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“I know he’s not the man I fell in love with,” I said, wiping my cheek. “But I still can’t do that to Jonas. I can’t have his best friends, who he cares for and trusts, keeping things from him.”
Lines appeared on her forehead and the corners of her mouth turned down. “You’re right. Jonas and I don’t keep secrets. So the only way I can make this work, and keep my promise to you, is to have Ian and Gregor involved.” She exhaled. “Do those things, and I’ll assure you some space.”
I folded my arms. I wasn’t as sure of her certainty what Jonas might do. But I also noted from the set in her shoulders and the silence that followed, my options were limited. Involving the police could ruin Declan’s career and send him to jail. I didn’t want to do that to him.
But what about me?My conscience chimed in. I wasn’t ready to make any choices right now.
“It’s all happening too fast. You’re putting too much pressure on me.”
“I’m not doing this to hurt you, Lily. I’m doing this to protect you. Even if you’re not ready to protect yourself, I am. Me or Jonas. I have no doubt in my mind that Jonas would have this Declan thrown in a hole if he saw your face. He wouldn’t be sitting here discussing anything with you. If he knew you were hurt, he would not only act, but completely take over.”
I turned my head away, fearful she might have seen the light in my eyes at the thought of being taken over by Jonas. Having the weight and decisions lifted by him didn’t bother me. In fact, it sent a thrill up my spine to imagine him taking care of me.
“I see you like that idea,” Dani said in a soft tone, drawing me back to her.
My cheeks warmed. I forgot sometimes that Jonas was her ex-husband. Their level of comfort with each other went well beyond anything I ever encountered before, and I wasn’t comfortable speaking about my feelings for Jonas with her.
“It’s not… I don’t know.”
“Don’t be afraid of asking for what you need.” Dani pressed. “Jonas would give you that and so much more. If you let me call him. If you let him he’d move his world for you.”
I stared at Dani and sighed. She may have been trying to convince me to change my mind and embrace the possibility of what I could have with Jonas. However, the difference between us expanded critically. Dani was exceedingly wealthy and socially established, which made her not only an attractive partner for Jonas, but also one that fit his world. On the other hand, there was me, surrounded by Star Wars and Star Trek posters, old collegiate books, and CD towers, my most treasured possessions. No social or monetary connections, all of which put me well out of his league.
And even if I was willing to convince myself that it didn’t matter, in that moment, I saw in Dani what I would probably never have. Thereby leaving me solely as a companion, never one Jonas would be willing to commit to. Strength. Dani had it in spades. She came in and took over and I quickly acquiesced. I was weak. If I allowed Dani to tell Jonas, he would feel sorry for me and take me out of pity. Until he found another Dani.
“No. I don’t want Jonas knowing about this. If Ian is able to meet my wishes, I’ll agree to meet with him.” I lifted my chin. “In regards to Gregor, he is my boss and friend. I’ll tell him on my own. Thank you.”
Dani exhaled long and stood up. “Okay. That will work for now.” She bent down and picked up the dark Burberry coat she’d left on the floor, removing her cellphone. “I’ll call Ian now.”
She walked out of my bedroom. I returned to my thoughts and replayed all that I wished I had done differently. I wasn’t sure how long I sat there, but before I could decide what I wanted to do next, she opened the door and gave me a small smile.
“Ian will be over in half an hour,” Dani said. “I also called David to stop by my place and get my housekeeper, Lin, to put a bag together for you. It’ll have some herbal cream to help soothe and heal your face, and a few Chakra cleansing drinks that will help balance you out. There will be sage sticks to burn so you can ward off negativity and… a white candle to leave in your window to guide back those that are lost to you.”
I plastered on a smile. Even though I didn’t necessarily agree with Dani’s beliefs, nor did I understand why she was so willing to help me, I was truly moved by her kindness and support.
“Thank you so much.” It popped into my mind how rude it had been of me to not have offered even a glass of water. “Dani, I’m so sorry. Would you like something to drink? I can get you—”
“Don’t worry about me, Lily,” Dani said, interrupting me and waving her hand. “I can get it myself. You just take a little time for yourself, and I’ll come get you when he arrives.”
I started to protest, but she walked over and gave me another hug, which I readily accepted. Letting me go, she smoothed my hair with her hands.
“It doesn’t end tonight. I want to hear from you, See how you’re getting on. Jonas would want the same if you would give him a chance.”
I dipped my head down. “Thank you, Dani. But I don’t think….”
“Don’t right now,” she said. “Just know he’d come whenever you’re ready.”
