“Lila,” I said, turning to her. “Are you planning on murdering my brother? Because, I have to say, as much as I fully support him getting his karma, I don’t want to see him dead. My mother isn’t strong enough.”
Lila chuckled, and it felt so good to see her smile again, even for a second.
“I promise he won’t die.”
I wiped my brow dramatically then frowned. “Wait, what about this hoe?” I jammed a finger in the direction of my phone. “I’ll help you buryherbody, no questions asked.”
I would too. Fuck the law.
Lila’s lips turned up slightly. “Hmm, I’ll let you know. I’ve got the realtor coming over shortly; I better get dressed.” She stared down at herself and frowned. “God, I’m a mess.”
“Honey,” I said, leaning forward on the sofa to scoop her into my arms again. “You’ve been betrayed horrifically. You’ve already filed for divorce, and you’ve got a realtor coming over. Not to mention you’re busy planning a murder. Give yourself some credit.”
Lila smiled, but her eyes gave away how devastated she was. It’s like someone had extinguished the light from her pretty green eyes. Like an ocean without waves.
“Can you stay?” Lila asked, looking at me hopefully. “I need to shower and tidy up…”
“Say no more,” I told her. “Go shower, I’ll get this place sorted.” I forced a bright smile on my face, eyeing the ripped wedding canvas behind her. “I’ll get a trash bag for that, shall I?”
7
ENZO
Vanessa Rossi was certifiably crazy, which I’d known all my life. But I knew nothing good would come from this little trip downtown.
The bar was a strip joint, with a mirrored ceiling that reflected the large stage beneath it. Gold railings surrounded the stage, along with shot glasses turned upside down, awaiting new patrons. Beige chairs that had seen better days were packed like sardines around the stage, and at the back was a bar where two women stood chatting behind it, and one old guy sat at the far end of it, nursing a beer.
Otherwise, it was dead.
Vanessa sniffed the stale air and made a face before glaring behind the bar. “One of those bitches is Cami. Let’s go. Follow my lead.”
Vanessa strode forward, and I groaned inwardly. She was my best friend’s little sister, but she didn’t need me to protect her—I was probably here to protect this Cami chick from her.
“Whiskey, on the rocks,” Vanessa commanded, eyeballing the petite brunette who was, incidentally, eyeing me.
Great.
Was this the woman my best friend had ruined his life for? Was this Cami? She was just your regular woman, nothing overly special, and if anything, she was tacky. Fake pink nails and lips that were too big for her face. What the fuck had he been thinking?
“Sure thing,” the woman replied, her voice husky and low as she turned her attention to me, all wide eyes. “And for you, handsome?”
Vanessa nudged me and winked theatrically. “He’s single, if you’re interested.”
What the hell was she doing? Trying to set me up with the homewrecker?
“Oh, I’m interested. I’m Cami.” Cami winked at me.
Holy shit, she’d just signed her death certificate.
Vanessa’s expression changed slightly, not anything obvious, but because I knew her so well, I noticed the tic in her right eye, the twitch on her lips. She plastered on a grin and turned to me. “Tell her your name; don’t be shy.”
This was why Vanessa wanted me here, as bait. Thisfuckingwoman. Cami wasn’t having my real name, that was for damn sure.
“I’m Lee, but ignore my friend, I’m not looking for a relationship right now.” I gave her my most charming smile, but Cami laughed, leaning forward so her tits were on full display. She was a good-looking girl, I’d give her that, but compared to Lila? Nah. She lacked the class and elegance Lila had. “And I’ll have a whiskey too.”
“Who said anything about a relationship?”
Oh, boy. She was a go-getter, and Vanessa was going to murder her.
