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Falynn

PLAYLIST: ? DARK PARADISE - LANA DEL REY ?

“You WHAT?!”Tasha screams.

I dab at Tasha’s swollen eye with the cold compress. “Tash, I had to do it. This isn’t acceptable.”

“So you what? Call in the Mafia!”

“Shhh,” I hush. I set down the cold compress and assess how well it’s done bringing down the swelling. “I didn’t call in the Mafia. I texted Louis and told him you were in trouble. He’s on his way.”

“I didn’t know you were even in contact with him.”

“We text sometimes.Nothingabout my relationship with Giovanni,” I answer before she can question it. “It’s more like…just checking in to make sure I’m okay. Knowing Giovanni, he’s probably put him up to it as a way to spy on me. Anyway, he didn’t say why, but Louis happens to be in Vegas this weekend.”

“And you thought it was a good idea to involve him, because?!”

“I already told you! This is unacceptable. I can’t do anything myself, but Louis can.”

Tasha jerks out of my grasp and drifts over to the window overlooking the casinos and tourists filling up the Strip. “I didn’t tell you to do it, Fal. You had no right involving him. This is exactly why I said I’d see you later tonight. I knew you’d try and fix shit. It’s none of your business what goes on with Kilroy.”

My jaw drops open. “It’s my business if he’s hurting you! Is this even the first time?”

“Look, we have an arrangement, okay? We were renegotiating new terms I didn’t agree with, and…” Tasha pauses, still with her back turned on me. “And shit got out of hand, okay? I threw a vase at his head. It’s not like I’m innocent.”

“Something tells mehe’snot sporting a black eye and busted lip. What kind of negotiations? You make it sound like he wanted something you didn’t.”

“Never mind, Fal. I’m going. This whole birthday weekend was a mistake.” Tasha rushes past me and toward the door.

I’m not letting her escape that easily. I cut her off before she’s even able to enter the suite’s hallway that leads past the bathroom and to the front door. She rolls her eyes and curses under her breath.

“Girl, don’t make me move you!”

“You’re going to have to! Tell me what’s going on with you. I’m getting scared. What’s been up with this arrangement you have? You know you can tell me,” I say. I grab her hand and lead her back toward the rest of the suite. “We don’t have to tell Louis all the details. I swear I won’t. Just tell me.”

She huffs out a deep breath and then plops down in an armchair. Suddenly, her expression shifts from irritation to something darker—it’s rare Tasha shows any real sign she’s upset, but this is one of those times. I ache for her as I sit down on the edge of the coffee table nearby and wait for her to explain.

“You know Kilroy hired me to be his girlfriend. That includes me being on his arm and providing sexual favors. Easy work. It’s how I like it. Nothing real, just quick money. He’s paid me so much, I didn’t even need to work at the Dollhouse anymore.”

“But…” I murmur. “What is it that’s changed?”

She bites the inside of her cheek, lips pursed. “He started wanting extras. I was cool with some of his new demands. He’s older, but he’s experienced. He lays the pipe as good as any guy half his age. Anyway, he’s into some stuff I didn’t realize.”

I quirk a curious brow, though I suspect where this is heading even after only meeting Kilroy once. “Like what?”

“I’m not some chick who gets passed around. That’s my line. I refuse.” Tasha swallows and blinks a few times, her eyes misty for the first time since I’ve known her. “I told him I don’t offer that. He told me I’ll do whatever he pays for. You know how I get when a man tries to back me into a corner. I flipped out and things got intense. I haven’t seen him since this morning.”

A soft groan leaves me and I grab her hand again. “Tash, I’m so sorry. But you know you can’t go around him, right? He’s way too rich and powerful. He could set you up. Actually…it’s probably not a good idea for either of us to stay here. He has access to these suites.”

“I’m not worried about him. If he wants to fuck with me, I’ve got connects I can send his way too! I didn’t need you involving Louis.”

“Why are you so against Louis helping? He’s an enforcer for a living—he can put the fear of God in Kilroy and make sure he never comes after you again.”

Tasha rolls her eyes, a hand covering half her face. “Didn’t I just tell you I like quick and easy arrangements? Louis…he’s too in his feelings. He doesn’t know how to be casual about anything. I don’t need him coming around feeling sorry for me.”

The pieces of the puzzle shift into a clear picture all at once. I gasp as the shock of it ripples through me.

“You two hooked up?” I ask. I stand up from the coffee table, my eyes wide. “Is that what’s going on? Louis always asks about you! It’s beenyearssince he’s seen you…or has it? Him keeping in touch with me makes so much more sense now. It wasn’t for Giovanni. It was for him!”

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