Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 64571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 323(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 323(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
“It matters.” I’ll find out each of their names and ruin their families one by one. I don’t give a shit if it was stupid high school bullshit. Nothing is stupid when it comes to Lily. The whole point is to protect her, but I didn’t know about this bullying.
“They tried to bully me.”
“I had no idea.”
“Really?” She sets her reader back down beside her. “Then why did you have me do my last year of school at home?”
That’s what she believed? It explains why she’d never asked me about it. I was thankful back then because it has been twofold. It was a mix of jealousy that others got to spend their whole days with her, and my paranoia. Keeping Lily all to myself went beyond my obsession that never stops growing.
“I simply thought it would be easier for you.” It’s a bullshit, lame answer, but it’s all I can come up with on the fly. If I tell her the truth, then she really will try to get away from me, and she’ll always push for answers.
Lily’s father’s killer has never been found. She believes it was a heart attack. It was tied up in a bow for the rest of the world, but that wasn’t the truth. I don’t see a reason anyone would go after her, but I take no risks when she’s involved.
This world wouldn’t be the same without her. The sun would no longer rise, and everything would fall into darkness. I know this to be true because I lived it before she fully entered my life. This beautiful, delicate flower has already given me so much without even knowing. She changed me completely and wasn’t even trying.
“Did you ever think to ask me what I wanted?” She has me there. I hate the hurt I hear in her voice that she tries to hide. I tend to be impulsive when it comes to her. I thought I was doing what was best. “Oh, that’s right. You don’t give a crap because it’s always about what you want.”
“I’m sorry,” I tell her. What else is there to say?
“No, you’re not.”
In that, we agree.
Chapter Six
LILY
You really should be careful what you wish for. Except mine is coming true months, hell, maybe years later. That wish expired! They surely have expiration dates. I no longer want to spend all my time with Tristan. I don’t know if he is even working. He cannot be working because he is constantly hovering around me. I can’t do anything without him noticing, and I really need to get a new message to Teddy.
It appears her plans too have gone off the rails, but she assures me she has the situation handled. That in itself is scary. I love my Teddy Bear best friend, but planning and execution aren’t her strong suits. That girl has a way of stumbling into a mess, likely of her own making. She’s got a heart of gold and can be a little naïve. I would be lying if I said I’m not a bit worried for her safety in the outside world.
“Are we heading back home soon?” I ask, pretending to be extra bored. I don’t have to pretend, but I am trying to cover up my nervous energy. Things are off between us, and I can’t put my finger on it. Sure, we have had our normal banter, but I sense a change. Something has shifted. That or I’m losing my mind.
“In a hurry?” He sits down with his tablet. I’m sure he’s reading over some contract. No one works more than him. That’s all he ever does, but what he’s doing here he could have done from home.
“I would rather be in my own bedroom than a hotel. At least that cell has all of my things.” I throw a little jab because why not. If I act too nice, he’ll get suspicious. I have to keep consistent if I ever hope to get home and ultimately make my escape with Teddy.
“People fight to get reservations here.” He ignores my comment. I turn my face toward the window to see the Eiffel Tower.
The hotel and suite are amazing, but this massive room that could be a condo is set up for a family with the extra rooms or for a honeymoon suite. We are neither of those things. This place is so freaking romantic that it makes my heart ache. It’s a stark reminder of what I don’t have.
I know I’m rough around the edges and my mouth can be terrible, but I’m still a girly girl at heart. I want a family more than anything. I adored and loved my father, but he worked so much. I spent a lot of time on my own. I could manage myself, not that Tristan believes so.