.Okay.”Stoneshiftedallhisattentionfromherbodybacktoherface.Theirgazesconnected.

Hestrokedherhairsogently,shealmostcried.“It’sallright.Doyouneedyoursafeword?OrcanI
keepkissingyou?Touchingyourbreasts?”

Hewasn’tangryorimpatient?Hewasn’tannoyedthatdespitetheslowwayhe’dpreparedher

body,shewasfreakingout?

Thosedamntearsshe’dneverbeenabletoshedwelledinhereyesagain.Justafewmoments

withouthistouchandalreadyshewasmissingit.Maybe...Coulditreallyhurttolethimcontinuea
little?Yeah,she’dneverreachorgasmfromkissesandcaressestoherbreasts,butthemomentsof
indulginghersensualitylikeanormalwoman,offeelingwantonandlovelyandconnectedtohim?
Shecouldn’tpassthatup.

“Please.Yes,”shecriedout.“Areyoumadatme?”
“Mad?”Hesentheralookofsuchexquisiteunderstanding.Itutterlydismissedheranxietyand

vowedshe’dneverhavetoworry.“WhywouldIbemad?I’mtryingtomakeyoufeelgood,not
uncomfortableordefensive.Ifyou’recomfortableherefornow,we’llstayhere.”

Hisassurancesmadeherwanttotrymore.Sodidtheachebetweenherlegs.Shedidn’twantto

giveupwithoutseeingifshecouldletlooseenoughtoenjoypleasurewithamanwhoarousedrather

thancoddledher.

“Idon’twanttostop,”shesobbed.
“That’sgood.”Hetonguedhiswayupthesideofherbreastandpluckedatthenipplewithhis

fingersuntilalittleshudderranunderherskin.“Ifyou’renotreadyformetotouchyourpussy,
you’llhavetodoit.I’llhelpbytalkingyouthroughit,Lily.Canyoudothat?”

Talkherthroughit?Thatsoundedshocking,sensual,andintimateallatonce.“CanIkeepmy

pantieson?”

“Ifyouneedto.”
Lilynodded.Removingthemwouldmakeherfeeltoovulnerableandrevealtoomuchofher

body.NotthatStonewasn’tperfectlycapableofrippingthemoffhimselfifhewantedtotake
advantageofher.Shetookcomfortinknowingthatifhedid,thelinetodetachhisballsfromhis
bodywouldformbehindAxel,anditwouldbelong.“WhatshouldIdo?”

“Don’ttenseup,baby,”hecoaxed.“Thisisthegoodstuff.Allyouhavetodoisslideyourhand

betweenyourlegsandlookatme.”

Thatmightbeallshehadtodoinhismindbutsinceshe’dneverreallymasturbatedsuccessfully,

muchlessinfrontofaman,itseemedlikeatallorder.Still,shewantedtosharepleasurewithStone
sobadly—andwantedhimtobepleased,too.Heck,shewantedhimenoughtopushpasther
discomfortandtry.

Dragginginasteadyingbreath,sheslidherhanddownherstomach,undertheelasticofher

waistband,overthesmoothmoundAxelhadinstructedhertokeepbare,andbetweentheplumpfolds.
Problemwas,shedidn’tknowwhattodonext.Lilychokedbackacryoffrustration.Whatgrown
womanknewsolittleaboutthewayherbodyworked?

Onewho’dbeenafraidofsexsinceagesixteen.
“Whereareyourfingers,baby?”
“Onmyvagina.”
Heflickedhistongueacrosshernipple.“‘Vagina’issomethingyousaywhenyouvisitthe

gynecologist.That’syourpussy.Areyourfingersonit,playingwithyourclit?Ifnot,that’swhere
theyshouldbe.”

Right.Sheknewwheretofindthat.Axelhadintroducedhertothatpartofheranatomy.
Whenshetouchedthebundleofnervesbetweenherlegs,sheyelped,shockedbyitssurprising

sensitivity.Everysooften,Axeltouchedherthere.Shedidn’tfeelmuchatfirst.Thesensationstook
timetobuild.Thenagain,they’dneverbeentobedwithpassioninmind.Apparentlythatmade
everythingdifferent.

“Youcanfeelthat,huh?”Hesmiled.“Doitagain—dragyourfingerrightoverthetop.Then

makesureit’swetbeforeyourubitinsmallcircles.”

Lilyshovedherself-consciousthoughtsasideandpursuedthesharpjoltofpleasureshe’dfeltjust

momentsago.Stoneseemedtoknowhowawoman’sbodyworked.Shedisregardedthejealousythat
stungher.Thefactthathehadclearlyhadamountainofsexualexperienceworkedinherfavorright
now.Sincehedidn’tmindsharinghisknowledge,sheintendedtosavorhowjuicythesemomentsfelt.

Sheslidherfingerbetweenherfoldsanddrewmoremoistureuptoherachingbutton.Whenshe

touchedit,pleasurejabbedheragain,brightandshocking.Almostagainstherwill,shegaspedand
arched,jerkinghergazetoStone.Shefixedthere,blinking,panting.

“Yeah,youcanfeelthat.Iseeitonyourface,baby.Hmm,Ican’teventellyouhowsexyitisto

watchyouthefirsttimeyoulearnhowmuchpleasureyoucangiveyourself.It’s,like,thebiggest
depositinmyspankbankever.”

Despitetheedgeofneedgougingher,Lilycouldn’thelpbutlaugh.Theworriesthathadbeen

buildinginthebackofherheadevaporated,leavingbehindacomfortingwarmthtogowiththeheat

permeatingherentirebody.Thismantotallygottoher.

Shetskedathim.“Areyouserious?”
“Absolutely.Youknowyou’resexy,right?”
Lilyhadnevertrulyfeltsexybeforetoday.ButStonechangedeverythingwithaneasethat

surprisedher.“IlikethatyouthinkIam.”

“Believeit,baby.”Hecuppedherbreast,thumbteasing,ashebenttowhisperinherear.“WhenI

cameintothisroomtonight,Ialreadywantedyoulikemad,butnowthatI’veseenjusthowdamn
muchyouturnmeon,I’mgoingtobeafteryoumorning,noon,andnight.You’refreetosaynoand
I’lllisten.ButI’mnotgivingup.Nowgetbusyandcomeforme.”

Hemadeitsoundsoeasy,asifitwasperfectlynaturalforhertoengageinself-pleasure.And

that,ofcourse,hewouldwatch.Howbadlyshewantedtobenormal.Howmuchshewantedtoplease
him.Howdesperatelysheneededthisclimax.

Shespreadherlegsabitwiderandsetherfingersoverherslipperyclit,thenstartedrubbing

gently.Electrictinglesslidthroughherbody.Theacheturnedsoviciousshecouldfeelthewallsof
hersextightenandclampdown.Oncetheydid,shefeltsoempty,asifsheneededsomeone—Stone—
tofillher.

Withherfreehand,shereachedouttohim.Hetookitinhisown.Hisdark,focusedstarepinned

her,slammeddownherspine,theimpactmakinghersuckinaroughbreathandclutchhimharder.

Assherubbedthenubbinalittleslower,withabitmorebrushandtease,theneedsurgedagain.

Themusclesofherthighstensed.Hersexclenched.Ahotflushrolledthroughherbody.Then
suddenly,herheartbeatroaredinherears.Lilysworeshecouldhearherbloodpumping.

Thiswasbigandthickandencompassing.Whateversensationgatheredwasn’tliketheorgasms

she’dhadinthepast.Whenallthispent-upfireburst,itwouldburnheralive.

“Stone,”shekeened.
“Oh,fuck.You’resobeautiful.Youneedthisnow,don’tyou?Yeah,”heagreedwhenshenodded

frantically.“Letittakeyouunder.Letmehearyouscream.”

Lilycouldn’tthinkofanythingshewantedmore.Asshecircledherhyperawarenerveendings

again,herbodyjerked.Desiresurged.WhenStonebenttotakehernippleinhismouth,sheclasped
thebackofhisheadandanchoredhimtoher.Notthathe’ddoanythingexcepthelpherdrown.But
thistimenothingwouldbesweeter.

Hedraggedahanduptoherothernippleandtangledhisfingerswithherown.Together,they

manipulatedthetipofthatbreastwhilehesuckedtheotherhardbudandscrapedtheverytipwithhis
teeth.

Sensationsmountedagain.Shefeltlikeavesselfillingupwithblood,withneed,withan

imminentexplosion.Itwasrightthere...

Herlegsshook.Herhipsjerked.Shewhimpered,strainedforit.Shetastedneed.
Butshecouldn’tseemtofalloverthesweetlysharpedge.
Lilypressedharderagainstherclit,narrowinghercircles,focusingonjusthowgoodthiswas

goingtobe.Thesecondstickedoffinherhead,slowlybecomingminutes.Theexquisiteneedwasits
ownformofhell,andshecouldn’tseemtoescape.

Thetorturedraggedon,andshesawnowayout.Shesqueezedhereyesshut,feelingdefeatbegin

tocreepin.

Stonesprangintoaction,poppinghernipplefrombetweenhislipsandgrazingherearwithhis

lips.“Yougotthis,baby.Focusonmyvoiceandcloseyoureyes.Yeah,Iknowthat’shard,butI’vegot
you.”

Oddly,shealreadybelievedthat.

“Pictureyourselfnakedandmestandingoveryou,strokingmycock.YouknowI’mgoingtotell

youhowsexyyouareandhowmuchIwantyou.ImaginethatI’dfalltomykneesbetweenthose
prettythighs.Whenyouholdyourarmsopentome,I’llgorightintothem.ThenI’mgoingtokiss
you,toucheverylush,tinglingcurveofyourbody,andwhenyou’rebegging,that’swhenI’llslide
insideyou.Deep.That’swhenI’llstrokeyouslowlyandthoroughlyandmakeyouclawmybackas
youcome.”

Ashespoke,herdesireandracingbloodclashed,merged.Everythinginsideherroaredtoa

screamingcrescendo.Thewallshe’dbeenslamminginto,preventingherfromfallingover,
disintegrated.SheenvisionedexactlywhatStonetoldhertopicture.Shesawherselfbeingnotjust
perfectlyablebuteagertoliebackandwelcomehiminsideherashegavehermind-blowing
pleasureandshesurrenderedherselfcompletely.

Withagutturalscream,shecareenedintoathickthrallofpleasure,herfingersstillworkingwith

agentlefirmnessthatprolongedtheagonyforseeminglyendlessmoments.Theclimaxdidn’tmerely
embraceherbutsenthersoaringintoabreathtakingrealmofdizzyingeuphoria.Theraptureshe’d
beenavoiding?Amazing.Knowingherbodywascapableofallthis?Astonishing.

Asshecrested,thecrushofsensationswassuddenlycushionedinalovelyvelvetembrace.The

tightgripofclimaxloosenedwithasigh.Everythingoncesharpnowfeltgolden,meanttobe.
Perfect.

Nowonderpeopleenjoyorgasmsomuch.
Thegripofpleasurefinallybegantoreleaseitshold.Ofitsownvolition,herbodyshudderedand

twitchedwiththelastvestigesofbliss.

Thenshesighedandmeltedintothemat.
“Lily,baby...”Stonegroanedaboveher.
Lazyandsated,shecrackedhereyesopentofindhimstaringatherwithbothprideand

reverence.Hewasn’tsmilingasifhewasrelievedthat,afterdredginguphispatience,he’dmanaged
todohisgooddeedfortheday.Axelwouldbehorrifiedifheeverfiguredoutthatshe’dreadhimso
clearly.Instead,Stonewasproudofherfortakingstepsforwardandtakingchargeofhersexuality.
Helookedatherasifonlyshealoneexistedforhim.Nothingandnooneelsemattered.

“Youjusttiltedmyworldonitsaxis,”hemurmured.
Ittookherafewmomentstoprocesshiswords.Shefrowned.“Ithinkthat’swhatI’msupposedto

saytoyousinceyouworkedsohardtohelpme.”

“Youalwayshadtheabilityinsideyou.Ijustnudgeduntilyousawit.You’reawhole,normal

woman,Lily.YouwereakidwhenCantondidsomethingappallingthatterrifiedthehelloutofyou
andbruisedyourpsyche.Hebentyoubuthedidn’tbreakyou.Ineededyoutoseethat.Andyoudid.
It’syourjobwelldone.”

Sheknewshecouldneverhavegivenherselfsuchanexperienceifhehadn’tbeenrightthere,

helpingheralong.Butthepointwasn’tworthdisputing.Infact,shedidn’tfeellikearguingabout
anythingjustnow.

Instead,shegavehimaheavy-eyedsmile.“I’mstillpattingyouontheback.”
“Iwashopingforsomethingalittlelower.”Hewinkedherway.
Lilyfroze.She’dmanagedtofindecstasy,sure.Andshe’dlefthiminblue-ballhell.“Okay.I-I

shouldwarnyouthough.I’mnotsurewhattodo—”

“I’mteasing,baby.”
“Ican...”What?ThefewtimessheandAxelhadprogressedthisfar,theyusuallyhadsex.She’d

onceofferedtorelievehimwithhermouthorhand.He’dtoldherthathedidn’twanthertoconfuse
theissue—whateverthatmeant—soshe’dstillnevergottenamanoffwithoutpenetration.“Icantryto
giveyouablowjob.”

Shecouldhearthehesitationinherownvoiceandwinced.
Stoneeaseddownontopofher,caressingthehairbackfromherface.Lilyfelthisweight

pressingonher,thehardcolumnofhiserectionjabbinghermound.Panicbegantocreepin.She
suckedinair,triedtotellherselftostaycalm,thatStonewouldn’thurther.Shefocusedonthe
pleasureshe’djustexperienced,thetendernessofhisexpression.

AllshecouldseeinherheadwasErinfightingasTimothyCantonheldherdownwithhis

superiorsizeandstrengthandrapedher.

Lilycouldn’thelpit.Shelosthercalm,fightingandbuckingandshoving,screamingalltheway.
Stonejumpedoffofherinstantlyandscrambledtohisfeet,puttingdistancebetweenthem.“It’sall

right.I’mbackingoff.”

Buthelookedworried.Shesatup,realizedhowcrazysheprobablylooked,andhungherfacein

herhands.Damnit.Shewasworried,too.Aftertonight,shewouldhaveswornshe’dbrokenthrough
somementalbarrier.

“Itmighttakemorethanonenight,youknow?”Hecrookedafingerunderherchin.Evenasshe

triedtoresist,hegaveherhisquietresolveandpatience.“I’mnotgivingup.Neitherareyou.”

“It’sbeenyears.”Shewantedtocry,andthefuckingtearsstillwouldn’tcome.
“Butnotwithme.We’vetriedthisonce.Tomorrowisanotherday,huh?Smileforme.”
“Ican’tleaveyoulikethis,wantingandachingand...”
“Withoutrelief?Baby,thatself-pleasurethingisabreezeforme.Imastereditattwelve.Ican

spendafewminutesintheshowerandbefine.WouldIlikeitasmuchassexinanyformwithyou?
Fuck,no.YouhavenoideahowmuchI’dgiveup—oneeye,anut,andmyentireStarWarscollection.
ButIwon’tgiveyouup.We’llgetthere,ifthat’swhatyouwant.”

“Isn’tsexsupposedtobeaboutgiveandtake?Ionlytook.”Thatdevastatedher.Somuchfor

normal.

“Yougave,too.Besidesgreatspank-bankmaterial,seeingyouinpleasurewilllingerlongerthan

anyfleetingclimaxofmyown.I’llrememberthatmomentandreplayitoverandoverinmyhead.”

Shechewedonherlip,tryingtohearwhathesaid.Guiltanddisappointmentstifledher.“But—”
“Shh,I’mgoodwithtonightbeingaboutyou.”
EvenasLilywonderedifhewasrightandshewasn’treadyforsex,oralorotherwise,shefelt

almostdisappointedthathewasn’tinsistingonmore.“Can’titbeaboutyou,too?”

“Ihopeitwillbesoon.Butdon’tsweatitnow.”
Beforeshecouldargueagain,hisphonebuzzedinsistently,cuttingoffthemusicthathadfilled

thebackgroundandaddedtotheirmood.

Stonejumpedtohisfeetandgrabbedit.“Justaminute,”hesaidintothedevice,thenheldouthis

freehandtoher.“Baby,whydon’tyougotobed?Youlookexhausted.”

Inotherwords,theirtimetogetherwasoverandtherealworldwascalling.Whycouldn’tshe

havekepthershittogetherandopenedherarmsandbody?He’ddonenothingtofreakheroutor
makeherwary.Onceshe’dgottenoverherviolent-ex-conmisunderstandingandrealizedshe’dnever
metagentlerman,shereallyshouldhavebeenabletoshareherselfwithhim.

Wassheevenmorebrokenthanshe’dthought?
Lilyignoredhisoutstretchedhand.Onshakylegs,shegottoherfeetandheadedforthedoor,

feelingsomewherebetweenembarrassedandbroken.“Goodnight.”

***

STONE

watchedLilywalkoutoftheplayroomwithherheadhangingandhershouldersslumped.It

fuckinghurthisheart,butshealwayssaidsheneededtimetothink.Maybesomeofthatnowwoulddo
hergood.Hewasn’tsurehowshewouldhavehandleditifhehadtriedto...Whatwouldhehave
done,giventhechance?Hewantedtodomorethanhavesexwithorfuckher.Hedidn’tmerelywant
tomountandtakeher.No,hewantedtomakelovetoLily.Shit,he’dneverreallydonemorethan
scratchanitchwithawomanbefore,andnowhewantedtousehisbodytotellLilyTaylorhowcrazy
hewasabouther.

Oh,hell.A)Hehaditbad.B)Itwouldcrushhimifhetriedtomakelovetoheragainandshe

freaked.AndC)Whatthefuckshouldhedonext?

Alloftheabovewasswirlingthroughhisheadwhenheheardthefamiliarmalevoicecallfrom

thephoneinhishand.“Hello?”

StonejerkedthedevicetohisearandshutthedoorsoLilycouldn’thear.“Here.Sorry.What’s

up?”

Hehopeditwasquickbecausehereallydidn’twanttoleaveheraloneanddejectedforlong.
“Lots,andnoneofitgood,”JackColesaid,histonealmostapologetic.
Motherfuckingsonofabitch.“Layitonme.”
“I’llgiveyouthe‘good’newsfirst.Wecan’tfindCanton.NoonehasseenhimnearGalveston,at

leastnotcamping.Wetookhispicturetoeverystateparkandcampgroundwithinafifty-mileradius.
Nothing.IthinkHunterreallywantedtopoundsomeone’sfacebecausethebaby’sstillnotsleeping
andhe’sgrouchy,butwecouldn’tfindanyonewhoseemedremotelysuspicious.”

Ifthatwasthegoodnews,Stonewasn’tsurehewantedtohearhowterriblethebadwas.“So

Cantonisoutinthewindsomewhere?”

“Yeah.IhadmybuddyTylercallafewcontactsbackinLosAngelesfromhisLAPDdays.

There’sdefinitelynooneatthehouseexceptamaidandapetsitter.Hiscarisstillinthegarage.He’s
lockedhisphoneandIhaven’tbeenabletotraceit.Youmighttry.”Jackrattledoffthenumberandthe
e-mailaddressassociatedwiththedevice.

Stonedidn’twanttoknowhowtheothermanhadgottentheinfoandhedidn’tcare.“Depending

onthephone,Imightbeabletohackandtrackit.Somehaveoperatingsystemsdesignedtoenablea
fulllockdownunlessyouhavethepassword,butI’llseewhatIcando.”

“Sincewedon’tknowwhereCantonis,hecouldbeanywhere.It’spossiblehe’snowherenear

Lily.”

ButJackdidn’tsoundasifhebelievedthat.Stonedidn’t,either.
“Whatelse?”heprompted.
“ThebombthatblewupLily’scarwasgrade-Aprofessionalstuff.Noneofthishomemadeshit

throwntogetherwithPVCpipeandhouseholdchemicals.Myguessisthatwhoeverhe’semploying
hadsomemilitarytraining—theelitekind.Huntersaidhesawthepicturesofwhatwasleft.Itlooked
likesomethinghewouldhavelearnedinadvanceddemolitionstrainingafterbecomingaSEAL.It
wasalsoprogrammedtodetonateviaremotecontrol,notasimpletimer.Whichmeansthatwhoever
pressedthebuttonwasprobablywatchingher.”

Stonereplayedthesequenceofeventsinhisheadandfrowned.“Ifhehadeyesonher,hewaited

toolateandmissedhiswindowofopportunity.She’djustclimbedoutofthecaraminutebeforeit
exploded.Whywait?”

“Malfunction?Fuckup?”Jacksighed.“Don’tknow.Weshouldcountourselvesluckyandmove

on.Doyourememberseeinganyonehangingaroundoutsideatherapartmentcomplex?Anyonewho
mighthavebeenwatchingher?”

Notreally.Hehadn’tbeenthinkingaboutanythingexceptreachingLilybeforeshefledforgood.

Pacing,hementallyreplayedhisdrivetohercomplexandintotheparkinglot.“Irememberseeing

gardenersandthinkingIfeltsorryforthepoorbastardsoutthereinthemiddleofthedaybecauseit’s
August.Buttheyallhadlawnmowersandedgersintheirhands.Nothingthatcoulddetonateabomb.”

“Yeah.I’mnotsurprisedyoudidn’tseeanyonewholookedsuspicious.Itisfuckinghotoutthere,

andtheguywhoblewuphercarwouldn’twantanyonetonotice—”

“Wait!Ididseesomeoneelse.”Stonesuddenlyremembered.“Aguyononeofthebalconies.I

didn’tgetagoodlookathisfacesincehewaswearingaballcap.Dodgers,Ithink.Irememberhim
holdinganiPad.WhenIdrovein,helookedupandsawme.Ididn’tthinkanythingofitatthetime
becauseIwasdrivinglikeamaniac.ButnowI’mwondering...”

“Whereinthecomplexdidyouseehim?Canyoudescribewhichbalcony?”
Stonereconstructedthedriveinhismindagain,mentallyslowingdownthesequenceofevents.

Doinghisbesttoexplainwhathesawandwhere,hetoldJackeverythingherecalled.“Sorryit’snot
moredetailed.Thatwasn’tmyfocus.”

“I’llsendSeanovertheretocheckitout,seeifhecanlayeyesonthisguy,maybefigureoutwhat

hesaworwherehe’sgone.Maybehewasarandomresidentoutthereenjoyingthechoking,wetheat
whileheplayedhissolitaireorwhatever.”

Butprobablynot.
“Thatwouldbegreat.Keepmeposted.Thiswholefuckingmessgivesmeabadfeeling.”
“Can’tsayIblameyou.”Jacksighed.“Nowforthereallycrappynews.”
What?“Becauseyou’vebeenabundleofcheersofar?”
“Oh,yeah.Thatwasmyhappyvoice.”
Hesoundedanythingbut.Stoneshookhishead.“Well,ifyou’regoingtopissinmycornflakes,

thenletitallout.”

“AxellandedinDallasanhourago.HewantedtodriveouttheretonightandseeSweetPea.I

meanLily.Aftertalkingtohim,werealizedhowmuchhereallydidn’tknowaboutherpast.Outof
respectfortheir...friendship,wewantedtogivehertheopportunitytotellhimeverything,buthe’d
guessedenoughtopunchholesinourcoverstory.Afterthat,wehadtogiveuptherestofthetruth.
SoAxelisuptospeednow.HeknowsexactlywhoLilyisandaboutourplanstocoaxhertotestify—
andhe’spissed.”

“Atherfornotconfessingallofherpast?”Sure,theguymighthavewantedtoknowit,butLily

didn’toweshittothemanwhohadn’tlovedher.“Oratus?”

“Atyouforusinghertogetoutofjail.”
Stonedidn’tcarewhattheexthought.“That’snotwhyIsavedherorwhyI’mwithher.”
Hemighthavestartedthisbecausehe’dwantedoutofprison.NowheonlywantedLilytobe

happyandfree.Whenhadthatchangehappened?

“Axeldoesn’tseeitthatway.Buthisfirstpriorityisreassuringhimselfthatshe’sallright.

Thorpetalkedhimoutofdrivingthefivehourstoyoubyconvincinghimthathe’dneverfindthe
cabinatnight.SeanistryingnowtopersuadeAxelthattheyneedbootsonthegroundtohelpferret
Cantonoutmorethanthatgirlneedsherformeroverprotectivementortowatchoverher.Idon’t
knowiftheargumentisworking.”

“Axelisthatdetermined?”Stonehadhopedthattheguywouldmerelycallorwanttobecloseby

incaseLilyneededhim.HecouldpictureAxeldemandingthatStonebringherbacktoDallas,in
whichcasehewasmorethanhappytotelltheextofuckoff.ButAxelcomingtothiscabinand
gettinginLily’spersonalspacewouldonlymesswithherhead.

“More,”Jackmurmured.“IfIwereyou,I’dprepareforincoming.We’lldoourbesttoholdhim,

butdon’texpectthatwecankeephimawayfromherforlong.”

HowthefuckwashesupposedtosurpassnearlythreeyearsofthetrustandloyaltyAxelhadbuilt

withLilyandbecomehernumberoneinacoupleofdays?Withapsychoontheloosewhoknewa

shitloadaboutmakingbombs?

“Sonofabitch.Yougotanygoodnews?”
“Thesunwillcomeuptomorrow...”Jackmimickedthesongfromthatmusicalaboutthe

redheadedorphan.

“Shutthefuckup,Annie.”
Jackbarkedoutalaugh,thensobered.“I’llkeepworkinghere.Thorpe,Sean,andtheEdgingtons

areonyourside,too,man.Ifthat’sanyconsolation.”

Notreally.Helpful,maybe.Buthedidn’tcareasmuchaboutsuddenlyhavingbrofriendsashedid

aboutkeepingLilysafe.

“Keepmeposted.Thanks.”
“Willdo.”
Jackendedthecall,andStonemarchedoutoftheplayroomandintothehall.Hisgazewas

immediatelydrawntothebedroomdoor.Lilyhadleftitslightlyajar.She’dkilledthelights.Whenhe
stuckhisheadin,itlookedasifshe’dalreadyfallenasleep.

Outinthelivingroom,hehuntedupherphone,whichhe’dtemporarilyhiddeninanempty

cookietininthebackofoneofthecabinets.Heturnediton.Sureenough,Axelhadtextedaboutten
milliontimesandcallednearlythatmanyinthelasttwentyhours—withanine-hourgapinthemiddle
forhisflight.

Stonecouldhackintoherphoneandlistentohermessages,butshe’dseeitasabetrayaloftrust,

andhecouldguesswhatAxelhadsaid.Hewasjustsurprisedthattheguyhadn’tactuallycalledhim.

Rightoncue,Stone’sphonebegantobuzz.Axel.ThenumberonhisdisplaymatchedwhatLily

hadinhercontacts.Hisfirstinstinctwastoanswersohecouldgrowlintothephoneandcussoutthe
sonofabitchforsoobviouslynotlovingLilyandforabandoningher,leavingheruncertainofher
ownfutureandappeal.Healsowantedtochastisethebastardandtellhimnottodrivethefuckto
Louisiana.HewouldgetinLily’sface—andmesswithherhead.She’dbacktrack.Andadmittedly,
Stonedidn’tneedherattentionontheothermanwhenhewastryingsohardtoreachher.

Buthestoppedhimself.Stonedidn’tknowAxelwellbutfromeverythinghe’dgleaned,probably

nothinghesaidordidwouldkeepthebigbruiseraway.IftheguyhadflownbackfromEurope,he
wasclearlydeterminedtoseteyesonLily.Whatever.Stonewouldratherspendhistimeandenergy
onacausethatdidmatter—cementinghisbondwithher.

Decliningthecall,Stonepocketedthephoneandheadedbacktothebedroom.Ifhehadforty-

eighthoursorlesstoearnLily’strustandaplaceinherheartbeforeAxelcrashedin,thenhe
intendedtoputeverymomenttogooduse.

ChapterTen

ILY

wokeinStone’sarmsagain.Thistime,shewasn’tnearlyasrattledbyfindingherselfplastered

tohisside,hernosefilledwithhisscent,asshehadbeenyesterdaymorning.

Infact,nowshefounditalmostcomforting.
Fromhighintheskythesunslantedthroughthewindows,tellingherthatshe’dsleptlongand

soundlyagain.

BecauseonsomelevelshefeltsafewithStone.
Gently,sherolledawaysoshedidn’twakehim,thenstretched.Themusclesofherthighswere

slightlysorefromallthetensingandtremblingshe’ddonelastnightwhilechasingorgasm.Butshe
savoredthesensation.Hiswords,thepleasure,theintimacythey’dsharedallcrashedthroughher
head.Sheslantedaglancebackacrossthebedtohispowerfultorsoandruggedfacerelaxedin
slumber.Withjusthiswordsandafewtouches,he’dgivenheramazingbliss.Whydidthisparticular
manhavesuchamagicaleffectonherbody?Onherpsyche?

Slowlyshecrawledoutofbedandmadeuseofthebathroom,includingagloriouslyhotshower.

Leavingbehindacloudofsteam,shedressedinapairofshortshortswithshinybuttonsliningher
hipsfromthightowaistandabrightredblouse.Afterblackliner,twocoatsofmascara,andcrimson
lipstick,sheblinkedintothemirror.Closeenough.Withasimplerollofherbangs,shesecuredthem
backwithapolka-dotbow,thentiptoedintothekitchenandmadeherselfacupofcoffeeandsat,
sippingatthetable.

Usuallythiswasherfavoritetimeofday.Thequietbeforetherushstarted,atimeofreflection

whenshecouldorganizeherthoughtswithoutbeingdisturbed.Rightnow,shefeltjumbled.And
terriblyalone.ThoughStonelayinthenextroom,shemissedhim.Oddly,asattachedasshehadlong
beentoAxel,she’dneverpinedforhiminquitethisway.She’dneverwantedhimasdeeply.

Lilynibbledonherlip.Whatdidthatmean?WasshefallingforStone?
Probably.
Attherealization,sheboltedfromherseatandpaced.Butshecouldn’trunfromthetruth.
Fallingforsomeonewasn’tpartofherplan.Ontheotherhand,shedidn’tknowhowtostopit.

Logicallysheaskedwheretheycouldpossiblygofromhere.Itwasonethingtohaveascrewed-up
sexlifewhenthemanyoushareditwithdidn’tactuallywantit.Stone,ontheotherhand,seemedto
cravewhatevershecouldgivehim.Foraslongastheyremainedtogether,Lilyachedtogivehimall
hesought.Hedeservednothingless.

Aslimitedashercomfortzonewas,couldsheevenbegintosatisfyhim?
Sheswallowed.Ofthat,shewaslesssure.

Amomentlater,sheheardhisfootstepscrossthehall.Thebathroomdoorshut.Lilywasn’tready

toseehim,totalk.Sheheadedoutside,slinkingontothewraparoundporchtogatherherthoughts.

Anoverhangjuttedoutonthesideofthecabintoprovidewelcomeshadethistimeofyear.

Someonehadbuiltabenchundertherailing.Shesat,pullingherkneestoherchest,andglancedout
overthesultryheatoftheswamp,justthissideofbearablebeforenoon.Whatthehellwasshegoing
todo?

Normally,whendoubtsorinsecuritiesbeganeatingawayathercomposure,shecalledAxel.But

notonlywasheinEnglandlivinghisnewlife,she’dlefteverythingbehind.Everyone.Ifshedidn’t
haveanyintentionofreturningtoDallas,shecouldn’tleanonthosefriendsanymore.Itdidn’teven
matterwhereshe’dsetherphone,becauseshewasn’tcallingthem.Shehadtostandonherowntwo
feet.

Makeadecision.Carryitout.Stopbeingafraid.
Beforeshecouldlistentoherownadvice,sheturnedandfoundStoneintheportal,watchingher.
Freshlyshoweredandshirtless,hegleamed,hisskinbronzedandtightoverallthoserough-

carved,ink-coveredmuscles.Heworejeans.Hisfeetwerebare.Atthesightofhim,athrillzipped
throughher.

“Yougood?”heasked.“WhenIcouldn’tfindyou,Iworried.Iwantedtomakesureyouwereall

right.”

Notbecauseshewasaresponsibilitytohimbutbecauseshemattered.
Hiswordstouchedherwaymorethanshewanted.
Shecouldn’tstopherselffromrunningtohim,throwingherselfinhisarms,feelinghisstrength,

hiswarmth,hiscaring.Inherhead,Lilyrealizedsheshouldbeputtingdistancebetweenthem.Inher
heart,shefearedthatwasnolongerpossible.

HerstomachtwistedwithnervesasshereachedStoneandflungherselfagainsthim.Hegrunted

andstumbledastepbackasheabsorbedherimpact.Thenheplanted,heldfirm.Hisarmsclosed
aroundher,enclosinghertightagainsthischest.

“Baby?”hemurmuredinherear,hisvoicelowwithconcern.
Lilydidn’tknowhowtoanswerhim.Shejustclungtighter.“Tellmeit’sallright.”
“Don’tworry.We’redoingeverythingwecantolocateCantonandputastoptohim.Noonehas

seenorheardfromhimlately.ItalkedtoJacklastnight.Butwhatevertheassholedoesnext,Idon’t
wantyoutoworry.I’lltakecareofyou.”

Shakingherhead,shelookedup,drinkinginthesincerityofhisdarkeyes.Yeah,sheshould

probablybeworriedaboutherpersonalsafety.Truthwas,outhereshefeltamillionmilesawayfrom
danger.Andascrazyasitmightseem,shetrustedStonetokeephersafe.

“Iknow.Ihavenodoubtyou’recallinginfavorsanddoingeverythingyoucan.It’smorethan

youshouldhavetodo.”Especiallybecauseshe’dlikelyendupleavingtostartanewlifesoon.

“Protectingyouismyfirstandonlyprioritynow.”
“Ibelieveyou,butthat’snotwhatImeant.”Suddenlyshecouldn’tquitelookhimintheeye.She

feltaflushcrawlupherface.“Areweallrightafterlastnight?Ileftyouhangingwithout...”

“Finishingmeoff?”Hesmileddryly.“I’mfine.I’mmorethanfinebecauseIgottoseeyouin

pleasure.LikeIsaid,greatspank-bankmaterial.”Hewinked.

“Youdon’thavetosugarcoatit.”Shedaredtotouchhischeek,trailingafingerdownthehard,

slashingplane,feelingtheremnantsofdarkstubble.“IknowI’mnoteasytobewith.Lastnightif
you’dbeenwithanotherwoman,youwouldhavehadsexwithherand—”

“I’mnotfifteenanymore,somylifegoalisnolongertogetlaid.C’mon.”Hetookherhand.“It’s

barelyninea.m.,butifwedon’tfindtheair-conditionedcomfort,I’mprettysurewe’llroastouthere
soon.”

Hewasprobablyright,andsheallowedhimtoleadherinside.Onceheshutthedoorbehind

them,hesatheratthekitchentableandpouredthembothfreshcupsofcoffeebeforehetookthe
chairbesideher.Hestaredasifhewasworkinghardtofigureherout.

Lilydidn’tthinkitwasthatdifficult.Hisunwaveringattentionunnervedherabit.“Where’syour

shirt?”

Notthatshewascomplaininghe’dgonewithoutone.
“Idon’thaveanyluggage.Ifoundafewextratoiletriesandafreshtoothbrush,butthisisday

threewearingthesepants.Ifigurebytomorrowthey’llbedirtyenoughformetojustifyspendingthe
daynaked.”Hewinked.

Thethoughtthathe’dspendthewholedaywithoutastitchonmadeherfeeltingly,fluttery—alive.

Thesightofhisbareshoulderswiththeintricateinkdistractedher.Whatwouldhavingallthatpower
underherhandsandbody,intentlyfocusedonpleasure,dotoher?Whatwoulditbeliketofeelasif
shehadbecomeonewithhim?God,shewantedtoknow.

Shescreweduphercourageandmethisgaze.“Maybesexisn’tyourlifegoalanymore,but...

it’skindofminerightnow.Iwanttodomoreofwhatwedidlastnight.I’mfeelingthingsI’mnot
usedto,thingsI’veneverfelt.ThingsIthinknormalwomenexperience.Ifwetryagain,maybeI’ll
respondlikeIshould.”

“Baby,I’mallforthat,buthoweveryourespondishowyou’resupposedto,”heargued.
“No,Ineedtobelikeotherwomen.”
“I’mnotinterestedinthem.”Stonescowled.“Listentome.There’sno‘normal.’”Whenshesent

himaskepticalstare,hewenton.“YoulikeThorpe,right?Thinkhe’sagoodguy?”

Thequestionsurprisedher.“Yeah,thebest.Imean,hepissessomepeopleoffbybeingahard-ass,

especiallywhenhe’sright—whichismostofthetime.Butnearlyeveryonelikeshim.Evenifthey
don’t,theyrespecthim.”

“Right.Butbymostofsociety’sstandards,he’safreak.Legallyhefucksanotherman’swife,and

herhusbandnotonlyletshimbutparticipates.Together,heandSeantieherupandspankherand...
whoknowswhatelse?Doyouthinklessofhimfornotbeing‘normal’?”

Sheponderedthat.“No.Thorpedoeswhat’srightforhim.AndCallieandSean,ofcourse.That’s

justthem.”Shesighed.“Igetit.You’retellingmethathoweverIbehave,sexuallyspeaking,that’sjust
me.”

“Prettymuch.Ourexperiencesallshapeus,right?Minewereprettycommon.Look,Idon’thave

anythingtraumaticinmypast,excepttheshitIbroughtonmyself.Icanonlyimaginewhatyouwent
throughwatchingyourfriendbebrutalizedandkilled.Hasitcontributedtothewayyoureacttosex?
Thewayyoureacttome?Yeah.Doesthatmakeitbadorwrong?No.Youcopehoweveryouneedto.
I’llplayalongandjustbehappytotouchyou.”

Lilycaughtherbreath.She’dhopedhewouldsaysomethinglikethat.Itwenthandinhandwith

prettymucheveryotheranswerhe’devergivenher—kind,understanding,accommodating.Lily
almostpinchedherselfbecauseshekeptthinkinghemustbetoogoodtobetrue.Whyonearthhad
shebeenavoidinghimallsummerlong?Yeah,herfears.Theonesshewasdeterminedtoovercome
now.

Heartracinglikeajetengine,shestoodandheldoutherhand.“Willyoucometouchmenow?

Willyouletmetrytogiveyoumore?”

Stonezeroedinonherhand;thenhisgazezoomeduptoherface.Hestoodsofastthathischair

scrapedacrosstheoldhardwood.Aglancedownprovedhewasalreadyerect.“Yousure?”

Shenodded.“Youweremyfirstthoughtthismorning.Ifixatedonyouintheshower.Ipondered

youwhenIsatoutside,when—”

“Baby,Ifixatedonyouintheshower,too,”heassuredherwithaslygrin.

Lilyknewhemeanttolightenthemoodandsmiled.“Yes,butIwasn’ttouchingmyself.”
“That’sashame.Butthedayisyoung.AndmaybethatmeansIgettowatchagain.”
“Actually,Iwashopingyouwouldtouchmeinstead.Andthatwecould...havesex.Ortry.”
Hisfacesoftened.“Youdon’thavetohope.We’lltrywhateveryouwant.You’llfindI’ma

persistentbastard.Ihavenodoubtwe’llgetthere.”

Whenshesmiledathim,hewhoopedloudlyandscoopedherupinhisarms.
“Stone!”sheprotested,holdinginagiggle.
Everythingaboutbeingwithhimfeltsodifferent.SheandAxelhadneverlaughedwhenthey’d

decidedtobeintimate.Healwaysaskedherquestions,kepttrackofhermentalandemotionalstate.
Dependingonheranswers,he’dtrysomethingdifferent.Shewouldrespond.Ornot.Thentheprocess
startedallover.Whenthey’dbeentogether,she’dsometimesfeltasiftheywereengagedinamedical
exam,notsex.

BeingwithStonewasmorelikebeinginthemiddleofaparade—alwayssomethingnewand

brightandamazingeverytimeshetookabreath.

“Holdon,baby.We’regonnatakeourcrazychemistryoutforatestdrive.”Hestrodetothe

bedroom,laidheracrossthebed,thensethisphoneonthenightstand.“Oneminute.”Hedashedback
upthehall,leavingherfrowninginhiswake.Wherewashegoing?Whenhereturned,hegrippeda
boxinhishand,whichheploppednexttohiscell.

Condoms.
“Youonbirthcontrol?”heasked.
Sheshookherhead.Shehadn’tbeensexuallyactiveenoughtobother.Butasanadult,she’d

alwaysbeencareful.

“Thenit’sagoodthingJackisprepared.IfoundtheseyesterdaywhenIfirstcheckedoutthe

playroom.SexmightnotbemygoalbutIsureashellwantit,soIrememberedwheretofindthem.”
Heswayedcloserwithagrin.“Can’thelpitifI’manoptimist.”

Justlikelastnight,hisobviousdesireforherwasbothabalmandaturn-on.“Youhavealottobe

optimisticabout.I’mfeelingstrong.Iwantthis.”

Hesaunteredtothesideofthebedandshuckedhispants,leavinghimselfcladinonlyhisbriefs.

Theyoutlinedhisrigidcock,whichlookedalittleintimidatingnowthatshewaspayingattention.
Withoutthinking,shetrailedherfingersdownthevalleythatbisectedhiswashboardabsand
disappearedintohiswaistband.Thismanclearlybelievedinagoodworkoutandhadmassive
amountsofcorestrength.

Asshefondledhim,hesuckedinabreath.“Touchingmelikethatcouldbedangerous.You

nervous?”

“Excited,”shecorrected.Anticipationjumpedinsideher,revvingherheart.Butmostlythedesire

tofeelhimeverywhere,touchingher,fillingher,didthat.“You?”

“Both.Don’tgetmewrong.I’mlookingforwardtothis,baby.ButIwantittobeagood

experienceforyou,notascaryone.”

Lilyknewthat,anditwasoneofthethingsshemostlikedaboutStone.“Me,too.I’mhopingwe’ll

bothbesatisfiedthistime.”

“You’reoverdressed,”hepointedout.“CanIhelpyoufixthat?”
Awarmflushsweptthroughherbodyandheatedhercheeks.Butnervescreptin,too.Wouldhe

likewhathesaw?Wouldheaskquestions?“Inaminute.First,Iwanttoexplore.”

Lilysatonherknees,balancingonthemattress.Shehoveredsocloseitmadeherbreathless.She

reachedout,skimmedhisshoulderwiththetipsofherfingers.

Hissteelymuscleslayjustunderhissoftskin.Justtouchinghimmadeherbloodchurn.Her

breathingwasn’tquitesteady.Withhisperceptivedarkgaze,hestudiedhereverymove.Nodoubthe

sawherpulsepounding.Sheplacedherpalmonhischest,overhisheart.Itraced,too.Shesmiled.

“Yougettome,”heassured.
“Thatmakesmefeelbetter.Ishouldn’tbetheonlyoneaffected.”
Heshookhishead.“You’renot,butyoureallyareoverdressedfortheoccasion.Letmelookat

you,baby.”

“Lastnightwasallaboutme.”Shedeflected.“Letmemakerightnowaboutyou.”
Abigsmilebrokeacrosshisface.“HowcanIsaynotothat?”
Nowthatshehadsuchanexpanseofmanspreadoutforhertaking,Lilyalmostcouldn’tdecide

wheretostart.Shecaressedherwayuphischest,encompassedhismassiveshoulders,herfingers
tremblingastheyskatedoverhisskin.Axelhadbeenrippedandmasculine,too.ButStoneaffected
herinawayshecouldn’texplain.Andshedidn’twanttositarounddissectingit.Shemerelywanted
toenjoy.

Leaningcloser,Lilypressedherlipstothehardstretchofhispectoralsjustbelowhiscollarbone.

Shefollowedthetrailofinktherebeforeflittinguptohisneck.Heswallowed.Themusclesofhis
throatworked.HisAdam’sapplebobbed.Hisjawtightenedasshepressedmoregossamerkisses
alongthehardline.

Finally,shefeatheredherlipsjustbelowhisear.“Justtouchingyouturnsmeon.”
Lilycouldhearthetremblingofherownvoice.Nowayhe’dmissthat.
“Baby,whenItouchyou,Igetsofuckingexcited.”Hecaressedherarm,hispalm,warmand

arousing,driftingdownherbacktorestonherhip.“ThesecondIputahandonyou,Ijustwantto
feelyoueverywhere.”

Shemighthavedisputedthatorchidedhimforoverstatinghisarousalbutwhenshecaressedher

waydownthewideexpanseofhischest,herfingersgrazedhismalenipple.Itpuckeredtight.Shefelt
afineshudderrollthroughhim.

Hispalmtrekkedloweruntilhecuppedherass.
“Baby,Ineedtogettheseclothesoffyouand—”
“You’rebeingimpatient,”shechidedwithasassywink.
Thetruthwas,shewishedtheroomweredarker.Whyhadn’tshewaitedtostartthisuntilthesun

hadset?Sexwouldbemoreromanticinthemoonlight.Andhewouldn’tbeabletoseetherestofher
body.

“IwasimpatienttobeinsideyouthemomentIlaideyesonyou,”headmitted.
Lilyreallyhadnoideawhybutshewasn’tgoingtoargue.Shewas,however,goingtodistract

him.

Lettingherfingersdriftdownhistorso,shebrushedherbodyagainsthis,thenretreatedastep,

lookinghiswaywithabatofherlashes.Beingthisnearhimwassuchathrill.

Shewethersuddenlydrylipswithaswipeofhertongue.“Kissme?”
Hegroaned.“You’reteasingme.”
“Alittle.”
“Alot.Therewillbeconsequences,Lily.”
Ifitinvolvedsensualtormentandpleasure,yes.Despitehernervesandworries,shewasgame.

“Kissme.”

Stoneslidhisfingersintoherhairandtiltedherheadpreciselywherehewantedit.Thenhedove

intohermouth.Sheknewbetterthantoexpectamerebrushofhislipsoverhersorapeck.Hewent
fortotalpossession,fingerstanglinginhertresses,lipsnudginghersapartashistonguesweptdeep
anddemandedherresponse.Meltingagainsthim,sheglidedherfingersuphisarm,driftedabarely
theretouchupthesideofhisneck,allwhileopeningwideandsurrenderingtohiskiss.

Inretaliation,heclimbedontothemattressandflattenedhertothebed.Theweightofhimpressed

inonher,startlingherandincitingacurloffear.Lilyforcedherselftobreathethroughitandignore
herapprehension.Shedidherbesttogiveintohim.

I’mclothed.Mylegsarefree.I’mfine.ThisisStone.
Sheconcentratedonhismuskyscent,thehardraspofhisstubble,hisurgentmoanassheclosed

hereyesandslowlydrownedinhiskiss,openinghersensestohim.Hewasn’thurtingorforcingher,
justmakingherdizzyandtingly.Howdidhedothatbymerelymeldinghismouthtohers?

Whenherolledbetweenherthighsandpressedagainstherfemalefleshalreadydampeningand

softeningforhim,hegrippedherhips.Hischesteclipsedhers.Heburiedhisfaceintothecrookof
herneck.Hishot,heavybreathsheatedherskin.Bitingherlip,Lilytriedtofindalittlewiggleroom
ordaylight.

None.
Stonethrust,shovinghisunyieldingcockroughlyagainsthermound.Suddenly,shecouldn’t

move.Couldn’ttakeabreath.Shefelttoopinned,tooconfined.Evenwithclothingseparatingthem,
histouchoverwhelmed.Panicrose.Shetriedtobreathepastitandkeepcalm.God,shedidn’twantto
stophimbecauseshewasaheadcase.Despitehersnapjudgmentofhimwhenthey’dfirstmet,hewas
agoodguy.

Lastnight,he’dbeensuchagivinglover.Hecouldsaythatherhesitationandfeardidn’tmatter,

butLilyknewbetter.Theywerenevergoingtomakeitifshecouldn’tgivebacktohimsexuallyin
anysortofreciprocalway.

Wrappingherthigharoundhiships,shegavehimashoveandurgedhimtorolltohisback.He

complied,breakingtheirkiss,thensettledherontopasshestraddledhiships.

Thereliefshefeltwasinstant.
“Oh,youlookprettyupthere.”Heclaspedherhipswithfirmfingers,gyratingherdownonhis

iron-harderection.“I’mgoingtoenjoywatchingyourideme.”

That’sexactlywhatshewanted.Shelaidherpalmsflatonhisbulgingpectorals,sighingatthe

wayhetensed,flexed,andrippledunderherhands.“Iwanttodothat.Rightnow.”

Whenshereachedforthewaistbandofhisbriefs,hegrabbedherwrists.“You’renowherenear

ready.What’sgoingon?You’reinabighurrytogetonwithit.”

Shehadn’tfooledhimatall.Lilysighedandclosedhereyes.“I’mjustunsteadywith...weight

ontopofme,withnotbeingabletomove.”Orgetaway.“ButIwantyou.Ineedtobelievewecando
this.”

“I’msosorry,baby.Allyouhadtodowassayso.We’llworkwithit.We’llgetthere.It’sfine.”
“ButI’mfrustrated!Howmanyaccommodationsshouldyouhavetomakeforme?It’sbeen

years.Iwasn’ttheoneraped.”

“Physically,no.Mentally,youwere.Yousawsomethingreallyuglywhenyouwerestillakidand

itlingered.Itdisturbedyou.Itaffectedyou.Idon’tblameyouforthat.Youshouldn’tblameyourself.”

Maybenot,butblamingCantondidn’tmakeherfeelanylessfrightenedormorenormal.
Lilycastthethoughtaside.“You’resopatient.”
Thatalmostmadeherfeelmoreguilty.Tearspooledinhereyes.Oneortwoevenhithercheek.

Asusual,though,shecouldn’tseemtohaveagut-deep,heartfeltsobfest.Thatfrustratedheraswell.

“Ihaveafeelingyou’regoingtobeworthit.”Hesneakedahandupunderhershirt,caressingthe

curveofherwaistandwrappinghisarmaroundher.“Wherewerewe?Wasn’tIkissingyou?”

Slowly,Lilynodded.ObviouslyStonedidn’tseethepointofdwellingonwhatshecouldn’t

changerightthisinstant.Hewouldneverenjoysexwithherifshekeptworryingandwhiningabout
it,too.

Sheforcedasmile.“Ithinkso.”

Loweringherselfagainsthischest,shetookhisbigfaceinhersmallhands,herpaleskinasharp

contrasttohisbronzedcheeks,andlayeredhermouthoverhis.

Unlikethewayhekissed,shehesitated,atfirstbarelymorethanasharingofbreaths.Itwasn’t

enough—notevenclose.Soshetiltedherheadandlaidherlipsoverhis,pressingherbreastsagainst
him,revelinginthewayhecradledheragainsthismorepowerfulbodyandmoaned.

“Opentome,baby.”
Lilydidn’tthinktwiceaboutcomplying.Shefeltsafenow,soshepartedherlipstohimwith

abandon,seducinghimwithaslightcurlofhertongueandacoyretreat.Hesurgeddeeper,stalking
her,forcinghiswayintohermouthashegrabbedhandfulsofhershirt,ensuringshecouldn’tpull
awaythistime.

Beneathher,hebenthisknees,spreadthemapart,andsurgedup.Histhickerectionproddedher

slickeningflesh,causinghertogasp.

“That’sit.”Hetrailedhislipsdownherneck,makinghershiver.“Iwanttoseeyoucomeapart

forme.Iwantyouunraveledandtousledandoutofyourmindwithdesire.”

“I’mhalfwaythere,”shepanted.
“Good.Nowlet’sgettotheotherhalf.”Hisfingerssnakedaroundherback.Acoupleofstrokes

later,thebandofherbraloosened.Thegarmentfellawayfromherbody.

“Howdidyoudothatwithonehand?”
Stonegrinned.“Determination.I’mgoingtotouchyoueverywhere,baby.Youtellmewhenit’s

toomuch.”

Hedidn’twaitforhertosayanythingmorebeforehesatherupstraightagainandreachedinto

theshortsleeveofherblouse,thenpulledonebrastrapoverherelbowandoffherarm.Hedidthe
samewiththeother,hisdarkstarefocusedonher,watchingcarefully.Whenheeasedhisfingers
underhershirtandupherabdomen,hepulledherbraawayandtosseditacrosstheroom.Shegasped
atthesuddenfreedom,atthefrictionofhernipplesagainstthestarchedcotton.

Throughthefabric,Stonecradledherbreastinhishand,lightlypinchinghernipple.“Thissore?”
Shepantedandarchedintohishand.“Alittle.Butitfeelssogood.”
“Wanttoaddtothesensations?”
“Yeah.”Shenodded,losingherselfinhistouch,inthemountingbliss.
“That’sagoodgirl.Hmm...”Hewithdrewhishandfromherbreast.Beforeshecouldprotest,he

unfastenedthefirsttwobuttonsofherblouse.

Whenhereachedforthethird,shegrippedhisthickwristtostayhim.Damn,shecouldevenfeel

hismusclesflexandbunchthere.“Canyouleavethisonfornow?”

Hedidn’thesitate.“Absolutely.ButIwanttoseethosebreasts.Iwanttotakethosenipplesinmy

mouthandhearyouwhimper.”

Evenifhelefthershirton,shedidn’tthinkwhimperingwouldbeanyproblem.“Please.”
Stonetuggedthetwohalvesofhershirtasfarapartashecouldwithoutbustingthebuttons.Lily

lookeddowntoseeherbreastsentirelyexposed.Hestaredraptly.

“They’renotbig,”shesaidinapology.
Hescowledatherself-criticism,thenpouncedonthetwinmounds.Cuppingthemasifriveted,he

dovein,histhumbscapturingandpinningthetwinpointsagainsthisthickfingers.

“They’reperfect,”hemuttered.Thenhetookoneofthetightbudsinhismouth.
LightninghisseddownLily’sspine.Shearchedandbalancedherselfasbestshecouldforhis

onslaught.She’dbarelyabsorbedthosesensationsbeforeheswitchedtotheotherbreast,tonguing
hertautbud,nippingatitwithhisteeth.

“Stone,”shemoaned.“Ohmygod...Yes!”

Thoughsheknewhecouldbecapableofgreattenderness,heateatherasifhewerestarved,asif

hecouldn’twaitanothermomenttotasteeverythingsheoffered.Overherflesh,hislipsdragged,
tongueswirling.Hesucked,tugged,moaned.

Curlingherhandaroundhisneck,shedrewhimcloser,holdinghimagainstherasifshecouldn’t

standforhimnottohavehersensitivetipinhismouth.Thenshetossedherheadbackandfelther
cautionbegintobreak.

Withagrowl,heswitchedtotheotherpeak.Shefelteveryoneofthemusclesinhisarmsand

chestbunchwitheffortashepulledherintighter,draggingherdownontopofhim.

Hernipplestingledastheydrewuptighterthanshe’deverfeltthem.Asheleftonetotormentthe

other,thetiphe’djustabandonedthrobbedandached.Shecouldgetusedtothiseveryday.Infact,she
wonderedhowshe’dlivewithoutthisheavenifhedidn’twanttotouchheragaintomorrow.

Hereleasedherbreast,pantingwildly.“Fuck,Lily.I’vegottotouchyourpussy.”
Shewhimperedathiswords.ButStonewasamanofaction.Heusedallhisbrutestrengthtoroll

herover.Heleapttothesideofthebedandtuggedhertotheedge,thentorehershortsfromher
body,yankingthemdownherthighs.Herpantiesdidn’tfareanybetter.Heallbutshreddedthemin
hishands.

Stonestaredatherbaremound,hischestrisingandfallingashedraggedindeepbreaths.“Oh,I

needthat.”

Evenwithherheartpoundingagainstherchestandananxiousballknottingherbelly,Lilywanted

togiveittohim.

Slowly,shepartedherthighs.Ashepulledherdrenchedfoldsapartwithhisthumbs,shehissedat

thefeelofhishandsonher.Hewastouchingherrightthere.

Discreetly,shetuggedherblousedowntoherhipsandanchoreditinplace.Itmightlooklikea

nervousreactiontohim—ifheevenconsideredit.Asfocusedasthatmeltingchocolatestareofhis
was,shedidn’tthinkitcrossedhismindatall.

“Thisismine.”
Thathadtobethemostcavemanthinganyguyhadeversaidtoher.Whathadsparkedsomuch

possessivenessonhispart?“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Yourpussy.”Hisnostrilsflaredashedraggedherscentin.“Thatfuckingdeliciousscent.”
“Youcan...smellme?”Thethoughthorrifiedher.
“Oh,yeah.Youdon’tunderstand,doyou?”Whensheshookherhead,hejustgrinned.“Baby,sex

isn’tpoliteorsanitary.Doneright,itshouldbedirtyandintimate.Thatscentservesapurpose.Ittells
methatyou’rearoused.Anditonlymakesmeacheforyoumore.Sodon’tyoudarewishIcouldn’t
breatheyouin.Ever.”

“Really?”Ifheenjoyedit,thenshewantedtogivehimmore.
Lilyspreadherthighsabitwider.
“Yes,”hegroaned.“Thosepretty,poutinglips.ThattightclaspIknowI’llfeelonceIworkinside

you.Thatpussymaybebetweenyourlegs,butmakenomistake.It’smine.”

Anirrationalzipofthrillwhiskedthroughher.Sheshouldcorrecthimsincetheywouldprobably

onlybetogetheruntilthedangerdieddownorhegotbored,whichevercamefirst.Butshedidn’t
wanttorefutehim.Shelikedtheideaofbeinghis.

“Yours.”
Triumphlithisface.“Giveittome.HolditopensoIcantakeit.”
Avoiceinthebackofherheadshoutedthatthiswastoointense,happeningtoofast.Thewoman

insideLilydidn’tcare.Shewasn’tlisteningtofearanymore.Shewassinkingintoecstasy.Stone
wouldtakecareofher.

Withherelbows,shepressedthefabricoftheshirtdowntocoverherabdomen.Thenshe

loweredhertremblingfingerstoherfleshandheldherselfopenforStone.

Hisstarefeltlikeaninspection,asifhewascatalogingeverythingabouther.Desperately,she

waitedforhisnextmove,findingithardtobreathewithoutgasping,toliestillwithoutshaking.

ThenStoneloweredhisheadandkissedherthigh.Asshemoaned,heswipedapairoffingers

rightoverhermostsensitivespot.Herbodyjerked.Heatscaldedherveins.Theacheunderhistouch
tightenedviciously,grippingherinathrallsheneverwantedtoescape.

“Youlikeit.”Heslantedanarrogantstareupherbody,soundingproud.“Tellme.”
Hedidn’ttouchheragainuntilshecomplied.
“Ilikeit,”shewhispered.
“Youwantmore.”
Shegavehimashakynod.“Iwantalotmore.”
“Remindmewhoyourpussybelongsto.Whoyoubelongto.”
“You.”Fornow.
Hesmiledinsatisfaction.“Yes,youdo.”
Thenhesaidnothingelse,justrubbedhersensitivenubbininsmall,lazycircles,oglingher.She

couldn’tlookawayfromhiseyes,fallingunderhisspellasshewrithedunderhistalentedfingers
whileheslowlydismantledhercomposureandrestraint.

Pleasureswirledandgathered,coiling,tightening.Thefamiliargripofneedmadeherbody

tense,herbreathhitchandcatch.Sheachedforhimtohurryhertoorgasm.Ironically,shewantedthis
slideofblisstogoonforever.Forsolong,thedeliciousbuildtoanexplosionofdesirehadbeena
rarity.IfshestayedwithStoneforlong,Lilysuspectedshe’dberegularlybuckingandkeeningand
cryingouthisname.

“Touchyournipples.Keepthemniceandhardforme.Good...Themomentyoucome,I’m

goingtogetinsideyou,baby.AndI’mgoingtosuckthoseprettypeakswhileIslidedeep.It’sgoing
tofeelsofuckinggood.”

Lilyhadnodoubtaboutthat.
Ashedraggedthoseruthlessfingersoverherswellingbud,herfoldsgrewslicker.They

plumped.Sensationsmounted.Hernipplesstoodatrigidattention,andeverytimeshetouchedthem,
heatsuffusedher,lingered,spread.Shenearlycrawledoutofherskinwithneed.

Whensheshiftedherhipsrestlessly,hepinnedhertothebedwithhisfreehandandresumedhis

unrelentingtorment.“Thereyouare.Yourclitishard,baby.Waitingandpoutinganddesperate.Ilove
towatchyourskinturnrosyforme.God,you’refuckinggorgeous.”

She’dalwaysfeltlikethe“cute”friend.Calliewasastrikingbeauty,soofcourseshe’dfound

love.AxelhadtakenonelookatMystery’sexoticfeaturesandfallenhard.EvenplayboyXander,
whomshe’dneverpicturedsettlingdown,hadsurrenderedhishearttoacurvysirenofablonde.
Togetherwithhisbrother,thethreesomenowhadthemostpreciousbow-lippedbabygirl.

UntilStone,noonehadreallylookedherwayandseenadesirablewoman.Ofallfemalesonthe

planet,whyher?

“No.I’mjustme,”shegaspedout.
“Yeah,gorgeous.You’redelicateatfirstglance.Petite.Yourlipstickandstockingsandtinywaist

sittingontopofthosestackedhipsmademehardtheminuteIsawyou.Amanwhoisn’tlooking
closelywouldthinkthatsweethigh-pitchedvoicebelongstoalittlegirl.Butunderneath,you’rea
woman.Andasurvivor.Youmaybequiet,andIthinkyoufoolalotofpeople,butyou’vegot
gumption,baby.Icanonlyimaginewhatyouwerethinkingwhenyoupulledagunonanex-con.Idig
achickwhocanholdherown,andyoudefinitelycan.”Thehandanchoringhertothebedglided
downherhipandstoleacrosstheinsideofherthigh.

Withoutwarning,heeasedtwofingersinsideher,fillingherupcompletely.Andhegroaned.

“Jesus,you’resofuckingtight.Andcrap,you’rebeggingmeforthisorgasmwiththosefuck-me
eyes.Yourwholebodyisshaking,workingforit.You’rerightthere,aren’tyou?”

Lilynoddedfrantically.Thewayhetalkedtoherturnedherinsideout.Axelhadalwayscoached

andencouraged,everhelpfulandgentle.He’dneververballyseducedherormadeherfeelasifhe
couldn’twaittogetinsideher.Evenwhenhe’dgivenherclimax,she’dfeltmorelikeascience
experimentthanasirenunleashinghersexuality.

Stone’sfingersinsideherfeltintimate.Hestretchedherfleshwithagentleburn.Thethumbstill

workingherclitrampedupthesweetacheevenmore.Itclimbed,overtakingandoverwhelmingher.
Thisorgasm,eventhoughithadn’tcrestedyet,blewyesterday’saway.Up,up,shesoareduntilthe
cataclysmseizedherentirebody.Shenolongerbelongedtoherselfbutentirelytohim.Hetoyedwith
herflesh,wieldeditagainsther,thenmanipulatedheruntilshejolted,froze,andwailedinstartling,
sparklingbliss.

Shestoppedbreathing,thinking—bathedonlyinfeeling—asthedelugeofecstasyencompassed

her,sweepingherupinitspath,tossingheraroundinadizzyingswirl,beforesendinghertumbling
backdown.

Lilydraggedinairasshemeltedintothemattresswithamoan.HereyesdriftedshutasStone

benttopressakisstotheexpansebetweenherbreastsasheslidhisfingersfree.Amomentlater,she
heardcardboardripping,thenatearofsomethingwithaslightlymetallicsound.

Whenshecrackedhereyesopen,shefoundStonestandingbetweenherlegs,rollingthecondom

slowlyoverhisimpressivegirthandlength.Axelhadprobablybeenbigbutshehadn’treallylooked,
justreacted,mostlyfocusinginonherthoughtswhenhe’daskedquestions.

ThewayStonestrokedhiserection,heclearlywantedhereyesonhim.Hewasobviouslyaroused

bytouchinghimselfwhileshewatchedhiseverymove.

Finally,herolledthecondominplace.“Youstillgoodtodothis?”
Afterthatmonsterorgasm?Eagerwasmorelikeit.“Yes.”
Hesmiledanditbrightenedhisentireexpression.Butnothingwoulderasethedarkfireofhis

starepenetratingherassurelyasheintendedtowithhisbody.“Howdoyouwanttodothis,baby?”

“CanIbeontop?”
“Thatsoundsperfect.”Helaidhisbigbodyacrosstherumpledbed,andLilywasamazedathow

muchofthespaceheconsumed.Helookedallbulgingarmsandrock-hardthighsashestretchedhis
widetorsoacrossthemattress.

Asshebegantoclimbonthebed,hepickedherup,ploppingherdownontopofhimuntilshe

straddledhiships.Beneathherslicksex,hissteelyerectionproddedher,asilentdemand.Afterthe
climaxshe’djusthad,sheshouldn’tbeabletofeelarousalforweeks,maybemonths.Shewas
certainlyusedtogoingwithout.Anxietyshouldbereturning.Sanity,too.Butno.Themomentshefelt
himhardandreadyandimpatientunderneathher,shewantedhim.

“Hurry,”sheimplored.
“Yeah,Iwantit,too,baby.OnequestionbeforeIgoanyfurther.Howlonghasitbeenforyou?”

ChapterEleven

hisquestion,Lilyshrankback.Stoneclampeddowntheurgetodamntheconsequencesandstart

poundingherdeep.Instead,hegrippedherhips,forcedhimselffromoneroughbreathtothenext,
andwaited.

“Um...Afewmonths.”
Withthatvaguetone,hedidn’tbelieveherforaninstant.Andthatpissedhimoff.“Howmanyisa

few?”

Shewouldn’tmeethisgaze.“Idon’trememberexactly.”
Morebullshit.Shemightbesittingabovehimnow,buthedidn’twantherforgettingwhowason

top.

Hegrabbedherchinandforcedhertolookathim.“Givemeaballpark.Wasitoverthe

summer?”

Theideamadehisgutgrind,hisjealousyflare.Whilehe’dbeenrefusingperfectlyeasyhookups

becausehecouldn’tforgetacertainpetitepinupgirl,hadshebeen“workingthroughherissues”with
Axel?Hadshebeengivingthemanherpussy?

“No.AxelhasbeenwithMysteryallsummer.”
Right.Good.Stonedialedbackonhishomicidalthoughtsoftheotherman.“Spring?”
Lilyfrownedasifshecouldn’tquiteremember.Sheclosedhereyestoavoidhisgaze.“Itwas

colder,asIrecall.”

“Givemethegoddamntruth.Idon’tknowwhyyou’rehidingthisfromme,butI’mdyingtobe

insidethissweetcunt,makingyoumine.Idon’twanttohurtyoubyfuckingyoutoohard.Give.Me.
An.Answer.”

Hisgrowlobviouslystartledher.Stonedidn’twanttoscareherbuthewasattheendofhis

restraint,damnit.He’ddonehislevelbesttobegentleandpatient,puttinghisneedsontheback
burner,andshegavehimliesinreturn?Whenallhewantedtodowastakeherthoroughly,stakehis
claim,andmakeherfeelsodamngood.

“ItwasjustafterNewYear ’s.Iwasfeelingstupidlyoptimisticandhopefuland...”Shesighed

withdefeat,tuggingherblousedown.

Itwasn’tthefirsttimehe’dnoticedthegesture.
Makingamentalnotetopursuethatsoon,heprompted,“And?”
“Andwegotthroughit.Axel...”Sheshookherhead.“Let’snottalkaboutitnow.You’vewaited.

Iwantyou.I’msorry.Itfeelsawkwardtotalkabouthimwhenwe’reaboutto...youknow.”

“Yeah,Iknow.”ButStonehatedthatherlastexperience—hell,prettymucheveryexperience—

hadbeenlessthansublimelythrilling.Hedraggedinadeepbreath,forcinghimselftofindsome

patience.“We’regoingtodomorethan‘getthrough’this.”

Lilynodded,herplatinumcurlscaressinghershoulders.Butshelookeduncertain,asifshewere

alreadypreparingherselftobesomewherebetweendisappointedandmiserable.

Morethananything,Stonewantedtorollontopofher,takecharge,showherwhatitfeltliketo

bewellandthoroughlypleasuredbyamanwhodidn’twanttobeanywhereelseorwithanyoneelse.
Butshewasn’treadytorelinquishthatsortofcontrol.Ifhehadn’talreadywantedtoslitCantonfrom
throattotesticles,hewascertainlyitchingtonow.Atthemoment,hewasn’tahugefanofAxel’s
either.

“Doyouneedmetotouchorstrokeyoufirst?”sheaskedshyly.
Didshethinkhewashavingtroublegettinghard?Hegruntedandshovedupfromunderher,

pressingagainstherpussytodispelthatnotion.Allshehadtodowasbreathe,andhewasreadyto
takeher.

“Justliftupontoyourknees,baby.”Hewaiteduntilshecomplied,thenurgedherdownuntilthe

headofhiscockrestedagainsthersweet,snugopening.“Easedownatapaceyou’recomfortable
with.You’reincontrolfornow.I’mnotgoingtoforceorhurryyou.”

Asmuchasallowingherthatpowermightdraghimtothebrinkofinsanity,sheneededit.Stone

knewthataswellasheknewhisownname.

Lilysenthimagratefulstare,thenslowlybegantolowerherself,easingtheswollenheadofhis

cockinsideher.

God,shefeltlikehotsilk.Heglidedthroughthetightclaspofherflesh,inchbymind-blowing

inch.Shestartedandstoppedasshebreathed,wincingandreadjusting.Thenshebegancoastingdown
again—andstaredasifherworldbeganandendedwithhim.Afreshboltofthrillzippedthrough
Stone’sveins.Heclaspedhercloser.Damn,hecouldgetusedtoseeingthatexpressiononhersweet
face.Hecouldcometocraveit.

Fornow,hegrittedhisteethandresistedtheurgetoclaspherhipsandshovehiscockhighand

hardinsideher.“That’sgood,baby.Keepgoing.”

Shegavehimashakynod,alongwithacrythatsoundedlikeacrossbetweenagaspanda

whimper.

“Doesithurt?”
Lilypaused,roseagain,thenwriggledherhips.Agroantorefromhischest.Heneededinsideher

sobadly,andnotbeingcompletelysubmergedinhertightclaspwaskillinghim.

Ashebitbackhisprotest,shebeganseatinghiminsideheragain.Holyfuck,thetingles

screamingunderhisskinandupthelengthofhisdickastoundedhim.Shewasstillinchingherway
down,andthefeelofhersuperchargedhisbloodstream.Lilywasn’tlikeanythinghe’dexperiencedin
hislife.

Asherbodyswallowedupanotherinch,Stoneknewbeyondadoubtthathewouldforeverbe

addictedtoher.Makingherstayandgivehimhisfixwasgoingtobeoneuphillfuckingbattle.It
startedwithmakingsurehedidn’tspookorhurthernow.

“Doesit?”heurged.“Hurt?”
“No,”shebreathedout,tossingherheadbackasshesankdownabitmore.
Damn,shelookedpretty,evenwiththatdamnblouseblockinghisviewofmostofhertorso.

Morethananything,he’dlovetoseeherbodycompletelybaredtohim,allherivoryflesh
shimmeringinthesunlight.

Stonegrittedhisteeth.Shewasgoingtomakehimlosehisfuckingmindbeforeshewasdone.

Tensionknottedinhisgut.Hisballsfeltasiftheywereabouttoburst.Hehadtoholdhisshit
together...somehow.

“Wanthelp?”

Shemusthaveheardthestraininhisvoice.“I’vegotit.”
Finally,shepusheddownonhiscock,suckingthelastfewinchesinsidehersnug,sultryclasp.

Sensationssoaredthroughhimwithaspikeofheat.Sheletoutagroan.Hedidthesame,andtheir
soundsmeldedtogetherasperfectlyastheirbodies.

Stonegrippedherthighs,willinghertomoveherhipsandstrokethembothtoecstasy.“Baby...”
“Yeah,”shepromisedasifsheunderstood,thenraisedherselftohistipbeforeshelowereddown

inaslow,torturousslide.

“Shit.”Heblewoutabreathasthetinglesscreamedacrosshisskin.
Everyinstinctinsidehimroaredthatheshouldrollheroverandpoundherdeepuntilshe

couldn’trememberherowndamnname,muchlessatragedyshe’dwitnessedyearsago.Stoneknew
thatwasn’tpossible,sohecheckedhimselfandlethersetthepace.

Experimentallyandexcruciatingly,Lilywriggledherwayuphisshaft,thenglideddownagain,

inflictingmaximumdamagetohisself-control.

“Doesthatfeelokay?”sheaskedhesitantly.
Okay?“Oh,Jesus,baby.You’rekillingme.”
Butforallthetormentofherslowslide,experiencingeverynuanceofeachsensationmadeStone

marvel.Hewasfinallyinsidethiswomanhewantedmorethanhisnextdamnsunrise.Nowhewas
fillingherup,knewexactlywhatshefeltlikeclosingaroundhim.Lilywasfinally,trulyhis.
Possessionwasnine-tenthsofthelaw,soheintendedtopossessherwellandoften.

Shegavehimahesitantsmileandpickedupthepacejustenoughtodeliveranewleveloftorture.

Everyglideofherwallsdraggedoverhiscock,givinghimmorefrictionthanhisunhingedbrain
couldhandle.

Whensheleanedforwardanddughernailsintohisshoulders,hershirtgaped,exposingthe

delicatemoundsofherbreastsandtheberry-sweetnipplestoppingthem.Andwhatevertrainof
thoughthe’dhadfuckingevaporated.

Lilypickedupspeedandsteam,tossingbackherheadandbreathinghard.Sheclampedhimwith

herthighsandthewallsofhercunt.Hereachedunderthatblousehewantedtoripawayandclutched
herhips,finallygivingovertotheneedtopullherintoeverystrokeasheshovedupdeeper.He
surgedfaster,harderinsideher.Lilycriedout,hercheeksflushing,herbodywrithingingraceful
abandon.

Withahiss,Stonedecidedtoshoveherclosertoecstasy.
Heworkedonehanddowntotheplumpfleshofhermoundandsettledhisthumboverherclit.

Slick,hard,ripe.Fuck,yes.

Athistouch,sheturnedfrenzied,thrashingontopofhim,slamminghimdeeperinsideherstroke

afterstroke.Stoneheldonfordearlife.Theneedswelledandjerkedandhackedathisself-control.

Hernailsdugdeeper.Herbreathingturneduneven.Shefixedherstareonhisdigitsashercunt

clampeddownandeverystrokebecamelabored.Shelostherrhythmentirely.Hereyesturned
slightlywideandpanicked.“Stone!”

Reliefandprimalneedtookoverasheliftedherbythehipsandslammedherdownonhiscock

whilehearchedup,hittingsomesensitivespotinsideherthathadherkeeningoutinawailingcryof
pleasure,spasmingaroundhiminquick,tightpulses.

Withagrowl,hegrittedhisteeth.Heneededtoseeher.Allofher.
Stonedidn’taskpermission,didn’twait,justtoreherblouseopen.Buttonspinged,fabricparted,

andheclappedeyesonherflatbelly.Hisbrainregisteredtheunevenskinandslightlysilverstripes
lowonherbellywithshock.

Thennothingmattered.TheneedtobeonewithLilyandmarkherashishithard.Hedidn’thave

timetoargue,sohebracedhimselfbyclaspingherwristsinanunyieldinggripandanchoringthem

athersidesashesurgedinsideher,oneanimalstrokeafteranotheruntilthedaminsidehim
unleashedthetorrentofcataclysmicneed.Thespikeofecstasyhadhimshouting,grippingather,
goingdeeperthanever,andcomingasifhehadn’ttakencareofhimselfbarelyanhourago.Hell,as
ifhehadn’tcomeinmonths.

Therushseemedtogoonforever,andhisbodyjerkeduncontrollablyasheemptiedhimself

utterlyinsideher.Evenafterhisbodyhadceasedshudderingwithpleasure,hecouldn’tgetcontrol,
couldn’tregulatehisbreathing.Forgetblowinghermind.Whatthey’djustsharedhadbeenright,
meanttobe.Stonefeltthatcertaintyineverycellofhisbody.She’dchangedhisfuckinglife.

Beforehecouldcatchhisbreathandholdherclose,tellherhowmuchsheamazedhimand

assureherthatwhathe’dseenonherbellymadenodifferencetohim,shescrambledforthesidesof
hertatteredshirtandtuggedthembacktogether,stabbinghimwithanaccusingglareasshewrenched
free.“Damnyou!”

Stonereachedforheragain,butLilydashedoutofthebedroomandacrossthehall.Thedoor

slammed.Heheardthesnickofthelockandherfistpoundingthehardsurfacewithacry.

Hestaredinshock,inregret.Damn.Shehadn’tbeenreadyforhimtoseeallofherandhe’d

fuckedup.Notthefirsttime.Itprobablywouldn’tbethelasteither.Thequestionwas,couldherepair
thedamagehiscuriosityhaddonetohertrust?Orwouldsheinsisttheyweredone?

***

SHAKING,

Lilystartedthetub.Asthewaterheated,shepacedthelittlebathroom.MaybeStonehadn’t

seenornoticed.Maybehedidn’tknowwhatthosemarksonherbellymeant.

Whenshemarchedbacktowardthesink,themirroroverheadreflectedherfromheadtohips.

Evenatadistance,shecouldseethosesilverypathsupherlowerbellythatneithercocoabutternor
timehadtotallyerased.

Outofthecornerofhereyes,shecaughtsightofsteamrisingfromthetub.Shewhirledawayand

pluggedupthedrainwithanold-fashionedstopperandheldinashockedsob.

Whyhadhedonethat?
Whatwashethinkingnow?
Whatwouldhesaywhenshehadthecouragetoleavethebathroom?
Lilygrabbedherponytailholderoffthecounterandshovedhertressesupinahaphazardbun

aroundhercrown,thensankintothetub,curlingherkneestoherchestandrocking.

Shehadnoideawhattodo.
Behindhertheclickofthelocksounded,followedbythesqueakofthehingesasthedoor

opened.

Shrieking,shejerkedhergazeoverhershoulder,keepingherkneespressedtoherchest.“How

didyougetin?Ilockedthatdoor.”

“That’sthedownsideofbeinginvolvedwithanex-con,baby.IstillknowhowtogetintoshitI

shouldn’t.I’msorryIupsetyou.Tellmewhat’sgoingon.”

Shesenthimarapidshakeofherhead.“Go.Ineedafewminutestomyself.”
Stonepeeredatherwithnarrowedeyesandperchedhimselfontheedgeofthetub.“Idon’tthink

youdo.See,whenIgiveyou‘time,’youtendtoburrowbackbehindyourdefensesandthinkyou
needtohandleeverythingyourself.Youconvictyourselfofterrible‘crimes’youhavealmostnofault
in,andcloseyourselfofffromeveryonewhowantstohelpyou.”

“Youdon’tunderstand.That’snot—”

“True?Yeah,itis.Thistime,we’regoingtotrydealingwithyourfeelingsmyway.Head-on.”He

lookedasifhehadtoholddownhistemper.“Whendidyouhaveababy?”

Hiswordswerelikeafisttothestomach.Withtheirimpact,herbellybuttonsankbackintoher

spine.Hershouldersrolledforward.Shecouldn’tbreathe.“Don’t.”

“Ithoughtwewereinthistogetherandthatyou’dtoldmethetruthabouteverything.”
Thedamntearsthatwouldn’tfallwelledinhereyesagain.“EverythingaboutCanton.Everything

that’simportanttostoppinghim.”

“I’vebeenasdeepinsideyourheadandbodyasamancango,Lily.Ihavebeenstraightupwith

youeverymomentofeverydaywe’vebeentogether.Ihaveputmylifeonpausetoprotectyou.
Doesn’tthat,anywhereinyourhead,entitlemetohearthewholegoddamntruth?”

Witheveryword,hisvolumeincreased.Whenhefinished,hestood,stared,waited.Shewantedto

lashoutathisanger,buthemerelylookedhurt.

Lilyshookherhead.Shecouldn’ttalktohimaboutthis.Shecouldn’ttalktoanyone.Shenever

had.Thepaincuttoodeep.Tellinghimwouldonlycarveanothernotchinhersoul.

Heclenchedhisfists.“I’mfuckinginlovewithyou.Doesthatmeananything?Willyoutryto

givemeachancetohelpyou?”

Hisadmissiononlymadeherachemore.Lilydidn’tknowwhattosay.Stonecouldn’tloveher.

Shewasamirageofvintagestyleandshyflirtation.Thegirlunderneathwasdistraughtandmessed
upandwouldn’tbegoodforanyone.

“Whateveryou’refeelingwillpass,”shemanagedtochokeout.
Thatonlypissedhimoffmore.Hetookholdofherarms,liftingheroutofthetub.Watersloshed

aroundherashedisplaceditwithoneyankofherbody.Shedrippedandgleamed.Butwithsunlight
streamingin,therewasnowayshecouldhidethestretchmarksshootingfromherlowerbelly,
endingacoupleofinchesbelowhernavel.Hezeroedinonthem.Hisjawclenched;thenhefused
theirgazestogether,willinghertounderstand.

“Itfuckingwon’t.Youmighthaveahundredwaystofoolyourself,butIdon’tbotherwiththat

shit.Iknowbetter.You’reitforme,andwhatwejustdidinthatbedtogetherprovedit.I’msmitten.
Gone.AndIcan’tstanditthatyoudon’ttrustmeenoughwiththetruth.”

Lilygasped.Hewasn’tupsetthatshe’dgivenbirth,justthathebelievedshelackedfaithinhim?

“That’snottheproblem.”

“Thentellmewhatis.”
“Talkingaboutwhathappened,it’s...agony.”Sheturnedherfaceaway.God,shereallycouldn’t

lookathimandthinkaboutallthelivesshe’ddestroyed.Andshedidn’twanthistobenext.

“Iwanttoknowyou.Iwanttoheareverythingaboutyou.Iknowithurts,butifyoupurgeit,it

mightgeteasier.Tellme.”

She’dbeensojudgmentalwhenthey’dfirstmet.Hewasanex-con.Dangerous.Notgoodforher.

Sonomatterhowshe’dwantedhim,LilyhadshutStoneout.Nowthatsheknewtheman?She’dnever
knownonebetter.Certainlynotherspermdonorofafather.Thorpewasagreatguy...but
unyieldingandremote.ShesuspectedthatheonlybentandsmiledforCallie.Axelhadmoved
mountainstohelpher.Hecared,buthecouldn’tfakelove—norwouldshewanthimto.He’dbeena
goodmentor.Thoughtheyhadn’tsharedanythingrealordeep,evenheknewthistruth.There’dbeen
nowaytoavoidit.

Afterallshe’dbeenthroughwithStoneinthepastfewdays,didn’thedeservetoknow,too?
Withasigh,Lilynodded.“Givemeachancetogetdressed,andI’lltellyou.”
“Youdon’tneedtocoverupyourboobstoexplainwhat’sbotheringyou.I’mnaked,too.Let’sdo

thistogether.”

Shepaused.Hewasright.Whatgoodwouldhidingbehindclothesdo?Hewasn’ttryingtoshield

himself.Maybehavinganakedbodywhileshebaredhersoulwouldhelpherfinallyfeelasifshe’d
reallypurgedthispartofhersadness.

Drawinginacalmingbreath,shefocusedonthefacts.Shecouldstartherstorywiththose.“When

Iwasfifteen,thecutestguyinschoolshowedinterestinme.Heplayedfootball.Iwasacheerleader.
Wewenttohomecomingtogetherandheldhandsinthehall.Itsoundssoclichénow.Whenwe’dbeen
datingafewmonths,hestartedpressuringmetohavesexandtoldmethatifIdidn’t,heknewplenty
ofgirlswhowould.”

“Hesoundslikeaself-centered,immaturelittlebastard.”
“Completely.ButIcouldn’timaginelosingmyboyfriendbecauseIrefusedto‘proveIloved

him.’Iwouldbealaughingstock.Girlswouldwhisperaboutmebehindmyback.Besides,I’d
eventuallyhavesexanyway,soitdidn’tmatterwhoIdiditwithfirst,right?Ilikedhimwellenough.”
Sherolledhereyes.“ThesewerethethingsItoldmyself.Iwasyoungandstupid,andmymother
workedthreejobstotrytofeedmeandmylittlebrother,soshewasn’treallyaroundtogiveme
advice.”

“Soyouhadsexwithhimandyougotpregnant.”
Shenodded.“Ifoundouttwodaysbeforemysixteenthbirthday.He’dplannedtotakemeoutfor

dinnerandamoviethatnighttocelebrate,likeonarealdate.Iwassoexcited.I’dboughtanewdress
withmoneyIdidn’treallyhave.Itoldmyselfthat,ofcourse,helovedmeandIlovedhim.Butthat
homepregnancytestchangedeverything.ThedayIfoundout,Itoldhim.Hedumpedme,calledme
stupidforgettingknockedup,andsaidheknewI’dbeenscrewingaroundbehindhisback.Which
wasn’ttrue.”

Stonenodded.“Asshole.Thatwashowheabsolvedhimselfofanyresponsibility.”
“Andhespentthenightofmysixteenthbirthdaywithanothergirl,oneheknewIdidn’tlike.I

heardheknockedherupjustbeforegraduationandtheyeventuallygotmarried.”

“Didhenotknowhowtoputonacondom?”Hescowled.
“Hedidn’tlikethem.Theywere‘unnatural.’Hesworethatifwetimeditrightwithmycycle,I

couldn’tgetpregnant.WhatIdidn’tunderstandwasthatI’dneverhadanormalcycle,soIdidn’t
knowwhenImightbeovulating.”Shesighed.“Ididn’tunderstandalotofthings,actually.”

“Youwereakid.Andwithoutparentstoguideyou...”
“Ididn’tknowwhattodo.OnceIfoundoutIwaspregnant,Iknewmymomwouldfreak.Ihidit

aslongasIcould,butsheeventuallyfigureditout.Shekickedmeoutofthehouse.”

“Atsixteen?”Hegapedasifhecouldscarcelybelievewhatshewassaying.“Youmayhave

screwedup,butshehadaresponsibilitytofinishraisingyou.Wheredidshethinkyouandthebaby
weregoingtogo?”

“Shedidn’tcare.I’dbeenaglorifiedbabysitterforalongtimeanyway.Shefavoredmylittle

brother.Bythen,he’dgottenoldenoughtotakecareofhimselfafterschoolandcookhisownmeals
ifshecouldn’tbethere.Iwasjustanothermouthtofeedandateenageproblemtodealwith.”Lily
triedtoshrugthosefactsoff,butdeepdown,theystillhurtdeeply.

Stonegrittedhisteethandshookhisheadasifhedidn’tunderstandatall.Thatwasabalmto

Lily’sheart,especiallywhenhetookherhandsinhisandgentledhisvoice.“Whatdidyoudonext?
Whathappenedtothebaby?”

Nowtheconversationgotdifficult.Shetriedtowrapherarmsaroundherself,butStonewasn’t

havinganyofthat.Hehuggedhertohischestandpressedakisstoherforehead.Insteadoffeeling
intrusive,histouchgaveherstrength.

“IwenttomyfriendErin’shouse.HermomhadgottenpregnantwithErin’solderbrother,Corey,

whenshewassixteen.Sheunderstoodandtookmein.ImovedintoErin’sroomwithherandkept

goingtoschool.Ifoundacountyclinicthatgavemecheapprenatalcare.Iwasworkingpart-timeand
planningtofinishhighschool.Ihadthefuturemappedout.OrsoIthought.Butnothingworkedout
thatway.Erinwaskilled.”

“DidCantonspareyoubecauseyouwerepregnant?”
Shetriedhardtoholdherselftogether.“Ithinkso.Iwasthirty-eightweeksalong.HetoldmeifI

saidawordtothepoliceaboutwhatI’dseen,he’dhuntmedownandcutmybabyfrommybellyand
laughwhilehekilledusboth.”

Morehorrificglimpsesfromthepastbegantobombardher,themostterrifyingtimesandfaces.

Imagesthathauntedhertothisday.Thesoundsofrippingfabric,thesmellofblood,eventoomuch
malelaughterstillsometimessetheroff.

“Then?”heprompted.
Sheclenchedherfistsandslammedhereyesshut.Justgetthewordsout.“Thebabywasagirl.

ReginaRose.Stillborn.”

Hefroze.“Yourbabywas...dead?”
“Yeah.Thecordwrappedaroundherneck.”Lily’snosetingledasthetearswelledagain.Shetried

tosob,triedtogrieve.Herexpressioncollapsed.Shecouldalmostcry.Almost...butnotquite.

God,whenwouldshebeabletoputherterriblepastbehindherandhaveadecentfuture?
“Inlessthanayear,yougotpregnant,youlostyourboyfriend,yourfamilycastyouout,you

watchedyourbestfriendberapedandmurdered,andthenyourbabydied?”Helookedatherasifit
wasawondershe’dsurvived.“Lily?”

Thatwasn’tall,andaslongasshe’dcomethisfar,shemightaswelltellStonetherestof

Canton’ssins.“Allthat,yes.AboutaweekafterErinwaskilled,Igavebirthalone.Ileftthehospital
alone.Iwentbacktomymom’shouse,hopingshecouldsparealittleempathyforme.WhenIgot
there,shemadeitclearIwasn’twelcomebycallingthepolice.Theycameandpickedmeupand
askedmequestionsaboutErin’smurder.”

Lessthantwelvehoursafterherdaughter ’sdeath,she’dbeeninastationhousebeinginterrogated

untilexhaustionsetin.She’dstillbeenbleeding,hungry,reeling.

Stonegrippedhertighter,holdinghercloser.“Letitout,baby.I’mhere.”
Lilylookeddowntorealizeshewasholdinghimsotightly,herbodywasshaking.“Iwasweak

andIwantedtheinterrogationover.IwantedjusticeforErin.SoItoldthepoliceIwouldtestify.They
setmeupinasafehouseandfoundmeadoctor.”Shesobbed—adrysoundwithouttears,agrief
withouthealing.“WhiletheypumpedmyIVfullofantibioticsandfedmesoup,Cantonsenthisgoons
overtomyhousetokillmymotherandlittlebrother.Shehadthemercifuldeath.Theyslitherthroat
quickly.Mybrother,theytortured.Hehadoverahundredcutsonhisbody.Hecalled911afterthey
leftandwasabletotellthepolicethat‘oneofErin’sfriends’waslookingforme,butitwastoolate
forhim.Hediedanhourlater.Hewastwelve.”

Theguiltofsomanydeathssatonherchestlikeananvil,slowlycrushingher.Shewantedso

badlytomoveonwithherlife,behappy.Everytimesherevisitedthatyear,Lilyrememberedallthe
reasonsshedidn’tdeservepeaceorjoyandneverwould.

“Oh,Jesus,baby.”Hestrokedhercrownandkissedherforehead.“Idon’tknowhowyougot

throughallthatwithoutcrumbling.”

“Ididcrumble.”Shepulledawayfromhim.“Don’tyougetit?That’swhyIcan’tbenormal.

That’swhynoonecanreallyloveme.”

Hetookherfaceinhishands,forcinghertolookintohisdarkeyes.“Youareworthyofloveand

Iloveyou.Cantontookyourfamily,yourfriends,andyearsofyourlifeaway.Don’tlethimtake
yourheartandsoul,too.”

Lilywantedtoheedhiswordssobadlybut...

“Somanypeoplediedbecauseofme.BecauseIwasstupid.Because—”
Stonedidn’tletherfinishthatsentence.Hecapturedhermouthwithhisownandstoleinside.It

wasn’takissofpassion.Hefilledherwithtendernessandcomfort.Heheldherwithshakinghands
andtoldherwithoutwordsthathewouldn’tlethersufferaloneanymore.

Confusionandyearningwrackedher.Lethimsootheandeaseher?Ortaketheself-punishment

shedeserved?Givethismanalltheloveshecouldmusterinherscarredheart?Orleavehimbecause
Cantonwouldfindandkillhim,too?

ShewrenchedawayfromStone,staring,breathinghard,shakingherhead.“I...Idon’tknow—”
“Youdon’thavetoknowrightnow,baby.I’mhere.I’llfixit.I’llwipethisfuckingdirtbagoffthe

faceoftheearth.”

Lilysenthimarapidshakeofherheadindenial.“Youcan’t.Youjustgotoutofprison.I’mnot

worthyouriskingyourfreedom.”

“Youaretome.Iwouldmovemountainstogiveyouhappinessandpeace.”
“Thendon’tgoafterhim.Icouldn’tstanditifanythinghappenedtoyou.”Herfingersbitintohis

shoulders.Hertearscrepteverclosertoherlashline.Onerolleddownhercheek,thennothingmore.
“Icouldn’tlivewithmyselfifIlostyou.AfterIleftLosAngeles,Ispentsomanyyearsexistingbut
notbeingimportanttoanyone.Bydesign.Ifnoonecared,noonewouldmournifCantonfoundme
orifIhadtoleaveabruptly.IfIdidn’tinvestmyheartinanyone,thenIwouldn’treallymissanyone
onceIwasgone.”Shehuggedhimclose,tremblingagainsthisbody.“Thencameyou.”

“Fuckthis.”Heheldherinhisarmsandcradledheragainsthischestashedartedacrossthehall

withher.

Lilydidn’tfighthimashelaidheronthebedandtumbleddownafterher,wrappingherinthe

sheetsthatsmelledlikeStoneandcomfortandthesexthey’dshared.Shegrabbedontightly,never
wantingtolethimgo.

“Baby,youcan’tstayafraidandrunningforever,”hemurmuredinherear.
Hespokethetruth,andshedidn’tknowhowtohearit.“Idon’thavemanychoices.Hefoundme

inDallas.Thoseflowershadtobefromhim.Thecarbomb...Hewantstofinallysilencemeforever.
Thatwouldgivehimaclearpathtobecomegovernor.IfyouletmeleaveandIrun—”

“You’dbealone,anditwilltakehimanywherefromdaystoyearstofindyouagain.Butthatkind

ofguy?Hewillfindyou.Whynottakeastand?Stay?Fighthimfinally?I’llhelpyou.”

Shestrokedthesteelycurveofhisshoulder.“Iwouldneverwantyouindanger.”
“AndI’dneverleaveyoutofaceitalone.Ifyoudon’twantmetokillthesonofabitch,thenlet’s

dothistherightway.Let’scontacttheauthorities.Testify,baby.Puthimbehindbars.Endthisfor
good.”

Thatsoundedsowonderfulandnoble...andsounrealistic.“IfIagreetodothat,thepolicecan’t

protectme.”

“ButIcan.JackandSeanandtheEdgingtonbrothers,too.They’rethebest,baby.Governments

hirethemtoprotectanddefend.IcantrackCanton’smovementsviahiscomputerorphone.Theycan
giveyouafortressuntilthetrialisover.Wecanmakethiswork.Ifhegoesaway,you’refree.”He
brushedherhairfromherfaceandthumbedhercheek,makingeverythinginsidehermelt.“Youcan
haveafuturewithme.”

Insomeways,whathesaidmadesense.IfCantonwasbehindbars,hecouldn’tsimplyhopinhis

carorgetonaplaneandhuntherdown.Yeah,heprobablyhadunderlingsmorethanhappytodohis
bidding,butifshetestified,ifsheloppedtheheadoffthatsnake,maybeitwoulddie.Theothersinhis
organizationdidn’thaveapersonalbeefwithher.Itwaspossiblethey’dletitgo.

Maybe.
Andmaybeshewasfoolingherself.

Itwasn’tasifshe’dneverconsideredtestifyingbefore.Butshe’dalwaysheldback.Lilyhadbeen

tiedtoachairwhileshewatchedErinlosethefightforherinnocenceandexistence.She’dbeenthe
onetoidentifyhermother ’sandbrother ’sbodies.She’dseenfirsthandwhatCantoncoulddo.

ButStonewasright.Whatsortoflifewouldshehaveifshedidn’tdosomethingtoendhisreign

ofterror?

NotlongafterleavingLosAngeles,she’droamedaround,hitchhiking,lookingforsomeplace

thatcouldbehome.OnedarknightinBakersfield,she’dthoughtofsteppingoutinfrontofa
speedingsemi.She’dbeenstandingonthesideofthefreewayatnightinthecold,starvingand
wonderingwherehernextmealwouldcomefrom.Itwouldhavebeensoeasytoendthepainwith
oneimpact.

Shehadn’tbeenabletoputthatdriverthroughtheguiltandhelltoendherlife.Instead,she’d

steppedbackandmarcheddownthefreeway,eventuallymakingherwayeastthroughVegas,Phoenix,
Albuquerque,Amarillo,andeventuallyDallas,whereThorpehadseenherinadiner.She’dsatdown
toaplateofeggsandacupofcoffeeshecouldn’taffordbecauseshehadn’teateninthreedays.The
waitresshaddisappearedintothekitchen,andshe’dbeenlookingfortheexitwhenThorpehad
offeredtopayherbillifhecouldhavetenminutesofhertime.She’dshruggedandfiguredthat
nothingterriblecouldhappentoherinpublic.Attheendoftheirchat,he’dofferedherajobanda
placetocrash.Finally,she’dhadasteadyroofandpeoplewhofeltlikefriends.Itwasthemost
normalcyshe’dhadinyears.Butsheneverletanyonesoclosethatshecouldn’tbeartoleave.

UntilStone.
“Afuture?Idon’tknow.IhearyouaboutCantonalwayshangingovermyheadifIdon’tdo

something.But—”

“Youdon’twanttoputanyoneelseindanger.Igetit.Butyoudon’thavetobebravealone

anymore.Thinkaboutit,okay?”

“Iwill.”Sheowedhimthatmuch.Sheowedittoanysortoffuturetheymighthavebecauseshe

lovedhim,too.Andshedidn’tknowhowshewouldeverlivewithouthimagain.

ChapterTwelve

FTER

theireventfulmorning,StonewatchedLilycookinsilence.Theyate,thenshelostherselfby

trollingthroughherfavoritepopculturewebsitesandanotherbookshe’dfoundatthecottagebefore
sheoptedforanap.Hetuckedherinwithakissandtoldhertorestup.Ifhefeltguttedbyeverything
she’dadmittedtohimtoday,shemustbefuckingexhausted.

Onceheknewshe’ddriftedoff,herangJack,whopickedupalmostimmediately.“What’sgoing

onthere?”

Tons,butnothingJackneededtoknow.“Notmuch.Youhavesomethingtoreport?”
“ItalkedtoThorpeanhourago.Axelisstillsleeping.Seangavehimalittlesomethingtohelp

thatalongsohe’dstayoutofyourhairforawhile.Seantoldmetosay‘You’rewelcome.’”

“Iowehimbig.”
“He’sgoingtoheadovertoLily’soldapartmentsoon.Hehastoletthepolicepresenceover

therediedown.Andthepressarecrawlingeverywhere,speculatingaboutthereasonforthecar
bomb.I’veheardthemsaythecausewaseverythingfromavengefulex-lovertoal-Qaeda.”

Stonesighed.“ButnothingaboutCanton?”
“Thankfully,no,”Jackassured.
“Stillcan’tfindthebastard?”
“It’sasifhe’sdroppedoffthefaceoftheearth.Idon’tlikeit.”
Stonedidn’teither.Anyonecapableofrapingagirlortorturingalittleboydeservedtobegone

fromthefaceoftheearth—andnotonhisownterms.Buthesquashedhishomicidalleanings—for
now—andprayedtheycouldfigureouthowtoendthisnightmareforLily.He’dtentimesrathermeet
theguyinadarkalleyanddusthimwithouthavingtoinvolveheratall.Butshewasright;he’d
probablyendupdoingmorehardtime.Scuttlinghisurgeforvigilantejusticesucked,butgoing
throughlegalchannelswastheonlywayhesawforhimtohaveanysortoffuturewithher.Besides,
hecouldn’tdenythatgoingbacktoprisonwasthelastfuckingthingheeverwantedtodo.

“KeeplookingandtellmehowIcanhelp.Please,”Stonesaid.“Lilyhasbeenthroughevenmore

thanyouknow,man.Sheneedsthisnightmaretobeover.”

“You’reinlovewithher.”
Jackdidn’task,andStonedidn’tbothertodeny.“IthinkIalwayswas.Theselastcoupleofdays

havemadethatreallyfuckingclearforme.Shecomesfirst,period.”

“That’showitis,youknow.Youfindthatperfectwomanandbam.You’ddoorsayanythingto

makeherhappyandkeephersafe.”

Absolutely.Whentheygotoutofthisshit,hewasgoingtocallhisfather,makeupforthepast,

thenputaringonLily’sfingerandlivealifesowonderfulshecouldn’tdoanythingexceptbehappy.

Untilthen,hehadtotieupeverysinglelooseend.“Exactly.SowhywasCantonneverarrestedin

connectionwiththemurdersofLily’smomandbrother?”

“Cantonhimselfhadanairtightalibi.Thekiddidn’tlivelongenoughtoIDanyone.Thecrime

scenedidn’tproduceanyphysicalevidenceorwitnesses.Ithappenedfast.BasedonwhatIread,I’d
bettheytookthefamilybysurpriseandsubduedthemwithinsecondsbecausetheredidn’tappearto
bemuchofastruggle.”

“ButthekidmanagedtotellthecopsthathiskillerclaimedtobeoneofErin’sfriendswhowas

lookingforLily,right?”

“Sure,buthedidn’tknowtheguy’sname.ThepolicesuspectedthatLilymightknowwhothe

assailantwas,buttheynevercouldfindher.She’dalreadyfled.”

Shit.AsmuchasStonedidn’tlikethetruth,itmadesense.“Didyouevertrackdowntherestof

ErinGutierrez’sfamily?Maybetheycouldshedsomelight.Thegirlhadamomandanolderbrother
whotookLilyinwhenshewasateenager.TheymusthavebeendevastatedbywhathappenedtoErin
andwantedjustice.”

“Ijuststartedlookingforthemyesterday.Here’swhatIknowsofar:ReneeGutierrezleftLos

Angeles.ShegotpickedupforDUIinSeattleaboutfouryearsago.Sheskippedbail.I’veheard
rumorsshecrossedintoCanada,butthey’reunconfirmed.Coreyfoundhimselfinandoutofjuvie
forabit.Someonemadeanattemptonhislife,andtheytransferredhimout.I’mdouble-checking
somefactsbutIthinkhewoundupenlistingandfoughtinAfghanistan.He’scurrentlylistedasMIA,
butI’mtryingtotrackdownthedetails.I’llletyouknow.”

“Thatwouldbegreat.Thanks.Ineedonemorefavor.”Stoneswallowed,tryingtochokedownthe

lumpofgriefonLily’sbehalfthatcloggedhisthroat.

“What’sthat?”Jackasked.
Stonehatedhavingtoaskanyoneforanythingbuthecouldn’tprotectLilyifhewasfocusedon

toomanyotherthingsbesideskeepinghersafe.“CanyoulookforaburialplaceforReginaRose
Taylor?Shewouldhavediedasaninfant.”

Jackdidn’tsayanythingforalongmoment.“Lilydidn’thaveababysister,didshe?”
“No.”
“Fuck,man.I’msosorryforher.Asaparent,Icanonlyimaginewhatthatpoorgirlmusthave

gonethrough.”

“She’s...anamazingfighter.Buteverythingthathappeneddamnnearruinedher.I’mdetermined

togivethatwomansomehappiness.”Andbabies.Theywouldgetmarriedandraisechildrenandlive
happilyeverafter,damnit.“Butthebabydiedasthechildofanindigentsinglemother.Atbest,she
gotapauper ’sburial,mostlikelycourtesyofLosAngelesCounty.ForLily’ssake,I’dliketogive
ReginaRosesomethingmore.”

“Yeah.I’llgetrightonit.”
“Iknowthat’snotyourusualthing.You’dratherknockheadstogetherthanscantheInternet,but

I’vegotalotgoingonhere,sothanks.”

“You’rewelcome.WhileI’mdoingthat,youwanttoknowhowyoucanhelp?Wecan’tfind

Canton,soyouneedtostoptiptoeingaroundLilyandask,”Jackinsisted.“Point-blankfindoutwhat
sheknowsaboutthisguy.”

Stonegrippedthephonetight.He’dratherhuntdowntheviolentshitstainwithoutinvolvingLily.

“Whateverinformationshehasaboutthemanandhisrunningbuddiesorhabitsissevenyearsold.”

“Butit’sstillknowledgewedon’thave.Itmaybehelpful.It’scertainlybetterthannothing.”
TheideaofshovingmoreupsetandupheavalonherrightnowbuggedthehelloutofStone.

“Damnit...”

“Iknow.Igetit.Sometimes,protectingyourwomanfromthebadguyslurkingoutsideherdoor

ismucheasierthanshieldingherfromwhat’shurtingherontheinside.”

Stonecouldn’thavesummeduphisconcernsanybetter.
Theyrangoff,andhemulledoverJack’ssuggestion.Theguywasprobablyright.Trackingdown

theenemywouldbesomucheasierwithinsiderinformation.Andasmuchashewantedtoprotect
Lilyfrommoreemotionalpain,hehadtoprioritizehersafetyfirst.Fuck.

DeterminedtoseeifhecouldfindCantonfirst,Stonegrabbedhercomputer.Hewouldhave

preferredhisown.Hehaditallsetupjustthewayhewantedwithsoftwareandtoolsthatherslacked.
Herhardshellofapinkcasewiththematchingkeyboardoverlaycertainlydidn’tsay“badass.”Buthe
foundabeautifulironyinusingLily’scomputertotrytobringdownhertormentor.

Unfortunately,nothinghetriedpannedout.Theguyhadn’tusedhiscreditcardsinalmostaweek.

Hehadn’tflownonacommercialairlineorrentedacar.Hehadn’tevenusedanATM.Nohitonhis
licenseplate.Hisphonehadbeenupgradedtoasoftwareversionthatmadeitvirtuallyimpossibleto
accesswithoutthepassword.Anyonethatparanoidwouldhavetakenstepstoensurethatifsomeone
triedtochangehispassword,he’dreceivenotjustane-mailbutatext,too.Stonedidn’twanttotiphis
handandsendCantonscamperingintohiding,sothatwasadeadend.

HediscernedCanton’scellphonecarrierandtriedtopingadatabaseoftowersbutonlyreceived

backasignalthattoldhimthedevicewasturnedoffandhadn’tbeenactiveindays.Morethanlikely
hewasusingburnerphones.Nofuckingwaytotracethose.

Withacurse,hesighedandtriedanothertactic.Cantonhadsocialmediaaccounts,buttheyall

madehimlooklikeafamilymanandahometownherowho’davoidedstreetgangsasakidandput
himselfthroughcollege.Sincegraduatingandopeninghisfirstdrycleaner ’s,he’dbeenusinghis
businessforgoodintheirlower-classneighborhoodandtakinghisownprofitsandtimetoopenteen
centersandafter-schoolcareforchildrenwhoseparentshadtoworklong,hardhourstomakeends
meet.He’dreceivedawardsatthecommunityandstatelevelforstandingagainstviolenceanddrugs.

Stoneshookhishead.Thisguysoundedlikeafuckingsaint.He’dfooledprettymucheveryone

aroundhim.CantonwaswilyandknewhowtohiretherightpeopletospinsomegoodPR.He’d
especiallysteppeduphisgameinthepasttwelvemonths,probablyaboutthetimehehaddecidedto
makearunatthestate’stopoffice.

Stoneclosedouttheopenwindowsonthosedeadendsandtriedpolicereportsnext.Hemadea

mentalnotetolettheLAPDknowlaterthattheyreallyneededtoupgradetheircybersecurity.First,he
prowledthroughtheire-mailserversandavailableincidentreports.Thepolicehadbeencalledoutto
Canton’shomeandbusinessmultipletimes,andhe’dalwaysmanagedtospineverythingtomake
himselfappearlikethevictimofunsavoryelementsintheneighborhoodwhowantedcrimeto
flourish.Reportsfrommorethanfiveyearsbackappearedtobearchivedelsewhere,whichmade
Stonecurse.ButhedidmanagetocollectalistofCanton’sknownassociates.Unfortunately,running
themupdidn’tprovetobeanymoreuseful.Justabunchofgarbage,noneofwhichStonebelieved.

Therehadtobesomeavenueorcluehewasmissing.Resolvingthathewouldn’tgiveup,he

madeanothercupofcoffeeandcombedthroughallthedetailsagain.Still,hecameupempty-handed.
Asmuchashehatedit,answersprobablylingeredinsomelong-forgottencornerofLily’shead.Like
Jackhadsaid,hehadtopersuadehertodredgethemupandgivethemover—thenpickupthepieces
ifshefellapart.

***

THAT

night,Lilysaidalmostnothing.She’dwithdrawnintoherself,andStonesuspectedshewasstill

thinkingaboutwhetherornotshewouldtestify.Apartofhimwantedtositherdownandmakeher
seethatmightbeheronlyoptionifshewantedafuture.Anotherpartofhimunderstoodshehadto
cometothisdecisiononherown—nomatterhowmuchwaitingandgrittinghisteethhehadtodo.

Untilthen,hehadtofigureoutwhatsheknewaboutCanton.Hehatedtoaddtohermentalburden,

buttheywererunningoutofoptions.

Hepushedhisemptyplateawayandturnedtoher.“Ineedtoaskyousomequestions.”
Lilystraightenedinherchair.Hecouldalmostseehergatheringherdefenses,raisingherwalls.

“Aboutwhat?”

“Canton.Hishabits.Hisassociates.Wherehemightrunandwhomighthelphim.We’renot

havingalotofluck.Whatdoyourememberabouthim?”

“Besideshimbeingaterrible,violentsociopath?”Shesighedasshepondered.“Idon’tknow.”
Stonehatedfeelingasifhewereplowingthroughherpsychewithascrewdriver.“YousaidErin

wasgang-raped.WhowaswithCantonthatday?”

“Um...aguyhereferredtoasKillerMo.AnotherhecalledReaperorjustReap.Thelastguy

answeredtoMafia.Ididn’tgetrealnames,soIdon’tknowifthat’sevenhelpful.”

Itwasmoreinformationthanthey’dhad.Stonejumpedupfromthetableandretrievedherlaptop,

tappingonthekeysandaccessingtheInternetinseconds.

“Hey,howdidyougetintomycomputer?”Shefrowned.“Oh,yeah.You’reahacker.”
Slantingheraglancethatsuggestedshegetserious,Stonescoffed.“Baby,Icandothatina

blink.”HedugaroundabitmorefortheidentitiesofKillerMo,Reaper,andMafia.Henarrowedhis
search,addingplaces,dates,detailsheknew.Hecamebackwithatrioofsuspectsandpictures.Then
heturnedthescreenaroundtoLily.“Theylookanythingliketheseguys?”

Colorleachedoutofherface.Sheturnedthesameshadeasaslabofcoldmarble.“That’sthem.”
Stonesqueezedherhandbeforeheturnedthecomputerscreenbackinhisdirection.“I’mdoing

thistogiveJackandtheotherguyssomeinformation.I’mnotdredgingupthepasttoupsetyou.”

“Iknow.”Lilynodded,tryingtoholdittogether.“Icanstillseetheirfaces.KillerMoandMafia

heldErindownwhile...”Shefellsilent,shakingherheadandholdingupahandasifshecouldn’t
saymore.

“It’sokay.You’vegivenmesomeinformationtoworkwith.”Stoneperformedaslightlydifferent

search,waitedforresults,hackedbackintotheLAPD,trolledthroughitsdatabase,thenultimately
scrolledthroughsomecountyandstaterecords.Finally,hefoundwhatheneeded.

“KillerModiedattheripeageoftwentyinadrug-relatedshoot-outaboutsixmonthsafteryou

leftLA.Mafiawastwenty-twowhenhewentdownfortwenty-fivetolifeaftertherape-murdersofa
pairofsisters,fourteenandtwelve,wholiveddownthestreet.Reapergotcaughtdealingjustbefore
heturnedeighteen.HewasputonprobationandhisparentsmovedhimtoIowa.Apparentlyhe’sbeen
‘bornagain’sincethenandisnowayouthministeratalocalchurch.”

Lilyabsorbedthatinformationwithathoughtfulnod.“So...noneofthosethugsrunaroundwith

Cantonanymore?”

“No.FromwhatIcantell,he’sdistancedhimselffromeveryonewho’sgotarecordsohecan

looklikeanupstandingcitizenwithaslightlycheckeredpastwho’srisenabove,blah,blah,blah.He’s
marriednowwiththreefancycars,twokids,andapartridgeinapeartree.”Herfacewasn’tgiving
awaymuch,andhewasdyingtoknowifshewasallright.“I’llsendallthisinformationtoJacksohe
andsomeoftheotherscantrackthesurvivingdudesdown.Doyoufeelbetter,knowingtheywon’t
comebackforyou?”

Sheshrugged.“TheyonlyhelpeddestroyErin.Theydidn’tplanorinstigate.Cantonisstillout

there.”

“Yeah.”Stonerubbedatthebackofhisneck.“Sincehe’sdroppedoffthegrid,wehavetofind

him.Canyouthinkofanythingelsethatwouldhelpus?Habits?Placesheliked?Peoplehe’dreach
outto?”

“OneofthethingsthatdisturbedmemostafterErin’smurderwasCanton’sdogs.Hehadthese

twopuppies,andhetookthemwithhimeverywhere.Hewasalwayswalkingthem.IrememberErin
screamingandfighting...andthedogsscratchingatthedoorofthewarehousetogetin.Assoonas
Erinlaybleedingoutanddead,Cantonopenedthedoorandthepuppieslopedin.Hebentandpetted
them,smilingastheylickedhisface,asifhewasthebestguyintheworldandthedeadgirlinthe
cornermeantnothing.Heprobablystillhasthosedogs.”

Asshetalked,StonesentatextwiththeinformationtoJack,whowrotebackquicklythatthey

wouldquerythecampgroundsandstateparksagainlookingforaguywithapairofmutts.

“Healsohadthishabit...AccordingtoCorey,whousedtodealforhim,whenCantonwas

nervousorexcited,he’dsuckonaTootsiePop.Helikedthegrape.”Sheshrugged.“Hewassucking
ononewhenheenteredthewarehousethatday.”

Lilyclosedhereyesasifshedidn’twanttoremembermore.Sheclenchedherfists,fightingto

holdittogether.

Stonethrewhisarmaroundher.“It’salottoremember,Iknow.Everythingyoucanrecallis

helpful.I’mhereifyouneedsomeonetoleanon.”

Sheclutchedhim.“Thanks.”
Whenshebrokeaway,Stonetextedtherestoftheinformationshe’dgivenhimtoJack.Itmight

notbealotbuteverybithelped.

“Oh,”sheadded.“Hehasasonbyaformergirlfriend.Matt,Mike,Mark—somethingwithan

‘M’.Thekid’smomwentbythenameSherra.Theboywouldprobablybeabouteightnow.Butback
intheday,Cantonwasadevoteddaddy.Wentoutofhiswaytobuyhimcoolstuffandgivehimthe
bestofeverything.Maybehestillseesthekid?”

“That’sgreat,baby.We’lldefinitelyusethatinformationtotrytotrackdownthisasswipe.Ifyou

thinkofanythingelse—”

“I’llletyouknow.”Shestood.“IthinkI’dlikeafewminutesonthepatioalone.I’msurethe

mosquitoeswilleatmeupbutI’mstartingtofindtheswampsurprisinglypeaceful.It’sdefinitely
quiet.Icanthinkouthere.Andnoonewillfindme.”

Aftersheletherselfout,Stonecleaneduptheirsimpledinnerofhamburgersteaksandpotatoes,

totallysecurethatshewasn’tgoinganywhere.Sheknewthegatorsandtheoutsideworldweretoo
dangerousforhertoflee.

TenminuteslaterwhenLilyslippedbackin,gnawingherlip,shelookedamillionmilesaway.

No,shelookedasifshewerestillinthatwarehouse,relivingthehorrorofErin’sdeath.Hewished
likehellhecouldcalmanddiverthermind.He’dtriedtogiveheranear...Ifshetrulytrustedhim
andwantedhimasmorethanaprotector,wouldn’tshebetellinghimherthoughts,herfears?Hell,
rightnowshewasn’tevenlookingathim.

Asherinsedoffthelastofthedishesandsetthemontheracktodry,hewatchedherasshepaced

theroom,armscrossedprotectivelyoverherbody.Whenshestaredataspotonthefarwalland
frowned,huggingherselftighter,Stonehadseenenough.EvenifLilycouldn’t—ordidn’twantto—
shareherfeelingswithhim,shewastoofarupinherhead,buryingherpastandworryingaboutthe
future.

Talkingtothewomanonlywentsofar.Timetotrysomethingnew.Stonesuspectedheknewhow

tofixherwhileworkingontheirtrust.

Heturnedoffthefaucetanddriedhishands,thensnaggedherwhenshecrossedtheroomagain.

“Getready.”

Sheblinked,herdarkeyesfinallyfocusingonhim.“Forwhat?”
“We’regoingtotheplayroom.Youhavefiveminutes.Comenaked.”
Asheturnedawaytomakepreparations,shegrabbedholdofhisarm.“Stone...I’mnotina

goodplacetonight.”

“You’renot.We’llfixthat.”
“Ican’tfocusonsexnow.”
Ifsheimaginedforoneminutethathecouldn’tredirecthergloomythoughtsintosomething

morepleasurable,shewassorelyunderestimatinghim.“Whosaidanythingaboutsex?”

Sheflushedaprettyrosyshade.“Well,ifyouwantmenakedinaroomdesignedforsex—”
“Aplayroomisn’talwaysaboutsex.”Hesentherachidingglance.“AfterworkingatDominion,

youknowthat.”

Withanod,sheconcededthepoint.“True.Butyou—”
“HavenoideawhatI’mthinking,baby.”Heslantedacommandinggazeherway.“Doyou?”
“Iassumeditwassex,”shemurmured,droppinghergaze.“Sorry.”
Andtherewasherpretty,submissiveside.
Stonecouldn’tcallherwrongprecisely.Hedidwantsex.Withher,healwayswantedit.Buthe

wascapableofthinkingaboutmore...mostly.

“HaveIgivenyouanyreasonnottotrustme?”
“No,”sheadmitted,hervoiceapproachingawhisper.
Hecrookedafingerunderherchinandliftedhergaze.“I’mnotbringingthisuptomakeyoufeel

guilty.Iwanttotalkaboutwhatyou’rethinkingandfeeling.Iwantyoutoopenup.Youdon’thaveto
doanythingaboutCantontonight.Youalsodon’thavetodoanythingabouthimwithouthelp.So
don’tthinkabouthimnow.Fiveminutes.”

Withthatreminder,heleftandheadedtotheplayroom,scoopingupsomeitemshemightneed

alongtheway.Atthemoment,hewantedtothankJackandLoganforhislastthreemonthsofBDSM
trainingbecausehehadideasrunningthroughhisheadthathecouldn’twaittotest.

Stonetookafewminutestopreparetheroom.Ashefinished,heglancedatthetimeonhisphone.

Lily’sfiveminuteswereup.

Beforehecouldhaulouttohuntherdown,sheappearedintheportal,lookinguncertainandsexy

ashell.Shehadn’theededhimexactly,butshe’daddedmorekittenishblacklinertohereyes,
refreshedhersirenlipstick,thendonnedapairofwhitethigh-highstockingswithlacybandsanda
pairofchunkyredheels.Shewasn’twearingasinglestitchanywhereelseonherbody.

Oh,holyshit.He’dneverseenawomanlookhotterinhislife.
“You’reontime,”Stoneforcedhimselftopraise.Andeventhoughhedidn’twanttochideher,he

couldn’tletherchoicetorebelpass.“Butyoudidn’tfollowinstructions.Isaidnaked.”

Sheopenedhermouthtoargue,closedit.Thenfrowned.“Youdon’tlikeit?”
“Idobutthatisn’tthepoint.Youdisobeyed,andthatcomeswithconsequences.”Henarrowedhis

eyesather,alitanyofallthepossiblereasonsshemighthavedisregardedhisinstructionsflipping
throughhishead.“Didyouhopetodistractmesowewouldn’ttalkaboutyourpastorthefactthat
you’vebeenlettingitstandinthewayofyourfuture?Wouldyourathergivemeyourpussythanyour
truth?”

Lily’sfaceflamedwithaguiltyflush.“I’vetoldyouprettymucheverything.”
Stoneturnedthosewordsoverinhishead.“Exceptwhatyou’rethinkingrightnow.”
“I’mtryingnottothinkaboutanythingbutyou.”
“ButIknowthere’smorerollingthroughyourhead.”Hequirkedabrowather,daringherto

denyit.Shedidn’t.“Eitherkneelhereandfacemeorleavetheroom.Ifyouchoosethelatter,I’ll

knowyou’renotreadytotrustme.Ifyoustay,I’llwanttotestthatyou’reserious,andIwon’tmakeit
easy.”

“Why?”Shelookedtorn,confused.
“I’vedoneeverythingIknowtoprovethatI’mhereforyouineveryway,yetyoukeepmeonthe

outsidelookingin.Ineedtoknowifyou’rewithme.”

Lily’sexpressioncrumpled.Shestoodfrozenforatensemomentbeforeshecrossedtheroom

andloweredherselftothematandknelt.“Ionlyputonthestockingstopleaseyou.Inevermeantto
makeyoufeelasifIdon’twanttobehereordon’twanttobewithyou.I’mjustsousedtothinking
throughmyproblemsalone.I’veneverbeenthatgreatatsharinghowIfeeland...Yes,IknowI’m
nottheonlypersonhere.I’msorryifI’vebeenselfish.”

Hesoftened.“YouwentthroughsomethingwayharderthanIcanimagine.Youhaven’tworked

throughyourtraumabecauseyoudon’thaveanyresolution.I’mnotimplyingthatyou’reselfish.I’m
askingyoutoworkwithme.Let’sputyourlifebackontracktogether.”

Shebowedherheadanddrewinashudderingbreath.Hecouldpracticallyfeelherthinking.Stone

clenchedhisfist,itchingtolendhissupportbystrokinghercrownandcaressingherjaw.Butshehad
toreachsomeconclusionsalone.

“Youwantmetotestify.”Lilylookedasiftheideaterrifiedher.“Iunderstandwhy.IknowI

probablydon’thaveafutureunlessIdo.Igetthatyouwantmetotalktoyouaboutit.Ijust...For
sevenyears,I’vetriedtodoeverythingmyself.IletAxelunderstandmyfeelingsaslongasIdidn’t
involvehimtoodeeplyinmypast.Thatwasmyburdentobear.”WhenStonepreparedtolaunchinto
hisargument,Lilyheldupahandtostophim.“Iknowyouwanttohelp.AndI’mmoretouchedthan
youknow.ButI’dbelyingifIsaidthatchangingmymindandfacingCantonafteralltheseyearsis
simple.I’mstillthinkingaboutthis.It’snotaquickdecision.Canwetalkagaintomorrow?”

Tomorrowwasn’tgood.Tomorrow,Axelmightberollingdownthehighwaytogetinthemiddle

ofthisshitinthenameofprotectinghisformersub.Tomorrowmightbetoolate.

ButStonecouldn’texactlyforcehertomakeadecisionrightnow.Hecouldonlykeepworking

ontheirtrustandhopingthattheirfuturewasimportanttoher,too.

“Allright.Wewillbetalkingatfirstlight.Understood?”
“Yes,”shemurmured.
“Thatgivesushourstoplay,baby.”
Hergazesnappedup,meetinghis.Thenasurprisingcoyfemininepowertransformedher

expression.Itwasasifknowingthattonightshedidn’thavetothinkaboutthepastanymoreflippeda
switchinsideher.SuddenlyStoneunderstood.She’dbecomeaproatdeferringthetoughdecisions
aheadbecauseshe’dbeendoingitforyears.

Thatwoulddefinitelystoptomorrow.
Lilysmiledathimandsatbackonherheels,thrustingherbreastsup.“That’sgoodtoknow.Do

youseesomethingyouwant?”

Oh,shewantedtotoywithhim?Stonecouldn’thelparuefulsmileathersensual,playfultone.He

enjoyedthissideofher.Gameon.

Hetookastepcloserandanchoredonepalmonherheadsoshehadnowheretolookbuthis

zipperandhisthrobbingcockimprisonedbehindit.“Lookstraightahead,rightatme.Whatdoyou
think?”

“You’rehard.”Shealmostsoundedproud.
“Damnstraight.Butyouknowwhat,baby?Whenyoulookatme,Ithinkyouseesomethingyou

want,too.”

Lilylickedherlipsnervously,staringathiscockstrainingagainsthisjeans.“Ido.”

Tohisshock,sheleanedforwardandnuzzledhercheekagainstthefoldcoveringhiszipper,

nudginghisbulge.Thecontactwaslikeanelectricboltfiringhisblood.Itshotstraighttohisdick.
Crap,thewomanwasdrivinghimoutofhismind.Hehadtotakecontrolofthesituation.

Fightingforasteadyingbreath,Stonesteppedaway.“Standup.”
“Youdidn’tlikethewayItouchedyou?”Shebattedherlashes.
“Ithinkyouknowbetter,”hepointedout.“Andwe’llgetbacktothat,butIhaveanagendatonight.

I’mgoingtogiveyouinstructions.You’regoingtocomplywithoutquestion.Ifyouneed
clarification,I’llprovideit.Otherwise,Iexpectimmediateobedience.”

Ashistonechanged,sodidherdemeanor,andsheloweredhergaze.“Yes,Stone.”
Evenhervoicesoundedsubmissive,anditdidsomethingtothemaninhim.
Sincedirectconfrontationwasn’tlooseningherup,Stonehadchosenaformofcommunication

Lilywasfamiliarwith.AccordingtoThorpe,Axelhadusedittomakecompletelydifferentpoints
withher,butsheknewthisgamewasserious.Stoneintendedforhertolistenandobey.Whenshe
slippedintosubmissivemode,shedidn’twanttodisappoint.Rightnow,Stonewouldusewhateverhe
couldtomakeherseehewasright.

“Good.Beforewegetstarted,let’scoverafewreminders.What’syoursafeword?”
“Lunar.”
“That’sit.Iwillpushyourboundaries.Butyou’refreetouseyoursafewordifI’mactually

hurtingyouoryoufeelasifyoucannothandlewhatI’mdoing.Makesense?”

“Yes,Stone.”
“Good.”Hecouldn’tstophimselffromcaressingthecrownofherhead,lettingherknowthathe

bothheardandappreciatedhercompliance.“HaveIeverdoneanythingtoactuallyhurtorendanger
you?”

“No,Stone.”
“WillI?”Thequestioncameoutautomaticallybecauseheknewtheanswer:never.Buthowhurt

wouldshebeifsheheardaboutthedealthefedshadtriedtocuthim?Very.She’dfeelutterly
betrayed.Hewishedhedidn’thavetoacceptittohaveafuturewithher.Butwithtrustsotenuous
betweenthem,ifhetriedtoexplainthesituationtoherrightnow,everybridgehe’dtriedtobuildwith
herwouldcrumble.He’dtellhersoon;hehadto.Aftertonight,whenhehopedthey’dbestronger.

ThenStonerealizedLilywasstillsilent.Itonlyreinforcedallhisworriesabouttheirtrust.She’d

givenhimallherotheranswersquickly,almostasifinstincthadprovidedherreplies.Thisoneshe
thoughtaboutafewmomentslonger.Whileheunderstood,waitingforhertoweighhertrustnearly
rippedhisgutsout.

“Idon’tthinkso.”Sheliftedhergazetohim,herlowerliptrembling.“I’mjustbeinghonest.

Remember,I’mslowtotrust.ThisisthefastestI’veeverjust...believedinanyone.”

Onthesurface,itdidn’tseemasifshehadputmuchfaithinhim.Butgivenwhatshe’dbeen

throughandwhatheknewaboutherhabitswithAxel,herealizedshe’dputalotoftrustinhim
already.Heneededtobeworthyofitandbepatient.Shewasstayingwithhiminanunfamiliarplace
shecouldn’teasilyescape.Shesleptinhisarmseverynight,too.Then...therewasthesex.Thorpe
hadhintedthatAxelhadn’treachedthatpointwithLilyformonths.Evenmore,Stonerealized,she’d
trustedhimwithherwholetragic,terriblestory.She’dsharedshameanddangerandhelplessness.
Evennow,shekneltinfrontofhimwithbigeyesthatpleadedwithhimtounderstandthatshewas
givingherbest.

“Iknow,baby.JustlikeI’mtryingtobepatient.Beingapushybastardisinmynature,butI’ll

keeptryingtostiflethatsideofmeandbereasonable.”Hecaressedhercheek.“Tobetotallyclear,I
willneverhurtorendangeryou.Iwantyoutorememberthattonight.”

“A-allright.”Shesoundedworriedbutdidn’targue...yet.

Withasatisfiednod,hepulledouthisphoneandlaunchedtheapptostreamradio,choosinga

mellowstationthatplayedballads.Hewantedherrelaxed,calm.Whatheplannedwasn’tromanticbut
heldgravity.Stoneneededhertofeelit.

“Putyourhandsinfrontofyou,palmsup,shoulderwidthapart.”
Instantly,shecomplied,andhecouldn’tmisstheshudderthatwentthroughher.Yeah,sheliked

complex,adultSimonSays–typegames.AccordingtoThorpe,sheenjoyedthechallengeandplayed
towin.

Stoneturnedandretrievedapairofcuffs,thenstoppedinfrontofheragain.“I’mputtingtheseon

yourwrists.Don’tflinch.Ifthey’retootight,sayso.”

“Yes,Stone,”sherepliedinabreathywhisper.
Withouthesitation,hebuckledtheleathercuffs,onearoundeachwrist,andcheckedtomakesure

hecouldstillfitafinger—butnomore—underthewidestrap.

“Turnyourpalmsdown.”
Again,sheobeyed.TheO-ringsontopofthecuffswinkedintheoverheadlight.Stonewhirled

aroundtothetablebehindhimandreachedforalongsnaphook.

Heclosedthelittlemetallicdeviceupinhisfist.“Handsbehindyourback.”
Abarehesitationlaterandshecomplied,windingherarmsaroundherandgrabbingthefingers

ofherlefthandwithherright.“Likethis?”

Withslowstepsintendedtodrumupherheartbeat,Stonecircledbehindher,pretendingto

considerwhethertogivehispraise.“That’scorrect.Holdstill.”

“Yes,Stone.”Hervoicesoundedalittlelower,alittlemoreremote,asifshewerebeginningto

feelmoreandthinkless.

Exactlywhathewanted.
Hefastenedthetwo-headedhooktohercuffs,oneendtoeachoftheO-rings.Thenherounded

heragain,staringdownatthewaythepositionthrustherbreastsout.Hewouldn’tbeaheterosexual
manifthatdidn’tgettohim.Buthecouldn’tletherknowthattheverysightofherbeattheshitoutof
hisself-control,sohekepthisgroanofappreciationtohimself.

“Doyourshouldershurt?”
“No.”
“Goodtohear.Tellmeaboutthetattooonyourshoulderblade.”
Shedraggedinashudderingbreaththenspokeinthesoftestwhisper.“Thewrenflyingfromits

cagesymbolizesReginaleavingthepainofthisearthtobefree.Theroseinitsbeakisbothforher
middlenameandbecauseIwantedtogiveheratokenofmyloveassheleftme.”

Sosimpleandpoignant.Somethinghotstungthebackofhiseyes.Tears.Shit,bothhergriefand

hertributemovedhim.Howamazingthatshe’dchosentohonorthelittlegirl’smemorythisway.
“It’sperfect.Nowcloseyoureyes.Youdon’tneedtocontrolanythinghere.I’vegotyou.”

Hewouldremindheragainifthatwouldeaseheralong,butrightnowsheneededtohearthe

assuranceandtheauthorityinhisvoice.

Withalittlenod,Lilysnappedhereyesshut.“Yes,Stone.Sorry.”
Hecircledtoherfrontagainandgrazedafingertipoverhercheekbone.“You’reforgiven.”
Andnowitwastimetoputthisgameintooverdrive.
Withafewclicksofabuttononhisphone,heturnedupthemusic.Onbarefeet,hecrossedthe

floor,exitingtheplayroom.Hedasheddownthehall,grabbedafewthingsfromthefridge,then
headedback.

Hesneakedupontheportalandstuckhisheadaroundthecorner,tryingtocatchherpeekingor

otherwisegivinghimasignthatshedidn’ttrusthim.ButhefoundLilyexactlyashe’dlefther—head

bowed,shouldersback,thelonglineofherspineanenticingviewabovetheheart-shapedasssitting
onthosefuck-meredheels.

Suckinginabreath,hegrabbedarefrigeratedcanandshookit,stoppingbeforeheragain.“Open

yourmouth,tongueout.”

Lilypressedherlipstogetherforamoment.Thinkingitover?Gatheringhercourage?Beforehe

couldbarkatherabouttrustandcompliance,shedidashe’dbidden.Stonestoodbackandstared.

Likeachildstickinghertongueouttocatchtherain,shewaited.Thewayshesatbackonher

heels,eyesclosed,awaitinghisnextmove,undidhim.Shewasfightingforthiscomposure,butStone
hadnodoubtshediditbecauseshewantedtopleasehim.

Thatrealizationwasheadyshit.
Heflippedoffthetopofthecanandturneditupsidedown,rightoverheroutstretchedtongue.

Thenhepushedhisfingeragainsttheredplasticdispenser.Asoftwhooshfilledtheair.Whipped
creampiledonhertongue.

Shemanagedtocurlhertongueupinalittlesmile.
Stonebitbackacurse.Wouldn’theliketoputhiscockrightthere?
“Swallow,”heinstructed.
Hedidn’thavetotellhertwice.Sheclosedhermouthandsucked,smackingherlipswitha

wideninggrin.

“Tongueoutagain.”
Happily,shecomplied,almostcomicallyeagerformore.
Stonecouldn’ttakehiseyesoffLily,lookingready,breathheld,anticipationrollingoffher.Her

nipplespeaked.Herskinlookedsodamnluminousinthelight.Goddamnit,hewantedtofuckallthe
gamesandmakelovetoher.

Butsheneededtotrusthim.Sheneededtofeelthecomfortofsomethingfamiliarwithhim.She

neededlevityandjoyinherlife.

Whathewantedrightnowdidn’tmattertwoshits.
Stoneapproachedthebenchwithhisgoodiesagainandsetthewhippedcreamaside.Hegrabbeda

coupleofthingsthatmadehimgrin.Hecouldn’twaittoseewhatshemadeofthis.

Hebrokeoffpartofastripofbaconleftoverfrombreakfastandplaceditonhertongue.She

smelleditbeforeshetasteditandstartedmoaningimpatiently.

“Wait,”hedemanded.
Shewriggledasifshehadantsinherpants...despitethefactthatsheworenopantsatall.
Poppingoffanotherplastictopandliftingthespout,Stonesqueezedthebottle.Ashewatched

honeycoathertongue,hiscockgotharderbythesecond.“Tasteit,thenswallow.”

Lilydrewhertonguepastherlipsandalmostinstantlystartedmoaning.“Baconandhoney?You

areagenius.Ohmygod...”

Stonegrinned.“WhenIwasakid,mygrandmamadethiscasseroleeveryChristmasmorning

withthosetwoingredients.Itwasalwaysmyfavorite.”

“It’stodiefor.What’snext?”Shesoundedcompletelyeager.
“Notfood.Holdstill.”
Herbreathingstuttered.Awarenesscreptacrossherfaceoncemoreassherememberedtheywere

playingagame.

Hegrabbedthenextitemhe’dsetasidefromthetable,thenapproachedherfrombehind.That

gorgeousassbracketedbyherredpatentpumpsandalmostinnocentwhitestockingsturnedhimthe
fuckon.Hebitbackamoanandfocused.

“You’vedonereallywellsofar.KeepyoureyesclosedandrememberI’mheretoprotectand

guideyou.”

Sheswallowedasifsheknewheintendedtochallengeherboundaries.“YouknowI’lltry.”
“Nope.IntheimmortalwordsofYoda,‘Doordonot;thereisnotry.’Andyes,IgrewupaStar

Warsnerd,sonotalkingsmack.”Stonehopedhisteasingwouldsetheratease.

Lilygavehimashakynod,thenslidhereyesshut.Stonebracedhimselffortheworst,evenashe

hopedforthebest.

Thenhedroppedtheblindfoldinfrontofherface,settlingitoverhereyes,andwaited.
Shestiffenedandsuckedincalmingbreaths,clearlyfightingherinstincttopanic.Thoughshedid

well,Stonesensedshewaslosingthestruggleandredirectedher.

Hequicklytiedthescarfoff,thenlaidhispalmsonhershouldersandbenttomurmurinherear.

“Thisisnodifferentthanhavingyoureyesclosed.Youhaveasafeword,remember?”

“Butwithmyhandsrestrained,Ican’ttaketheblindfoldoff.”
“Ifyouneedtosee,communicatewithme.”
“Blindfoldsmakemepanic.IwasneverabletohandleonewithAxel.”Shesoundedanxious.
Stonegotthefeelingthatsomethingterriblehadoncehappenedtoherwhileshewasblindfolded.

Ifthatwasthecase,hewouldtrytoerasethattormentforher,makesomegoodmemoriestocounter
thebad.“Wewill,youandI.Juststaywithme.”

Lilyhesitatedforalongmoment.Shetrembledandstruggledforair.Stonewatchedandworried

andwaited.Finally,shenodded.“Okay.”

“I’vegotyou.Nowopenyourmouth.”
Shewasfamiliarwiththisexercise,nowcomfortablegivinghimthisaccess.Quickly,shestuck

outhertongue,almostasifshe’ddecidedthatthefastershecomplied,thefasterhe’dremoveher
blindfold.

Heunwrappedasquareofchocolatehe’dfoundinthegroceriesJackbroughtandsetitdirectly

onhertastebuds.Itbegantomeltalmostimmediately.Sheinhaled,takinginthescent,andgavehima
groanofdelight.

“Youcaneatit.”Hesmiledatherexcitement.
Stilllickingherlips,shemoaned.“Doyouhavemore?”
“Littleglutton,”heteased.“No.”
Hehadsomethingelsereadyforher,andhewasdyingtoknowhowLilywouldtakeitandifshe

wouldenjoyit.

“Openyourmouth.Wide,”hedemanded,reachingforthebuttonofhisjeans.

ChapterThirteen

ILY’S

heartflippedinherchestatStone’scommand.Whateverhemeanttofeedhernowwouldn’t

bewhippedcreamorchocolate.Sheheardthedareinhisvoice.

Gatheringhercourageandfightingtheresidualapprehensionfromherblindfold,shedidashe

bidandwaited.Shewouldnotcavein.ShewouldnotletanythingCantonhadeversaidordoneruin
thismomentforherandStone.Becausewhenthismantouchedher,sheshivered.Whenhe
commandedher,ashewasdoingrightnow,sherealizedhowbadlyshewantedtorisetohis
challenge.Sheachedtotrusthim,submitwithgrace,andshowhimhowmuchhewasrapidlycoming
tomeantoher.

Hetrailedhisfingerfromthemiddleofhertonguetothetip,thenrimmedherlowerlip.He

tastedofsaltandmanandstrength.Lilylikedeverythingabouthim.Thegentlealphawayhehandled
her,helpedher,settledher—evenasheexcitedthehelloutofher—waslikeafantasy.Butwhenhe
touchedher...she’dneverfeltblisslikeit.

Playfully,shesuckedhisdigitbackinhermouth,wrappingherlipsaroundit,cradlingitwithher

tongue,mimickingwhatshewanted.Hesooftentouchedherforherenjoymentandpleasure.Inthat
moment,Lilyyearnedtopleasehiminreturn...

Suddenlyhewithdrewhisfingerandnudgedherlipsapartagain.“Openwide.Wider.”
Asshecomplied,Lilyheardthehissofhiszipperasheloweredit.
Herheartraced.Herinsidesjumpedwithajoltofthrill.Wouldshefinallyhavetheopportunityto

returnsomeoftheecstasyhe’dgivenher?

“Iwantyoutosuckmycock,Lily.”Hisvoicesoundedgruffandraspyasheloopedahand

aroundthebackofherneckandurgedherforward.

Afireflasheddirectlybetweenherlegs.
“Yes,Stone.”Shecouldn’tsaythewordsfastenough.Shecouldn’twaittotakeinhisflavor,savor

histaste,saturatehimwithherneed,takehimtotheedge.Atleastshehopedshecould.“I’venever
donethisbefore.”

“Never?”
Sheshookherhead,wishingshecouldseehisexpression.Washeintrigued?Weirdedout?

Annoyedthatshe’dbeanovice?

Heletgoofherneckandgrippedherchin.“Howisthatpossible?”
Thoughhe’dbarkedthequestion,Lilystilldidn’treallyknowhowhefeltaboutheradmission

andgavehimanuncertainshrug.“Myhighschoolboyfriendwaswaymoreinterestedinstraight
intercourse,probablybecausehewasoneofthefirstofhispalstobe‘gettingsome,’Ifoundoutlater.
AndAxel...heneverwantedtomakethesexwehadabouthim.Hewasalwaystryingtohelpmedeal

withmytriggerssoIcouldmoveforward.Youknow,mentally.Ourrelationshipwasn’tromantic.We
werefriends,butwehadaDom/subdynamic.AndthefirstruleofanyDominant—”

“Istogivethesubwhatsheneeds.”Stoneclearlyunderstood.
Sincehealsodidn’tseemtolikeAxelmuchorwanttotalkabouthimmorethannecessary,Lily

cutshortherexplanation.“I’lldomybest.”

Becausesheachedtosatisfyhim.Yes,shefelttheyearningsofasubwho’dbeenstuckonsome

trainingtreadmillandneverallowedtogiveintohernaturalinstincttoplease.Butshewanteditmore
becausehewasStoneandshewasquicklyrealizingthatheheldherheart.

“Idon’thaveanydoubtyou’regoingtodrivemeoutofmyever-lovingmind,baby.Tongueout.”
Lilythrustitoutfartherthanbefore,breathingaudibly,shaking.
“That’sgood.Youlooksofuckingprettywaitingformycock.Takeit.”
Hecamecloser,andLilycouldsmellthemuskrisingfrombetweenhislegs.Theachegathering

betweenherthighsdrewup,tightandsharp.Thenheslidhiserectiondirectlyonhertongue,its
weightforeign,heavy,andintoxicating.Asthesilken-smoothheadglidedoverhertastebuds,she
lickedsomethingsalty.Shewantedmoretimetoexplorethat,swipehertongueovertheslitandtease
theridge,buthekepteasingin,inchaftersteelyinch.Thegroanthatcamefromhischestsounded
somewherebetweentorturedandecstatic.

Foramoment,Lilywasgladshecouldn’tsee.Nowshehadtosimplyletherselfgoandfeel.
“Oh,yeah.That’sit.That’ssofucking...wow.Nowcloseyourlipsarounditandsuckme.”
Shebalancedonherheelsassheleanedclosertotakemoreofhiminsidehermouth.Onceshe

feltsteady,shedrewhislengthtowardthebackofherthroatwithawhimperofpleasure.

“That’sit.Oh,damn.Baby...”
Twirlinghertonguearoundhisshaft,shetriedtomapeveryinchofhim,didherbesttotakeall

ofhimintohermouth,pushingherheaddownandswallowingdeepuntilhepokedthebackofher
throat.Theanimalsoundsofneedhemadearousedher.She’dneverfeltsoalluring,enticing,so
filledwiththisheadybrandoffemininepower.Andshebaskedinit,easeddownfarther,tryingto
closeherlipsaroundhisroot.Instead,shebegantochoke.

“Lily...”Hepulledback.“Iloveyourmouth.God,it’slikeheaven.Butyou’reattempting

penetrationthatlookslikesomethingoutoftheOralOlympics.You’renotreadyforthat.”

Hemightberight,butthatfrustratedher.Itfeltasifshe’dneverbeenreadyforanything.People

alwaysworriedshewasn’tstrongenoughorpreparedenoughorexperiencedenough.Anddamnit,
shecouldn’tfixthatwithoutdoingandfeelingandpracticing.

Shegroanedinprotest,lungingforwardtosuckhimbackdeep.Whenshelostherbalance,he

caughther.

“Baby,youcan’t—”
Sheyankedawayandhewithdrewfromherlipswithapop.“Ican.I’mdoingthis.Ineedtogive

thistoyou.Don’tstopme.Please...”

Hepausedforasilentmoment,andLilyhadtobelievethathewastryingtofigureherout.

Becausehecouldn’tseehereyeswiththeblindfoldcoveringthem,shehadtohopehervoice
conveyedherpassion.

“Yousure?”
“Areyougoingtohurtme?”
“Ofcoursenot.”
“Thenwhat’stheharm?I’mabiggirl.Ishouldbeabletohandlethis.You.Us.Beingtogether.”

Shewasnearlyreadytoscream.“Idon’tjustwantmoretogetherness.Ithinkweneedit.”

“You’reright.”Hethrusthishandinherhairanddrewhercloser.“You’regoddamnright.Open

forme.Remember,youdon’thavetorushandyoudon’thavetoproveanything.”

Lilylethiswordssinkinashefilledhermouthagainwithhisslick,steelyhardness.Iftherewas

suchathingassmilingontheinside,shewasdoingit.Asshesuckedonhisthickstaffandmoaned,
Stonegrippedherhairandpulledjustenoughtosoakhersenseswithhismuskandgrufftenderness,
tomakeherheadbuzzwithdesire.

Shecurledherlipsaroundhim,lappingathimwithhertongueagain,findingnewspotstotaste

anddelightinginthesoundsofhisraggedbreaths,hissesofpleasure,andgutturalgroans.Thelittle
divideatthebottomoftheheadtemptedhertongueoverandover.Andeverytimeshelashedatit,he
shudderedandpulledherhairtighterbeforehequickenedhispace,shuttlinginandoutofhermouth.

“Baby...Oh,shit.Ican’teventellyouhowamazingthatfeels.Hmm...”
Sheredoubledhereffortstogivehimeveryshredofherearnestneedtoserve,alongwitha

deliciouspleasurehewouldn’tforget.

Herampeduphisrhythm,thrustingintohermouthwithlongstrokesthatdemonstratedhisutter

controlandmastery.Aroundhim,shemoanedandshookherheadtotakemoreofhislengthintoher
mouth.Shecouldn’tquiteputherfaceagainsthisabdomenbuttheclosershedrewtohisroot,the
strongerhismasculinescentrosetofillhernose.Itintoxicatedhersenseslikeadrug.Shecould
easilycravethisintimacyallthetimejustforthesheerpleasureofbreathinghimin.

Lilypulledbackashetuggedherawayagain.Sheresisted,butheforcedhertobreaktheir

connection,provingthathewastheDomandhadcommandofboththesituationandher.

“Stop,”hegrowled.
Shepantedhard,wishingshecouldreadhisexpression.Thenitdawnedonherthat,notonce

whileshe’dhadhimsocloseandtastedhisfleshhadshebeenpanickedaboutbeingunabletosee.Not
oncehadshereplayedthatharrowingtimeleadinguptoErin’sdeath.

Yes,itwasprobablyweirdtofeelasenseofaccomplishmentfromsuckingaman’scockwhile

blindfolded,butengagingin“firsts”andpushingthroughfearsabsolutelymadeherwanttocelebrate.
She’dconqueredoneofherhang-upswithStoneandfeltabitmorewholebecauseofit.Whichmade
himevenmoreamazingtoher.

Whenthey’dfirstmet,he’dbeenlikeapowerfulstar,glimmeringsobrightandsohotthatshe’d

beenafraidtotouchhim.Nowheseemedlikeallthatandahundredfeettall.Butshewasn’tafraid
aroundhimanymore.

“Ifthat’swhatyouwant,Stone.”
Hewasbreathinghard,too.“Notreally.WouldIlovetostayinthatsilkenmouthandrideituntil

theecstasyturnsmeinsideout?Hell,yeah.ButI’vegototherplans.Tonightisn’tsimplyaboutme
gettingoff.”

“Butcan’titbe?”
“Whenourtrustisstronger,whenIknowI’vesatisfiedyoufirst,sure.ButI’vegototherideasat

themoment.”

Withthat,sheheardtherustlingofcloth.Washepullinghispantsup...ortakingthemoff?
Lilydidn’thaveananswertoherquestionwhenStonehelpedhertoherfeetandledheracross

theroom.Thenheunhookedherwrists.

Slowly,shebroughtherarmstohersidesagain.Theytingledslightlyasbloodrushedbackin.

“Areyou...Arewedone?”

Shecouldn’thelpthedisappointmentslashingthroughher.
Stonemassagedhershoulders.“Notunlessyou’regivingmeyoursafeword.”
“No.”Sheshookherheadvigorously.Hernipplesweretightandherclitburnedwithneed.The

onlythingshewantedwasmore.“No.”

“Good.Thenbendover.”

Heguidedherdownandnudgedhertorsooverthepaddeddungeontable.Shetrembledashe

pressedherbreastsdownintothecool,cushionedsurface.

“Nowraiseyourarms.Laythemaboveyourheadandstaystill.”
Lilyyieldedandliftedherarmsstraightup,drapingthemonthetable.Stonesteppedbehindher

andleanedoverherbody,everyinchofhishardframecoveringherashecaressedhiswayupher
waist,overtheexposedsideofherbreast,beforeheveeredtothevulnerableundersideofherarm,
eventuallyglidinghiswaydowntoherwrist.

HeclippedtheO-ringtooneofthebondagepointsontheside,nearherhead,renderingthatarm

immobile.

Slowly,carefully,hereachedforherotherwrist,hisfingertipsprowlingupherbodyagain,

incitingthekindofshiverthatraisedgoosebumpsandmadehersuckinasharpbreath.Despiteher
dizzyingarousal,Lilynearlyresistedashepulledherwristinexorablyclosertothenextbondage
point.Instead,shebreathedthroughtheanxietyandforcedherselftogiveovertohim.

“That’sbeautiful,baby.Sopliantandperfect.”Stonesteppedbackandmoaned.“Andyoulook

amazingstretchedoutforme,allpaleskinandsweetass.”Herubbedonepalmdownherexposed
cheek.“It’srighthere,sovulnerableanduntouchedandmine.”

Lilytensedagain.Whatdidhehaveinmind?Notthathewouldhurther.Shebelievednowthathe

wouldn’t.Butshewascompletelyatwhatevermercyhepossessed—ordidn’t.

“Stone?”Sheneededtohearhisvoice,neededhimtoreassureandgroundher.
“Righthere.Notgoinganywhere.JustcontemplatingthepunishmentIshoulddishoutforyour

disobedience.Istillhaven’trepaidyoufordisregardingmyinstructionsandmakingmycockache
withthosestockingsandshoes.”

Shehadn’tthoughthewasserious.Clearly,she’dbeenwrong.
“Nothingtosayaboutthat?”heurged.
Lily’sthoughtsraced.Shecoulddefendherselforaskwhatpunishmenthehadinmind.Butafter

heryearsofworkingatDominionanddealingwithAxel,sheknewbetter.QueryingaDomabouthis
punishmentswasapunishableoffenseinitself.AndwhileStonehadn’tbeentoppingforlong,andshe
wasn’tafraidofwhathewoulddotoher,shewasn’tthesortofbratwhowentoutofherwaytoearn
“funishments.”

“No,Stone.”
“Hmm.Goodgirl.”Hemassagedthebackofherneck,hishandengulfingthefragilecolumnand

hershouldersbeforeheslowlyslidhispalmdownherspineinasilkenglide.

Lilyshivered.Everycallus,everydragofhisfingertips,alltheheatofhisbodyshecouldfeelin

thatonetouch.Shearched,headtossedback,liftingherassandweepingsextohim.Whereverand
howeverhewantedtotouchhernow,sheurgedhimtohurryinsilentsupplication.

Ashereachedthesmallofherback,histouchgrewevensofter,theskateofhisfingertipsslower

downherflesh.Thenheliftedhishandaway,leavingbehindatrailoftingles.Herbreathingpicked
upspeed,thenbecameagaspwhenhereachedbetweenherlegsandcuppedherwetsex.

“Iwantthis.”
“Takeit,”shewhimpered.
“Iwill.”Hepulledhishandaway.“AssoonasIfinishyourpunishment.”
Thatwouldonlydelaywhattheybothreallywanted.“Iknowyou’redisappointed,butIpromiseI

won’tdoitagain.”

Behindher,hefroze,thenbracedapalmatthebaseofherspine.“I’mnotdisappointedinyour

appearance.Iwanttobeclearaboutthat.You’reallkindsofsexy,andit’sonlybysheerstrengthof
willthatIhaven’tdecidedtoshrugoffyourdisobedienceandfuckyou.I’mpunishingyouforthree
reasons.First,Idon’twantyoutoforgetwho’sincharge.Second,don’tthinkI’mnotpayingattention

toeverysinglethingyousayanddo,baby.Ialwaysam.Last—andmostimportant—we’regrowing
thetrustbetweenus.Afterthis,you’llknowthatifIsayit,Imeanit.Maybethen,ifpushcomesto
shoveandCantonfindsus,I’llbeabletodirectyouintheescaperouteIalreadyhaveplannedand
youwillobeywithouthesitationorquestion.Allthatmakesense?”

Theindependentpartofherthathadlivedaloneforyearsandtakencareofherselfthroughthe

darkestdaysofherlifewantedtobristle.Herheadtoldherthatmaybesheshould.ButLilycouldn’t
denythat—politicallycorrectornot—hisattentiontoherandhisunyieldingdominancemadeherfeel
special,caredfor.Loved.

“Yes,Stone.”
“Again,justtobeclear,youaresubmittingtothispunishmentwiththeunderstandingthatI’m

doingthisforourgood,andyouhaveasafewordifitbecomestoomuch?”

Shenodded.“Iam.”
“That’swhatIwantedtohear,baby.”
Beforeshe’devenprocessedthewords,shefelthisbighandthwackherass.Thesurprisingsting

burnedintoher.Sheclutchedtheedgeofthetablewithagasp.Thesensationsstartledher,not
good...butnotbad,either.Morelikeashockoftingles,aflurryofheat,alingeringawarenessof
herskin.Lilywasn’tsurehowtoprocessallthatatonceandstilltakeinStone’smasculinescentand
hislongmoan.Everythingabouthimintoxicatedher.Thesoft,pliantleatherbeneathher,alongwith
thesultryheavinessoftheswampair,wrappedherinawarmcocoon.Timeseemedtostop.Right
now,onlythetwoofthemexisted.

Lilyclosedhereyesandsavoredtheoddpeace.“More,please?”
Atherwhisper,Stonerubbedhispalmacrossherpricklingbacksideandheatseepedunderthe

toplayersofherskin,downintoherverymusclesandbones.“Oh,Iwasn’tanywhereneardone.”

Closinghereyes,Lilysmiled.Untilnow,she’dneverbeenafanofspankings.Axelhaddoledout

afewpunishmentsduringtheirtimetogether.Thesadisthe’dbroughtinfromHoustononceortwice
hadimmediatelytestedherpainthresholdwithahard-corepaddling.Shehadn’thatedorloveditthen.
Butthatactalsohadn’tpossessedanyemotionalcontextforher.Bothofthosemenhadbeentryingto
pryheropenordrawoutherpain.Bycontrast,Stonesimplywantedtoalignherwithhim,getthem
insync.Hewantedtoshowheranotherwaytheycouldberightforeachother.

“Good,”shebreathed.
Itprobablysoundedunfeministorbackwardorsomeothernegativethatshewouldconsider

changinganythingaboutherselftosuitaman.Lilydidn’tseeitthatway.Compromisingalittlesothat
Stonewouldalsohavewhatheneededmadesense.Weren’trelationshipsgiveandtake?Yes,andhe’d
alreadydonesomuchtomakeherfeeladoredashehelpedherhealfromthepast.Thisspankingwas
anunspokenoutlineofhisexpectations.Thewayheexplainedit,hewantedhertounderstandhis
desiresbecauseheintendedforthemtohaveatomorrow.Andunlikewithanytwistedabuseor
heinousactCantonhadinflictedonErin,Lilycouldmakeeverythingstopbyutteringasingleword.

Stoneliftedhishand,andsheheldherbreath,tensing.Herheartpounded.Herskinsprangtolife

assheanticipatedhisimpact.Wherewouldhespankher?Howhard?Howgoodwoulditfeel?

Hedidn’tsmackheragainrightaway.Instead,hecaressedhiswaydownhercool,untouched

cheek,hisfingersslippingbetweenherlegs.Herslicknesscoatedhimasheexploredheralltheway
fromherempty,clenchingopeningalreadyachingforhimtothenubofnervesthrobbingformore
ofhisglidingfingersandteasingtouches.

“ThisishowIwantyou.”Hisdark,deepvoicefilledherear—andherhead.“Wet.Eager.You’re

aching,aren’tyou?”

“Yes,Stone.”

“Hangontothisfeeling,”heinstructedasheslowlyrubbedatherclit,makinghertenseand

moanandquiver.“Rememberhowdeliciousthisis.”

Beforeshecouldaskwhy,hewithdrew;thenhesmackedtheunoffendedcheekofherass.Helitit

uplikethefirstone,untilitdancedandshimmered,heatingbone-deep.She’dbarelyhadtimetodrink
inthesensationsbeforehediditagain.Thenagain.Andagain.

Healternatedcheeks,smoothingthefireunderherskin,beforesparkinganewblazeinanother

spot.Thearrayofsensationssmarted,bothstunninganddazzlingLily.Theyconfusedherbecause
shewasn’tquitesurehowtofeel.Eachimpacthurt,nodenying.Stonewasn’tholdingback.Andyet
thehurtcamewithawarmthshecouldbarelycomprehend.Itspreadwitheveryaudibleimpact.He
tookcarewithher,notstrikingthesameplacetwice,notimpartingmorepunishmentthanshecould
bear.

Lilywasn’tsurehowmuchtimepassedbeforeshedissolvedontothetable.Ifshehadn’tlocked

herknees,shemighthavehungfromtherestraintsatherwrists.Herbonesfeltlikesoftenedbutter,
hermuscleslikepudding,hermindlikemeltedchocolate.Stonecouldprobablyputherbacktogether
andcreateaconfectionmuchbetterthanshe’dbeenbefore.ThatrealizationallowedLilyto
disengagefromherconcernsandsinkintotheexperience.

“Ithinkyoulikethis,baby,”hemurmuredagainstherear.“Besidesaredass,yourskinisflushed

themostbeautifulrosyshadeand”—hepartedherslickfoldswithhisbluntfingersagain—“you’re
wetterthanever.IhaveapaddlereadytogobutI’menjoyingthestingingofmyhandeverybitas
muchasyou’reenjoyingthesmartingofyourass.Itfeelsmorelikewe’reinthistogether.”

Becausetheywere.Lilyknewitdowntohercore.Andthefactthathewantedtobewithherevery

stepofthewaymadehersighinblissandtrusthimevenmore.

Sherelaxedeverymuscleandlostcountashispalmmadecontactwithherbacksiderepeatedly

untilthefierysensationsovertookconsciousness,untiltimebledaway,untilallsheknewwasStone,
histouch,andtheblossomingfeelingsinherheart.

Lilyhadnoideawhenheliftedhishandfromherthrobbingflesh.Sheonlyknewthathekisseda

lineupherspine,themosttenderbrushofhislipsworshippingherback,beforehenuzzledherneck.

“Youwithme?”
“Yes,”shemanagedtowhisper.
“Youallright?”
“Feelingalittlefloaty.”
“Notintoomuchpain?”Hesoundedconcerned.
Alittlesmilecreptacrossherface.“Yesandno.Mybuttisonfire.ButI’mgoodwiththat.”
Hechuckledinherearandunlatchedthefirstofhercuffs.“Allright,then.Let’strysomething

elseIthinkyou’lllike.”

Shecouldhaveaskedwhatbutshetrustedhimtoomuchtowastethewords.“Hmm...”
“You’reamazing.”Stoneunlatchedthesecondcuffandcaughtherasherlegsgavewaybeneath

her.“Thetrustyou’veshownme...Iknowit’snoteasyforyouandIknowwhy.Thankyoufor
givingmeachance.”

Whenheremovedtheblindfoldandliftedherinhisarms,heheldheragainsthischest.Lilycould

barelyfindthestrengthtoholdherneckupbutshediditsoshecouldlookintohiseyes.Sheachedto
staythere,drownthere,diethere.Ifshedid,she’dbecompletelycontent.

Shesighedandadmittedwhatshe’dbeensuspectingforawhile.“Iloveyou.”
Emotionrippedacrosshisface.Lilysawtheimpactofherwordsinthewayhetightenedhiseyes

andfurrowedhisbrow,inthewayhismouthflattenedandthetendonsinhisneckbulgedbeforehe
swallowedhard.“Baby,Iloveyou,too.Iknowit’sfast.Iknowmosteveryonewouldthinkwe’re

crazy.Buttheyaren’tusandtheycan’tfeelwhatwedo.IsawyouacrossDominionthatfirsttimeand
Iswear,mentallyIfeltthisclick,likewefittogether.”

Inallhonesty,Lilyhadexperiencedit,too.Theminutethey’dmet,theireyeshadlockedandhe’d

spokentoher,ajoltofsomethingshecouldn’tdescribehadrumbledthroughher.Inretrospect,ithad
beenanintuitionthatshe’dfoundhermissinghalf.Ofcourse,ZebhadimpartedStone’spastthen,and
logichadtakenover,convincingherofallthereasonsshemustbeincorrect,soshe’dshutStoneout.

Howmuchdidsheregretthatnow?Howmuchbetterwouldherlifebeifshe’dlistenedtohergut

thenandlearnedtotrusthimsooner?

Ashesteppedintothebedroomandlayherdownacrossthemattress,heshuckedeverythinghe

wore,revealingmilesofbronzed,inkedskin,ridgedmuscle,andathickcockshewantedtotouch
andpleasureagain.Thenhegrabbedacondomoutofthedrawer,sheathedhimself,andcrawledonto
themattress.

Shewatched,unblinking,unmoving,unconcerned.
Thenhelaydirectlyontopofher.
Theweightofhimflattenedandpinnedherdown.Sheknee-jerked.Coldpaniclacedherveins,

obliteratingallthepeaceshe’dbeenfeelingmomentsago.Sheflailed,screaming,shoving,and
buckinginadesperatebidforfreedom.

“Shh.”Hisvoicesoothed,evenashewrappedhisarmsaroundherandlooselyheldher.“It’sme.

We’rehugging.Nothingmore.I’mnotthreateningyou.”

Lilyheardthewords.Somewhereinherhead,sheknewhewasright.Sheneededtobemore

rational,lessofaheadcase.ButshekeptrememberingErin’sstruggle.Shecouldn’tforgetthather
bestiehadn’tleftthatbedinwhichshe’dfought—andfailed—tostayalive.

Stonebracedhimselfonhiselbowsandcuppedherfaceinhishands.“Lookatme.Right.At.Me.”
Hetuggedonherhairjustenoughtosnagherattention,andLilyblinkedupathim,herwhole

bodyshiveringdespitehisheat.

“Can’tyougetoffme?I’mscared.Please.”
“Icould,”hemurmured.“Buthowlongareyougoingtoletthisfearlimityou?Us?Arewe

goingtospendtherestofourlivesnotbeingascloseastwopeoplecanget?Won’tCantonhave
takenevenmorefromyouthen?Tryforme.Ifit’stoomuch,youhaveasafeword.Otherwise,Iwant
tomakelovetoyou,Lily.”

Logicwarredwithinstinct.Hewasright,andsheknewit.Butshehadtofighteveryurgeinher

bodynottoscreamthatonewordrollingthroughherhead.

Deepbreaths.YouknowStoneandhowgentlehecanbe.Stopwimpingoutandwomanup.Don’t

blamehimforCanton’scrimeanddon’tputtheminthesameleague.

Lilydraggedairinthroughhernoseandoutofhermouthuntilherthoughtsstoppedpingingall

overherbrainandherheartbeatapproachedsomethingnormal.Theadrenalineslowlyseepedaway.
Sheletgoofthesheetstightlycurledinherfists.

“That’sit.I’mstillontopofyou.Nothingbadhashappened.Nothingbadeverwill,”heswore.
“I-Iknowthatinmyhead.I’mremindingmyselfofthat.”
Hebrushedhairfromherfaceandpressedakisstoherforehead.“We’llconquerthistogether.”
Throughtheresidualpanic,shelookedintohisdarkeyesandwonderedwhereStonehadcome

fromandhowhe’dgottensoperfect.“Whyareyousopatientwithme?”

“Becauseyou’reworthit.”
Thismanhadsaidalotofnicethingstoher,butthatunraveledhermost.Shetearedup.Asusual,

thedropsdidn’tfall,andLilyoftenthoughtshewouldbenefitfromagoodcry.Butforthemoment,it
wasenoughtolookintohiseyesandfeeltotalacceptance.

Hehadnoideathatshedidn’treallydeserveit.“No.”

“Yes,”heinsisted,staringherdownasifhecouldpushthatbeliefintohersoul.“Youare.What

youwitnessedwasn’tyourfault,andyoucouldn’thavehelpedErin.Iknowyouthinkyoucouldhave
orshouldhave,butyouhavetocutyourselfslack.Ifanyoneshouldregrettheirpast,it’sme.Ithrew
awayanupbringingofupper-middle-classprivilegebecauseIarrogantlythoughtIcouldmakeafew
bucksandthelawdidn’tpertaintome.Myparentshadmetakeoutstudentloansandworkpart-time
duringcollegesoI’dlearnthevalueofmoneyandhardworkinschool.Idisappointedtheminthe
worstwaypossibleandIcannevermendthatfencewithmymom.Ontheotherhand,I’mnotthat
personanymore.You’renoteither.Putthepastbehindyouandlookforwardwithme.”

Hiswordscalmedandsoothed,liketherhythmicstrokesofhishandthroughherhair.Hebrought

reasonandlight.

Lilyneededthatmorethanshecouldexpress.Andmaybehewasright.
“Iwantto.”
“Thenletmein.”Hepartedherlegswithanudgeofhisthighsandpressedhiserectiontoher

opening.“We’lldoittogether.”

Howbadlyshewantedtoreplacethoseatrociousmemorieswithgood.Howmuchshe’dloveto

associatehavingamanontopofherwitharousalandlove,ratherthanabsoluteterror.

“Together.”Sheliftedherheadandkissedhim,layeringhermouthoverhisandclingingfora

timelessmoment.

Hemetherhalfway,welcomingherlipswithacrushofhisown.Itquicklycaughtfire,andshe

openedtoStone,lipspartedasherushedinsidewithaheadymeldingofmouthsthatsoonhadher
breathinghardandsurrendering.

Hebackedaway,switchedangles,dovedeeper,nestlingherintothemattressandnudgingatthe

verydepthsofhermentalboundaries.Justwhenshethoughtshecouldn’thandlemore,hefoundsome
newwaytorevereherwithhislips.Lilydidn’tfeelthreatenedbuttotallyworshipped.Thegravityof
themomentastoundedher.

Somehowsheknewthatifsheallowedhimtheclosenesshesought,itwouldchangeherforever.
Lilydraggedinadeepbreath,resolvedtojettisonthepast,andgrabbedontoStoneassheparted

herlegswider.Wonderspreadacrosshisfaceasshebentherkneesandfittedhimintothecradleof
herthighs.

Hecaressedhiswaydownherbodyuntilhereachedherhipsandheldfirm,rootingaroundfor

heropening.“That’smybaby.Nowwho’sreadyforanorgasm?”

WhenStonewinkedather,hertensionbroke.Lilysmiled.Thatprobablywasn’tpossible,butshe

lovedhisenthusiasm.

Thenhebegantoprobeinsideher,everyinchslidingdeeperuntilthetwoofthemseemedto

becomeone.

Ashefilledherup,shegaspedattheslightstingofherfleshstretchingtoaccommodatehim.His

hotbreathfannedacrosshermouthashedrilleddownintoherbody,intohereyes,takinghersexand
hersoulatonce.Thetinglesshe’dthoughtwereimpossiblemomentsagoerupted,alongwithashiver
thatranthroughherentirebeing.Thisdesirecamefromawholenewplacebecauseitwasn’tjustthat
herousedherbody;hemovedherheart.

Lilyglancedathiminwonder.“Kissme.”
“I’dlovethat,”hemurmuredashetookherlipswithhisown,partingthemandplunginginside

withthesamesolemnitywithwhichhewouldmakeavow.

Hemimickedthesamemovementswithherbody,lightingherupwitheverystroke.Hishard

cockscrapedagainsthersensitivenerves,asifhecouldreadher,knewexactlyhowtokindlethe
desirenowhummingthroughherblood.

Hisfingersbitintoherhipsashepistoneddeeper,faster.Hegroaned.AndLilyfeltthesoundof

hisagonizedneedreverberatethroughherbodyasshereachedforthepeakrightinfrontofher.

Shepressedherfingersintohisshouldersandraisedherkneesaroundhiships,welcominghim

evendeeper.Theangleofhisthrusts,theintimacyoftheirbodies,theconnectionoftheface-to-face
contactfeltcompletelynewtoLily.Herboyfriendinhighschoolhadclimbedontopofherand
screwed.Vaguely,sherecalledit.ButwhatStonedidnowwasn’tthatatall.Hepaidattentiontoher
bodyandadjustedeverytimeshegaspedortensedorwhimperedformore.Theexperiencewasn’t
justabouthim,thewayithadbeenwithRick.Itwasn’tonlyabouther,either.Thelovemakingthey
sharedwasforthemboth.Theyjoinedandmelded.Shecouldalmostfeeltheirbondfusingeven
moretightlytogether.

Afewdaysago,she’dstartedhermorningbybuyingagunbecauseshefeltaloneand

unprotected.Nowshe’dcastoffallherbarrierssimplytobewithStonebecauseshefelttreasuredand
surroundedandsafebyhisside.Andsoamazinglyloved.

Hisbreathingrampedup.Hisskinflushedwitheffortassweatgatheredathistemples.Withevery

pushinsideher,themusclesofStone’sbodyflexedandworked.Hegavehisallforherpleasure,to
beclosertoherthanever.

Theburnbehindherclitgrewhotter,theneedsharper.Lilythrustupathim,grinding.Hehooked

oneofherkneesintothecrookofhiselbowandleanedforwardasheshovedhiswayinsideheronce
more.Withtheheadofhiscock,herubbedaspotthathadherbackarchingandnearlysetherreeling.

“Stone!”Sheneededmore.Neededhimnow.
Lilybitintothefleshypartofhisshoulder,herhipsgyratingandmatchinghisrhythm.Hethrew

hisheadbackandletoutagutturalrumbledeepinhischest.Hegrewlonger,gotthicker,pumped
faster,gavehermore.

“Areyouwithme?”Hebarelymanagedtogetthewordsout.
“Yes,”shewailedastheintensitytorquedbetweenherlegsandtheurgetosurrenderallofherself

tohimgrew.

“Together,”hemutteredashepickedupthepacetosomethingunrestrainedandbreakneckthat

madehercatchherbreathandhurtletowardexplosion.

Inthenextbreath,herbodyseizedup.Herheartnearlybeatoutofherchestasbloodpumped,her

skinchargedwithlife,andsheflewstraightintoecstasywithaclawingscream.Stone’slongmoanof
satisfactionranginherears,andsheclungtohimasifshe’dneverletgoagain.

ChapterFourteen

RAPPED

inStone’sarms,Lilyfeltasenseofcontentmentthatshehadn’tfeltin...ever.Living

handtomouthwithamotherwhohadregardedherasaproblemchildinaneighborhoodwhere
violencehadbeenshruggedoffhadn’tprovidedtheframeworkformanyhappymomentsinlife.The
fewshe’dcherished,thetimeswithErin,hadendedinhorror.HeryearswithAxelhadbeenhelpful,
butnotparticularlyjoyful.

ThenStonehadcomealong.
Hereachedheroneverylevel.Fromthebeginning,he’dmadebutterfliesdanceinherstomach

andtuggedonherlibido.Butherfeelingshadgonesomuchfurthersofast.Asshelay,herarmsand
legstangledwithhis,heenvelopedherinthecomfortofawarmvelvethugwherenothingcould
touchhernowexceptthelovetheyshared.

“Afteranorgasmthatshouldhaveshort-circuitedyourbrain,you’rethinkingtoohard,”he

murmuredandkissedthetopofherhead.

Lilylaughed.“AbouthowhappyIam,yes.”Sheplantedherhandsonhischestandstaredintohis

eyes.Nothing,noone,existedexceptthetwoofthemrightnow.“It’sallyourfault.”

“I’lltakefullresponsibility.”Hewinked.“Butweshouldsharetheblame,youknow.Ipriedyou

opensoyou’dconfideinme,butyoureachedoutinreturn.Youovercameyourfearstotakethe
lifelineItossedyou.You’vebeensobeautifullyhonest,baby.”

Mostly.Almost...butnotentirely.“I’vebeenluckythatyoucaredenoughtobepatient.Mostmen

wouldhavegivenup.Butyou’renotmostmen.”

Shecouldn’thelpbutstare.He’dchangedherlifeinafewshortdays.He’dgivenhereverything.

Sheneededtogivehimherall,too.

“Youkeeptalkinglikethat,andmorethanmyegowillbebig.”Hegrinned.
“I’mcountingonit.”Shedidn’twanttosquashthelevityofthemomentbutshewantedtogive

himhertotaltruth.“Theblindfoldthingwasmajorforme.Ifyouhadn’tchallengedmeonthat...”

“Well,tomostcouplesafearofblindfoldswouldn’tbeadealbreaker.Butwemightbealittle

kinkierthanmost.”

“Itmeantwaymorethanthat.”Heneededtounderstand.“Beingokaywiththeblindfoldwaslife

changing.”Shepaused,gatheredherself.He’dbeendeeplyunderstandingsofar,andshehadto
believehealwayswouldbe.“I-IwaswearingonejustbeforeeverythingwentsowrongwithErin.”

ThatmadeStonepause,andhesentheradissectingstare.“Isuspectedsomethinglikethatwhen

theblindfoldfearfirstcroppedup.Youwanttotellmewhathappened?”

Notreally.ThethoughtmadeLilysick.Butshehadtogetthisoffherchest.Sheneededtheman

shelovedtounderstand.“ItoldyouthatafterCoreygotarrested,hetalkedtothepolice,right?Once

hewentfree,Cantonandhisgoonsstartedlookingforhim,andhedisappeared,wenttotally
underground.MafiaapproachedmeonedayasIwalkedhomefromschoolandtoldmethathe
wantedtotalktoCorey.ItoldthemIdidn’tknowanything,thatIwasjusthouse-sittingwhilethey’d
goneawayforawhile.HetoldmetolethimknowifIsawCoreybecauseCantonwantedtocalla
truce.HesaidCoreywasoneofhisbeststreetdealers,andhehadn’tmeanttoleavehiminjailfor
twodays.MafiasaidCantonandCoreyneededtoirontheirshitout.Ididn’treallybelievehimbut...
IwantedCoreytobetheonetodecideifhewantedtotalktoCantonornot.Buthewasn’tanswering
hisphone.

“Iwaitedawhile.ThenIwalkedtotheabandonedwarehousewhereCoreytoldErintosquat

insideandhide.Canton’sgoonsfollowedandwhenIapproachedthebuilding,theycameupbehind
me,blindfoldedme,andshovedmeinside.Afterthedoorsopened,IheardagirlscreamandIknewit
wasErin.ItriedtogetfreebutIwastoopregnanttomovefast.Theytrappedherinside.Astheytied
metoachair,Iheardscuffling.Whentheyrippedtheblindfoldfrommyeyes,theyalreadyhadErin
gaggedandpinnedtotheblow-upmattressshe’dbeensleepingon.Thenlikeinaperfectlytimed
movie,Cantonwalkedin.HetoldmethatIneededtowatchwhatcamenextsothatIcouldtellCorey
thathe’dbroughtthisonhimselfandcouldunderstandtheconsequencesofcrossinghim.”She
shuddered.“Youknowtherest.”

Stone’sexpressionfilledwithempathyforherpainandloss.“Baby,ifIcouldtakethatachefrom

you,Iwould.Iknowyou’veblamedyourself—”

“WhoelsecouldIblame?Iledthemtomybestfriend,whodiedhorrifically.Ineverthoughtthat

Canton’sgoonswouldfollowme.IwastoobusywonderinghowIwasgoingtoraisemybaby.Hell,I
didn’tevenknowwheremynextmealwascomingfrom.Erin’smomhadtakenmostofthefood
fromthehousewhentheyfled,andIdidn’thavemuchmoney.Iwashungryandstressed.AndIwasn’t
fuckingthinkingaboutthefactthatCantonwasn’tthesorttomakeamends.Hejustslitthroatsand
toreapartlives.”

“Shh.”Hestrokedherhairandkissedherforeheadashemurmuredthelow,reassuringsound.

“Youdidn’tthinklikeacriminal.That’snotyourfault.Youhadsomuchelseonyourplate.Why
didn’tErin’smomtakeyouwithherintohiding?”

Hereyeswelledupwithtearsbuttheydidn’tfall.“Sheofferedto.Iwantedmyhighschool

diploma.IknewI’dneedittogetabetterjobonceReginawasborn.IstillhadtwoyearsleftbutIhad
aplanfortacklingthosewithsomeonlineclassesandbabysittinghelp.I’dprettymuchpassedallmy
sophomorestuff.Ijusthadtwomoreexams.IfIdidn’ttakethem,Ihadtorepeatthewholeyear
again.”Sheclenchedherhandstogetherandstaredasagonyandmiseryrippedthroughher.“Inever
didgettotakethem.AndInevergotmydiploma,justaGED.Iwentintohidingthatnight.Lessthan
twoweekslater,IleftLAandneverlookedback.”

Stoneblewoutabreath.Thestorywasalottotake,andshewouldn’tblamehimifhedidn’twant

tobewithsomeonesonaive,who’dleftnothingbutdeathanddestructionbehindher,evenif
unwittingly.

“NowIcanunderstandwhyseeingtheliliesinthefrontseatofyourcarfreakedyouout.Thenote

IassumewasfromCantontellingyoutoburythepast—”

“Yeah,that’snotgoingtohappen.MaybeIshouldbeabiggerpersonbutIwon’tforgivehim.

AndIcan’tforgivemyself.”

“Isthatwhyyoudon’tcry?”heasked.
Lilyfroze.He’dnoticed?“ItriedtocryafterErin’sdeathbutIcouldn’t.Iweptdrytearsafter

Reginadied.Ifelttheurgetosobmyfirstnightasahomelessgirl,thefirsttimeIhadtostealtoeat,
whenIfinallyleftCalifornia.Butthetearsremainedtrappedinsideme.Itriedtoohardafterthefirst

timeIhadsexwithAxel.Iwantedtofeelbetter,healed.Something.ButIstillfeltbroken.Andempty.I
keephopingthatsomedayI’llfigureouthowtoletitallgo.”

“Youwill.Wewillbecausewe’lldoittogether.Wewilltalkorlaughormakeloveorwhatever

youneed,Lily.Whateverittakes.I’llberightbesideyou.”

“Iknowwhatit’sgoingtotake.”Lilyswallowed.
Therewasnoavoidingtherealityanymorethattheonlywayshe’dhaveafuturewiththisman

wasifsheconfrontedthepastinacourtoflaw.Once,she’dbeenabletopretendthatmaybeCanton
hadmovedonanddidn’tcareabouthernow.She’dbeencautiousbuthopefulthataslongasshe
stayedquiet,shewouldn’tmeetthesameterriblefateErinhad.Nowsheknewbetter.Shecouldkeep
runningandneverhaveanythingtolookforwardto.Orshecouldfaceherfears,tellthetruth,and
makehimpayforwhathe’ddone.Makesurehecouldneverhurtanyoneelseagain.

Eventhethoughtoffacingthatmanacrossacourtroomterrifiedher.Herpalmswerealready

sweating.Herheartstartedthumpingfuriously.Aknotofanxietyballedinherstomach.Once,those
symptomswouldhavebeenenoughtoconvinceherthatshewasn’treadytobeanyone’scrusader.

Butnowshehadsomethingtofightfor,someoneworththerisk.ShehadStone.
“I’lldoit.”Sheclosedhereyes.“I’lltestify.”
Besideher,Stonefroze.Thenhelungedatherandtookherfaceinhishands,scanningher

expression.“Yousure?”

Lilyhesitated,checkingherthinkingagain.Butshecametothesameconclusion.“Yeah.I’m

strongernow.It’stime.Heshouldpayforwhathe’sdone,andI’mtheonlyonewhocanmakethat
happen.”

“Exactly.That’sgreat,baby.I’mproudofyou.”
“You’llstaywithme?”Lilyhatedbeingneedybutshealreadyknewshewouldneedhimtoget

throughwhatwassuretobealongandterrifyingordeal.

“Everysecond.I’mhereforyou.”
Shemeltedagainsthim.Stonewouldkeephersafe.“Idon’tknowwhatIeverdidtodeserve

someoneaswonderfulasyou.HowdidIgetsolucky?”Shecaressedhisface,herheartbrimming
withdevotion.

Shecouldlookatthismanandpourherheartouttohimforever.Hehadchangedeverythingfor

her.He’dfilledherwhenshefeltempty.He’dunderstoodwhenshefeltconfused.He’dmadeher
believeshewasagoodpersonwhenshefeltunworthy.Itsoundedcliché,buthecompletedher.

“Youdid,didn’tyou?”Hewinked,thensobered.“It’sgoingtobefine.You’vemadeagood

decision.You’lltestify,thismesswillbeover,andthenwecangetonbeinghappytogether.”

Thatsoundedperfect.“Iloveyou,StoneSutter.”
“Iloveyou,too,baby.Youfeellikesleeping...orareyoureadyforroundtwo?”
Lilybitherlipandsmiledwithhereyes.Shecouldbarelycontainthejoyinsideher.
“Toughdecision.Wow,letmethink.”Shetappedafingertohercheekinmockconsideration.“I

thinkI’lltakeroundtwo.”

Withoutprompting,sherolledtoherbackandspreadherlegs,armsopentohim.Blissand

euphoriarolledoverherinarapturousmix,allstirredupwithanundyingloveshewouldalwaysfeel
forthisman.

Thenhegrabbedacondom,rolledontopofher,andtookhertoheaven.

***

STONE

laysleepingallcurledupwithLily,spooningherwithhisbacktothedoor,asifheintendedto

protectherwithhisownbodyifCantonoranyonefoundthem.Becausehedid.Nothing—noone—
wouldcomebetweenthem.

Abuzzingjoltedhimfromsleep,andheturnedtofindhisphonelitupandvibratingonthe

nightstand.Jack.

Herolledaway,grabbeditashelandedonthehardwoodandwalkedoutofthebedroom.“Talkto

me.”

“I’mafraidI’mthebad-newsfairyagain.SeangotintoLily’sapartment.Apparentlyafterthe

policeremovedthecrime-scenetape,thelandlordsentacleaningladytospic-and-spantheplaceup.
Whenhehadn’theardfromherinafewhours,helethimselfintotheapartmentandfoundthewoman
spreadoutonthebed.She’dbeenrestrained,sexuallyviolated,andstabbedtwenty-fourtimes.The
killerwrote‘BITCH’inbiglettersonthewallinherblood.”

Gropingforthenearestchair,Stonesankdownatthekitchentable,hiswholebodyshaking.

“Fuck.”

“Itgetsworse,man.ThevictimwasthesameageasLily.Sameheight,similarbuild.Sheeven

hadbrowneyes.Idon’tthinkit’sacoincidence.I’dbetCantonmistookthiswomanforSweetPeaand
endedher.”

Stonedidn’tdisagree.Butmaybethatcouldworktotheiradvantage.“Thiswillsoundterrible,but

ifCantonthinkshe’swon,maybehe’llgohome.Ifyouguyscanpersuadethepolicetotellthepress
thatLilywasthevictim—”

“It’stoolate.Theeveningnewsalreadyinterviewedafewwitnesseswholiveinthebuildingand

knewthedeadwomanwasn’tLily.”

Ifthepressknew,thensodidCanton.“Damnit.”
“I’mnotdone,”Jackwarned.
“Jesus!Everytimeyouopenyourmouth,youhavenewcraptounloadandIwanttopunchthe

shitoutofyou,”Stonesnarledinfrustration.

“I’mjustthemessenger,man.Herearethebiggerissues:Mafiagotshankedinprisontwodays

ago.HetangledwithanotherinmateaboutwhoruledtheAryanBrotherhoodintheirhouse.Looks
likehelost.Otherwitnessessaythesetwohadn’thadabeefwitheachotherinyears.Buttheirfight
suddenlymorphedintomurder.”

Stoneclosedhiseyesascolddreadrolledthroughhim.“OrmaybeCantonisemptyinghiscloset

ofalltheskeletons.Anyonewhocouldopentheirmouthandputhimawayisonhishitlist.Sowhat
aboutReaper?”

“He’smissing.Hiswifereportedthismorningthatshehadn’tseenhiminnearlytwenty-four

hours.Accordingtopolice,shetoldthemthathe’dbeenactingstrangeoverthelastfewweeks,but
thenhejustdisappeared.”

“Jack...”Stonegrippedthephone.Hedidn’thavetobeageniustodothemath.“Twodead

bodiesandamissingguyallwithinafewdays?CantoniscomingafterLily.”

“Andcominghard.Inyourshoes,I’dbereachingthesameconclusion.Youhavetoconvinceher

togotothefedsnowandtestify.Theycanlockherdownandprotecther.”

Maybe.Butsometimesthatdidn’tworkout.GivenhowfarCantonhadalreadyreached,Stone

couldn’tdenythatthedouchebagwasconnectedandpowerful.Heprobablyknewexactlywhotopay
offsohecouldfindanddustthelastwitnessalivewhocouldkeephimfromthegovernor ’schair.

Aplanstartedtoforminhishead.Itwastheleastsmellypileinafieldofshit,butitwouldkeep

Lilysafe.

“Butfederalprotectionisn’tfoolprooforaguarantee,”Stoneargued.
“It’snot,”Jackagreed.

Stonerolledthethoughtsinhisheadaroundsomemoreandcametooneconclusion.“You

wouldn’ttakethatoption,wouldyou?”

“Asalaw-abidingcitizen,Iwouldtrylikehelltochooseitfirst.ButifIhadtoleavethe

protectionofmywomantosomeonewhocouldbebribednottodothejobright,thenno.Iwould
onlyputhersafetyinhandsIcoulddamnwelltrust.Then...well,iftheproblemisn’tgoingtogo
away,Iknowhowtodealwithit.”

Stonedid,too.“Truethat.”
“Ifithelps,ifyoudecidethatyouneedtohandletheproblempersonally,I’lldowhateveryou

needtohelpkeepLilysafe.”

ThatwasexactlywhatStoneneededtohear.“Thanks,man.That’sgoodtoknow.”
“It’swhatfriendsdoforoneanother.”
Stonehadn’treallyhadonehetrustedinyearsandneveroneassolidasJack.
“I’ddothesameforyou.AndasmuchasIdidn’tliketheinfoyouimparted,Iappreciateyou

keepingmeposted.Sorrytobiteyourheadoff.I’llbeintouch.”

Theyrangoff,andStoneheavedagiantsigh.Hehaddecisionstomake—andfast.Butreally,how

muchchoicedidhehave?He’dneverriskLily.Ever.Timetotrydoornumbertwo.

Withashakinghand,hetextedLoganforOne-Mile’sphonenumber.TheyoungerEdgingtonsent

itbackwithaquick

CanIhelp?

Stonerepliedthathewascool.Hopefully,thatgaveLoganplausible

deniabilitysincethemanhadawifeandtwingirlstoconsider.

Assoonasthenumberhe’drequestedappearedinhisdisplay,heclickedthelinkwithanunsteady

finger.Yeah,thiscouldputhimawayforalongtime.

ButLilyandhersafetywerewaymoreimportantthanhisfreedom.
One-Mileansweredonthefirstring.“Whothefuckisthis?”
“Stone.Loganintroducedusearlierthisweek.”JustbeforeyoufoughtwithCutteraboutthegirl

youbothwant.

Hedidn’tthinkremindingPierceofthatincidentwouldbewise.
“Yeah.”Thesnipersoundedonlyslightlylesshostile.“Iremember.”
“Ihaveaquestionforyou,straightup.”
Theguygrowled.“IfthishasanythingtodowithBrea—”
“No.That’sbetweenyou,her,andCutter.Icalledtoaskforhelpwithadirtbagcapableofraping

younggirlsandtorturingchildren.Hismurderquotientishigh.”

“Isthispersonal?”Nowthesnipersoundedwaymoreinterested.
“Yep.”Heclearedhisthroat.“AndIhavemoney.”
One-Miledidn’tsayanythingforalongtime.“Thecops?”
“It’safederalmatternow.Thisassholehasdisposedofmostofthewitnesses.Ithinkhe’scoming

aftertheoneI’mprotectingnext.”

“Andyoucan’thandlehim?”
“Thefedswon’tleavemeheretoprotecthermuchlonger.”
“That’sright,you’retheex-con.”
Stonegrittedhisteeth.“Current.Theywantmetopersuadethiswomantotestify.IfIdo,they’ll

commutemysentencebecausethismurderingdoucheisahugefishandsomeonewillgetanice
featherintheirpoliticalcapiftheycanputhimbehindbars.Butshewon’tbealivelongenoughto
testify.Andhe’llmakeherdeathasuglyashe’smadetherestofherlife.Me?Icouldlivewithgoing
backtothebighouseifthisguygotplantedsixfeetunder.That’sasstraightupasIcanputit.”

“Tobeclear,areyouaskingmetokillhimformoney?”
Stonedidn’thaveahugemoralityproblemwithpermanentlystoppingsomeonewhointendedto

cutdownthewomanheloved.ButthetoneofOne-Mile’squestiontoldhimtheanswerbetternotbe

yes.Oh,that’sright.Jackandallhisbuddieswereheroes,notkillers.ItmighthavesoundedasifJack
wouldberuthlessenoughtoshootCantonbuthewouldn’ttakethecriminalwayout.Noneofthem
would.

That’swhyStoneknewhewouldneverfitin.
“I’maskingifyouwouldassistJackinprotectingheranduseyourskillsifhecomeswithinten

feetofthiswomanonceI’mgone,”Stoneclarified.

One-Mileletoutalongbreath,notsomuchareleaseoftensionasasoundofsatisfaction.“That’s

thekindofshitIlike.Youthinkhe’splanningtomakeamovesoon?”

“Anydaynow.He’salreadytried.”
“Keepingmytriggerfingerreadydayandnightwillcostyoutengrandamonth.Igetatengrand

bonusifIhaveto‘act’becausethehassleandpaperworkareabitch.Andthat’sthefrienddiscount.”

“Done.”Stonehadsomemoneysaved.He’dspendeverydimetomakesureLilystayedsafe.
“When?I’llhavetotalktothethreestooges—Imean,myesteemedbosses—andclear

everything.”

“IhopeIhaveanotherdayortwobeforethisshitblowsup.Thatgiveyouenoughtimetotake

careofyourbusiness?”

“Plenty.”
“ThenI’llbeintouch.”
One-Milehungupbeforehecouldsayanotherword,andStonestaredatthephone,exhalinga

nervousbreath.Nowcamethehardestphonecallofall.Hetoyedwiththedevice,tappingitonthe
tablefromcornertocorner.Oncehedidthis,itcouldn’tbeundone.Hewouldbegivinguphisfuture
foranotherfewyears,maybemoredependingonhowmuchhepissedoffthefeds.

Slowlyheroseandmadehiswaydownthehall,towardthebedroom.Lilylaythere,herslender

curvesbarelyconcealedunderthewhitesheetsthey’dtangleduplessthananhourago.He’dwrapher
upthereagaintonightandholdherinhisarmsuntilthesunrose.

Tomorrow...hehadnoideaexactlywhatwouldhappenbutheknewhewouldbegone.Andhe’d

doneeverythinghecouldtoensurethatLilywouldbesafe.

Nothingelsemattered.
Backinthekitchen,hepickeduphisphoneagain.Oddly,hishandsnolongershook.
Bankhead,hisFBIhandler,pickeduponthethirdring,soundingslightlygroggy.“Yougot

somethingforme,Sutter?”

“Yeah.”Stonedraggedinadeepbreathandpissedawaywhatwasleftofhisfuture.“I’mout.”

ChapterFifteen

nextmorning,thesoundofbootsonthepierinfrontofthecabinbroketheswamp’ssilence.

Stone’seyesflewopen.Dawnslantedthroughthebedroomwindow.Lilylaysoundasleep,nakedand
warm,besidehim.

Someoneuninvitedhadcome.
Stonerolledoutofbedandjumpedintohispants,thengrabbedhisphoneandrummagedaround

forLily’sgun.WhothefuckknewwhereheandLilyhadhidden?Jackhadn’tadvisedthathewas
comingoutwithmoregroceriesthismorning.CouldCantonpossiblyhavefoundthem?Ifso,then
goddamnit,theyhadamolesomewhereintheinnercircle.Who?Jackwouldneversellhimout.
NeitherwouldThorpeorSean.

Maybeyoushouldn’thaveopenedyourmouthtoOne-Mile,fidiot.
Grittinghisteeth,Stonesteppedoutofthebedroomandcreptdownthehall.Thesoundsof

footstepsoutsidegrewlouderastheyapproachedthefrontdoor.Heheardlowconversation,somore
thanoneguywaitedoutthere.Shit!

Stonebracedhimselfagainstthewallattheendofthehall.Inthewide-openspaceinside,he

couldn’tfinddecentcoverbetweenthereandthedoor.Judgingfromthesoundoftheboots,itwastoo
latetoslipoutthesideentranceandinterceptthemoutfront.Hehopedthatwhoeverhadstagedtheir
attackouttheredidn’thavethekeycodetoopenthedoor,butthatprobablywouldn’tstopthemfrom
bustingitdownorsmashinginawindow.

Thedoorhandlejiggled.Whenitdidn’tgive,whoeverstoodoutsidepoundedonthedoor.
Whatthefuck?Weretheseintruderssocockythattheynolongerbotheredwithstealth?
Heneededbackup—andheneededitfast.
Yankinghisphonefromhispocket,Stonetappedinthesecuritycodewithhisfreethumb,still

grippingthesemiautomaticsubcompactninemillimeterwithhisotherhand.Beforehecouldeven
callJack,amessagefromThorpejumpedoutathim.

Axelwokeinthemiddleofthenightandstarteddrivingyourway.Sorry.Ididn’trealizehewasgoneuntilnow.

Dominion’sownerhadsentthemessagethirty-eightminutesago.SoAxelwasprobablyoneof

themenontheporch.Whohadcomewithhim?

“Sutter,Iknowyou’reinthere.Openthefuckup.”
Yep,thatwasAxel.
Lettingoutabreath,hepocketedthephoneagainbutleftthefirearminhand.Itwasbettertohave

AxelcreepuptohisdoorthanCanton,butnotbymuch.Nodoubt,shitwasgoingtohitthefan—and
splatterbackhard.

AsStonetiptoedcloser,hecalculatedtheoddsthathecouldwakeLilyand,withher,sneakoutthe

bedroomwindow,thenmaketheirwaybacktohistruckwhileAxelandhisbuddybargedinthefront
ofthecabin.Beforehecoulddecidewhetheritwouldwork,Axelsquashedtheidea.

“C’mon,Sutter.Ididn’tcomealone.We’vegottheplacesurrounded.Openupandletmesee

SweetPea.”

Sonofabitch.
Wantingtopoundintheasshole’shead,Stonestompedtothedoorandyankeditopen.“Hername

isLily.I’mtakingcareofherfromnowon,andshe’sfine.Whythefuckareyouhere?”

Axelstoodaboutthreeinchestallerandoutweighedhimbythirtypounds.Despitethefactthatthe

bigguycouldassuredlybeatthepulpoutofalmostanyone,Stonestoodhisground.Thiswashis
plan,damnit.Shewashiswoman.

“Isayshe’sokayonceI’veseenandtalkedtoherandI’mconvinced,notbefore.”
Stone’sentirebodyclenchedwithasurgeoffury.“Shedoesn’tbelongtoyouanymore.”
Axelraisedaskepticalbrow.“Andyouthinkshebelongstoyounow?”
“Yeah.”Stonestaredhimdown.“Infact,Idon’tthink.Iknow.”
Theguyscoffed.“You’reaconmanwhohasahard-onforher.Sheisnevergoingtochoosea

criminalwitharecord.”

ThatcommentdugunderStone’sskin,mostlybecauseheworriedthatAxelwasultimatelyright.

Lilymighttrusthimwithherbodyandshemightlethimgiveherpleasure.Butiftheycouldeverlive
thatnormallifehe’dfantasizedaboutjustyesterday,wouldshereallychooseamanwhoseeveryjob
applicationwouldread‘felon’?

Probablynot,butStonerefusedtoletAxeltakeherwithoutafight.“Youdidn’tevenknowher

realname,asshole.Youdidn’tknowallthedetailsaboutherpast.”Youdidn’tgettoblindfoldheror
makelovetoherontop.

“Shekeptsecretstoprotectme.I’vealwaysknownthat.Idugenoughtobesureshewasallright

butnotenoughtoinvadeherprivacy.Wherethefuckdoyougetofftryingtokeepmeatarm’slength
fromasubundermyprotection?”

“Youreleasedher,”StoneremindedAxel,whohadconvenientlyforgotten.
Thebigguy’sjawworkedwithanger.“Iwillalwayscareaboutherandherwell-being.Idon’t

giveashitwhethershe’sformallymyresponsibilityornot.Sounlessyou’veslappedacollaronher
oranengagementringonherfinger,your‘claim’isn’tmoreimportantthanthenearlythreeyearsI
spentwithher,andyoucanfuckoff.”

WhenAxelshoulderedhiswaythroughthefrontdoor,Stonescrambledbackandpointedthegun

inhisface.“No.Youwillnotupsether.Youdon’tgettohurtheranymore.”

“Whatdoesthatmean?EverythingIeverdidforMisty—Lily—Ididtohelpher.”
“Youmadeherfeellikeascienceexperiment,likeabrokenfragmentofawoman.Sheneeded

love,nottraining.SheneededafriendmorethanaDom.”

“Fuckyou,”Axelspatback.“Ilovethatgirl.Maybenotromantically,butI’vealwayslovedher.

She’soneofmybestfriends.Iheldherwhensheseemeddown.Ilistenedwhenshefeltlikeopening
up.Igavehervanillasexwhenshewantedtofeel‘normal.’Icouldn’tforcemyselftobeinlovewith
herbutItriedtoanticipateherneedsandprovideherwithwhateverIcouldtohelpherfeelwhole.
Whothehellareyoutojudgemeforit?”

“BecauseshewasstillbrokenandbottledupwhenItookheraway.She—”
“Yeah,that’ssomethingelseIwanttotalktoyouabout.Youtookher—abductedher—without

consultingThorpeorSeanor—”

“Oh,excusethehelloutofmefordecidingtogetherawayfromthecarbombratherthanstop

andaskeveryone’spermissionlikesomepansyass.IthinkCantonwaswatchingherthatday.That

moment.IfIhadn’ttossedherinthecar,Ireallydon’tknowwhatwouldhavehappened.Iftheguy
couldseeher,didhehaveahigh-poweredscopezeroedinonhertoo,incasetheexplosionfailed?I
didn’tknow,andIdidn’thangaroundtofindout.Besides,Lilyisn’tawiltingflower.Shepulledagun
onme.”

ThatmadeAxelgrinwithpride.“Ineversaidshewasweak.Isaidyoudidn’thavepermissionto

takeoffwithher.Ifyouhadn’tsavedherass,Iwouldhaveyoudrummeduponkidnapping—”

“Whydoyouhateme?Ithoughtyouwerehappywithyourfiancée.”Stone’seyesnarrowed.“But

yousoundlikeajealousprick.”

Axelrearedback.“Fuck,no.”
“He’sanoverprotectiveolderbrother—andawankeratthat,”saidanotherguywhowalked

aroundthecornerandenteredthecabin,thenstuckouthishand.Helookedtobeafewyearsolder
thanAxel.HesoundedveryBritish.“Heath.”

Yeah,Stonerememberedseeingtheguy’sfacethenighthe’dfirstmetLily.Atleasthesounded

morereasonable.

“Stone.”Heshooktheman’shand.
“TrustmewhenItellyouthatAxelandMysteryarequitehappy.EverytimeIstaynearthem,I

inevitablyhearpreciselyhowhappytheyarefromthenextroom.Hemakessureofit.I’mabit
surprisedhedoesn’tsimplypissonher.”

AxelturnedtoHeathwithascowl.“Don’tmakemeregretbringingyoualong.Youwanted

somethingtodo?HelpmegetSweetPeaawayfromthisdudeandoutofhere.”

***

AWAKENED

byshouting,LilyrolledovertofindStonegone.Hissideofthebedwasstillslightly

warm.Shefrowned,bleary-eyed.He’dkeptherawakehalfthenightmakinglovetoheroverand
over.He’dneverletherfarfromhisside,alwayswantingtotouchhersomewhere,insomeway.He’d
meltedtherestofherdefenseslastnight.Butnowshewaswishingshe’dgottenmoresleepbecause
shecouldn’trememberifStonehadbeenexpectingcompany,norcouldshethinkofanyonewho
wouldwanttoshoutathim.

Thedecibellevelofthevoicesoutsidethesolidbedroomdoorincreasedbutshecouldn’tmake

outthewords.Lilyfrowned.

Whatifsomeonehadcometothreatenthem?Whatifthatsomeonewasdangerous?
WhatifTimothyCantonhadfoundthem?
Thelastvestigesofhersleepinessfellaway.Sheshovedtheblanketsoff,easedtothefloor,and

tiptoedacrosstheroom.Theoldcottagehadbeautifuloriginalhardwoodfloors,buttheycreaked.
Doingherbesttoignorethesqueakyfloorboards,shecreptclosertothedoor.Aquicksearch
revealedthathergunwasgone,andshealreadyknewthatnothinginthebedroomwouldmakean
effectiveweapon.

Instead,shepaused,tryingtodetectthethreatlevel,andpressedhereartothedoor.Thatvoice,

theloudone,soundedlikeAxel’s.Shockpingedher.Wasn’theinLondonwithMystery?

Withafrown,shedonnedapairofyogapantsandanoldoversizeT-shirt,theneasedthedoor

open.Notthatanyonecouldpossiblyheartheslightsqueakofthedoorovertheirshouting.Thena
vaguelyfamiliarvoicereachedherears,thisoneBritish.Heath?HadhecomefromtheUKwith
Axel?Whattheheckwashappening?

“...helpmegetSweetPeaawayfromthisdudeandoutofhere.”Axel?Lilyfrowned.Whowas

hetalkingtoandwhydidhethinksheneededtoleaveStone?

“Don’tbeafuckwit.Helovesher.”ThatvoicebelongedtoHeath.
“Idon’tbelievethatforasecond.”Yes,thatwasAxel.WhenhadthetwomenflowntotheStates?

Andwhydidhesoundsopissedoff?

“Thenyou’reanidiot.”LilysmiledatStone’svoice.Hesoundedhonestandabitsnarky,butshe

heardthetendernessunderitall.Maybethatmadehersappyandlovesick,butthatmandiditforher.
“Yousetmeupwiththatfirstmeeting—”

“Becauseyouextorteditfromme.IfIhadn’tneededthatinformation,Iwouldnever—”
“ButyouusedmetogetitbecauseyouwantedtofindMystery,”Stonecutin.
Lilywasshocked.That’swhyAxelhadallowedthemtomeet?Sohecouldpursueanother

woman?Shetriednottofeelhurt...andshemostlysucceeded.Butshedidfeelabitsecond-class.

“AndyouknewIwashottomeetLily.”SheheardtheaccusationinStone’stone,asifhewas

angrywithAxelforusinghisdesireagainsthim.Itwarmedherheartalittle.“Soarewegoingto
standhereandargueaboutwhat’sbestforher?Ordoyouwanttohelpmeprotecther?”

Okay,thatwarmedherheartevenmore.Stonewantedher.Healwayshad.Andhewaswillingto

mendfenceswithAxelforhersake.

“Iwon’targueaboutwhat’sbestforherbecauseIalreadyknow,”Axelshotback.
“Bullshit.”
Andnowthetwoofthemweregoingtomakethisapissingmatch?Shestartedtoexitthe

bedroom,shakingherhead.ThenAxelscoffedandspokeagain.

“Youthinkyouknowherbutyouonlyknowtheinformationyou’vemanagedtowormoutofher.

Iknowthatwomandeepdown,allthewaytohersoul.Iknowhowshethinks.Iknowwhatsheenjoys
doinginhersparetime.Iknowherquirkyhabits.AndIknowhowshe’sgoingtoreactwhenshefinds
outyouschemedtoromancehersoyoucouldexchangehertestimonyforyourfreedom.”

AtAxel’saccusation,Lilyfroze.Achillspreadthroughherblood.Stonehadmadeadealtoget

outofprisonifhepersuadedhertotestify?Wasthattrue?Couldhehaveliedthatterribly?

Shepushedoutofthebedroomandstoodinthehallway,hergazefindingStone.Hezipped

aroundandstaredback.SheknewherfacemustbebegginghimtodefendhimselfandrefuteAxel,to
rewritethatinsidiousversionofeventswithsomeotherstory.Instead,Stonewinced.

Lily’sstomachdroppedtoherkneesandsheclutchedherself,fightingtheurgetothrowup.“Is

Axeltellingthetruth?”

Theothermenswiveledinherdirection.
Heathrolledhiseyes.“Andnowyou’veunleashedthekraken.”
“Baby...”Stonetuckedthegunintothesmallofhisback,thentookhesitantstepsinher

direction,clearlyuncertainofhiswelcome.

“Don’t‘baby’me.Iwantanswers.”
Stonecursedunderhisbreath.Aguiltyflushranuphisface.Ahundredalarmbellspealedinside

herhead.

Axelstartedplowingacrosstheroominherdirection,lookinggrimanddeterminedandfurious.

“Everywordistrue.”

Shetookastepbackandheldupherhandstowardbothmenoff,hergazebouncingbackand

forthbetweenthem.“Stopthere.”

Theyhalted,glancedateachothertoensureeachintendedtohonorherrequest,thenturnedtheir

gazesbacktoher.

“It’snotwhatyouthink.”Stonesentheranimploringexpression.
Hewasn’tdenyingAxel’sclaim.Hewasn’tinsistingonhisinnocence.
Stonewasguiltyashell.Thatrealizationhitherlikeaphysicalpang.

“Don’tlethimtellyouanymorelies,”Axelreasoned.“Hesoughtyououtbecausethefeds

offeredhimachancetocommutehissentence.Allhehadtodowasgetyoutoagreetotestifyagainst
Cantonbeforetheduderunsforgovernor.”

Lilyhadalreadypiecedthattogetherbutwhensheheardthewords,theystabbedherintheheart.

Theymadehercurlherarmsaroundherselfandwanttofalltoherkneesinagony.

Stonehadn’tlovedher;he’dusedher.Everythingbetweenthemhadbeenalie.
“Howdidyoufindout?”sheasked,hopingthatAxelhadgottenitwrongormisunderstoodor

somehowtwistedthefacts.

Butinherheart,shealreadyknewthatwasn’tthecase.
“Thorpe.Heknew.Seanknew.Jack,Logan,Hunter—theyallknew.”Axelgrittedhisteeth.“Hell,

theyallhelpedhimprepareforthisconjob.AndnoonetoldmebecausetheyknewI’dobjectlike
hell.You’renotapawn,goddamnit.”

Sonearlyeveryoneinherlifehadbetrayedher?Nearlyeveryoneshe’devertrustedhadplayeda

partinmanipulatinghertotestifyandhadn’tcaredifStonebrokeherheartorCantonendedherlife?
Why?

“Isthisalltrue?Iwanttohearitfromyou.”SheturnedtoStone,feelingasifshewerebreaking

apartinside.Hercomposurewascrackingwitheverylaboredbreath.Herchesthurtmorewitheach
second.Thesilencewasterrible.

“ThefedsofferedmethisdealafterI’dbegunworkingforJackbecauseCantonhadnoreasonto

associatemewithyou,andifhemanagedtosomehowconnectthedotsandwantedtotakeoutathreat
tohisorganization,I’dbeexpendable.Noonecaresifaconvictdiesand—”

“Answerthequestion!Didyouseducemewithallyourbullshittendernessandliessoyoucould

getoutofprison?”Shemanagedtoshoutthequestion,butshehadnoideawheretheenergyhad
comefrom.Shereallywantedtocurlupintoaballandrockbackandforthwhiletryingto
understandwhyeveryonesheloved,especiallyStone,hadsocompletelybetrayedher.

Maybethiswaskarmarepayingherforwhatshe’ddonetoErin.
Stoneopenedhismouth,likeheintendedtosaysomething,buthedidn’tspeak.Worrycrossedhis

face.Thenregret.

Lilyfeltasifherworldtilted,threwheroffbalance,thendroppedoutfrombeneathher.Shewas

infreefall,herstomachsicklytenseandunsettled.Painlancedthrougheveryvein.Herheartfelt
readytoexplode.

Ohgod.“Soit’strue.Ishouldn’tbesurprised.You’reanobodyandIdon’tdeservelove.Of

courseyouknowallthereasonswhy.”

“Baby...”Stonestartedtowardher.“Icareaboutyou,notthedeal.”
God,howstupiddidhethinkshewas?
“Don’ttouchme,”Lilyhissed.“Youmustreallyhavebeenfist-pumpingandmentallyhigh-fiving

yourselfwhenIsaidlastnightthatIwouldtestify.”Sheshookherheadinself-loathingatherown
idiocy.“Youweredamngood.Ididn’tjustreluctantlyagree,no.Ivolunteered.Socunningandclever,
I’llgiveyouthat.Youmentionedit,pointedoutallthereasonsitmadesense,thenletmestewonthe
ideawhileyoupliedmybodyandunhingedmymindwithpleasure.You’reabrilliantman.IwishI’d
listenedtomylogicinthefirstplaceandstayedawayfromyou.”

“Baby,Iturnedthedealdownlastnight,”heswore.
Stonelookedsoearnest.Thenagain,hemustbeonehellofanactorifhecouldsleepwithherto

earnhisfreedom.

He’dbeenlyingtoherfromthestart.Whyshouldshejustbelievehim?“Soyoucanprovethatto

merightnow?”

“Notthisinstant.IcalledmyFBIcontact,BobBankhead,andIexpecthe’llcomeafter—”

“Ifyoucan’tproveit,Idon’tbelieveit.”
“Letmecallhim.”Hepattedhispockets.Findingthemempty,helookedaroundtheroomforhis

cell.“Icanproveitifyouletmecallhimagain.”

“Youknowwhat?Forgetit.Idon’tbelieveanythingyousayanymore.”
Axelreachedout,comingtowardheragain,hisbigfacefullofempathy.No,pity.“Comehere.

I’vegotyou.”

StonewhirledonAxel,blockingherformermentor ’sprogresswithhisownbody.“Stoptrying

tocomebetweenus,youmeddlingprick.Leaveheralone.”

“Oh,Ihaveafeelingshe’dtentimesrathercomewithmenowthanbeanywherenearyou.”
Lilystared,dry-eyedandstunned.Herentireworldwasfallingapart,andtheyweresnipingat

eachother?

“I’mnotathingorapossession.Oratrophy,”shehurledatthem.“I’mawomanwithaheartthat

usedtobeat.”Shepressedafisttoherchest.“Andnow...”

“SweetPea,”Axelcalledsoftly.
Lilyshookherhead.Shewasn’tthatwomananymore.“Whydidyoucomehere?”
“BecauseIworriedaboutyouafterThorpetoldmesomeonehadriggedyourcarwithabomb.

AssoonasIfoundoutyouwerehunkereddownwithaconvictyoubarelyknowandIheardabouthis
scheme,Icametorescueyou.”

“Why?Youagreedtointroduceusinthefirstplace.Oh,butyouonlydidthatsoyoucouldget

togetherwithMystery.Iwasagoodbargainingchip,butyoudidn’tcareenoughtotellmethatyou
weren’tactuallysanctioningStoneforme.Andnowyou’regoingtothrowhimunderthebusfor
usingme,too.”

Axelflushed,andLilycouldn’tthinkofatimeshe’dactuallyseenhimrattled.“Itwasn’tlikethat.

IneversaidStonewasgoodforyou.IintendedtostayaroundthatnightStonecametomeetyou,but
MysteryranofffromDominionand—”

“Youleftmetohim.ButsuddenlyImatternow?”Shecockedafistonherhip,disillusionwiping

awayeverythingexcepttheworstpainandaresolutiontoshovethembothfromherlife.

“Thorpetoldmeyou’drefusedtoseehimallsummer.Ididn’tthink—”
“Aboutme?Youdidn’t.Inmybook,you’reguiltyofthesamesinasStone.Gobacktoyour

fiancée,Axel.Leavemebe.”

“IleftZebtomonitoryouthatnightbecauseIknewhewouldbustStone’sballsifthebastarddid

anythinguntoward.IleftyouinaprotectedenvironmentandIcameback.That’stotallydifferentthan
youjumpingintoacarwithaconvict,crossingstatelines,andshackingupwithhim.”

“Don’tcallmethatagain,”Stonewarned.“Anddon’tmakeherfeelstupidfortryingtostaysafe

whenyouweren’taroundtodothejob.She’sanadultwithagoodheadonhershouldersandshedid
whatshethoughtwasbestinthesituation.Whydon’tyoubackthefuckoff?”

“Areyouhopingthatifyousuckuptoherenoughorsoundlikeyou’reonhersideshewon’t

refusetotestifyanddumpyourassbackinprison?”

“Shutup!”sheshouted,hervocalcordsrattlinginagrowl.“Justshutup.I’mleavingnow.Don’t

stopme.Don’ttrytofindme.Don’tsayanotherfuckingwordtome.I’mdone.”SheturnedtoHeath.
“Willyougetmeoutofhere?”

“No!”StoneandAxelbothyelledatonce.
Thentheylookedateachotherasiftheywereshockedtheyfinallyagreedonsomething.
“You’renotleaving.”Stonecrossedhisarmsoverhischestandblockedherpathtothedoorwith

achallengingglare.

Axelstoodbesidehim,theirposesalmostidentical.“Whathesaid.”

Itwouldhavebeenfunnyifherheartweren’tbreakingintoamillionpieces.“Neitherofyouown

me.I’mnotachild.I’mnotaburden.”ShecastapointedglareatAxel,thensentadeadlyglowerto
Stone.“AndI’mnotafool.”

“Ofcourseyou’renot,”Axelsaidinhis“patient”voice.“Noonesaidyouwere.”
Hedidn’tmeanittosoundcondescending,sheknew.Butitfeltthatwayanditmadeherwantto

gritherteethandpunchhim.Afternearlythreeyears,she’dthoughttheywerefriendsatleast.She’d
believedthathecared.Yeah,he’dtraveledherefromLondontoseeherbutnowshewonderedifhe’d
doneitmoretoassuagehisoverdevelopedsenseofguiltthanbecauseofanyrealattachment.

“Baby,youcan’tleave.It’stoodangerous.”Stoneclenchedhishandsintofists.Anguishfurrowed

hisbrow,andshewouldhaveswornhewasswallowingdownpain.“Idon’twanttoloseyouatallbut
Iespeciallydon’twanttoloseyoutoCanton.Ifyouleavewhenyou’reunpreparedandemotional—”

“Don’tsayanotherword,eitherofyou,”shehissed.“Youbothlostthatrightwhenyoudeceived

me.Axel,I’llprobablyforgiveyousomedaybecauseyousoldmeouttofollowyourheart.Inaweird
way,Igetthat.”SheturnedtoStoneandshookherhead,thetearsshefeltdesperatetoshedclingingto
theedgeofherlashes.She’dalmostbeamazedifsheweren’tsocrushed.“Butyou...youusedme.
Andithadnothingtodowithyourheart.”

“That’snottrue,”heswore.“Youstoppedbeingaboutmyfreedomalongtimeago.Itookone

look—”

“Andfellinlove?”shescoffed.“Themeofthirtyminutesagowouldhavebelievedthatand

thoughtitwassodamnsweet.Thatgirlwouldhavethankedherluckystarsthatsomeonesokind
couldloveher.God,Iwasstupid.ButIknowbetternow.IjustwishIhadn’ttoldyoueverysingleone
ofmysecrets.”

Axelsidledcloser.Wisely,hedidn’ttouchher.“You’reangry.Icompletelyunderstand.I’mso

damnsorryifIhurtyou.Butdon’triskyourlifebecauseyou’repissedoff.Cantonisoutthere.Two
minutesbeforeIwalkedinthedoor,IgotatextthatpoliceinIowafoundReaper ’sbodyovernight.
Someoneputabulletrightbetweenhiseyesabouteighthoursago.”

Lilywasn’tshockedatall,butknowingthattoldheroneimportantfact.“IfCantonwasinIowa

eighthoursago,hecan’tbeintheswamprightnow.Givememyphoneandgun,”shesaidtoStone.
“I’mtakingmybelongingsandgoing.”

Axelcursedandlookedreadytobreakthefurniture.Stonepaced,thenroaredasheapproacheda

wallandpunchedit.Heshookhishand,andLilywinced.Thatmusthavehurt.Alreadyshecouldsee
thathisknuckleswerebleeding.Butdamnit,hedidn’tcareaboutherpain.Sheshouldn’tcareabout
his.

“I’lltakeyouintotown,ifyoulike,”Heathoffered.“We’lltalkaboutyourplansfromthere.”
“Idon’tneedababysitter.”Shemarchedtowardthebedroomtogathertheclothesandthe

personalitemsshe’dscatteredaround.

“Soyouknowwhereyou’reheading?”Heathcalledafterher.
“No,”sheadmitted.“Butanywhereisbetterthanhere,andCantonshouldhavenoideahowto

findme.SoIthinkI’llbesafe.”

“Youhavemoney,then?”
“Some.”Shedidaquickmentalcalculationandrealizeditwasn’tmuchbutitwasloadsmorethan

she’dleftCaliforniawithatsixteen.“I’llgetby.”

Justbeforesheroundedthecornerintothebedroom,shecutaglarebackintothelivingroom.

Themenallexchangedglances.Noneofthemwantedtoletherleave,andtheywerespeakingthat
silentmanlanguageandcommunicatingaplan.Noideawhat,andshedidn’tcare.Shewasgoingto
liveherlifeonherownfromthismomentforward.Whenshe’dfirstarrivedinDallas,she’dlet

Thorpetakeherin,abitlikeanadoptivefather.He’dpassedhertoAxel,who’dbeenlikeanarranged
husband.He’dtakencareofher,buthishearthadn’treallybeeninit.

Stone...Well,he’dcomeatherlikealothario,preyingonherdesireforloveandacceptancefor

hisowngain.Lilywasn’tsurewhathurtworse,thathe’ddoneitintentionallyorthatshe’dbeennaive
enoughtolethim.

“Lily,baby.”Stoneshookhishead.“Don’triskyourself.Please.”
Sheswallowedbackheranger.Hepretendedtocarebecauseifshewalkedoutthedoor,there

wenthismealticket.Fuckhim.

Still,shesawhowthiswasgoingtowork.Theywerethreestrappingmen,allprotectorsby

nature.Theycould—andwould—physicallyholdherhereunlessshepretendedtoconcedethatthey
wereright,shewaswrong,andofcourse,shewashelplesswithoutthem.

“I’llhaveHeathwithme,”shereminded.“Onthewaytotown,hecanhelpmefigureouthowto

slipawayfromLouisianaundetected.I’llstartover.I’llbefine.”

Stonebarreledtowardher.Andhewasn’tstopping.Lilyretreatedwitheverystephetook,

scramblingawayuntilherbackhitthedoorjamb.Withoutpreamble,hewrappedstrongfingers
aroundhernapeandtiltedherhead,crushingherlipsbeneathhis.

Thefeelofhimtakinghermouth,plunginginsidetoclaimher,wasashock.Hersenses

registeredpleasureandsafetyandlove.Herheartwantedtothrowherarmsaroundhim,meltintohis
solidwarmth,andholdonforever.Herheadknewbetterandrevolted.

Lilyshovedhimaway.“Don’t.”
“Iwillfightforyou,”hevowed.“Iwilldoeverythinginmypowertokeepyou.IloveyouandI

don’twanttoletyougo.”

Hisdarkeyespinnedherinplacewithconvictionandsincerityanddevotion.Hereallyshould

winawardsforhisperformance.

Inthebackofherhead,shewonderedif,bychance,hewasserious.Lilygrimaced.Nope.No

moreofthisgiving-him-the-benefit-of-the-doubtshit.Sherefusedtobegullibleagain.

“You’rewastingyourbreath,Stone.I’mdone.It’sover.See,you—andeveryoneinmyformer

lifeinDallas—decidedIwasweak.Theycoddledanddeceivedme.NoneofyourealizedthatIdon’t
havetobeloudtobestrong.Ihavesurvivedmoreinafewyearsthanmanydoinalifetime.IadmitI
havefeelingsforyou.IbelievedIwasinlovewiththemanyoupretendedtobe.Hewasamirage.
Yeah,myheartisbroken.Butitwon’tbreakme.Irefusetobeavictimagain.Nowgivemethe
goddamngun.”

Noonesaidanythingforalongmoment.Lilycouldalmostfeelthemomentherealizedthathe

couldn’tpreventherfromleaving.

“I’llwatchoverher,”Heathpromised.
Whichwas,nodoubt,codefor“Heathwouldn’tletheroutofhissightuntilsheeithersawreason

orStonefoundawaytopersuadeherbackintohisarmsandbed.”

Fatfuckingchanceofthat.ButLilyplayedalongtogetawayfromthemillionmemoriesof

Stone’sseemingtenderness—allalie.

“Letgo,”shedemandedinahoarsewhisper.
Slowly,Stonereleasedherandsteppedback.Reluctancestampeditselfalloverhisface,andhe

lookedasifhewantedtograbher,caveman-carryhertothebedroom,andscrewheruntilshewas
toosatedtocare.Whatdiditsayaboutherfeelingsthatshewasalittlebittempted?

Beforeherhormonesandherhearttookover,sheheldoutherhandforherweapon.Withasigh,

hepulleditfromthesmallofhisback,checkedthesafety,andsetitinherpalm.

“Younevertookthegun-safetyclass.Ifyoudon’tknowwhatyou’redoing,atleastletmetake

yououtthisafternoonandwecanpractice—”

“No.”Becausethatsoundedasifhewasstallingforawaytokeephertheresoshecouldcool

downwhileheusedhismasculinewilesonher.“Pleasegetoutofmyway.”

Stonemadeagreatshowofagonyandregretasshemarcheddownthehallandbacktotheliving

roomwithagrowledcurse.Asshegatheredupherbelongingsandtossedthembackinthesuitcase,
shecouldhearthementalkingamongthemselvesinlowtones.Schemingbastards.Still,afresh
cleaverofpainthreatenedtosplitherchestintwo.Howcouldanypartofherstillloveamanwho
haddeceivedandusedher?Whohadplottedtodowhateverittooktoturnherintoalovestruckidiot,
willingtoriskherlifesohewouldn’thavetoreturntoprison?

Lilyknewthatifshetestified,Cantonmightfinallypayforwhathe’ddonetoErinandherfamily.

She’dlovetoseethatsicksociopathputawayforgood.Butwouldhertestimonybeenough?Whatif
Cantonwentfree?Shewouldhavegainednothing.Andevenifshegotonthestandandheldherhand
toaBible,itwouldn’tbringbackanyonesheloved.Itmightcurbanypotentialfutureviolence,true.
ButitwouldsureashellbenefitStonemostofallrightnow.

Sherefusedtostayanotherminutesohecouldfindanewvulnerabilityinhersoftunderbellyto

useagainstheragain.Timetofinallyletgoofthepast,bothdistantandrecent,andstartover—this
timealoneandstandingonherowntwofeet.

ChapterSixteen

T’S

quiteeerieouthere.Butpeaceful,”HeathremarkedasherowedawayfromStone’sskiffand

throughtheswamp,towardthewaitingdirtlotofparkedcarsontheothersideofthewater.

Lilywonderedifhesimplycouldn’tstandthesilenceorhewantedtodragherintoaconversation

sohecouldconvincehershewasmakingabigmistake.AsifAxel’sregretandStone’sanxiety
weren’thintenoughthattheyboththoughtherleavingnowwasassafeasbathinginchumbefore
swimmingthroughshark-infestedwaters...

Sherefusedtogetinvolvedinhisconversation.“Hmm.”
Heathshotheraglance.“Allright,I’llskipthechitchatthen.They’reworried.”
Whatwasshesupposedtosaytothat?Thankyou,CaptainObvious.“They’renotmyproblem.I

knowtheyonlyallowedmetoleavebecausetheythoughtyouwouldmakesureIdidn’tdoanything
stupidandthatthebigbadwolfcouldn’tgetme.Butrealistically,youcan’twatchovermefortherest
ofyourlife,soyoutellmewhatitwilltaketoconvinceyouthatI’msafeenough.Whatdoyouneed
toleavemeinpeace?”

“I’dratherhopedyouwouldcooloffand...”Hestoppedthereandsighed.“Butthatseems

unlikely,sowhatareyourplans?Icanhelp.OnceIthinkyou’resecureandI’massuredCantonisn’t
onyourtrail,I’llbackoff.”

Maybe.ButLilydidn’tbelieveanyoftheseguysanymore.Yes,theysoughttokeephersafe,but

eachandeveryoneofthemwascutfromthesamecloth—convincedtheywereright,determinedto
protect,andcertainthattheendsjustifiedthemeans.Whethertheymeanttoornot,theymadeherfeel
incapableanddependent.She’dbeenthatforfartoolong.

Lilydidn’tvoiceanyofthistoHeath.Ifshedid,hewouldonlysticktoherlikesuperglue.
“Ihaveafewhundreddollarsandwaitressingskills.They’rerusty,butifyoucangetmetoNew

Orleans,Icanfindajob.I’maproatdyeingmyhair.I’llsplurgeonapixiecut.I’vegotsomeblue
contactsinmytotebagleftoverfrommyHalloweencostumelastyear.Iknowhowtochangemy
nameanddisappear.”

Heathwasalreadyshakinghishead.“Cantonfoundyouonce.Hehasresourcesathisdisposal

youcan’tevenimagine.JackColetoldusthatitlooksasifCantonhadMafiashankedinprisondays
agoandReapershotbetweentheeyesonlylastnight.”

Lilyrecoiledinhorror.Afteryearsawayfromthatman’sviolenceshe’dforgottenhowswiftand

cruelitcouldbe.

“Testify.”Heathdrilledherwithadarkstare.“That’stheonlywaythismessends.”
Ofcoursehe’dsaythat.Andshe’dagreedtoitlastnightwhenshe’dbeensated,wrappedin

Stone’sarms,believingtheyhadafuturetogether.Intoday’scoldlight,shesawclearlytheyhad

nothing,especiallynothonesty.“I’mnotdoingitsimplytokeepyourpaloutofjail.”

“Stoneisnofriendofmine.Iscarcelyknowhim.AndbeforeyouimaginethatIhaveany

allegiancetoAxel,rememberthatIknewandlovedMysteryfirst.IstoppedfightingforherbecauseI
couldplainlyseethatherheartwasotherwiseengaged.It’sactuallyinmybestinteresttohaveyouin
Axel’slife,causingfrictionbetweenthetwoofthem.ButI’mgettingolder,andIsupposeIhaveabit
ofasentimentalstreak.Iwantwhat’sbestforpeoplesincelifesorarelygivesthattoanyonewithout
somefinaglingorashove.Testifyingandfinallyclosingthischapterofyourlifewouldbenefityou
mostofall.Idon’tknowthedetailsbutIknowyou’vehadadifficultroad.Getonthestandandtell
thetruth.Getclosure.MakecertainCantoncan’tharmanyoneelse.Thenstartoverhoweverandwith
whomeveryoufancy.”

Heathhadsomegoodpoints.Butrightnowshewastoodisillusionedtosortthroughherthoughts

andtooheartsicktomakeanydecisions.Theideaofenteringacourtroomaloneanddredgingup
everybitoftheexcruciatingpasttoajuryoftwelvestrangersbothmadehersickandfilledherwith
terror.Ofcourse,thatassumedshewouldlivelongenoughtotestifyatall.TheminuteCanton
learnedwhatsheplanned,he’dcomeafterherwitheverythinghehadandhewouldtakeherdown
withoutmercy.

Theeasiestpathwouldbetostartoverasanewpersonwithanewlife,hopefullyoneCanton

wouldneverfind.ForgetLilyTayloreverexisted.

Couldshelivewiththat?
LilysaidnothingtoHeathbecauseengaginghiminconversationonlymeanthewouldtryto

influencehermore.

Thesoundsofnaturebrokethesilenceastheyreachedthedockbesidethedirtparkinglot.

Callie’sprettynewAudiSUVsatbesideStone’sblacktruck.Axelmusthaveborroweditsincehe
onlyownedamotorcycle.Heathwas“visiting”sohedidn’thaveacar,either.

Lilyeyedthevehiclesandtheroadbeyond.Thensheturnedback.Thesunslantedinshimmering

beamsthroughthecypresstreesandoverthestillwatersthat,despitelookingdead,sheknewteemed
withlife.Shecouldn’tseeJack’scabinorStoneandAxelstandingontheporchwatchingHeathrow
herawayanymore.

Sheliterallyhadcometoaturningpointinherlife.Keeprunningtostayaliveorriskdeathtotell

hertruthinacourtoflaw?

Heathtiedofftheboat,thenclamberedout,liftinghersuitcaseandduffeloutofthelittleskiff.On

wobblylegs,shestoodandclutchedhertoteandtheboxofhermostpersonalitems.

“Let’stalkthisthrough,shallwe?”hesuggested.“Icanbethevoiceofreason—”
“Ihaveplentyofreasononmyown.Canyoujustletmethinkfortenminutes?”Shesighed.
Holdingoutahand,Heathhelpedherontoland,thenwithdrewthekeystoCallie’scarfromhis

pocket.“Ofcourse.”

Lilywincedathisclippedtones.Shehatedtoberudebuttriednottoworryaboutthefeelingsofa

mandoingherbetrayers’bidding.Ontheotherhand,shehadnodoubtthatHeath,aformerMI5
agent,wouldkeephersafeifCantonmanagedtotrackherdownbeforeshemadehergreatescape.

Butattheendoftheday,shedidn’twanttoexchangeonekeeperforanother.
“Thanks,”shemurmuredashecarriedmostofherluggagetothevehicleandstoweditinside.
Hemerelynoddedatherasheopenedherdoorandstartedupthecar.
Sonowwhat?Lilydidn’thaveananswer.
InsidetheleatherinterioroftheSUVfilledwiththatlusciousnew-carsmell,Lilysettledbeside

Heathandtriedtodecidehernextmove.Regardlessofwhethershetestifiedornot,shehadtostayoff
Canton’sradar.Itwouldbesmarterifshekeptoffeveryoneelse’s,too.Thatmeantshehadtoscrap

herplantoheadtotheKeys.Stoneknewallaboutit—andhemightnotbetheonlyone.Nogoingto
NewOrleans,either.Nowthatshe’dmentioneditonawhimtoHeath,they’dlookthereaswell.

Atthefirstpossiblemoment,shewouldhavetoditchherphoneandcomputer.IfStonewasn’t

trackingboth,Axelmightbe.OrThorpe.She’dthoughttheywereallsuchconcernedprotectors.
Instead,theyweredeceivingbastards.Buteveryoneofthemwasacontrolfreak,andshehada
suspiciontheywouldn’tsimplylethergo.Forthelifeofher,shecouldn’tfigureoutwhy.

Lilytriedtothinkthroughheroptions.Shedidn’treallyhavemoneyfornewgadgets,butshe

couldbuyanewburnerphonethisafternoonandleavetheothertwodevicesbehindsomewhere.The
batterieswouldrunoutsoonenough;thenhertrailwouldbecoldunlessshedidsomethingstupid.

HeathnavigatedtheseeminglylongdrivetocentralLafayette.Trafficbustledduringthelunch

hourashestoppedthesleekwhiteSUVintheparkinglotofaWalmart.“Ifyou’releaving,you’ll
needafewitemsfromhere,right?”Helookedupatthefacadeofthebuilding.“Iloathethisplace.”

Despitethereallycrappydayshe’dhad,Lilyhadtogrin.“Me,too.Butyeah.Ishouldgrabafew

things.”

“I’llhelp.”Hereachedforthehandletoopenthedoor.
Shegrabbedhisarmandpulledhimback.“Youcanleavemehere.I’mabiggirl.I’llmanageon

myown.IfIdecidetotestify,whodoIcontact?”

Lilythoughtitwisetokeepheroptionsopen,justincase.
Heathshrugged.“Keepyourmobilehandy.Oneofuswilltextyoushortly.”
Seriously,herpatiencewascomingtoanend.“Don’ttreatmelikeanidiot.YouknowI’m

ditchingthephoneassoonasIcan.Ineedananswernow.”

Withasigh,Heathpulledhisphonefromhispocketandfiredoffatext.Withinmoments,the

devicedinged,signalingthathe’dreceivedananswer.“SpecialAgentBobBankhead.He’soutofthe
LosAngelesoffice.Stoneistextingyoutheman’sphonenumber.”

She’djustbethersneakyCasanovawas.Wouldheloveitifshesavedhisass?“Fantastic.Nowask

himtoleavemethehellaloneforgood.”

Lilywasn’tsurewhyshe’dmadesuchademand.No,thatwasn’ttrue.Somefoolishpartofher

hopedthathe’ddisregardherwish,comeridinguponhiswhitehorse,andchooseherafterall.

Sostupid.
“Icanalreadytellyouhewon’tagree,”Heathsupplied.“Ever.”
Heathmustbewrong.Stonewouldtotallylethergoasifshemeantabsolutelynothingtohim

becauseshedidn’t.Still,maybeshewasbetteroffnothearingStone’sanswer.Itwouldonlyhurt
more,andshedidn’tneedtheaddedpain.

Damnit,shehadtostopwiththeself-pity.She’dclosedthechapteronherexistenceonceat

sixteen.Shewouldsimplydoitagain.

“YouthinkI’mwrong.Icantell.”Heathshookhishead.“I’veseenfartoomanymeninlove

lately.Iknowwhatonelookslike.”

“Maybe.ButIdon’tthinkyou’reverygoodatspottingaconman,andIwishyouwellwiththe

future.Soundslikeyou’llneedit.”Shehoppedoutofthecar,notsurprisedwhenHeathfollowed.She
ignoredhimandretrievedashoppingcartfromanearbycorral,thenopenedthehatchinbackand
dumpedherluggageinthecart.“Thankyoufortheride.Ihopeyou’reabletogetoverMysteryand
moveon.Good-bye.”

JustlikeshehopedtorecoverfromStonesomeday.Realistically,thatwasprobablyfarinthe

future.

Heathshiftedhisweight,lookingreluctanttogo.“Lily,howwillyouleavetown?Youdon’thave

acar.Asatarget,you’retooeasytotakeoutallalonelikethis.You’llwantprivacysoon.Nightwill
fall.Don’tmakethiseasyforCanton.HemightnothavebeentheonetoshootReaperinIowa.It’s

quitelikelyhestillhasviolentmeninhisemploywillingtodohisbidding.Hecouldbewaitingfor
youaroundthenextcorner.”

Inherhead,Lilyknewthat.Shedidn’twanttoputherstubbornnessoverherpersonalsafetybut

shewasgoingtohavetomakedowithouttheseguysfortherestofherlife.Whynotstartnow?“I’m
nolongeryourproblem.Consideryourselfrelievedofdutyorwhatever.Inlessthanthreehours,I’ll
beacompletelynewwomanandlonggone.Thanksforthelift.”

Withthat,sheheadedintothestore,onlyglancingbackoncetoensurethatHeathhadn’tfollowed

her.She’dhalf-expectedhimto,buttohersurprise,hestoodunmovingnexttoCallie’ssleekwhite
vehicle,thehotwindrufflinghisdarkhair.

Inside,Lilytriednottofeelcompletelyalone.Shewassurroundedbypeople,afterall,someof

whomwouldmakeforgreatsocialmediaposts.

Shehurriedthroughthecoolairofthebig-boxstoreandpickedupaprepaidcellphone,along

withafewothernecessities,thenhightailedittothehair-careaisle.Shescannedthedyes,tryingto
decideonacolor.Redtendedtoattractattentionandbleedoutquickly.Mostshadesofdarkblond
washedheroutbecausetheycontainedtoomuchgoldforherpinkskintone.

WhyhadStonepretendedtoloveandcareforher,listenedtohersecrets,worshippedherbody,

andbecomehereverythingifallhe’dwantedhertodowastestify?Whyhadn’thejustflat-outasked
her?He’dbarelytriedtoappealtoherlogic.Maybebecausehedidn’tcreditherwithany.Rightnow,
shewasquestioningthatherself.Shedidn’tunderstandhowhecouldlookatherwithsuchnaked
feeling,slidedeepinsideher,allthewhileconvincingherofalovehedidn’tfeel.

No.Shewouldn’tthinkabouthimanymore.Stonewasn’timportanttoherfuture.Gettingoutof

thistownwas.Amediumbrowncolorwouldhelpwiththat.She’ddoneitbefore.Notherfavorite,but
shewouldblendin.

Shegrabbedthebox,scannedit,andthrewitintheshoppingcartbesideher.
“LilyTaylor,”amasculinevoicecalledfromdirectlybehindher.
Shefroze.Shehadn’theardthatvoicesinceshewasateenager,notsinceoneofthedarkestdays

ofherlife.

TimothyCanton.
Sheturnedslowly,hopinglikehellherearshaddeceivedher.Butno.Therehestood.Despitehis

lookingafewyearsolderandafewpoundsheavier,sherecognizedhim.Hedefinitelyappeared
morerespectableinapairofcasualshortsandacrispgolfshirtwithacaplowoverhisface.Anyone
whosawhimwouldimaginehe’djustcomeoffthecourse.

Howhadhefoundherandcreptupbehindher?
“It’sbeenalongtime,”hemurmuredinalow,almostsecretivevoice.
Fearfrozethebloodinherveins.Hereyesflaredwide.Panicslicedthroughherlikeaphysical

pain.Shebackedupastep,rattlingintoboxesofhaircolorandshampoo.“Youcan’tkillmehere.My
murderwillbeonsecuritycameras.”

“Murder?”Hegaveherthesamefakelaughshe’dheardwhenhe’dpretendedsurpriseatfinding

Erinatthewarehouse.Itsentchillsdownherspine.“IcametoLouisianatotalktoyou,nothing
more.”

Sure,hehad.Next,he’dtrytosellherabridge.Beforeheoffedherandburiedtheevidence,of

course.

TimothyCantondidn’tcompromiseorgiveanythinginreturn.Hesimplysmashedeveryonein

hispathwithanironfist.Andbecausehewantedtobegovernor,theybothknewshestoodinhisway.

“Ihavenothingtosay.”Shefumbledforherpurseandshovedherhandinside,rummaging

aroundforhergun.“Goaway.”

“Ifyou’rereachingforafirearm,Iwouldn’tdothat.Thestoremanagementwillhavethepolice

hereinthreeminutes,andyou’llgotojailforcarryingaweaponwithoutapermitinLouisiana.If
youpointitatme,itwouldbenaturalforthemtoassumeyoumeantoroborkillme.Andmaybe
everyoneelseinthestore.”

Cantonwasright,andLily’snextinstinctwastodrophimtohiskneeswithaswiftkicktothe

balls,thenstartrunning.Butthemomentsheleftthestore,shewouldnolongerbeinapublicplace,
andshe’dbesomucheasierforhimoroneofhisthugstoeliminate.

“Ialsofeelcompelledtopointoutthatifyoutouchmeinanyotherway,Icanpressassault

charges.”Hegaveheranempty,almostbenignsmile.

Apolitician’ssmile,sherealized.Itpromisedbenevolenceanddeliveredwhateverservedhim

best.Thoughhelookedmoresuitedtothecountryclubthantothemeanstreetsthesedays,she
couldn’tforgetthatherapedandkilledwithoutremorse.He’dtakenhermother,herbrother,andher
bestfriendfromherwithoutblinking.

Heartracing,thoughtswhirling,shetriedtodecidewhattodonext.“Whatthehelldoyouwant?”
“Justtotalktoyou.Iapproachedyouinpublic,hopingthatwouldn’tscareorintimidateyou.

Towardthefrontofthestorethere’sasandwichshop.Letmebuyyouasoda.We’llsit.I’dlikeyouto
hearmeout.”

“No.”
“Isuggestyoureconsider.”Histonewassilky,almostcasual,butsheheardtheunderlyingthreat.

“It’sinourmutualbestinterest.Ineedyoursilence.AndIhavealotofmoney,whichyou’llneednow
thatyouhavenojob,nocar,nofriends,nohome...”

Lilyfeltasifhe’djustpunchedherinthestomach.“H-howdidyouknowallthat?Howdidyou

findme?”

“CometothesandwichshopandI’llexplain.”Hegesturedtotheendoftheaisle.
Shelookedforawayoutofthesituation.Thelastthingshewantedtodowassitacrossatable

fromTimothyCantonandpretendtohaveacivilizedconversation.Underhisnewveneer,shehadto
believehewasstillthesameoldcriminalandsociopath.Still,theminutesheleftthestoreshewas
probablydead.Maybeshecouldplayalong,thentipoffsomeoneintherestaurantoranemployee
thatshewasintrouble.Butwhatifshegotaninnocentbystanderkilled?Maybeshecouldescapeto
thewomen’sbathroomtocall...who?Shecouldn’tringanyoneshe’dleftbehind.Eveniftheycame,
shecouldn’ttrustthem.Andifshecalledthepolice,whatcouldshesay?Amanfromherpasthad
accostedherinWalmartandforcedhertohaveacarbonatedbeveragewithhim?

No,butshehadBobBankhead’snumberonherphone.Thefedmightbeabletogetheroutof

thisbind.True,buttosecurehishelp,she’dhavetoagreetotestify.LookingatCantonnow,she
wasn’tsurethatwasasmartidea.

Lilyforcedherselftoexhaleandthink.Cantonwouldn’thurtherinapublicplacewithsomany

camerasonthem.Maybeifsheheardhimout,shecouldfindsomewaytoescapethismess,hopefully
forgood.

Sheprayedforcalmasshepushedthecartfilledwithallherworldlybelongings.Asshewalked

uptheaisleandturnedlefttowardthesubshopshe’dnoticedwhenshefirstwalkedin,shepassedrow
afterrowofshoppersandemployees.Nooneseemedtonoticeanythingunusual.Thatwasgood...
andbad.

Whentheyreachedthesubshop,Cantonusheredherinandgrabbedholdofherarm,ensuring

shestoodrightbesidehim.Hisfingersbitintoherarmwithjustenoughforcetoremindherhow
dangeroushecouldbe.Butthesmilehesenther,blanklykind,madeherwanttocringe.Itsdeceitful
emptinessscaredhermostofall.

“Whatwouldyouliketodrink?”heaskedasifhedidn’thaveacareintheworld.

Nothing.Shefeltsureifshetriedtoswallowanything,shewouldthrowup.Butshealreadyknew

hewouldn’tacceptthatanswer.“S-sprite.”

Whenhereachedthecashier,heorderedhersodaandanicedteaforhimself.Shedidn’tdare

lookatthegirlbehindthecounter.ShelookedeverybitasyoungasErinhadthedayCantonhad
killedher.Lilydidn’twanttoberesponsibleforanotheryounggirl’stortureanddeathbecauseshe
stillrememberedhowmuchthebarbarianhadenjoyedtakingErin’sinnocencebeforehe’dtakenher
life.Sosheclutchedthehandleofhershoppingcartandlookedanywhereelse.

Assoonastheyhadtheircups,Cantonledhertoasquareboothwithastickywoodlaminate

tabletopinthecorner.Heparkedhercartbehinditandsethercupdownandshooedherintoherseat
beforeheplantedhimselfacrossfromher.

“Ihavenothingtosaytoyou.”Sheglaredhisway.
“Ithinkyou’llwanttohearthis.”Hepausedandsentheraconsideringstare.“YouleftDallas

quickly.Didthatbruteyouusedtosleepwithbreakyourheartwhenhestartedshackingupwiththe
famousdirector ’sdaughter?”

HeknewaboutAxel?“Howlonghaveyoubeenwatchingme?”
“Years,”heassuredher.“Keepyourfriendsclose...”
Andyourenemiescloser.
Lilyswallowed.AndCantonhadn’ttriedtokillherinallthattime?Ofcourse,sincehewas

runningforgovernor,thatmeanthehadtoridalltheghostsfromhispast.“Whythehellbotherwith
chitchatnowthatyou’veblownupmycarandmylife?”

Hescowled.Eventhoughhisgoldenbrownhairdidn’tmove,hisfaceappearedtoturndowninto

somethingthatlookedalmostlikearealexpression.“Iheardaboutthatincident.Ididn’tplantthat
bomb.Imerelyleftyouflowersinyourcaratwork,tellingyouexactlywhatIwanted.Iwaswaiting
acrossthestreetforyou,watchingforthemomentyoufoundthebouquetsoIcouldapproachyou.
Butyouweren’talone.Thatex-conwhowantedyousobadlyfollowedyoutotheparkinglot.When
youleftDominion,youdiditsoquickly,Ididn’thavetheopportunitytofollow.Thebombwas
unexpected.”

“Meaningoneofyourgoonsdidit?”Shesneered.
“No.”Hemanagedtogrithisteethyetstillflashherthatterriblesmileagain.“MeaningIhaveno

ideahoworwhyithappened.Let’strytobepleasant,allright?”

Sheleanedinandscowled.Itdidn’tmatterifshewasabitchtoCantonbecausehewasprobably

goingtokillher.“Ican’tsitacrossfromtheanimalwhomurderedsomanypeopleIlovedandnot
wanttobothvomitandstabyoumyself.”

Hegaveheranodofseemingregretthatshedidn’tbelieveforasecond.“Ancienthistory,Ms.

Taylor.Thatwasadifferenttime,andI’madifferentmannow.”

Bullshit.“Yeah?Thenwhydidyourapeandkillawomaninmyapartmentwholooks

suspiciouslylikeme?Orareyougoingtotellmethatwasn’tyourhandiwork,either?”

“Ihadnothingtodowiththat.”Heshookhishead,doinghisbesttolookinnocent.
“Thenoneofyourthugsdid.”
“Inolongerhavethugs.I’mabusinessmanthesedays,nothingmore.Andfollowingyouhas

beenafull-timejob.Whenyoudisappearedintotheswamp,Ikepttryingtofigureouthowtoexplore
theareaandpinpointyourlocation.Youhadyourphoneofffordaysand—”

“Youweretrackingmyphone?”
“HowelsedidyouimagineIcouldfindyou?OnceIfiguredoutyouralias,Ihadanassociate

whoworksforyourwirelessproviderkeepaneyeonyou.Ifyouveeredmorethanfiftymilesfrom
homeorwork,healertedme.Thankfully,yourarelydid.”

“Cutthecrap,”shegrowledathim.“You’renohumanitarian.YouhadMafiashankedinprisona

fewdaysago.YouhadsomeoneputabulletbetweenReaper ’seyeslastnight.You’regoingtooffme,
too.”

Shewasn’tsureshewouldbebraveenoughtoconfronthimifsheweren’tsurroundedbypeople

comingandgoinginthelittleeatery.Anelderlycouplesatinthemiddleofthearea,bothtalking
loudlytoeachother.Apairofteenageboysstaredatthegirlbehindthecounter,oneopenlyflirting.
Ablondwomanbouncedababygirlonherlapandpickedatasub.Lilythankedgodshewasn’talone
withthissavagepsycho.Hemightkillher,butshe’dgettospeakhermindfirst.

“Mafiametwithanunfortunateeventduringhisincarceration,”Cantonadvised.“Suchashame

thathemadeenemiesbehindbars.Iguesshe’llnevergetthatdealforareducedsentenceinexchange
forhistestimonyaboutourpast...dealings.”Heshookhisheadinmocksympathy.“Notmyfaultat
all.”

Whichmeanthe’dtotallybeenbehindMafia’smurder.Thethoughtmadehersick.
“ButReaper?”Hefrowned,lookinggenuinelypuzzled.“Someonekilledhimlastnight.”
“Howdidyouhear?Didn’theliveinIdaho?”
“Iowa.”
“Ah,yes.He’dfoundGod.Iremember.Well,hopefullyhe’satthepearlygatesnowbeing

welcomedwithopenarms.ButIhadnothingtodowiththat.Truly.”Heleanedforwardanddropped
hisvoicesothateventheboredblondetryingtoeavesdropoverherbaby’ssquealscouldn’tpickup
theirconversation.“Look,I’vedonesomethingsinthepastthatdon’tmatchtheimageI’dpreferto
conveynow.You’vebeenaquiet,unobtrusivegirlforyears.Thattellsmeyou’rereasonable.SoI’m
willingtocompensateyouforcontinuedgoodbehavior.Ihavesomepaperworkinmymotelroom,a
fairlydetailednondisclosureagreement.Comewithmetolookitover.”

Washecrazy?“Gotohell.Iwon’tfollowyouanywhere.Iwon’tsignanything.AndIespecially

won’tgotoyourmotelroom.”

“It’sworthhalfamilliondollarstoyou.”
“ItcouldbehalfatrillionbutifI’mdead,Ican’tspendit.”Andshehadlittledoubtthemoneywas

arusetolurehersomeplacehecouldkillher.Besides,whatkindofpricetagcouldshepossiblyput
onthelivesofherlovedones?Fivehundredthousanddollarswasprobablymoremoneythanshe’d
everseeinherlifetimebutthatamountforthreeofthemostpreciouspeopleontheplanettoher
seemedawfullycheap.

“I’mhurt.”Hepouted,andshedidn’tbuyitforaminute.Cantondidn’tactuallyhavefeelings,just

ruthlessness,greed,andambition.“I’mtryingtoengageinsimplecommerce.You’rebeingdifficult.”

“WhathappensifIrefuse?”
Hegaveherwhatheprobablythoughtwashismostconcernedsmile.“I’dhateforaserious,

maybeevenfatal,accidenttobefallyou.Buttheseunfortunatethingssometimeshappen.Sosad.”

Ofcourse.Tobehonest,shewassurprisedhe’dofferedtopayheranything,butshewaspretty

surehemerelymeanttoscamher.

“Beforeyoureply,I’velearnedovertimethatmoneycancontributetoamuchhigherqualityof

life.Youmightenjoythewindfall.”

No.She’dfeelterribleeverymomentofeverydayshehadthebloodmoneywithallthosezeros

inherbankaccount.AsfarasLilywasconcerned,she’dheardenough.Sheneededtograbherstuff
andgetoutofthestorebeforeCantoncaughtuptoher.“Fuckyou.”

Shestoodandgrabbedhercartfrombehindthetable,thendartedaroundthemazeoftablesinthe

littleplace.AglancebackatCantontoldherthathewatched,shakinghishead.“We’renotdone,Lily.”

Theblondewiththebabyshotheraconcernedglance,thenstood,anchoringthelittlegirltoher

hip.Lilydidn’twaittoseewhatthebystanderwoulddo.SheneededtoescapebeforeCantonorhis

goonsgrabbedher.

Shedashedtothecheckoutwithherboxofdye,burnerphone,andotherassortedgoodies.When

shereachedthefrontoftheline,Lilyusedsomeofherpreciouscashtopayforheritems.Asshedid,
shescannedforCantonorhisthugs—anyonewholookedasiftheywerewatchinghertooclosely
andwaitingforachancetopounce.Butshesawnoonesuspiciousinsidethestore.

Nowshejusthadtogetoutside,throughtheparkinglot,andescape.Obviously,ifCantonwas

goingtorunforgovernor,hewasn’tgoingtoshootherhimselfinaplaceteemingwithcameras.She
didn’thavethetimetowaitforataxiorthemoneytopayforone.Itwasathousandfreakingdegrees
outthere.Shehadeverythingsheownedinherluggage,andsheneededtomovefast.Todothatand
makeacleangetaway,sheneededtomakesureCantoncouldn’tfollowher.

Asshehustledtotheexit,thestoremanagerstoodnexttoabigguywearinganametagpinnedto

hisvest.“Excuseme.I’mhopingyoucanhelp.Iwasaccostedbyamaninthestoreearlier.He’sabout
fivefootten,midthirties,wearingawhitegolfshirt.”LilyturnedandspottedCantonlurkingarounda
nearbyimpulseaisle,pretendingtobeengrossed.Shepointed.“Canyouhelpme?Justkeephimhere
untilIcangettomycarandleave?”

Thestoremanager,afortysomethingAfrican-Americanman,lookedpissedoffonherbehalf.So

didhisbodybuildingpal.Henodded.“Go.We’lltakecareofhim,ma’am.”

“Thankyou.Iwasscared.”Andthatwasn’talieatall.“Iappreciateit.Somuch.”
TheywavedheroutthedoorandstoodblockingitasCantonstartedinherdirection.
Outside,shesighedinrelief,thenventuredawayfromthebuildingcautiously,scanningthehalf-

emptyparkinglotforanyonewhomightbeonCanton’spayrollwithamissiontofinishheroff.She
sawanelderlywomandrivingaway.Aguywithdarkhairandsunglasses,rockingoutinhisJeep.He
glancedherwayonce,thenapparentlylostinterest.Hedidn’tseemthreatening,simplyasifhewere
waitingforhisbuddyorgirlfriendtocomeoutofthestore.

AndnosignofHeath.Well,theBritishbodyguardhadswornhewasleaving.Shedidn’tseeany

signofCallie’scar.Itwasjustaswell.Sheneededtofindsomequietwaytocarryallherstuffdown
theroadandrentamotelroomlongenoughtodyeherhair,changeclothes,wipeherdevicesclean
ofalldataandsoftware,andtrasheverythingshedidn’tintendtotakewithher.Shestillhadafew
hundreddollarsleft.Maybeshecouldbuyabusticketandbesomewhereelsebynightfall.

Knowingitwasnowornever,Lilystrodeawayfromthestore.Thecraggyasphaltradiatedheat,

andamiragecroppedupacrossthehalf-fulllot.Thetwentysomethingblondewiththebabyshe’d
seenearlierapproachedher,pushinghershoppingcartofgroceries.

“Youneedhelp?Isawthatmantalkingtoyou.Youlookedscared.”Empathysoftenedthe

woman’sface.

Lilyreallydidneedhelpbutshedidn’twanttoinvolveanyoneelseinherproblems,especially

someonewithababywhodidn’tlookolderthansixmonths.Outoftheblue,shewonderedhowthe
womanfeltaboutmotherhood.She’ddressedherpreciousdaughterinfrillsandpink.Itreminded
Lilyoftheoneoutfitshe’dscrapedhermoneytogethertobuyReginabefore...Well,before
everything.Sheshovedthethoughtsaway.

“I’mgood.”Shetriedtosmile,awareherhandswereshaking.“Thanks.Yourdaughteris

adorable.”

Thewomansmiledandstrokedthelittleone’shead.“She’ssuchagoodbaby,too.I’mlucky.

Haveaniceday.”

“You,too.”Lilysawthewomanstopatabluecompact,thenloadthebabyandherplasticbagsin

thebackseatbeforesheslidbehindthewheel.Someday,ifshecouldeverputtheCantonmesstobed,
maybeshe’dfindamanwhotrulylovedherandhavetheblessingsthatwomanseemedtopossess.

Butfirstshehadtoescape.

Lilyglancedoverhershoulderassherolledeverythingsheownedintheshoppingcartand

headedtowardthefarendofthelot.Theyoungmombackedoutofherparkingspot.Theguywith
midnighthairstillsatinabiggrayJeepwiththewindowsrolleddown.Whenhelookedatheragain,
hisdarkstaredidn’tseemquitesodisinterested.Shepushedhercartacrosstheblacktopfaster.

“Lily!”amalevoiceshoutedacrossthelot.
SheturnedandspottedCantonrunningafterherbetweentheparkedcars.Instantly,herheart

revvedupandterrorjuicedherbloodstream.He’dprobablysmooth-talkedhiswayoutofher
distraction.Andhe’dcaughtheralone.Godknewwhathe’ddonow,butsheexpectedhe’dhavesome
plantogetherawayfromhereandmakeherdeathmorehorrificthanshecouldimagine.Noone
crossedCantonandlived.Besidesutterterror,theonlythingLilycouldfeelwasregret.She’dfailed
Erin,hermom,andherbrother.Hersecretswoulddiewithher.Andtheirkillerwouldwin.

“Youcan’tdothis!”ButLilywaspainfullyawarehecoulddowhateverhewanted.She’dbeen

stupidtosendHeathaway,evenifshehadn’tthoughtCantoncouldpossiblyfindherthisquickly.
She’donlyneededthreehoursalonetotransformherself,damnit.

Butthatwasclearlythreehourstoomany.Cantonwasobviouslyeverybitasdeviousand

determinedashe’dalwaysbeen.

“Threequartersofamillion,”heshouted,chargingafterher.“Cash,ifyousigntoday.”
Notthatshebelievedhe’devergivehermoneyforsilence,butwherewouldhegetthatmuch

liquidmoney?

“No.Leavemealone.”Attheedgeofthelot,shepickedupallherbelongingsandtriedtorunfor

thesidewalkoffthemaindragahead.Withcarspassingtoandfro,Cantoncouldn’tshootorabduct
herinbroaddaylight,couldhe?Therewouldbewitnessesorsidewalkcams—something.Right?

Justthen,acarweavedupbesideher,stoppingbetweenherandCanton.Abluecompact.
Thetintedwindowonthedriver ’ssidesliddown,andthewomanwiththebabyturnedtoherwith

aworriedexpression.“CanIgiveyoualiftsomeplace?”Lilystartedtorefuse,butthewoman
glancedinherrearviewmirroratCanton,who’dnowhalted.“WhenIwasyounger,Ioncefound
myselfstrandedintheheat,carryingmostofwhatIownedonmyshoulders,too.Akindsoulhelped
meout.I’dlovetopayitback.Icouldusesomegoodkarmaaboutnow.AndIwouldfeelterrible
leavingyouwiththatguy.”

LilylookedatCantonbarelytwentyfeetaway,justwaitingfortheopportunitytopounce,thento

thewoman’searnestface.Thebabycooedandshookitsrattleinthebackseat.Surelyawomancarting
herinfantaroundwouldn’tbeacrazyaxmurderer.AndtheblondehadtobesaferthanCanton.
Besides,thesoonershegottoamotel,thesoonershecouldwipeherphoneclean,transformherself,
andleavethistown.

“I’mEmmaandthisisIsabel.Ipromise,wedon’tbite.Well,she’steethingbut...”
Lilycockedherhead.Thesunbeatdownonher,andshewasbeginningtosweat.Shehatedsnap

decisions,butCantonwouldcatchuptoherinthenexttenseconds.Still...

“Thismanisdangerous.You’retakingabigriskwithyoursafetyandyourbaby’s.”
Emmanodded.“Yes,andmyhusbandwouldkillme.ButIknowthatlookonyourface,like

you’velosteverythinganddon’tknowwheretogo.Thatmanisharassingyouandyou’reafraid.I
wasinasimilarplacetwoyearsago.I’llgetyouawayfromhere,hon.”

ItwaseithergetinthecarwiththewomanorwaitforCantontowraphishandsaroundherthroat

andsqueeze.

“Thatwouldbegreat.Thanks.”LilywantedtohugthewomanandhopedCantondidn’tmakethe

strangerpayforherkindness.

EverythingthathadhappenedthepastfewhourswascatchingupwithLily.Shehadn’teatenyet

todayanddidn’tknowwhereshe’dbeineighthours.Shehadnoideawhereshe’dlayherheadto

sleeptonight.Noideahowshewouldkeepherselfalive.Thethoughtwasenoughtomakeherwantto
breakdownandgiveup.Butshewasstrongandresourceful.Shehadsomemoney,aguninher
purse,andexperienceonherside.

Emmashovedthecarinpark.“I’llhelpwithyourgear.”
Togetherthetwowomentossedherluggageintothetrunkandbarelymanagedtogetitslammed

shut.AglancebackprovedCantonstoodbesideahugebrownpickupencasedinmudandstared,
wearingafuriousglareonhisface.Clearly,hehadn’texpectedabystandertohelpher.Buthealso
wasn’tgoingtoharassherwithawitness.

Oncesheslammedthetrunk,Emmahurriedtowardthedriver ’ssideofthecar.Lilywatchedand

noticedthecarhadCalifornialicenseplates.Shepaused,uneasetricklingthroughher.

“What’swrong?”
“You’realongwayfromCalifornia.”
EmmagaveCantonanervousglance,thennodded.“Myhusbandstartedhisowncompany

recently.Hecanworkfromanywhere,sowedecidedtomoveclosertomyfamilyforIsabel’ssake.
Thecostoflivingischeaper,whichisimportantrightnow.I’llmissSanDiegobutIthinkherewill
beallright,too.”

Emmaslippedbackintothecarandcooedatherbaby.Lilyhesitated.Noteveryoneofthethirty-

somethingmillionpeoplefromCaliforniawereinvolvedwithCanton.

Takingadeepbreath,sheslippedintotheblessedair-conditionedcomfortofthecar.“Goodluck

witheverything.”

“Thanks.”
Asthewomanpulledoutofthelot,Lilypowereddownhercellphone.Assoonasshegottoa

motelroom,shewouldwipeitcleanandsetuptheburner.

Emmasmiledanddrovetothemainroad.“Whereto?”
“There’salittlemoteldowntheroadofftothelefthere.”Lilypointed.“It’snotfar.”
“Oh,we’restayingtheretoountilwefindahousetorent.”Withthat,Emmapulledoutontothe

road.

OnelastglancebacktoldLilyCantonstillwatched.Shedidn’tthinkforoneminutethatshe’d

seenthelastofhim.

Twominuteslater,theypulledintothelot,andEmmaputthecarinpark.“Hereweare.”She

twistedaroundforherpurseonthefloorboardbehindheranddraggeditintoherlap.“Letmegive
yousomethingbeforeyougo.”Lilywasalreadywordingherrefusaltoacceptmoneyifthat’swhat
thewomanintended.Instead,Emmawhippedoutasyringeandshovedtheneedleintoherarm.
“Sorry.IknowTimothyCantonisdangerous.”Herexpressionmeltedintosomethingthatlookedlike
hate.“ButmyhusbandandIarefarworse.”

ChapterSeventeen

CAN’T

fuckingstandthis.”StonepacedthefloorofJack’scabin,nearlyreadytocrawloutofhis

skin.“Ihavenoideawhat’sgoingon.IsLilyokay?Isshesafe?WherethehellisHeathwitha
report?”

Hehadn’tlikedanyofthis,especiallylettingherwalkoutthedoor.Butshedidn’ttrusthimnow,

notafterthedamageAxelhadwrought.Lilywouldhaveonlyhatedhimifhe’drefusedtolethergo
orhe’dfollowed.Atthetime,thathadseemedimportant.Now,hedidn’tcare.Hejustwantedtoknow
thatshewasallright.

Tobeonthesafeside,he’dtextedOne-Milethemomenttheskiffhaddisappearedintotheswamp

andgiventhesniperherposition.AssoonasHeathhadadvisedAxelthathe’dtakenhertoWalmart,
he’dtextedthatinformation,too.Butthebastardhadneveranswered,andnowStoneworriedshe
didn’thaveenoughprotection.Hefeltasifsomeonehadshovedahotpokerinhischest,asifhisguts
werenowtwistedaroundaballofanxiety.

Hewantedtothrowhisphonethatwasn’tbuzzingwithinformationacrosstheroom.No,he

wantedtogofindLilyandconvinceherthattheonlythinghe’deverwantedfromherwasherlove.

Instead,AxelandhisbigmouthhadpersuadedherthatStonehadonlybeenusingher.
“YouthinkI’mgoingtoletanythinghappentoher?”Axelscowled.“Hell,no.Heathiswatching

overher.Heknowsexactly—”

“WhythefuckdidyoushowupandundoeverythingI’dbuiltwithLily?”hegrowled.“She’d

beenmakingsomuchprogress.We’dbeengrowingourtrust.”

“Basedonwhat?Ahugefuckinglie?”
Stoneshookhisheadandtensedeverymuscleinhisbody.Itwastheonlywayhecouldrestrain

theurgetoripAxel’sheadoff.“NothingandnooneismoreimportanttomethanLily,youholier-
than-thouasshole.Youmadealotofassumptionsaboutmymotiveswithoutactuallyknowingme.I
havedonenothingbuttrytogetthatwoman’sattentionandpersuadehertobelieveinmesincethe
daywefirsttalkedabouther.IusedtheFBI’soffertogetclosetoherbecauseThorpeandSeanand
JackwantedtohearthatIcouldhelpheractuallyhavearealfuturebypersuadinghertotestify.At
first,Iwasinfavor,too.IadmitthatIdidn’twanttogobacktoprison.ButnowIwanthertobesafe
waymorethanIcareaboutanythingelse.”

Axelrolledhiseyes.“PrettyspeechbutIdon’tbelieveawordofit.Youhavenowaytobackthat

up.”

Hedidn’t.Stonegrittedhisteethandcursedunderhisbreath.Thensomethingoccurredtohim.

“Actually,Ido.”

HewhippedhisphoneoutagainandtextedBankhead.

ItoldyouyesterdaythatIwantedoutofyourscheme

sinceit’stoodangeroustomakeLilytestify.WhencanIexpecttogobacktothebighouse?

Bankheadwrotebackalmostinstantly.

Tomorrow,youstupidprick.Youwereluckytohavethisopportunityandyou

pisseditaway.Itwon’tcomeagain.

Stonedidn’tfeellucky,butatleasthehadproofofhisintentions.HeshovedhisphoneinAxel’s

face.“Readthis.I’mdonewastingmytimeherewithyou.I’mleavingtotalktoLily.BeforeIgoback
behindbars,IwanthertoknowthatIlovedherandneverbetrayedher.I’vealreadygotaplanin
motiontomakehersafewhileI’mgone.Sogobacktoyourfiancéeandgetthefuckoutofmyway.”

Withafrownofconcentration,Axelmulledoverthetexts.“Youreallytriedtobowout?”
“Yes.IalsotriedtohiresomeonetokillCanton.I’malreadygoingbacktoprison,soIreally

didn’tcareifIgothitwithsolicitationofmurder,too.Fuckerwouldn’ttakethejobbutheagreedto
watchoverherandputabulletbetweenCanton’seyesifnecessary.”

Axelcockedhishead.“Seriously?”
“Yeah.YouobviouslythoughtmefinaglingthatfirstmeetingwithLilyshowedmytrue

mercenarycolorsorwhatever,butIreallydidjustwanttomeether.AndIwanttospendmylifewith
her—”Hesighed.“WhythefuckamIexplainingmyselftoyou?Idon’tcareifHeathhasaneyeon
her.I’mdone.Lettinghercooloffwasabadidea.I’dratherhaveherbewithmeandpissedoffthan
goneandinanypossibledanger.”

“Sorry.”Axelswallowed,lookingcontrite.“Ihadnoideayouactuallyhadfeelingsforher.I

didn’tcomeherewithanythinginmindexcepttoprovideherprotectionand—”

“Saveit.I’mgoingtofindher.”Butwhenheusedtheapphe’dinstalledonhisphonetotrack

hers,ittoldhimthedevicewasoffline.Colddreadslicedhimintwo.Hehadtogettotownbeforeshe
changedherappearanceandgotawayforgood.

Ashemadeforthedoor,Axel’sphonedinged.“Wait.Wehaveanissue.”
Stonefroze.“What?”
“HeathsaysCantonwasinsidetheWalmartwherehedroppedLilyoff.Shelookedshakenwhen

shecameout.Hefollowedher.”

Stonecouldn’tbreathe.He’dfailedher,totallyfuckingblownitbylettinganyonecomebetween

them.He’dwantedhertocalmdown;thenhe’dhopedtoexplainthesituationtoheragainandthatshe
wouldchoosehim.Oratleastforgivehim.He’dthoughtforsureCantoncouldn’tfindherthat
quicklyoreasily,thatshe’dbeallrightforanhourortwo.Theriskhadbeentoobig,andnowhe
regretteditlikehell.

“Ihavetogorightfuckingnow.”Stonegrabbedhiskeysandlefteverythingelsebehind.
“Butwait.HeathsaysnowthataGoodSamaritangaveheralift.Awomanwithababy.”
Thatnewscutthroughabitofhispanic,unwindingsomeoftheknotsinhisgut.“Soshe’ssafe?”
“Itlooksthatwayfornow.Heathsaidthewomandroveawaytooquicklyforhimtofollow,

though.I’llaskhimaboutalicenseplate.”

Beforehecouldfinishtappingoutthetext,Stone’sphonedinged.One-Milefinallyresponded.

Theonlymessagewasapictureofalicenseplate.Textfollowed.

Yourgirlgotawayfromthedirtbagandescaped

inthiscar.I’mfollowingthemnow.

“I’vegottheplate.”StonetoldAxel.“Idon’thaveagoddamncomputerhere.Weneedtorunthis

number.It’sfromCalifornia.”

Axelfroze.“Acoincidence?”
Thatbuggedtheshitoutofhim.“Idon’tbelieveinthem.Fuck.”
Hisheadraced.Whothehellcouldhecall?Whowouldknow...Heprowledthroughhiscontacts

andhitLogan’snumber.

“Hey,fucker,I’mstillnottalkingtoyouafterthatDilbertthing,”theformerSEALgrumbledafter

onering.

Stonedidn’tbotherwiththebanter.“Lilyleftthecabinandjumpedintoanunfamiliarcar.Ineed

toknowwhoit’sregisteredtobeforeshedisappears.”

“I’mnotgoodwith—”
“I’mcallingtoaskforyourwife.Ididn’tknowhowtocontactTaradirectly.”
“Sendmetheinfo.I’llfindherandcallyourightbackwhenI’vegotsomething.”
ReliefpouredthroughStone.Maybeallwasn’tlost.One-Milewasstilltrailingher.Theymightbe

abletoquicklyidentifywhetherthiswomaninthebluecarwasfriendorfoe.

“Textingitrightnow.”
StoneforwardedOne-Mile’spicture,thengrippedthedeviceandwaited.
“Weshouldheadout,Ithink,”Axelsuggested.
Itmighthavebeenoneofthefewtimesthebigbruiserhadn’ttriedtobosshimaround.“Idon’t

giveafuckwhatyoudobutIknowwhereI’mgoing.Soifyoudon’twanttobestrandedhereuntil
Jackcomestofetchyourass,let’sgo.”

Axelnodded,andtheyheadedtotheboat,Stonelockingupbehindhim.He’dturnallthe

generatorsandbreakersofflater.Ifheevenhadthatmuchofalaterbeforeheadingbacktoprison.If
not...Jackcouldhandleit.

Theysettledintotheskiffinsilence,heandAxelrowingquicklythroughthethick,stillwater.It

wasn’tfastenoughforStone,whoneededtomove,todosomethingtofindLilyfaster—climbout,
swim,run,whateverworked.Butlogictoldhimtheyweremovingfasternowthanhecoulddoanyof
thosethings,andhesimplyhadtoputalidonhisworryandimpatience.

Aminutelater,Loganpoppedupwithamessagethatdidn’tmakesenseatfirst.Thenameofthe

mantowhomthevehiclewasregisteredseemedfamiliarandStonecouldn’trecallwhy.

“What?”Axelasked.
“Thinking...Somethingaboutthisiswrong.”
Allofasudden,thenamemadesense.Thepuzzlepiecesslammedintoplace.Acold,sickdread

assailedhim.Hefeltasifsomeonehadrippedhisheartfromhischest.Lilywasinmuchmoredanger
thanhe’devenimagined.

“Idon’tthinkCantonistheonetryingtokillher.”

ChapterEighteen

ILY

awoke,feelingdazed.Asherheadlolledaroundonherslackneck,shepriedhereyesopen.

Sunlightpiercedthesliverofspacebetweenthecurtainsandstabbedhereyes.Sheshutthem,recoiled.
Wherewasshe?Whyhadshefallenasleepinthemiddleoftheday?

Shemoanedandforcedherselftolookaroundtheothersideoftheroom.Acheapmotel.Gold

walls.Graypatternedbedspreadsonthetwodoublebeds.Acrackedplasticlightfixtureonthewall
abovethem.AbabycriedbehindherandLilytriedtowhirlaroundtothesound.

Butshecouldn’tmove.Astartledglancedownprovedthatshe’dbeenrestrainedatthewristsand

anklestoachairwithzipties.Fearcutthroughthevestigesofsleepandjoltedherwide-awake.
Adrenalinesurgedthroughherracingbloodandpumpingheart.

Thelasttimeshe’dbeentiedtoachair,everythinghadendedbadly.
Lilysatup,blinked.Thiscouldn’tbehappening.How?Why?Butasshetuggedandpulled,trying

toloosentherestraintsatherwristsandankles,shecouldn’tdenythatherordealwasalltooreal—
andterrifying.Ifshecouldn’twrigglefree,maybeshecouldgetonherfeet,chairandall,andwalk
out.Butwhenshetriedtostand,theclunkychairfeltbulky.Drugsstillweigheddowneverymuscle
andsurgedthroughherveins.Shemanagedtowobbleuprightforafewsecondsbeforeherquivering
musclesgaveout.Exhaustedandclammy,shesaggedbackdown.

Whowoulddothistoher?Noonesheknewwouldbeirresponsibleenoughtorestrainasuband

leaveherunsupervised.AnygoodDominantknew—

SuddenlysherememberedtheWalmart.Canton.Thewomanwiththebaby.Thatwasthefussy

infantshe’dheardmomentsago.

Theafternoon’seventsrushedbacktoher,especiallytheblonde—astranger—sayingthatsheand

herhusbandwereworsethanTimothyCanton.

Panicgrippedherchest,stoleherbreath.Whatthehellhadshegotteninto?Intryingtoescape

oneevil,she’dfallenpreytoanother.Lilywasn’tpreciselysurewhatthiswomanandherhusbandhad
planned,buttheyprobablyintendedtoendtheirdaywithherhorrificdeath.

Adoorbehindheropened.Tothebathroom?Thefaucetturnedon,andafemalevoicecalledto

thebaby.“PrettyIsabel.Nocrying,littlelove.Mommywillberightthere.”

Thewaterturnedoff.Amomentlater,thebaby’sfussygroansquietedtoastaccatopout;then

Emma—ifthatwasreallyhername—appearedinLily’slineofvisionwiththebabyonherhipanda
sneeronherprettyface.“I’mgladyou’reawake.Myhusbandjusttexted.He’llbeheresoon.”

“HowdoyouknowaboutCanton?Whatdoyouwantwithme?”
“No.”Sheshookherhead.“I’mnottellingyouanything.IpromisedmyhusbandIwouldlethim

explain.He’swaitedforthisdayforyears.Iwon’ttakethejoyofhisvengeancefromhim,you

traitorouswhore.”

Lilyblinkedatthewoman,tryingtofigureherout.She’dneverseenEmmainherlife.Wasshe

justcrazy?Hadtheymistakenherforsomeoneelse?

“Youmusthavethewrongperson.Ihaven’tsleptwithanyoneyoushouldbeangryabout.Idon’t

think—”

“Iknowwhoyouare,LilyTaylor.Andyou’regoingtogetwhat’scomingtoyou.Finally.”She

kissedthetopofherdaughter ’sheadandsoothedherwithabrushofherfingers.“I’mhopingthatmy
husbandwillfinallyhavesomepeace.He’shadnightmaresforyears.Youdrovehimtoviolenceand
rage.He’sgotPTSD.Andagapingholeinhislife—becauseofyou.”

Whatthehellwasthiswomantalkingabout?“DoIknowyourhusband?”
“Andyou’restupid,too,”Emmascoffed.“I’dlovetounloadallmyangeronyou.Hehasthe

potentialtobesuchagoodmanandyou’vejust...reducedhimtodepressionandanxiety.Icameup
withthisplan,hopingthatitwillhelptocurehim.Nothingelsehas.Counseling?Ha.Awasteoftime
andmoney.Hedidn’tneedtotalkabouthisfeelings;heneedstoactonthem.That’showmenare,you
know?”

No,LilyreallyhadnoideawhatEmmareferredto.“Therehastobesomemistake.I’venever

willinglyhurtanyoneinmylife.”

“Oh,lookatyou,alldoe-eyedandsad-faced.Youcan’tswayme,bitch.Cantonmaythinkthat

payingyouoffisthewaytomakethepastdisappear,andhe’llgethiscomeuppanceshortly.He’s
definitelyearnedit.Butyou’regoingtopayforyourtreacheryfirst.Andwe’regoingtomakeyouan
exampleofwhyheshouldbevery,veryafraid.”Emma’sevilsmileflashedwide,transmittingher
obviousanticipationforwhatevertorturetheyhadplanned.

“HowdoyouknowCanton?”
Sheshookherhead.“Oh,I’venevermethim,butI’veheardplenty.Ifanymandeservestodie

horribly,it’shim.”

“So...yourhusbandisupsetaboutsomethinghethinksIdidasateenager?”
IfithadtodowithCanton,her“misdeed”musthavebeenthen.Shehadn’thaddealingswiththe

mansince.Andthemostterriblecontactshe’deverhadwithhimhadbeenthedeathsofeveryoneshe
loved.

“Upset?”sheshrieked.“Upset?No,upsetiswhathappenswhensomeonetakesthelasttoothpick

atadinerorstealsyourcabintherain.WhatCantondidruinedmypoorhusband.Itdestroyedhim.”

Lilycouldn’tdenythatCantonhadruntheneighborhoodwithoutmercyandmadealotof

enemies,soEmma’srantdidn’tnarrowthingsdownforhermuch.Alotofpeoplehatedtheman.But
shehadnoideawhatthathadtodowithher.“I’msorrytohearthat.Ifyoucanhelpmeunderstand
whoyourhusbandisandwhathappened,I’lldomybesttotalktohimwhenhegetshere.Maybewe
canfindawaytohealhimtogether.”

Emmalookedasifshewasitchingtospewanothertirade,butsheclampedhermouthshut.“I’m

notsayinganotherword,andyoucan’ttalkyourwayoutofthis.Don’taskmequestions.I’malready
plentyannoyedthatIhadtowaitaroundfordaysforyoutocrawloutofthatswamp.Ithoughtwe
werenevergoingtogetyouawayfromallthosebig,protectiveguysyouspreadyourlegsfor.But
thenyoustrolledthroughWalmartlikeyouthoughtyouwereuntouchable.”Thewoman’slaugh
chilledherwithitsmaliciousfervor.“Ican’twaitforyoutofindouthowwrongyouwere.”

Soyetanotherpersonknewshe’dbeenintheswamp.Asforthemenshe’dspreadherlegsfor,

EmmamustbealludingtoStoneandAxel.Or,Lilywondered,amItryinginvaintodecipheracrazy
woman’sramblings?Maybe,butEmmadidn’tsoundinsaneasmuchasrighteouslymad.

“HowdidyouknowwhereIfledafterIleftCalifornia?”

“Please.”Emmarolledhereyes.“We’dalreadynarroweddownthatyouweresomewherein

Texas,butmyhusbandfoundyoutheminuteyouboughtthatgun.Hehasfriends.Reallydangerous
ones.You’llmeetthemsoon.”Shegrinned.“Thesecondyoudecidedthatyouneededtoprotect
yourself,hewasalloveryou.We’vebeenfollowingyou,moreorless,eversince.”

Ifshehadstayedintheswamp,shewouldhavebeensafe.True,shecouldn’thavelivedthere

forever,butleavingabruptly,withoutbeingcertainofhersafety,shouldbeagoodlifelessonforher
aboutactingemotionally.She’dsimplywantedtofleethepainandhadn’tthoughtthesituation
through.Lilyalreadyknewshewouldprobablypaythepriceforlettingherheartbreakruleherbrain.
Atthetime,thethoughtofbeingforcedtolookat—nottomentionshareabedwith—amanwho
thoughtnothingofdiggingintohersoulwhilehestabbedherinthebackhadbeenunfathomable.
NowshewantedsodesperatelytoseeStoneandtellhimthat,despiteeverything,shestillhadfeelings
forhimthatranheart-deep.

Whateverelsehe’ddone,Stonehaddonehisbesttohealhersoshecouldgoon.He’dtriedhard

torepairthedamagetoherpsyche,herbackbone,andhersexuality.Untilthismorning,she’d
believedhehadthemostbeautifulsoulshe’deverencountered.He’dcertainlyreachedheronalevel
nootherhumanbeinginherlifeeverhad.

Wasthatwhyhisbetrayalhurthermorethananyoneelse’s?
Irrelevantnow.ShehadtofocusongettingoutofthesebindsandescapingbeforeEmma’s

husbandputinanappearance.Clearly,shewassafeuntilhearrivedbecausethewomanwasn’tgoing
tostealthegleeofhurtingandkillingherfromtheman.

Lily’sthoughtsraced,andshetriedtothinkofsomethingtosaythatmightlurethewomaninto

givingherinformationthatcouldhelpheroutofthisdangerorenablehertoconfrontthehusband
whenhearrived,butsheheardapoundingonthedoor.

Startled,shegasped.Pleasegod,letthatbeamiracle—someonecometosaveher.Becauseshe

hadnoideahowshewasgoingtogetoutofthismessherself.

Emmawalkedpastherwithawide,sinistersmileandheadedforthefrontoftheroom.“I’llbet

that’sthepartyarriving.”Sheopenedthedooracrack,thengavealittlesquealofdelight,unlatched
thechain,andthrewtheportalopenwide.“Hi,Dan.Sogladyou’rehere!”

Thetall,tattedguysportinginksleevesonbotharmsandmoresignsonhisneckandshavedskull

huggedherinreturnandgrinned.“Hi,littlesis.”

Sis?Lilystared.SoDanwasn’tEmma’shusband?Apparentlynot.Maybethisguywasoneofthe

“dangerousfriends”theblondehadmentionedearlier.

Thebigguywenton.“IdrovetherestofthetrekfromCalilastnight.Yourearliertextsaidthe

guestofhonorwashere,andIcamerunning.”ThenheturnedonLilyastartlinglypalepairofeyes
thatstaredthroughherwhileconveyingaterrifyingloveofviolence.Thatexpressionshookherto
hercore.“Look,she’salreadyafraid.Thisshouldbefun.”Heturnedwhenhesawthemotelroom’s
doorgapingopen.“Shutthat.Youdon’twantanyoneseeingwhatwe’reupto.”

“Oh,right.”Emmagavehimadizzylittlesmile.“I’mjustsoexcited.”
“Me,too.IfoundahardwarestoreinthisPodunktownandbroughtsomeofthethingsyousaid

youneeded.”

“Good.Walmartwaspickedover.Thanks.”
“Nosweat.”WhenheheldupaplasticbagLilyhadn’tpreviouslynoticed,Emmagrabbeditout

ofhishandsandshiftedthebabyintohisarms.“And,ofcourse,IhadtocomeseemylittleIsabel.Hi,
pumpkingirl.DidyoumissUncleDanny?”Hecooed,gentlystrokingthebaby’scheekandmaking
herflashasmilethatshowedoffhertwobottomteeth.“Ithinkyoudid.”

Lilytookthesightin.Ifhecouldbethatwarmandgentlewithababy,theremightbehopefor

her,right?Shereallyprayedthatwhateverplotthesepeoplehadinmindwasn’thalfasbadasher

imaginings.

ThenEmmabegantopullitemsfromthehardwarestorebag.“Yourememberedthetarp!That’s

oneofthemostimportantitems.Ican’tbelieveIforgotit.”

“AndIgotyouthebigonebecauseIknowthisisgoingtogetmessy,andwedon’twanttorisk

stains.”DanswiveledhisgazeinLily’sdirectionandsentherachillinggrin.

Sheshuddered.Ohgod.Hisgentlenesswiththebabydefinitelydidnotextendtoher.Lilyhadan

inklingthatwhatevertheyhadplannedwasfarworsethananythingshecouldconceive.Shehadto
swallowdownalumpoffear.Whatthehelldidtheyplantodotoherthatrequiredalayerofplastic?
Didsheevenwanttoknow?

“Goodthinking,”Emmaquipped.“Andit’sclear,too.You’reawesome.”
“Ifiguredyouwouldn’twantanythingtoobscurethecolorofherblood.”
“No,totally.That’sgoingtobethebestpart,right?Thepoolsofit?”
Anotherwaveofterrorshudderedthroughher,stealingherbreath.Shebitherliptoholdina

scream.Theysoundedeagertomakewhatevertheydidasgoryaspossible.

Oh,deargod.
“So,whatelse...”Emmareachedintothebagagainandpulledoutmoreitems.“Heavy-duty

scissors,pliers,handheldpruningshears.Andthey’retitanium!”

“Superstrong.Onlythebestformybabysister.”Hesmiledfondly.
Lilywatchedinhorror.Theymeanttocarveherup,letherbleedout.Sheswallowedagainsta

risingtideofpanicandtriedtokeepthinkingofwaysout.

“Thiscouldbethestartofawholenewlifeforyou,Em.Thanksforinvitingmetobeapartofit.

I’mhappytohelp.”

“Aww...”Shekissedhisstubbledcheek.“Ican’timagineanyoneItrustmore.”
Lilywatched,utterlystunned.Asiftortureandmurderweresomehowhappyoccasions,likea

marriageorbirth?Nauseawhirledinherstomach.Discreetly,shetuggedatherbondsagain.Butthey
stillheldfirm.

“We’rejustwaitingontheothersnow,”Emmatoldherbrother.“Shouldwegetsetup?”
“Yeah,wecandothat.Kevisn’tfarbehindme.”Hefrowned,andLilywonderedifthatwas

Emma’shusband’sname.Itdidn’tringabell.“WhatareyougoingtodowithIsabel?”

“She’snearlydueforherafternoonnap,soI’mplanningtomovehercarrierintothebathroom

andshutthedoor.I’llputontheplaylistoflullabiesshelikes.Ithinkshe’llsleeprightthroughit.”

“Excellent.”Dannoddedhisapproval.“Whydon’tyougethersettled,andI’llworkonthese

preparations?”

Thisroomwouldgetmorecrowdedonceanothermanshowedup.Herabilitytoescapewould

dwindle.LilyhadnoideawhetherStonewastryingtofindhernow.Aftereverythingthathad
happened,wouldhe?Themanhadawideprotectivestreakbutnowthatshe’drefusedtotestify,didhe
reallycarewhathappenedtoher?MaybeAxelstillhadabeadonherphone,butsinceshe’dturnedit
offbackintheWalmartparkinglot,hewouldn’tbeabletolocateher.Ifhechecked,hewouldseeher
lastlocationbuthavenoideashewasbarelyhalfamileuptheroad,surroundedbybloodthirsty
savages.

Emmamovedtothebackofthecheap,stalespace,ostensiblytakingthebabywithher.The

bathroomdoorclickedshut.Theair-conditioningunitbelowthewindowrattled,butthefaintstrains
of“Brahms’Lullaby”bleedingthroughthethinwallsroseaboveit.ThenDanaddedhisownsounds
asheshookouttheplastictarpdesignedtocatchherblood.

Lilyscannedhersurroundingsagain.Whatcouldshedo?Say?Offer?Wouldanythingpersuade

themancurrentlytearingthestiffsheetsandthreadbareblanketoffthebedtolethergo?Asshe
watchedhimcoverthestainedmattresswiththenewtarp,shehighlydoubtedit.

“Don’tdothis.”Thepleadingwordsslippedpastherlips.“Ineverhurtyoursister.Idon’teven

knowher.I’llgiveyouanything.”

Heswiveledhisheadaroundtopierceherwiththateeriegaze,colorlessbrowsraisedin

challenge.“You’vetakenmoreawayfromEmmathanyoucouldpossiblyknow,youselfishcunt.And
there’snothingyoucangivemethatIwon’tjusttakeforthefunofit.”Heleered,lookingherupand
downwithacruelhalfsmile.“Ihopeyou’reascreamer.”

Terrorexplodedinherbelly.Hedidn’tplantosimplykillher.No,heintendedtoextractapound

offleshfirstbyforcinghimselfonher.Lilyswallowedbile.God,sheknewwhatrapelookedlike,
hadaterriblesuspicionhowhorrifictheexperiencewouldbe.She’dneverforgottentheunspeakable
violationErinhadenduredbeforeCantonandhisgoonshadendedherlife.

Insomeways,LilywishedDanandwhoeverelseEmmawaswaitingforwouldskipaheadtothe

quickdeath.Atleastthenshe’dfindrelieffromthepainandhumiliationherattackersplottedtoheap
onherwhiletheyforcedthemselvesonherbody,hermind.Butdeathmeantshewouldhavelosther
dignityandherbattlewiththeseanimals.Lilyrefusedtobeaquitter.

Shewantedtolive.
Anotherpoundingonthedoorsoundedthroughthelittleroom,andDanstraightenedupfromthe

bedwithajumpinhisstep.Heweavedaroundherchairandwhappedhercheekwithamockingslap.
Itstungmorethanalittleashesprintedforthedoorandopeneditacrack.“Kev!”

Hepulledthedoorwide,andthenewcomerlaughed.“DannyBoy,letmein.I’mreadytogetthis

partystarted.Whereisshe?”

Dansteppedback,andLilygotherfirstviewofKev.Toweringlytall,theguyhadmusclesontop

ofhismuscles.HisolivecomplexionandnearlyblackeyesmadehimappearHispanicorItalian.He
woredenimloosearoundhishipsandaleatherjacketwithlotsofzippers.

“Ialsobroughtmyfavoritetoy.”Hepulledabladefromhisbackpocket,somethingwickedand

serratedandcapableofslicingfleshwithfrighteningease.Thenheturnedtoherandhelditupinher
face.“Whatdoyouthink,littlegirl?”

Lilyshrankbackandcouldn’tstopthewhimpersthatescapedherthroat.
Kevshutthedoorandpocketedthebladeagain,thenrubbedhishandstogetherasifhecouldn’t

wait.“Youlookprettywhenyou’rescared.”

“Shedoes,”Danagreedashecamecloseranddraggedhisfingertipsoverherchest,downthe

valleybetweenherbreasts,beforehelandedasurprisinglyharshslaponhermound.Despitehis
strikingherthroughherclothing,thestingreverberatedthroughherbodyandturnedherbloodto
ice.

Againstherwill,shecriedout.Shedesperatelysoughttocloseherlegsandcoverherchestwith

herarmsbutEmmahadrestrainedherwell.Lilycouldn’tmove,couldn’tdoanythingtoprotect
herselfatall.

Theblondepokedherheadoutofthebathroom,handonhip,expressionannoyed.“Hey,no

startingearly.Andtrytokeepitdownforanothertenminutes.Isabelissettlingdown.”

Danhelduphishands.“Sure,sis.Sorry.ButLilyisgoingtobeloud.Didyousayyoubookedthe

roomsoneithersideofthisone?”

“Yep.Andtheonedirectlybelow,too.Thankfully,aflashofcleavageandcashkepttheoldguy

behindthedeskfromaskingmanyquestions.Finishgettingreadyandletmegetthebabytosleep.Hi,
Kev.Goodtoseeyou.It’sbeenawhile.”

“Yes,ma’am.You,too.”
SoKevwasn’tEmma’shusband,either.Whichmeanttheywereexpectingathirdmantojointheir

“party.”

Whenthebathroomdoorshutagain,Kevignoredher.Dancheckedthetarponthebed,

smoothingitflatandtuckingitunder.Thenhestrippedoffhistanktop,exposinganexpanseofpale
skinriddledwithscars,somefromablade,othersroundandsymmetricallikebulletwounds.Along
onesideofhisback,thetextureofhisskinwasunevenandlined,asifhe’dbeeninamotorcycle
accident.He’dtriedtocovermostofthemarkswithink.

Besidehim,Kevpeeledoffhisjacket,revealingafairnumberofopenscabs.Histeethlookedas

iftheywerebeginningtorot.She’dbetanythinghewasaddictedtometh.

Lilyshrankbackinherseat.Shewantedtoclosehereyesanddivorceherselffromreality.She

wantedtoreleaseherconsciousnessandsoulfromherbodysoshedidn’thavetobeawareofthe
awfulendasitcame.Buttodothatwouldbetoacceptthatdeathwasinevitable,andsherefusedto
concedethat.Shemightnothavealottolookforwardtorightnow,butshehadsomuchlifeleftto
live.Shehadlaughtertoshare,lovetogive,thingstolearn,mistakestomake.Shehadheartandwit
andcompassion.

Somedayshewouldfindamanwhowouldtrulywanttoshareallthosewithher.Deepdown,past

herhurt,shewisheditwouldbeStone.

Butinordertohavethat,Lilycouldn’tburyherheadinthesandnow.Shehadtowagethebattle

ofherlife.Maybeshedidn’tdeserveafuture,butshewouldfightforhersuntilherverylastbreath.If
Stonehadtaughtheranythingoverthesepastfewdays,itwasthatfearofsomethingwasactually
moreterrifyingthanthethingitself.Shehadtostopbeingafraidofeveryoneandeverything—even
death—ifshewantedtolive.

Andifshesomehowmanagedtoescape,shewouldconfrontStone.ShewouldvisitRegina’s

grave.Shewouldseeeveryoneofthesepeoplewillingtotortureherputbehindbars,andshewould
testifyagainstCanton,too.ShewouldavengeErin,hermom,andherlittlebrother.Shewouldbe
unwaveringandfierce.

TheresolvegaveLilysomethingtolookforwardtoandmadeherfeelstronger.
Thetwomenswepteverythingoffthenightstandandbegantolineuptheimplementsoftorture

onthedarklaminatesurface.AshiverrolledthroughLily,butshefocusedonherbreathingand
shovedherterrorintoacompartmentshe’dopenlater.Itwoulddohernogoodnow.Atthemoment,
shehadtouseherhead.

Therewasnowaytoescapethischairuntiltheyunfastenedherrestraints.Iftheywerepreparing

thebedforthenextphaseoftheirplan,theywouldfreeheratsomepoint.She’dhavetomakearun
foritthen.Yes,theyhadarowofsharpobjectsnearby,butLilycouldgrabone.Shealsospottedher
pursestrewnhaphazardlyonthechairnearthedoor.Ifshecouldgrabitandgettohergun,maybe
shecouldshootherwayoutside.Maybesomeonewouldhearorseeherandcallforhelp.Orshe
couldturnonherphone,dial911,andhopethatsomeonewillingtohelpherwasstilltrackingthe
device.

Ifshecouldgetherhandsandfeetfree,she’dsurprisethemandfighttothedeath.
Asoftclickatthebackoftheroomsoundedlikethebathroomdoor.Thefaintsoundsofclassical

musicstillfilteredthroughthewalls.Lilyheardafemininesighofsatisfaction.

“Isabelisasleep.Sinceshemissedhermorningnap,I’mthinkingwe’llhaveagoodtwoorthree

hourswiththisbitch.”

“Oh,alotoffun,then.”Danwhoopedwithexcitementasabigsmilespreadacrosshisface.“Did

yougetbooze?”

“Idid.Drink?”Shebustledaroundinthebackground,thenheadedtowardthetwomen,bottlein

hand.

Dangrabbeditfromhissister,andKevcrowdedintowrenchthecapoff.Emmadartedaway

again,thenreturned,thistimewithmurkylowball-styleglassesinhand.

“Ice?”Kevasked.
“Ididn’tgetany,”Emmasaid.“Iwastoobusywiththiswhore.Shewasalotoftroubletowrestle

upthestairs,evenhalf-conscious.”

Lilyhadnomemoryofthatandwishedlikehellthatshe’dhadthepresenceofmindtostruggle

orrunorcryforhelp.Buteverythingwasblankaftertheneedleinherarm.

“Nobigdeal.I’lldrinkitasis.Itstillburnsgoingdown,right?”Kevgrinned.
Themenbothpouredliquidfromthebottle,thensetitdown.WildTurkey,accordingtothelabel.

Lilyonlyhadthevaguestideawhatkindofliquoritwas,butitlookedsmokyandhardandmorethan
capableofintoxicatingaperson.Itwoulddimwhatfewinhibitionstheselunaticshad.

TheybothjumpedwhenKev’sphonebuzzed.
“Oh,shit,bro,”Danguffawed.“Thatstartledme.”
“Right?”Kevpulledthedevicefromhispocketandreadwhateverwasonthescreen.“Oh,sweet!

Myneighbor ’skidjustgotoutofjuvie.It’sprobablyhislasttripsinceheturnseighteeninafew
weeks,butEmmasaidsheneededonemoreandthiskidlovesapieceofunwillingassandsome
blood.SoIinvitedhim.”

“Goodjob,man.Thesymmetryisperfect.”Danclappedhimontheback.
Symmetry?Lilywrackedherbrain,butthatcommentdidn’tmakesense.Allsheknewwasthatthe

juvenilewasn’tEmma’shusband,either.Shewouldbetiedandhelplesswhilefourmen,onejustshy
ofeighteen,meanttorapeandkillher.

JustlikeErin.
Thetruthslammedintoherjustasthewhooshofthekeycardinthelocksoundedandthedoor

opened.Afacefromthepastappeared,almostobscuredunderthebluebillofaDodgerscap.Hisdark
eyeszeroedinonherwithaglaringsmileofevil.

CoreyGutierrez.Erin’solderbrother.Aguyshehadonceconsideredherfriend.
Nowhewasherenemycometoexactrevenge.
“Thereyouare!”Emmasaid,shuttingtheportalbehindher,thenleanedtowardCoreyforakiss.

“Hi,baby.HowwasyourtriptoIowa?”

HewasEmma’shusband.Hesupposedlysufferedrage,PTSD,depression,andfitsofviolence.

BecauseofErin’smurder?

“Successful.”Hegrinned.“TurnsoutReaperwascheatingonhiswifewhenIfoundhim.Whatan

asshole.SoIsenthimtomeethisMakerwithabulletbetweentheeyes.Momdroveouttoseeme
afterwardsoIcouldletherknowabouttheprogressI’mmakingwithourplans.Shesendsherlove,
bytheway.ShewantstocomedownforThanksgiving.”

ReneeknewaboutCorey’smurdersandcondonedthem?Lilyblinked,horrified.
“Great.”Emmagavehimaproudsmile.“Sohowdiditfeel?”
“ToshootReaper?Toseehisshockandwatchthelifeleavehiseyes?Amazing.Ican’teven

describe...Butthisonewillfeelevenbetter,morepersonal.”HeglaredatLily,thentookhiswife’s
hand.“Youhavethebestideas.Isthebabyokay?”

“She’sfine.Sleepinginthebathroom.Wewerejustgettingreadyforthe...festivities.”Emma

giggled.“Andwaitingforyou.”

“Well,I’mhereandreadytogetthispartystarted.”Corey’ssmirkturnedvicious.“Hello,Lily.

Thishasbeenalongtimecoming.Readytoexperienceeverythingmysisterdidwhenyoubrought
thosekillerstoherbed?”

ChapterNineteen

StoneracedtowardLafayette,hegrippedthewheeltightly.HehadbeensofocusedonTimothy

Cantonthathehadn’tseenCoreyGutierrezcoming.Hell,Erin’sbrotherbeinghertormentorhad
neveroccurredtoStone.Butrevengemadeperfectsense.Aneyeforaneye.AndsinceLilyknew
preciselywhatErin’sdeathhadbeenlike,shemustbeutterlyterrifiedrightnow.

Hethoughtofallthetimeshe’dheldherasshetrembled,asshestruggledovermentalobstacles,

fightingassailantswhohadn’ttouchedherandshecouldnolongersee,buthadscarredherpsycheall
thesame.Nowthosemenwouldbealltooreal.Foryears,Lilyhadbeenthesorttoflee,notfight.
She’dcrawledintohershell,asifatoningforhavingsurvivedthatday.She’dletthosemonstersrob
herofwhatmighthavebeenabrightfuture.Stoneprayedshedidn’tdothatnow.Hehopedlikehell
thatsheclawedandbitandscreamed—whateverittooktosurvive.

Ifhe’dhelpedherrealizehermentalstrengthanditgavehertheconfidencetoretaliatesoshe

couldtakeanotherbreath,Stonewouldcounthimselfblessed.Evenifshecouldn’tforgivehimfor
everconsideringBankhead’sdeal.Evenifsheneverspoketohimagain.Evenifhespenttherestof
hislifepiningforher,he’dstillbeeternallygrateful.

Athisside,Axellookedtense,staringoutthewindow.“Howmuchlonger?”
“Fifteenminutes.”
Inthetautsilence,itwasterriblyclearthatbothmenknewthatfifteenminutescouldbefourteen

minutesandfifty-ninesecondstoolong.Stonepressedalittleharderonthegaspedal.

“Ican’tsithereanddonothing.”Axelpickeduphisphoneandbegandialing.“Jack!”hebarked

whenCole’svoicesoundedoverthespeaker.“Emergency.Lilyhasbeentaken.Getmeeverything
youknowaboutCoreyGutierrez.He’sprobablysomewherehereinLafayette.Orhewaslessthanan
hourago.”

“He’stheoneafterher?”
“Yeah.HeathandOne-MilebothsawCantonleaveheruntouchedandwatchedasawomanthey’ve

neverseendroveawaywithLily.ThecarwasregisteredtoGutierrez.Heathwasonfootandlost
them.One-Milefollowed,butwehaven’theardfromhiminawhile.Heisn’tansweringhisphone,
andIhopethat’snotbadnews.Weneedanotherwaytocatchthisassholebeforeit’stoolate.”

“I’mstillonit.IpokedaroundathisbackgroundacoupleofdaysagobutI’llfocustherenow.

Hangon.”Jacktappedafewkeys.“Ishouldhearsomethingsoononthatinquiry.Theguyowesmea
favor.”

“I’llsendyoutheplatenumber.It’sfromCalifornia.We’vegottotrackthatcardown.It’sourbest

hopeoffindingherintime.CanyoucallthecopsthereinLafayette?”

AnxietybitintoStone’sgut.Hecountedhimselfluckythatheknewpeoplewillingtohelpfind

Lilyandbringherhomealive.Buthedidn’twanttohavetowaitforJackoranyoneelsetorescue
Lily.Hejustwantedhersafeandsound—preferablyinhisarms.

BeforeJackcouldanswer,Stone’sphoneontheconsolebesidehimbuzzed.Asheswerved

aroundanelderlycoupletakingaleisurelydrive,hescoopeditup,heartracing.Hehopedtofuckit
wasLily.

Aglanceatthescreendashedthathope.“One-Milesayshefollowedawomanwithababytaking

Lily,wholookedsleepyordrugged,intoamotelroom.He’sbeentryingtogetthesitchsince.Three
menhaveenteredinthelastfewminutes,thefirstwithabulgingbagfromahardwarestore.”That
madeStone’sgutsknotup.“Thesecondonesaunteredinwavingaknifeinherface.Jesus!Thethird
woreaDodgerscap.”TheguyonthebalconyatLily’sapartmentbuilding?Again,Stonedidn’t
believeincoincidences.“Whythefuckdidn’tOne-Milebargeintotheroomorshooteveryoneon
theirwayin?”

“It’sapublicmotel.”Axelscowled.“First,youdon’tknowwhatroomsomeoneisenteringuntil

they’veactuallygoneinside.There’sallkindsofhelltopayforshootinganinnocentbystander.
Second,ifthey’resmart,they’vedrawnthedrapes.Ifthat’sthecase,One-Milecan’tseeinsideto
shootthebadguys.Andhecan’tbargeintoamotelroomwithoutknowingwho’sthereandlacking
backuporanyideawhatheshouldbepreparedfor.ItcouldgetbothhimandLilykilledquickly.”

Stonedidn’tlikeitbuthegraspedtheconcept.“One-Milehastakenuppositionontheroofofthe

PhiladelphiaChristianChurchoffof167.”

Axelfrowned.“Ifhe’sontheroof,he’sreconnoiteringfromhissniperpositionandiswaitingto

takethemoutastheyexit.What’snearthatchurch?”

Stonehadn’tpaidthatmuchattentiontotheplacesofworshipsincehe’dcometotown.Itsounded

familiar,buthecouldn’tplaceit.

“It’srightnextdoortotheRoyalInn,ascuzzylittlemotelwithanamethat’swayloftierthanits

reputation,”Jackinformedthem.

“TakingLilytoano-tellmotelwouldmakesense.”StonesnappedinthedirectionofAxel’s

phone,despitebeingworriedoutofhisfuckingmind.Still,hehadtofocusandstaycalmforher
sake.“Gutierrezisn’tfromaroundhere.He’dneedsomeplacetotakeLilywherepeoplecouldcome
andgoinaprettytransientfashionwithoutraisingtoomanyquestions.He’dwantabed.”Andaplace
torestrainhersohecoulddohisworst.“Andhewon’tbealone.”

Doyouhaveanywaytoreachher?

hetappedbacktoOne-Milewithonehandonthewheel.

Tohisshock,One-Mileactuallybegantorespond.Thethreetinydotsinthetextbubblesaidhe

wouldgetananswer,butitseemedtotakeforeverwhileanxietygnawedatStone’scomposure.

IfIdid,wouldIbewastingmytimetextingyou?

“Whatishesaying?”Axelasked.
StonegrittedhisteethandshovedthephoneinAxel’sfacesohecouldreadforhimself.
“AskOne-Mileifheknowsanythingelsepertinenttothesitrep,”Axelinsisted.“Wedon’thavea

minutetowaste.”

“Noshit.YouthinkI’mnotentirelyfuckingawareofthat?Thatknowingeverypassingmoment

couldbeLily’slastisn’tutterlydismantlingme?”Stonesnarled.“Holdthewheel.”

Oncehisbigpassengerhadafirmgrip,Stonepulledupthetextmessageandreplied.

Thereinless

than10.DoyouhaveLily’sexactposition?Whatelsedoyousee?

Again,One-Mileansweredpromptly.

RoyalInnon167.Facingchurch.Secondfloor.Can’tseeanything.Drapes

drawn.Looksdangerous.Gethere.

Attheman’sreply,Stonetriedtostaycalm.AtleastheknewwheretofindLily.Theycouldn’t

leavetheroomwithoutOne-Mileseeing.Problemwas,Stonewasn’tworriedaboutthemescorting
Lilyfromthebuilding.Hewasconcernedthatwhentheyopenedthedooragain,itwouldbetodump

herbodysomewhere.One-Milemightbeagreatsniper,buthecouldn’tstartshootingthrougha
coveredwindowwithoutpotentiallyhittingLily.AndifGutierrez’swifewasstillinside,itwas
possiblethebabywasintheroom,too.

Howlonghasshebeeninthere?

StonetypedbacktoOne-Mile.

10.Nomoretextingunlessemergency.Concentrating.

Nodoubtaboutit,One-Milewasadouche—exactlylikeStonethoughtwhenhe’dfirstmetthe

guy.Buthealsocouldn’targue.Asmuchashewantedinformationthatmighthelphimunderstand
whatLilywasenduringandhowhemightbestrescueher,hedidn’twanttodistractthesniperfrom
suchacriticaltask.

Rakingahandoverthestubblecoveringhisscalp,heblewoutabreathandturnedtoAxel,who

shoutedintohisphoneasherelayedOne-Mile’sinformation.

“Gotit,”Jacksaid.“I’vegotsomecopfriends.I’llcallthem.Ifyougettherefirst,dowhatyou

needtodoandthey’llhelpyouout.I’monmyway.I’llseeifIcanpingtheEdgingtonbrothersfor
backup.”

Stonedidn’tbothercommenting,andheheardthecallend.Besidehim,Axelcursed.
“Thisshitisgoingtobeoverinfifteenminutes,”Dominion’ssecurityofficersaid,concern

darkeninghisvoice.

Onewayortheother.“Yeah.”
Axelreachedforhisphoneagain.“Weneedaplan.NooneisbetteratthatshitthanHeath.”
HadAxelcomefuckingunhinged?“Helosther!”
“Shewasonfoot,soheditchedtheflashywhiteSUVtofollow.Hedidn’texpecthertogetin

someone’scar.”Axelsighed.“Anddon’tyouevertellthefuckerIdefendedhim.”

Stonedidn’twanttoargueorjoke.HejustwantedLilyback.Axelwasrightaboutthefactthat

theyneededaplan.Hisheadstartedwhirlingwithpossibilities.Hediscardedasmanyashe
consideredalmostasquicklyastheypoppedintohishead.Howcouldtheygetintothatroomwithout
startlingCoreyandhisposse?Hedidn’twantthemtopanicandiceherbeforehecouldgetclose
enoughtopullheroutalive.

Inthenearsilenceofhistruck’scab,StoneheardtheringingasAxelcalledHeath.TheBrit

answeredalmostimmediately,hisvoicesoundingclippedoverthespeakerphone.“I’mstilllooking.I
knowshelefttheparkinglotwiththatwomanandherbaby.”

“TheRoyalInn,”Axelsupplied.
“Brilliant.Popularplacetoday.AwomanapproachedCantonintheparkinglotandflirted.I’m

guessingshegavehimasexinviteandtheyheadedthereaswell.”

Stoneheardeveryword.Thatseemedawfullycoincidental.Hedidn’tbelieveitforaninstant.
“AtleastifCantonisgettinghisjollieswithastranger,hecan’tbehurtingLily,”Heathoffered.
AxelgavetheBritthelayoftheland,explainingthatthewomanintheWalmartwasprobably

CoreyGutierrez’swife,whowasapparentlyhelpinghimmastermindandexecutehisrevengeagainst
everyonewhohadanythingtodowithhissister ’sdeath.Infact,he’dbetthewomanwhopicked
Cantonupwasaplant,too.AndthatCoreyintendedtodustthegubernatorialhopefulASAP.

TheinternalticktockofeachpassingsecondpoundedStone’schestliketheblowofahammer.He

didn’twanttothinkaboutwhatwouldhappenifhedidn’tgetthereintime,butasthemilesbetween
theswampandtownwhippedpast,thatwasallhecouldfocuson.Howfuckingmeaninglesswouldhis
lifebeifhecouldn’tsaveLily?Thenitreallywouldn’tmatterifhewentbacktoprisonortheyput
himsixfeetunder.Somehowshe’dbecomehisonereasontolive.IfCoreyGutierreztookheraway,
Stonewouldwastetheassholeonthespot—gladlyandwithjoyinhisheart.Evenknowinghe’dgo
downformurderonedidn’tbotherhim.ThescumwhohadrobbedhimofLily’slightandherofa
promisingfuturehadtogo.

Stonefinallyturnedonto167fromI-10.Onlyacoupleofmilestogo.
Hangon,baby.I’mcomingforyou...
“Weneedafuckingplannow.”AndthiswaswhereStonefeltatadistinctdisadvantage.He’d

neverbeenabattlefieldhero.Everyonearoundhimhadriskedlifeandlimbfortheircountry,their
lovedones,theirpride.He’dstupidlydecidedtoconsomeassholesoutofmoneybecausehisstudent
loanshadseemeddaunting,andwhywouldrichpeoplemissafewbucks?“Shouldwehavethemotel
managementsendhousekeepinguptheretoknockonthedoorandstallthem?”

Evenashespokethewords,heknewitwasabadidea.
“No!”AxelandJack,viaphone,saidalmostinstantly.
“TheycouldpanicandkillLily,”Axelexplained.
“Orwhoeverknocksonthedoor.Orboth,”Jackadded.
Axelnodded.“Wedon’twanttospookCoreyandhiscohorts.Wedon’twanttogivethemany

reasontobesuspicious.Itneedstobeacleantakedown.”

“Itsurewouldhelpifwecouldfindsomewaytopersuadethemtoopenthatfuckingcurtainso

One-Milecouldgetashotinthereanddisruptthem,maybepickoffoneortwo,”Jacksaidjustbefore
StoneheardadingoverthelineandtheroughCajunswore.“We’reindeepfuckingshit.Corey
GutierrezwasMARSOC.”

“What?”Stoneasked,worrytighteningeverymusclebecauseJackmadethatsoundbad.“What

doesthatmean?”

Axelwinced.“MarineCorpsSpecialOperationsCommand.Itmeanshe’sadetermined

motherfuckerwithicewaterinhisveinsandhe’sprobablydonesomenasty-assmissionsinhistime.”

“Whathesaid,”Jackagreed.“Itmeanshe’snotsomestreetthugwithoutseriousskills.He’s

goingtobewell-preparedandthorough.”

ThatworryinStone’sbellyturnedtoacidasitrolledandpitched,eatingawayathisinsides.“We

havetobebetter.”

NoonearguedthatpointashepassedtheDollarTreeontheright.
“ButaccordingtothereportIjustreceived,Gutierrezwasdischargedafewmonthsagofor

‘adjustmentdisorders,’whichisthemilitarywayofsayinghehaspsychologicalproblems,andthey
wantedhimgone.Thatfactandhisspecialopsbackgroundexplainswhyittookmeawhiletotrack
hisservicedown.”

Itsuckedbutnoneofthatmatterednow.StonecouldseetheuglybluesignfortheRoyalInnup

ahead.Hedidn’twanttohavehauledassthelastthirty-fivefuckingmilestogethere,thenditherabout
whattodo.

“Plan,guys?”heshouted.“Weneedonenow,orI’mparkingthissuckerandbustinginthatdoor,

gunsblazing.”

“Thenyou’llgetdead,”Axelpointedoutinannoyance.
Stoneshrugged.“IfitsavesLily,Idon’treallygiveashit.”

***

LILY

couldn’timagineaworsenightmare.Aguyshe’dalwaysthoughtofasafriendandbigbrother

meanttokillher.No,notjustkillher.Violateherineverypossibleway,thencutherintotinyribbons
andletherbleedoutwhilehereveled.

“Ididn’tknowtheywerefollowingmewhenIwenttothewarehousethatday,Corey.Itriedto

callyouandaskyouwhatyouwantedmetodobut—”

ThesharprebukeonCorey’sfacetoldLilythatcastinganyblameonhimwouldonlymakeher

deathmoreharsh.

Didhefeelterribleguiltabouthissisterdyingbecausehe’dbeenstupidanddesperateenoughto

getintodealingdrugsforCanton?Becausehe’dtalkedtothepolice?Washeunabletohandlethe
realitythathe’dalsobeenatfault?Likely,whichwaswhyhefounditeasiertocastblameonthegirl
who’dinadvertentlygivenawayErin’shidingplace.

Coreyhadalwayshadaweakside,enjoyedusingdrugsmorethanfacingreality.He’dlefthis

momandsistertofendforthemselvesoncethepolicehadreleasedhimafterhisarrest.Hemusthave
knownwhenhetalkedtothecopsaboutCanton’soperationthatitwouldgetbacktotheviciousstreet
boss.NowayCoreycouldn’tknowthatpunishmentwouldcome,swiftandsevere.

“Erinwasperfectlysafeuntilyoucamealong.I’llbettheythreatenedtocutthatbabyoutofyour

bellyandkillyou,youdumbwhore.Iheardlaterthatyouhadastillborn.”Corey’slipsstretched
wide,somethingbiganduglythatcelebratedhertotaldevastation.“Couldn’thappentoamore
deservingbitch.AndwhenthepigscamelookingforyoubecauseyouknewsomethingaboutErin’s
murder?IremindedoneofCanton’sunderlingsthatyourmomandlittlebrotherwerejustwaitingat
homeandthatyoushouldbetaughtavaluablelessonaboutsilence.”

LilyshrankbackinherchairandstaredatCoreywithabsolutehorror.Atonetime,shewould

havetrustedhimimplicitly.She’dsharedmealswithhim.Whenshe’dbeenpregnantandscared,he’d
promisedtoholdherhandinthedeliveryroom.Heck,he’donceevengivenhertheshirtoffhisback
afterherex-boyfriendhadrippedhersduringafight.

Andnowhemeanttokillher.
Theshockofthatrippledthroughher.Foryears,she’dbeenimaginingthatCorey,likeher,

struggledwithgrief.She’dalwayshopedshewouldseehimsomeday,whenshegotthecouragetogo
backtoCalifornia,visiteveryone’sgraves,andmakepeacewiththepast.She’dpicturedrunninginto
Coreyandfinallysharinghersorrowwiththeonlyotherpersonshe’dbeenclosetowho’dalsoloved
Erinunconditionally.

“Theywereinnocent!”sheprotested.
“Sowasmysister.Ineverysenseoftheword.ImadesurenoonetouchedErinandknockedher

up,likeyou.TheonepersonItrusted,thegirlIthoughtwouldalwayshaveherback.Youcunt.You
sacrificedhertosaveyourownskin.”Heloomedoverhermenacinglyandraisedthebackofhis
handtoherface.“Ishouldhaveseenyouforthecowardlytraitoryouare.”

Thoughsheknewitwasfutile,Lilycouldn’thelpherself.EvenifCoreyneverbelievedherandit

didn’tsaveherlife,heneededtohearthewords.Shehadtotellhertruth.

“Ididn’ttrademysafetyforhers,”sheinsisted.Buthe’dclearlyexpectedhertochooseherbest

friend’slifeoverherownandherbaby’s.Wouldshehavemadethatchoice?Couldshe?Evenbefore
goingintolabor,herinstincttoprotectReginahadbeenunshakable.ButCoreyblamedherwhenhe
hadn’tstayedaroundtoprotectthosemostvulnerableinhislife.He’dgoneintohidingandsaved
himself.

“You’reafuckingliar,”hegrowled.
Lilyshookherhead.“Mafiafollowedmeafterschool.ItoldhimIdidn’tknowanythingbutErin

waslikemysister,too.MaybeIshouldhaveguessedthattheywouldn’tbelieveme.Butyoudidn’t
hangaroundtoprotecther.Youleftherattheirmercy.Youlefthertodie.”Tearstrembledatherlash
line,threateningtospill.

“Shutthefuckup,”Coreysnarled,lookingreadytocommitmurderrightnow.
“No.”Ifshewasgoingtodieanyway,shewasgoingtogeteverythingoutintheopen.“Iloved

Erin.Imourned.Istillmisshereveryday,alongwiththerestofmyfamily.Havingthemtakenfrom

meleftaholeinmychestIcanneverfill.ThelastconversationIhadwithmymomwasanuglyfight,
andnowIwillneverbeabletorepairit.Youtookthatfromme.”

Evenifhermomhadwashedherhandsofheronlydaughterandhadn’tknownhowtomothera

headstronggirl,thewomanhadgivenbirthtoher,fedher,probablyevenlovedheratsomepoint.
Sheandherbrotherhadbeensuperclose.Andtheywerebothlosttoherforeverbecauseofthisman.

“Ican’tbelieveyousuggestedtheirmurdertoCanton.”Shestaredathimlikethemonsterhe’d

become.“Whathappenedtoyou?”

“Isaid,shutthefuckup.”Coreyflushedwithfurybeforehebackhandedheracrosstheface.
Lily’sheadsnappedtooneside.Hercheekexploded.Painbloomed.Shetastedbloodonher

tongue.

Noneofthatwasgoingtostopher.
“No.Youfuckinglisten,”sheshotback.“NotonlydidIloseErin,youtookwhatwasleftofmy

family.Thenmybabygirldied.ImagineIsabelslippingawaybeforeyou’devengottentoholdher.I
clutchedRegina’scorpsewrappedinapinkblanketforfiveminutesbeforetheytookherfromme.I
alreadylovedhersomuchandIcriedbecauseshewouldneverknowmeatall.Sohowdareyou
thinkyouweretheonlyonetosuffer?”

AnguishandterrorsteamrolledLily,crushingherheartalreadybruisedbytheseemingbetrayal

she’denduredfromStoneandeveryoneshe’dmetsincemovingtoDallas.Thetearsshe’dshoved
downinsideherfortoomanyyearsstunghereyes,nearlyclosedherthroat.Theyrose,refusingtobe
denied,andbegantofall.Coreywouldseethemasaweaknessoraplea,andshedidn’tcare.They
werehertributetothoseshe’dloved,theproofshewasstillhumanandcared.Theywerehealing.

Evenifshedidn’thavethechancetoshedanymoretearsbeforedeathandnooneelsesawthem,

she’dknowshe’dfinallyletgoofthepainandgriefandfearthathadheldherbackforsevenbleak
years.Shereleaseditallandsobbed.Thehottearslashingherfacefeltlikethemostlovely,delicate
pain.Withherhandsbound,shecouldn’twipethemaway—andshedidn’twantto.Sheletthemflow,
feltthedamofsomuchlatentgriefrelease.Terribletimeforthisemotionalbreakthrough.Butthen
again,despiteherbestefforts,shemightnothaveatomorrow.

Asshetastedthesaltofhertears,shewishedStonecouldseehernow.Evenifhedidn’tloveher,

he’dcaredatleastalittle,right?He’dlookedafterherinsomanyways.He’dbeproudthatshe’d
finallyfreedheranguish.

“TheheartbreakIfeltoverherlossalmostkilledme,”Lilychoked.“Inaweek,everyoneIhad

evercaredaboutdiedordisappeared.Iwasshockedandalone.AndyetIstillworriedaboutyou.I
eventriedtofindyou.Andallthewhile,youwereindictingmeinyourmind,decidingthatI’d
committedsomethingliketreasonandIdeservedtortureanddeath.Allofthis—Erin’sdeath,your
misery,mymisery—it’syourdoing.”

Thiswastherealbetrayalinherlife,Lilyrealized.NotStone’s.Coreybefriendingher,seeming

tocareabouther,beingcloseenoughtoshareapastandsecrets—thenplottingtoharmherafter
they’destablishedtrustandaffection.WhatStonehaddone,agreedtoadealthatexchangedher
testimonyforhisfreedom,he’ddonebeforehetrulyknewher.Peoplesometimesfoundthemselves
forcedtomakedifficultchoices.Thosedecisionsdefinedwhotheywereaspeople,themoralmakeup
oftheircharacter.Coreyhadprovenhiswaseveryinchrotten.Heblamedeveryoneelseforthe
misfortunehe’dbegun.Lilydidn’tcompletelyblamehimfordealingdrugs.He’dhadsofewchoices
asakidtryingtokeeparoofoverhisfamily’sheadandfoodintheirmouths.Butforleavingthemto
fendforthemselveswhenCantonhadturnedhisvengefulheatonthem?Yeah,nooneelsewasto
blamemoreinthissituationthanCorey.

“Oh,boohoo,”Kevmocked.
“Shutthefuckup,”Dansneered.

“Ican’tlistentoyouwhineanymore,”Coreygrowled.“We’regettingstartednow.Andthefirst

thingI’mcuttingoutisyourtongue.”

“Sweetheart,”Emmaventured.“Beforeyougettoobusy,JacindahasCantonintheroom

downstairs.Ithinkshe’scurrentlyblowinghim,butifyouwanttodrughimsowecanhavefunwith
himlater...”

“Youdidn’tdoit?”
“Yousaidyouwantedto.”
Coreysighedwithimpatienceandshovedafallofdarkhairoutofhisface.“Damnit.Allright.”
“Hey,I’llgo,”Kevvolunteered,hisbrowswagglinginaleer.“Iwanttoseehowhotmywoman

looksgivingthisdudehead.Maybeshe’dbewillingtodousbothbeforewecuthisdickoffandblow
hisbrainsout.”

“Goodthinking.”Coreynodded.“Whileyou’regone,we’llgetthisslutstrippedandtieddownto

thebed.Sheneedstostartpaying.”

“I’llknockwhenI’mback.”Kevcrossedtheroom.
Emmafollowedhim,openingthedoorforhim.Lilylookedattheblueskyandthebeckoning

goldensunforthosefewpreciousseconds.Theotherwomandead-boltedthedoorbehindhim,
shuttingLilyinthedarkagainwitharoomfulofpsychos.

Hertearshadslowed.Shefeltcleansed.Andreadytofight.Ifshedidn’tsucceed...well,shewas

alsoreadytofacewhatevercamenext.

AsEmmacrossedtheroom,sheliftedherfacetoCoreyforakiss.Heslippedoffhisshoesand

absentlybrushedapeckonhiswaitingwife’slips,liketodaywasanormaldayforanaverage
marriedcouple.

HeandDanwouldsoondetachherfromthechairtomovehertothemattress,andLilyknewthat

mightbeheronlyopportunitytoescape.Shestudiedtheroomagain.Thedoorwasagoodsixor
sevenstepsaway.Kevhadlongerlegsandithadtakenhimfourtoreachthehandle.Herpursefell
intoasimilarcategory.Abitcloser,butmaybetoofartorunbeforesomeonecaughther.Thatmeant
shewasgoingtohavetofightherwayoutofthisroomwithherbarehandsifshewantedtosurvive.

Andshedid—soverymuch.Notjustbecausetheimperativetolivebeatstronginherchestand

racedfastthroughherveins.Shewantedmorefromlife.Tolaughandcryandlove.Shewantedtosee
Stone,tellhimsheforgavehim.Andshehopedheunderstood.Shewantedtoseeiftheycouldhave
somethingrealifshegavehimherall.Couldheeverloveher,ashe’dclaimed?Sheachedtotouch
him,yearnedtosharetomorrowwithhim.Andsomeday,godwilling,shewantedtohaveanother
baby.

AsEmmasatontheotherbed,shestaredraptly,readytowatchtheliverapeandmurderasifit

wereapay-per-viewevent.CoreycameatLilywiththeshears.Hesnippedthemafewtimesinher
face,laughingwhensheshrankbackinvoluntarily.Thensheforcedherselftostopreacting,start
planning.

Thenightstandwiththerestofthosegleamingsharpimplementswasmaybethreestepsaway.

Stillfarbutherbestbet.She’dhavetofindsomevulnerablespotonCorey’sbodyandhithimbefore
theygothertothebed.Thejuvenilehadn’tarrivedyet.Kevandhisconsiderablemusclewouldonly
begoneafewminutes.Shecouldn’tassumethatStoneoranyoneelsecouldfindherhere,nomatter
howhardtheymighttry.

Itwasnowornever.
LilyswallowedasCoreycutthroughtheziptiesecuringherleftankletothechair.Hemadequick

workoftherestraintholdingherleftwrist,thentossedtheshearstoDan,whodidthesameonher
rightside.Together,theyhoistedhertoherfeet.

Coreywrenchedherarmbehindherback,untilshegaspedandstoodonhertiptoestoprevent

himfromdislocatinghershoulderorbreakingherarm.“Don’ttryanything.”

Orwhat?Healreadymeanttorapeandkillher.Frankly,hecouldn’tthreatenherwithmuch

worse.Shemightaswellriskitall.

Squeezinghereyesshutandsayingaprayer,shepretendedtoloseherbalanceandtoppled

forward.Coreyautomaticallyreachedouttocatchher.Beforehecouldshoveherbacktoherfeet,
Lilybitthefleshyinsideofhisbicepsandclampeddownwithherteethashardasshepossiblycould.
Almostinstantly,shetastedhiscopperyblood.

Hesnappedhisarmbacktodislodgeherholdandglancedattheredindentationsofhiswound.

“Bitch.”

Butshewasn’tlisteningtohim.Shewaslungingforthenightstand,tryingnottostumble.She

barelymanagedtosnatchupKev’sbigserratedblade.Lilyknewsheonlyhadafractionofasecond
towhirltoherleftandhopefullyplantthisbladeinCorey’sbelly.Butshe’dfallentoofarforward
andcouldn’tquitegetherbalancequickenoughtoturnanddefendherself.Instead,whenshearced
thebladethroughtheair,shemissedCoreyaltogether.

Onherright,Danleaptontothebedandcameatherinafulltackle.Lilyscreamedandmanaged

tosidestephimatthelastinstant,gratifiedwhenhefellbetweenthetwobedsandhithiskneeonthe
baseofthenightstandwithathud.Infeinting,sheranrightintoEmma,whoshriekedandtriedto
scrambleaway.

CoreylatchedontoLily’sleftwristandstartedtugging.Thistime,shewasready,twistingaround

toslashthebladedownathim.Sheslicedthroughhisforearm.Adeepwoundopened.Bloodwelled
quicklyandflowedfromthegash.

“Whatthefuck?”heroaredandreleasedhertoclaphishandoverthewound,glaringatherasif

shehaddonetheunthinkable.“Oh,that’sit,bitch.IfKevdoesn’tgethereinthenexttwominuteshe’s
goingtomissyourlastgasp.”

Lilydidn’tdoubtthathemeanteveryword.
Whenhelungedforheragain,shewentfortheweaklink,rollingontothebedandscrambling

behindEmma.Thewomanlookedoverhershoulderleftandright,screechingwildly,asshetriedto
seethethreattohersafety.DanjumpedforLilyagaintoo,andsheknewshedidn’thavetimetobe
politeorgentle.Emmacertainlyhadn’tbeeneitherofthosewithher.Neitherwouldthesemen.So
Lilygrabbedthewoman’slongponytailandtuggedhard,exposingherthroat.Inthenextbreath,she
puttheblade,stillwetandredwithCorey’sblood,againstit.AdropfellontoEmma’sbreastand
rolledintoherpinktanktop.

CoreyandDanbothfroze.
“Leaveheroutofthis.Shehasnothingtodowiththisshit,”Coreygratedout.
“I’mstillbreastfeeding!”Emmashrieked.
Lilyignoredher.“Ihadnothingtodowithanyofthisshit,either.Justbecauseyoudon’twantto

payforyoursinsdoesn’tmeanIwill.Willyoumakeyourwifepay,youselfishbastard?Thenmourn
herlossandblamemeforwieldingtheblade?Yeah,you’rethekindofcowardwhowould,without
admittingthatIwouldn’thavebeenheretosliceherthroatopenifyouhadn’tplottedyourridiculous
revengeinthefirstplace.”

“StepawayfrommywifeandIwon’tkillyou.”Coreytriedtobarter.
Obviouslyhethoughtshewasstupid.“Nothappening.EmmaandIaregoingtobackoutofthe

roomandleave.Ifyoumakeamoveinmydirection,I’llsliceherinhalf.”

Lilywasn’tsureshecouldactuallydoit,butshehadtoatleastthreatenandbluff.Andiftheworst

happened,shewouldhavetotry.ShewouldalsohavetohopethatKevwasn’tonhiswaybackupand

thathisjuviefrienddidn’tshow.Withluck,maybesomelaw-abidingcitizenwouldseeherfleeingfor
herlifeandofferaid.

Neithermansaidanythingrightaway,justlookedatherwithwary,worriedeyes.FinallyDan

steppedforward.“I’lltakeherplace.Letmysistergo,andyoucantakemehostage.”

“Soyoucanfightbackandtrytomanhandleoroverpowerme?No.Standup,bitch.”Lilygave

Emmaatasteofherownmedicine.

Withahigh-pitchedwhine,theblonderosetoherfeetonshakinglegs.“Don’thurtme.”
Lilyscoffed.“IfIhadpleadedforyourmercytenminutesago,youwouldhavelaughed.Luckily

foryou,I’mnotbitterorbloodthirsty.I’malsonotstupidenoughtoloveamancapableofcold-
bloodedrapeandmurderorpsychoenoughtoencouragehim.AsfarasI’mconcerned,youget
what’scomingtoyou.ButIdon’thaveanyinterestinhurtingyouunlessyouforceme.Now,we’re
walking...”

AsLilysidesteppedtowardthedoor,shedraggedEmmaandkeptherbacktothewall.Her

hostageservedasabufferbetweenherandthetwomenwatchinghereverymove.

Theynearedthedoor.Emmastumbled,herfeettrippingovereachother.Onpurpose?
Lilycaughtthewomanwithherfreehand.“Becareful.Thisknifeisawfullysharpandyou

wouldn’twantmetocutyoubyaccident,wouldyou?”

“No.No.No,”Emmapanted,herheartbeatingsoharditwasawondereveryoneintheroom

couldn’thearit.

AsLilytuggedhernearthedoor,shereachedforthedeadboltandunfastenedit;thenshe

grabbedthehandletothedoorwithshakingfingers.Anervoussweatsprangupalloverherbody.
Anxietystungherveins.Herheartbeatgongedinherhead.Freedomwasso,soclose.

Beforeshecouldopenthedoor,sheheardcardoorsslaminthemotel’sparkinglot.Oneman

shouted,thesoundprimalanddisruptive.Anotheryelledbackanobscenitythatmadeherjawdrop.
Secondslater,someonefiredagun.

Everyoneinthemotelroomfroze,evenLily.
“Wait.Don’t...”Coreyinstructed,evenpleadingalittle.“Idon’tknowwho’sshootingoutthere

butthat’snooneIknow.Dan,lookoutthewindow,willyou?”

LilythoughtaboutobjectingbutdecidedifEmma’sbrotherwaspeeringoutsideatwhatever

mayhemwasgoingonintheparkinglot,hewasn’tpayingattentiontoher.Still,shekeptsharpin
casethiswassomesortoftrick.

Danrubbedathiskneewherehe’dhititasheclimbedbackoverthebed,sendinghissistera

concernedglance.Shewhimpered.Boy,forawomanwho’dbeensoeagertoseehersexually
assaultedandrippedtoshreds,Emmasurehadturnedmousyandsqueamishatthefirstsignthatshe
wasindanger.

“Goon,”LilyorderedDanwhenheedgedtooclosetohissister.Shedrewtheknifetighter

againstthewoman’sthroat.

CoreysteppedintothespacebetweenthebedsandglancedoutasDandrewthedrapeasideand

scowled.“Fiveguysouttherefighting.Oh,thatlookedlikeahellofapunch.”

“Whoarethey?Canyoutellwhythey’refighting?”Coreydemanded.
“Idon’tknow.”Danshookhishead,leaningclosertothedirtyglass.“Theyaren’tpunkswearing

colorsoranything.”

“Whohasthegun?”Coreyasked.
Dancockedhisheadandfrownedasiftryingtodecipherthesceneintheparkinglot.Hedrewin

abreathasifhemeanttoanswer.

Somethingstruckthewindow.Withaloudthump,itcrackedthepane.Thesoundofshattering

glassfilledtheroom.Theshardsfell.ThenDancrumbled,fallingonthebednearestthewindow.

Withabulletholerightbetweenhisshockinglypaleeyes.
Emmascreamed.“Dan.Dan!Ohmygod...”
ButDandidn’tanswer.Hewasnevergoingto.Hewasdead.
“Jesus!”Coreyblinked.“Whatthefuck?”ThenheturnedanevilglareLily’sway.“Youdidthis.

Somehow.Whatdidyoudo?”

“Me?”Lily’sheartlurched.Shehadnoideawhowasoutthere,firing.Thatshotcouldn’thave

beenanaccident.Someonemusthavebeenwaiting.Asniper?Friendorfoe?

Atthispoint,diditmatter?Coreyabsolutelymeanttokillher.Themenintheparkinglotmight

ormightnot.Lilywouldtakethoseodds.

WhenCoreychargedtowardher,sheloweredtheknifeandshovedEmmainhisdirection.His

wifestumbledintohim,andhewasforcedtocatchher.Lilydidn’tstaytowatchwhathappenednext.
Shewrenchedthedooropen,thefight-or-flightresponsesearingherveinswithadrenaline.Sunlight
rushedin,goldenwarmthandblueskieswrappingaroundherasshedartedoutoftheterriblelittle
motelroomwithacry.

Overthesecondstoryrailing,shespottedfamiliarfacesintheparkinglot.HunterEdgingtonand

JackColebothcrouchedbehindtheopendoorsofStone’sbigblackpickup,weaponsvisiblethrough
thewindows.Policesirenssuddenlywailed,splittingthesleepyairofsmall-townpeace,coming
closerwitheachsecond.LoganEdgingtondartedtotheedgeoftheparkinglottomeetthem.

Axelsprintedacrosstheexpanseofblacktoptowardher.“SweetPea!”
Ashedisappearedundertheoverhangwherethestairsoriginatednearthefirst-floorrooms,she

ran—towardfreedom,afamiliarfacesheknewrepresentedsafety.

Butshewantedtheonewhomadeheracheforloveanddevotionandforever.ShewantedStone.

Wherewashe?

Sheheardpoundingfootstepsascendingthestairsinafull-outrun,justabouttohitthesecond

floor.Axelcouldn’thavereachedherthatquickly.Hadhecalledouttoherbecausehe’dbeentrying
towarnherthattheviolentjuvenilehadarrived?OrthatKevwascomingforher?

Knifeinhand,Lilycrouchedinafightingstance,readytodefendherselftothedeath.She’djust

outwittedtwomenwillingtodoherin.Bygod,she’dtakeonanother.She’dneverbeavictimagain.
Sheintendedtodowhatevernecessarytoprotectherself,seejusticedone,andputeveryoneofthose
fuckingbastardsinthegroundorinprison.

Instead,anearlyshavedheademerged,followedbyabelovedface,thenthebroadestshoulders

andawidechestshe’dcradledherheadagainstduringsomeofthebestnightsofherlife.Tightabs
ripplingbeneathit,hisgrayT-shirtpoppedintoview.Heheldaguninonehand,sprinting,hislegs
pumpingwildlytoreachher.“Baby!”

Reliefswelledinsideher.
“Stone,”shesobbedhisnameasshedroppedtheknife.Itclatteredtothegroundassherandown

thestairs,armsoutstretched,tomeethimhalfway.

Shethrewherselfintohisembrace,crashingintothesolidcradleofhischest,againsthis

thumpingheart.Tearsstreameddownherface,stemmingfromherheartandwrenchingherinsides
out.

“I’vegotyou,”hevowed.“Ialwayswill.Iloveyou.”
He’dcomeforher.Andshesworetogodthatshe’dneverletanythingoranyonetearthemapart

again.

“Fuckingbitch!”Coreyroaredfromtheupperlevelaboveandbehindher.“You’regoingtodie!”
She’dbarelyheardthewordsandprocessedthembythetimeStonehadraisedhisgunandpulled

thetrigger.

Herheartlurchedasshegaspedandwhirledtomeetthethreat.ButCoreywasalreadycrumpling

totheconcretewalkwayabove,hisgunclatteringtothegroundwithhim.Thenhelayunmoving,his
bloodsplatteredwidearoundhisstillbody.

“Fuckyou,”Stonequipped.“Who’sthebitchnow?”

ChapterTwenty

OUQUET

offlowersinhand,Lilypushedopenthewroughtirongatetothecemetery.God,she

couldn’tbelieveshewashere,finallyabouttoseethegravesofallherlovedonesforthefirsttime.

TheSouthernCaliforniaskywinkedblueandhot,butthegentlebreezecarryingtheairinland

fromtheoceanmadeitsomewhatbearable.

She’doncebelongedinthiscitybutnomore.Notthatshemissedthesticky-hothumidityofthe

Texassummers,butafterweeksoftalkingtobothBankheadandthefedsaboutthedrug-trafficking
casependingagainstCanton,aswellastheLACountyDistrictAttorneyaboutthevariousmurders
andassortedcrimeshe’dcommitted,Lilyfiguredhe’dbegoingdownforalongtime.She’dneeded
toconsenttotestify—forErin,herfamily,evenforReginainaweirdway.Herdaughtermaynotbe
heretorealizethathermomhaddecidedtodotherightthing,butsomehowLilyhopedthegirl
watchedfromabovewithpride.

Mostespecially,sheneededtoagreetotestifyforStone.
Lastnight,she’dspokentoSeanonthephone.He’dexplainedtheFBIinvestigationtakingplace

andherroleinit.He’dapologizedforhelpingtoorchestratetheplottostrong-armhertestimony.
Thorpehadhoppedonthephonenextandfollowedsuit.AndsinceDominion’sownerandresident
badassneverapologizedgracefullytoanyoneforanything,especiallyinsuchaheartfeltvoice,Lily
realizedtheyweresimplymenwhohadmadeamistake.Herheartwelledbecausethey’dmadeher
feellikeanimportantpartoftheclubandthetight-knitcommunityofitsmembers.

Whenshe’dfirstlearnedoftheir“perfidy,”she’dbeensofuriousatthemformakingdecisions

thataffectedtherestofherlifewithoutconsultingher.ButnowthatOne-MilehadexecutedDanfrom
theroofofthechurchacrossfromthatskeevymotel,Coreywasdead,hismomextraditedfrom
Canada,EmmaandKevbehindbars,babyIsabelinCPScustody,andCantonpotentiallyinfora
lifelongprisonsentence,Lilyunderstoodthatwiththepastobstructingherfuture,she’dbeengoing
nowhere,doingnothing,committingherselftonoone.

Everythinghadchangednowthatshe’dmadepeacewithherbleakteenageyears.Shecouldn’t

changethemorwashthemaway.Shecouldonlyacceptthem,embracethem,andunderstandthey
wereapartofwhoshe’dbecome.

Herphone,whichshe’dtuckedintothepocketofherpolka-dotshirtwaistdress,buzzed.Axelhad

textedheralink,ostensiblytoastoryfromamajornewswebsite.Sheclickeditandhadtorepress
tears.Itseemedasifshecriedallthetimenow.Afteryearsofbeingunabletoexpresshersorrow,
nowsheoverflowed.Andgod,shefeltsomuchbetter.

Thearticlepoppeduponherbrowser.MoreofCanton’svictimswerecomingforward.More

peoplehe’dbeaten,raped,swindled—alltooterrifiedtosayanythinginthepast.Atremuloussmile

wobbledacrossLily’smouth.Onceshe’dbeenbraveenoughtotellthetruth,othershadfollowedsuit
—somewithvideoevidence.TheDAwastakingalloftheirstatementsandcompilingonebig,long
listofCanton’scrimes.Gorydetailshadbeensplashedacrossthenewsineverymedium.He’dbeen
deniedbailbythejudgebecausehe’dbeendeemedbothdangerousandaflightrisk.

Subsequently,hehaddeclinedtorunforgovernorofCalifornia.
Lilyhadbeenjustaboutreadytoclickherphoneoffwhenitvibrated,lowandrhythmic,

indicatingshehadacall.Sheglancedatthedisplaythatpoppedupandsmiled.“Hi,Axel.”

“Hi,SweetPea.Andyes,I’llprobablyalwayscallyouthat.”
Shelaughed.“ThorpeandSeando,too.Ikindoflikeitnowthaty’allknowmyrealname.”The

nicknamethatusedtobeameansofhidinghadnowbecomeasweetendearment.

“SorryI’vebeenoutofpocketbutI’vebeenwonderinghowyouare.It’sgoodtofinallytalkto

you,”hesaid.

Lilysmiledatthesoundofhisvoice.“I’mfine.Don’tworryaboutme.You’vegotaweddingto

plan.”

“I’muptomyeyeballsinlaceandtuxedosbutit’sgood.”Hepaused.“Howdoesitfeeltobeyou

again?”

Interesting.SinceLilyhadcomebacktoheroldneighborhoodoverthepastfewweeks,she’d

encounteredsomanypeopleshe’dknownasakid.Somewerescrapingby,tryingtoraisetheirown
kids.Somewerebehindbars.Othershadbecomedrugaddicts.Ahandfulwerealreadydeadand
buried.Insomeways,Lilyfeltfortunatetohavesteppedoutoftheshadowofthisawfulbarriowith
itsmediocreschoolsandparentstooinvolvedintheirownjobs,addictions,orhookupstocareabout
theirkids.She’dseenawholenewwayoflifesinceleavinghere.She’dexperiencedawholenewsort
offamily—thekindshechose.

“Let’ssayI’mnotmovingback.ButIranintoRickMensell,myfirstboyfriend.”
“Theguywhoknockedyouupandwalkedout?”Axelgrowled.
“Yeah,”shesaidsadly.“Iactuallythinkthatkindofmessedhimup.Hemarriedrightoutofhigh

schoolbecausehisgirlfriendatthetimegotpregnant.Shehadamiscarriage.Theydivorced.He
neverhadmorekids.Hesayshegotavasectomyattwenty-fivebecausehedidn’tthinkhecouldgo
throughthepainoflosingachildagain.”

True,hehadn’tbeenbyhersideforRegina’sbirthordeath,buthesaidhevisitedhergravepretty

regularly.Lilysupposedeveryonegrievedanddealtintheirownway.

“Iwouldsayheprobablydidtheworldafavorsincehedidn’thandlehisresponsibilitieswell

beforebut—”

“Let’snotgothere.It’sdone,buried,past.I’llalwaysbesad,butI’myoung.I’mrecovering,

thanksinparttoyou.”

Hesighed,hisvoicelowandfullofregret.“Itriedtodomybestbyyou.”
“Oh,youdidsomuchmorethananyoneshouldexpect.”He’dlovedhermorelikeapalandhad

beenhappytowatchoverher.Buthehadn’tbeeninlovewithherandhehadn’tbeeninterestedinher
sexually.Butwhenshe’dneededtobeheldandfeellikeawoman,he’dgivenherthesortofsexthat
wascountertohisnatureinvirtuallyeveryway,justtohelphealherandbuildherup.Mostpeople
wouldn’tunderstand,butLilydid.Andshecouldn’thaveaskedforabetterprotectorandfriend.

“Iwishithadbeenmore.”
“Itwasplentyandthensome.Inpart,becauseofyou,Ihavehopeforthefuture.”Andthatwasall

shewantedtosayaboutthatorshe’dstartcryingagain.Shesniffledandmanagedtoholdtherest
back.“Speakingofwhich,howmuchlongerwillyoubeinLondon?”

“Foranotherfewweeks.MarshallwantsMysteryandmetoattendsomeroyalfreakingballthat’s

beingheldinhishonor,”Axelsaidofhisfiancée’sfather.“Afterthat,we’llbebackinDallas,

hopefullyforgood.You?”

“Soon,Ithink.Itwilltakeawhileforallthetrialstogetunderwayhere.Iexpecttobeflyingback

andforth.Butthat’sokay.Someday,itwillallbeoverand...I’llputitbehindmeforever.”

“HasStonereachedouttoyou?”
Theonebleakspotinherlifenow.“No.It’sbeenalmosttwoweeks.LastIheard,he’sstillwiththe

feds.I’veleftacoupleofmessages...”

Butmaybehedidn’twanttospendhislifewithherafterall.Maybehe’dputabulletinCorey

simplytoendhismiserablelifeandprotecther.ThenStonehadheldherafterwardbecausehefelt
sorryforher.Twoweeksago,shewouldhaveneverbelievedthat.Today,shedidn’tknowwhatelse
tothink.

“He’llcomeforyou,SweetPea,”Axelswore,hisvoicedeepwithgravity.“Imighthavestepped

intheshitandgivenhimahardtimewhenIracedouttotheswampthatmorning,butIfiguredout
duringyourrescuethathelovesyousomethingfierce.The‘fight’intheparkinglotofthemotel?
Thatdistractionwashisideatogetyouout.Ifitdidn’twork,hewasgoingtobustinsideandrescue
you.Andprobablygethimselfkilled.”

Lilydidn’tknowwhattosay.“He’sagoodguy.Hewouldn’thavewantedanyonetodietheway

Coreyhadplannedforme.”

“Don’tbestubborn,”Axelchided.“StonereallyhadcalledoffthedealwiththefedsbeforeI’d

bustedintoJack’scabinallfullofmyrighteousself,justlikeheclaimed.”

Thattookherbysurprise.“Stonewastellingthetruth?”
Lilyalmosthatedthehopehiswordsgaveherbutsheneededitsobadly.Sheachedforhim,

yearnedforthepromiseofthosetomorrowshe’doncesaidhewantedtosharewithher.Sheknew
committingtoeachotherwasnoguaranteeofhappiness—butitwouldbesuchalovelystart.

“Yeah.”Axelsighed.“Hewouldhaveputdownhislifeforyou,walkedthroughfire,conquered

hell.Whateverittooktokeepyoualive.Youdeservethat.”

Shetearedupagainanddidn’tholdanythingback.“You’remakingmecry,damnit.”
“Good.You’veneededarealcryforalongtime.Butdon’tworry.He’llcomeforyou.Andyou

knowI’mhereanytimeyouneedme.Justaphonecallaway.”

“You’rethebestfriendagirlcouldwant.Thankyouforeverything.Icanneverrepayyouexcept

bysayingthatIcanstandonmyowntwofeetfromnowon.AndI’llbeyourrockifyoueverneedit.”

“Iknowyou’remorethancapable.Bye,SweetPea.”
“Bye.”Shesniffledagainandpocketedherphone.
Damnit,sheneededtostartcarryingapursewithtissues.TheTechnicolorworldofemotionwas

new,andshedidn’talwaysfinditeasytoprocessbutdamn...Lifefeltsomuchricherwhenshe
stoppedwallowinginguiltandgriefandtriedtoappreciateeverydayandthepeopleinit.Fromnow
on,untilshedrewherlastbreath,she’dneverstoplivingthatway.

Whenshebrushedthelatestbatchoftearsdry,sheapproachedErin’sgraveanditssimple

headstoneandplacedsomeofherflowersintheholder.ShehopedthatsomewhereupthereErin
couldforgiveherforbeingcareless.Andthatherbestiecouldforgiveherbrotherforbeingmiredin
anguishandlettingitcloudhisjudgment.

“Imissyou,”shetoldherbestfriend.“Weshouldstillbeholdinghandsandtellingsecretsand

laughingaboutstupidmovies.ButIwon’tstopthinkingaboutyou.Ever.”

Lilylaidherhandonthetopoftheheadstoneandcaressedit,hopingthatErincouldfeelher

regretandaffection.

Moretearsflowedasshemadeherwayafewrowsdowntoherfamily,buriedsidebyside.Her

motherhadonlybeenthirty-eight.She’dlivedterriblyanddiedfast.She’dbeenakidtryingtoraisea
childinableaksituation.Lilydidn’tblameherforheranger,desperation,choices,andcoping

mechanisms.She’donlybeenhuman,too.Shewishedshe’dunderstoodthewomanbetter,butmaybe
withageandwisdom,shecould.Ormaybeinanotherlife.

Lilylaiddownfreshflowers.“IhopeI’mmakingyouproudnow.I’llalwaystry,Mom.Ihope

you’reuptherefinallyrestingandsmilinginpeace.”

Thenshesteppedovertoherbrother.Bradyhadbeensoyoung.He’dhadnowayof

understandingtheterribleviolencethathadendedhislifewithsuchfrighteningfinality.

“Hey,BradyBoy.”Hehadn’twantedhertocallhimthatinpublic,butathome,he’dlikedituntil

thedayhe’dbeentakenfromher.Shelaiddownflowers,onewithafluffyteddybearattached.Itwas
probablysomethingmosttwelve-year-oldswouldn’tadmittostillliking,butBradyhadlovedhis
stuffedanimals.“Ibroughtyoualittlesomethingtoplaywith.Ihopeyou’vefoundsoccerballsand
videogamesinheaven,too.Youdeservethem.I’msosorrythoseterriblemenhurtyouandforthe
wayyoudied.YoucankickmybuttwhenIgetuptheresomeday,huh?Untilthen,maybeyoucan
forgiveme?”

Ofcourse,hedidn’tanswer,butthewindblew,brushingherskinalmostlikeacaress,asifshe

couldfeelherbrother ’shandonhershoulderlettingherknowhewasallright.MaybeLilywas
thinkingwishfully,butBradyhadbeenagoodkidandakindsoul.She’dlovedhim.“YouandMom
takecareofeachotheruntilIcangetbackheretovisitagain,okay?”

Thatansweringbreezekickeduponcemore,andshesmiled,feelingmoreatpeacethanshehad

inoverhalfadozenyears,maybeever.

Nowcamethehardpart.
Lilyclutchedthelastoftheflowersandmadeherwaytothecornerofthegraveyard.Sheknew

wheretofindRegina.She’dmadecontactwiththecemeteryacoupleofweeksagoandreceiveda
map.Shewaslateinvisitingherlovedonesbutshehopedtheycouldforgiveher.Shewasfinally
learningtoforgiveherself.

Whenshereachedthecorner,climbingivyandbougainvilleafilledintheslatsofthefencewith

theirgorgeousgreenery.Anearbywillowbentprotectivelyoverherbaby’sgrave,leavesswaying
gently,almostlikeaneternalmobile.

Shealsosawanunexpectedsight.AgleamingwhiteheadstonemarkedRegina’sfinalresting

place.Besideitstoodamansofamiliar,herstomachclenched.Herheartswooned.Hadhearranged
thebigmarblemonumentforherdaughter?

“Hi,baby,”Stonesaidquietly,turningandreachingouthishandforher.
“Youfoundme,”shesaidnumbly,thoughherheartpoundedinacrazy,thumpingrhythm.
“Ialwayswill.Comehere.”
Sheslippedherhandinhisandpeeredupintohisdarkeyes.Helookedtiredandnervousbutso

incrediblywonderfulinasimplegraysuitandasolemnexpression.“You’rereallyhere.”

“AndI’mnotleavingyou.ThefedsandIaregoodnow.BecauseitlookslikeCantonisgoing

awayforalongtimeandIhelped,theyagreedtocommutemysentence.I’mafreeman—andonlyin
partbecauseI’mnotgoingbacktoprison.Yougavemeawholenewpathinlife.Youshowedmea
loveworthfightingfor.”

Lilyshookherhead,smilingatthegreatnews.“Ithinkyou’retheonewhotaughtmehowtolook

pastmyfears.I’msorryIyelledandIaccused.AndIleft.”

“I’dhelpyoutwentytimesoverifIcould.I’ddoanythingforyou.”Hegaveherasmallsmile.“I

calledmydadtoday.Wemadepeace.Itwas...surrealandalittleawkwardbutnice.”

“That’sfantastic.I’mreallyhappyforyou.Ithinkyouneededtheclosure.”
“Yeah.We’regoingtotrytotalkmore,maybegettogethersoon.Seehowitgoes.Webothhave

someforgivingtodo.”

“Butthat’simportant.Helpful.Iknowit’sbeengoodforme.”Sheswallowed,noddingslowly.

“Whatbringsyouhere?”

Hesqueezedherhandandlookeddownatthemarbleheadstone,engravedwithRegina’sname

andababy’srattle.“Doyoulikeit?”

“It’sbeautiful.Youdidthatforher?”
Henodded.“Andforyou.”
Whenheraisedherhandtohislipsandkissedit,Lily’sheartnearlyexploded.Thetearsthatwere

everpresentthesedayssprangupagainandspilleddownhercheeks.Shelookedathim,completely
baringherloveforhiminhereyes.“Thankyou.That’sthemostamazingthinganyonehaseverdone
forme.”

“Iwanttodowonderfulthingsforyoufortherestofyourlife.”Heshovedhishandinhispocket

andlookeddown,decidedlynervous.“I’mnotamanofflowerywordsandI’vefuckedupalotinmy
past.Buteverymistakehasledmetoyou.IknowwhatI’vedonewrong.IknowwhatIwantforthe
future.Andbaby,IneverwouldhavecoercedyoutotestifyjustsoIcouldgetoutofprison,notonce
—”

“Notonceyouknewme?Ifiguredthatout.”Shebarelysqueakedthewordsoutpasthercrying.

“Axeltoldmethatyoureallyhadgivenupyourfreedombeforehebargedinatthecabin.ButI
realizedthatawfuldaywhenCoreyplottedtokillmethatIcouldn’tblameyouformakingthatdeal.
Whenyoudidit,youdidn’tknowme.Ofcourseyouwantedfreedom.AndIshouldhavewantedto
putCantonawaybeforehecouldhurtanyoneelse.”

“KnowingyouchangedeverythingIfelt.Iswearit.”
“Ibelieveyou.”Shecaressedhisshoulderandsteppedcloser.“Iknowthekindofmanyouare

deepdown.Weallmakemistakes.Youmadeyoursyoung,likeIdid.Sincethen,you’vegrowninto
someonesowonderful.”

Stonegrabbedher,sweptherlipsunderhis,andheldhercloseastheyexchangedbreathsand

silentvows.Finally,hepulledaway.“Marryme?”

Shecuppedhischeek,feelingbothgiddyandhopeful.“Ineverwanttobewithanyoneelse.”
Forthefirsttimethatday,hegaveherawide,genuinesmile—andlitupherworld.Heshowed

hercolorsoftheheartshehadn’tknownexistedbefore.Andshe’dalwaysbesothankfulforStone.

“That’sayes?”Helookedanxiousandhopeful.
“Abigyes.”Shemanagedagrin,thoughshecouldn’tseemtostopcrying.“Ahellyes.AnI-can’t-

wait-to-be-with-youyes.”

Stonemanagedadeeplaughashepressedanotherkisstoherlips,thenpulledoutasimple

solitairesetinwhitegoldfromhispocketandslippeditonherfinger.Itfitperfectly.“Fortherecord,
Iwasn’tlettingyougetawayagain.”

Lilylookeddownatthediamondwinkingonherfinger.“Iwasn’tplanningonwalkingaway

anymore.You’restuckwithmeforever.”

“Ilikethesoundofthat.”Hewrappedhisarmsaroundherandheldherclose.
Hisheartbeatagainsthers.Lilybreathedinthemanwhohadbecomeherlife,herhope,her

future.

“HowdidyouknowIwascomingtovisitRegina?”sheasked.
“Iknewyouneededtomakepeace.”Hissolemnexpressionofsupportalmostturnedherheart

insideout.“AndI’mstilltrackingyourphone.”

Shelaughedevenasmoretearsfell,butthesefelthappier.“Soyou’refreetostartanewlife?”
“Yeah.ButIhavethisbossinLafayette.He’sacrankyCajunwho’simpatienttohavemeback.

Andagroupoffriendswhoapparentlydon’tmindhavingawildex-conaroundandwantmebackin
town.You?”

“Ithink...Iwanttogetmarriedandhaveanotherbaby,thistimewiththemanIlove.Whatdo

youthink?”

“IlovethatplanandIloveyou,Lily.Ialwayshave.”Helookedintohereyes,focused,strong—

allhers.“Ialwayswill.Let’sgohomeandstartournewlivestogether.Preferablynaked.”Hewinked.

Lilynoddedhappily,gratefully,asshelaidtheflowersdownonRegina’sgraveandblewher

daughterakiss.Shewouldforevermournthelittlegirl,andnobabywouldeverreplaceher,butshe
knewshewouldlovethechildrensheandStonewouldhavesomedayandthatReginawouldsmile
downonthem.“I’dlovethat.”

Sheslippedherhandinhis,andtogethertheywalkedintotheirfuture.

ATCHFOR...

HoldingonTighter

ICKED

OVERS

OVEL

OMING

EBRUARY

2017

EATH

’

SSTORY

Aboutthe Author

ShaylaBlackistheNewYorkTimesandUSATodaybest-sellingauthorofnearlyfiftynovels,includingtheWickedLoversseries
(WickedforYou,HistoTake)and,withLexiBlake,thePerfectGentlemenseries(SeductioninSession,ScandalNeverSleeps).For
morethanfifteenyears,she’swrittencontemporary,erotic,paranormal,andhistoricalromancesviatraditional,independent,foreign,and
audiopublishers.Herbookshavesoldwelloveramillioncopiesandhavebeenpublishedinadozenlanguages.

Raisedasanonlychild,Shaylaoccupiedherselfwithlotsofdaydreaming,muchtothechagrinofherteachers.Incollege,she

foundherloveofreadingandrealizedthatshecouldhaveacareerpublishingthestoriesspinninginherimagination.Thoughshe
graduatedwithadegreeinmarketing/advertisingandembarkedonastintincorporateAmericatopaythebills,herhearthasalwaysbeen
withhercharacters.She’sthrilledthatshehasbeenlivingherdreamasafull-timeauthorforthepastsevenyears.

ShaylacurrentlylivesinNorthTexaswithherwonderfullysupportivehusband,herteenagedaughter,andaveryspoiledcat.Inher

“free”time,sheenjoysrealityTV,reading,listeningtoaneclecticblendofmusic,andplayingFallout4.ConnectwithShaylaviaher
website(www.ShaylaBlack.com),Facebook(ShaylaBlackAuthor),Instagram(shaylablack),orhernewsletter(http://bit
.ly/SBNewsletter).

Lookingformore?

VisitPenguin.comformoreaboutthisauthorandacompletelistoftheirbooks.

Discoveryournextgreatread!

Document Outline

Praise for the Novels of Shayla Black
Titles by Shayla Black
Title Page
Copyright
Acknowledgments
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
About the Author

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