Page 86 of High Reward

I take her hand, the one not attached to her injured arm. Her skin is warm, alive. A reminder of what I almost lost. “My fatherhad information about Grace. About a potential connection to Griffin Price.”

“The asshole from the other night?” Her fingers tighten around mine. “What kind of connection?”

“A history. Before Vegas. Before us.” I don’t elaborate further. The details are Grace’s to share if they’re even true. “It might explain some things about her stalker situation.”

“You think Price is behind it? Last night you implied it was someone you knew about.”

“I think the stalker could be working with him. It fits. The timing. The pattern.” I trace circles on the back of her hand with my thumb. “But there’s more. More threats. More complications.”

Lili shifts closer, wincing slightly with the movement. “Like what?”

I hesitate. “It’s all connected somehow, and Grace is at the center.”

“And you still haven’t told her.”

It’s not a question. She already knows the answer from our argument last night.

“No.” I meet her gaze directly. “But you were right. I need to. She deserves to know everything.”

Lili’s expression softens. “Yes, she does.”

“I’m worried about how she’ll take it. Learning the identity of her stalker. Me asking about Price. All of it.”

“She’s stronger than you think.”

“I know she’s strong. That’s not what worries me.” I stand, restless energy making me pace to door and back. “What worries me is that she’ll blame herself. Take responsibility for things beyond her control. You know how she is.”

“I do.” Lili’s voice is gentle. “But hiding the truth to protect her feelings isn’t the answer.”

“I know that too.” Facing her again I exhale slowly and give her more honesty than I have so far. “I just don’t know how to tell her. What words to use. How to make sure she understands that none of this is her fault.”

Lili considers this, her head tilted slightly. The bruise on her temple has faded to a dull yellow, barely visible now against her skin. “Take her on a date.”

“A date?” The suggestion is so unexpected I almost laugh. “In the middle of all this?”

“Yes, a date.” She sits up straighter, wincing slightly. “Somewhere special. Somewhere that makes her feel safe and loved. Then tell her everything. The whole truth, with no holding back.”

I shake my head, but the idea has merit. “We’re under lockdown. The club isn’t safe enough to leave.”

“You can make it safe, Vic. She needs to know you see her as more than someone to protect. That you trust her with the truth, no matter how ugly.” A sly smile spreads across her face. “And I know just the place you should take her.”

Chapter 22

Grace

Istareatmyown reflection in the bathroom mirror of our suite. Dark circles under my eyes tell the story of the past few days. Trinity’s shooting, Lili’s kidnapping, Harper’s overdose, and the bomb threat from my apparent stalker. It’s all too much to think about at once. I splash cold water on my face and try to shake off the heaviness.

The High Card, my beloved home, has become more like a bunker or a fortress than the safe haven for sexual freedom thatit’s always been. We’re all effectively prisoners here until the danger passes.

Which is the reason Victor’s request makes absolutely no sense.

Thirty minutes ago, he found me in the main dungeon and said, “Get dressed in something comfortable that makes you feel good. Be ready in half an hour.” His expression was impossible to read, and when I asked what we were doing, he kissed my forehead and said, “Trust me butterfly.”

Now, I’m standing in front of the small closet where some of my clothes from Victor’s house hang. Nothing looks right. Nothing makes me feel good when everything is falling apart around us. But I settle on a simple sundress in soft, deep purple material. It’s fitted at the waist, has pockets, and stops above my knees. I add minimal makeup, scrunch my curls with a little curl cream, and let them hang loose around my shoulders.

I’ve been running around in sweats and a T-shirt, and I was tempted to stick to that, but something tells me that isn’t what Victor had in mind.

And I have to admit, the simple act of putting on a dress and some makeup has put me in better spirits. Especially since I’m curious about what Victor has in mind.