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But something’s up.
Something that feels… off. Dark and sinister.
My stomach lurches as I rush up the steps to my apartment and I think about the bloody shirt in Kaden’s hamper. His presence at the Midnight Society, and the interest he said he’s had for me, which led him to tracking me down.
So many pieces of a puzzle begin to take shape and fit together.
And the picture that begins forming makes me dizzy.
My phone rings in my jean pocket. Kaden’s calling.
I blow out a shaky breath and debate whether to answer. If I don’t, he’ll grow suspicious. I’ll have to pretend nothing’s up.
“He-hello,” I stammer.
“Lyra,” he says smoothly. “I’m surprised you answered so quickly.”
I give off an unnatural laugh. “Why would you be?”
“You’ve been busy the past two days.”
“Oh. Right. Job interviews.”
“Land anything?”
“Um… no. None. Still looking.”
“That’s a shame. But I have a new connection I think might work. How about we discuss it tonight over dinner?”
The dizziness that’s swept me up takes me for another spin. I lean against the wall in my apartment hall and then shake my head as if he can see me.
“Sorry. Tonight’s… it’s not good. I’m working an extra shift at the piano bar.”
“Then how about I come see you? We can have a drink after you perform.”
“No!” I answer quickly. “I mean… not a good idea. Erma’s getting stricter about the employees having their friends taking up space. I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?”
Kaden lets a second of loud silence tick by. “Alright. Good luck on your duel.”
The moment we’ve hung up, I’m letting out a shaky breath, and fretting over what the hell I’m going to do.
26Lyra
Guilty of Love - Unloved
“Help. I’m in deep shit.”
Imani’s in the middle of helping a customer. As I storm into the small adult shop, she spares me a quick glance before carrying on her conversation with the mousy woman in front of the handcuffs and restraints section.
That doesn’t stop the mousy woman from noticing I’m in frantic need of her help. Nudging her round glasses up her nose, she points me out. “You can help her if you want. She seems to really need it.”
Imani flashes a polite smile and ensures the woman she can seek her out if she needs anymore help. I know I’ve pissed her off as she turns away from the customer and snaps at me to follow.
“You do remember I get paid off commissions, right? I had that lady right where I wanted her.”
“I’m sorry. But… I didn’t know where else to go. I still can’t get a hold of Grady.”
Imani arches her left brow. “So? Isn’t that a good thing? He’s been stalking you.”
