“I got to him as fast as I could,” I say quietly, not adding anything more than that.
She nods against me, holding on for another moment before pulling back, her eyes glossy as she wipes at them.
“I told her you’d help… I knew you would.”
I give a small nod, letting her step away, my attention already shifting past her. Sierra hasn’t moved, still standing near the pool, staring at the same spot like nothing else around her matters.
I walk over without rushing, stopping a step away from her.
“I’m sorry, Sierra.” I keep my tone even. “He was already under when I got there.”
She doesn’t react. Not even a flicker.
My eyes shift toward Vince before returning to her, searching for something—anything—to crack through that expression.
“I tried,” I add, more out of habit than anything else.
Nothing. She doesn’t look at me, doesn’t move.
I let it sit like that for a moment, then shift back, not pushing it, not waiting for a response. There’s nothing else to say. And honestly… saying more would just make it worse.
Chapter 6
3 weeks later
Sierra
I still can’t believe I let myself get talked into taking swimming lessons at this age, but after what happened to Vince, it started to feel less like a choice and more like something I should’ve done a long time ago, especially considering I have a pool in my living room and another one sitting in the backyard like decoration.
“I’m so glad you decided to come with me today, we’re going to have so much fun,” Tess says, way too excited for something that involves me willingly embarrassing myself.
I give her a small smile and nod in acknowledgment, but my curiosity gets the better of me before I can stop it.
“And you said Cain is the instructor?”
Her reaction is immediate.
“Yes, and he’s so patient… not to mention hot,” she adds under her breath, far too pleased with herself. “That perfect torso, and the tattoos all over his skin… God, he’s ridiculously hot.”
A quiet breath leaves me through my nose as I slowly shake my head. It’s obvious she’s completely into him. Not that I care. Still… I can’t deny I’m a little curious myself. I didn’t really get a good look at him at the party, and whatever impression I did have, is blurred beyond recognition, thanks to the pills, the stranger in my bedroom, and everything that happened after. It’s like my brain just wiped that entire night clean.
“Park here, Sierra.” Tess gestures toward an empty spot.
I pull in, scanning the street while I park, trying to figure out where exactly she brought me.
Bars. Beauty salons. Small shops lined up one next to the other.
I cut the engine and lean back in my seat, taking it in one more time without looking even remotely impressed.
“Where did you bring me, Tess?” I ask, glancing at her. “What the hell is this place?”
She lets out a small laugh, clearly entertained.
“Don’t be like that,” she says, turning toward me. “I know aladylike you can’t just go anywhere.” The way she says it makes the sarcasm painfully obvious.
I raise a brow but don’t bother arguing.
“Relax,” she adds, already opening the door. “We have to go down a private alley, and the place is right at the end.”
