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Lily
The sound of exasperation fills my ears as I push the four-panel door open and step into the apartment’s entryway. My heels click on the hardwood as I round the corner. Blue eyes immediately find mine with accusation, and I pretend not to notice as I continue my path to the bedroom.
“It’s your birthday. You only turn thirty-five once, and your family and friends want to help you celebrate.” My lips press together as I stroll past him, feigning obliviousness while giving myself a silent pat on the back as she repeats every word, almost verbatim. Manipulation is such an ugly thing, but sometimes necessary. This was necessary.
I kick my shoes off and walk across the cold floor, straight for the bed where soft gray fur is curled up in the middle. When she senses my presence, she stretches her tiny body and then walks to me. I lie on the soft duvet, and she wastes no time climbing onto my chest, nuzzling her cute face into mine. “Hello, Giselle. How was your day?”
She purrs loudly as I scratch her ears. She’s so much bigger and healthier than she was a few weeks ago when we found her crying in the bushes next to the building’s entrance. Her bones no longer protrude beneath her skin, and her fur is no longer grimy and dull. And that purr—a speedboat should be so loud.
“I think I might be in a little trouble, but if it goes how I want, it’s worth it.”
Moments later, the door opens, and six and a half feet of gorgeous props a shoulder against the frame. His massive body takes up nearly the entire space as those veiny, inked arms cross his expansive, hard chest that strains against the black t-shirt covering his delicious abs. A sneakered foot hooks over the other, displaying thick, toned calves, and black basketball shorts hide equally impressive thighs. He was either heading to the gym or just returned. My money is on going, given he doesn’t look my second favorite kind of sweaty.
I lift my head and look over the tiny bundle sitting on my chest, eyes wide and lashes fluttering with innocence as he glares at me. “Something wrong?”
“I just had the strangest conversation. It seems my reclusive daughter, whom we have to bribe to leave her room unless it’s for school or dance, decided I needed a birthday party. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”
“Why would I know anything?” I bat my eyes and smile. My heart ticks a little faster when he pushes off the door and stalks toward me.
He crawls over me, removing Giselle with a curled nose of annoyance, and turns those brilliant eyes on me. “Because, little flower, while it sounds nothing like my kid, it does sound exactly like something you’d do.”
I chew my cheek, trying desperately to hide my smile. “What did you tell her?”
“What do you think I said? You played dirty.” He drags his scruffy face over my jaw and neck, making me giggle.
“I knew you wouldn’t tell her no.” There’s no remorse in my voice because I’m not sorry. A trickle of excitement courses through me as hope tugs at my spirit. My fingers crawl over his chest as the smile I tried to hide takes over my face. “Everything she said is true. You only turn thirty-five once, so why not celebrate with the people who love you?”
“I’d rather celebrate with you.”
“You will be celebrating with me.”
His long hair brushes over his shoulders as he shakes his head. “That’s not the same. It will be torture, not being able to touch you.”
“Or you can just touch me.”
His Adam’s apple bobs, and his jaw tightens. “Lily…”
And just like the morsel of hope starts to fade. I keep the smile in place, but the fight I know is coming is already bubbling in my belly.
All I want is to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday with him and everyone we love. I want to hold his hand, kiss him, touch him without hiding away.
But that’s not who we are. We are a secret, hidden in the shadows with stolen glances no one sees.
In private, he makes me feel like everything.
In public, he feels like a stranger.
I’ve told him before that I’m tired of it. Tired of feeling like I mean nothing to him when someone is looking. I’m over being his dirty secret. And I’ve walked away, only to give in when he calls or appears wherever I am days later.
I shove at his chest, pushing him off me, and get off the bed. “No. Don’t Lily me. I’ve had it with the hiding, Liam.”
He sits up, leaning forward with his elbows propped on his knees. “You know why I can’t.”
I’ve heard all the excuses, but that’s all they are. One bullshit reason after another. Reasons that no one will care about. “No. I know why you refuse, but there’s never been an actual reason.”
“My damn job is an actual reason, Lily. Your brother will fire me. Not to mention I’m old enough to be your damn father! No one will be okay with that.”
I roll my eyes, knowing my brother won’t give a single fuck. “I am so sick of that excuse, Liam. Angel won’t care, and he won’t fire you. Do you think he can’t separate business from personal? Not to mention, it’s not only up to him. There are four other guys, and they would never just fall in line with Angel over this. Because they can separate business from personal, and you know it.” And no one would give a single damn about how old I am, or he is. “The only way you could’ve been my father is if you had me at fourteen.” He flinches, and I know why. My eyes shut as I take a deep breath. I know this is a sensitive subject for him. It’s awkward because his daughter, Casey, and I are close in age. We’re also best friends. But he had her when he was a kid himself. “If anyone should have a reason to be worried, it’s me. Casey will fucking hate me for this, but you are more important.”
