“Enough nookie, you two.” Lark’s amused voice.
I looked over. Lark stood with one hand on her hip. A subdued Ava-Jane was standing with her. The young woman was dressed in jeans and a sweater, her hair scraped back in a bun.
I kissed the tip of the Lili’s nose. “I’m going to shower, then check in with Nash. I’ll let you guys catch up.”
When I quietly entered the villa a few hours later, I heard low sobbing.
Hell.
I walked in. Lili and Ava-Jane were sitting on the couch, and my girl was holding her friend in a tight embrace as she cried. Lark was in the kitchen. She met my gaze, sympathy on her face.
I lifted my chin.
“Hi, Cole,” Lark said. “Want a cup of coffee? It’s fresh.”
I shook my head. “I’m good.”
Ava-Jane lifted her head, and swiped at her tear-stained face. Lili looked my way.
God, the look she gave me filled dark spaces inside.
Ava-Jane rose, smoothing down her T-shirt. “I’d better go. Let you guys have some time together.”
“Call your mom, Ava-Jane,” Lili implored. “She reported you missing. I have no doubt she’s been worried about you.”
Ava-Jane bit her lip. “She’ll be so angry and disappointed. God, I feel like an idiot for being such a fool.”
“She won’t,” Lili said “And you’re not a fool.Noneof what happened is your fault.”
“I’m…just not ready yet.”
“Lili’s right,” I said.
Ava-Jane’s gaze whipped my way.
“Everything that happened is on Goodyear, and on the men who hurt you. You’re a victim. Get mad, don’t drown in the guilt.”
From the couch, Lili shot me a grateful look.
Ava-Jane cleared her throat. “Thank you. For killing him.” She pulled a face. “There’s something I never thought I’d say.” She looked at Lark. “I’m ready.”
Lark walked forward. “Let’s hit the food court for something to eat.”
After the women had left, I sat on the couch and pulled Lili onto my lap.
She snuggled in.
“How is she?”
“It’s going to take time.” Lili sighed. “My heart is breaking for her. She’s shattered.”
“Over time, she’ll slowly put the pieces back together.”
“Like you did?” She cupped my jaw.
“Yeah, but I think you helped me with the last few pieces.”
Her eyes turned luminous. “So, I’m staying. Here with you.”
