Page 159 of The Bitter Words

Butterflies release inside of me. “I know people who live there. If I can convince them to help me, I could find my way out of this hole I’ve dug myself into.”

“I knew you fucking your marketing director was going to cause issues.”

“It did no such thing.” My cheeks burn and I collapse intomyself. “Who am I kidding? It was a terrible decision. Once I put a stop to it and he quit, my advertisements and marketing efforts went to shit.”

“Live and learn.” Bren takes some bacon off the griddle and places it on a plate. “Again, how does going to Paris help?”

“It’s a fashion mecca.”

“If you say so.”

“It is. Besides that, I’ll get there right before the Paris fashion week starts.”

The front door alarm chimes, alerting us that someone has entered the house. I brace myself for what I think is coming.

“Bren, do you know who?—”

“Happy birthday, Lily.” Callum’s Irish accent is more detectable. Probably because they’ve been touring Europe.

“Thanks.” I turn my stool his way and nearly gasp when he comes into view.

He’s disheveled and doesn’t look healthy. He’s still as attractive as ever, but his skin is pale.

Even from where I am, I can tell his pupils are pinpoints. It’s the telltale sign he’s high right now.

“These are for you.” He holds out a bouquet of black and white lilies and approaches me. “They’re just a small token to show you how sorry I am for?—”

“You shouldn’t have.” I glance at Bren, not wanting to rehash any of the past.

He’s zeroed in on Callum like he’s trying to figure something out. I get off my stool and give Callum a quick hug while trying to keep my heart from jumping out of my body.

I step back and take them from him. “Thank you. They’re beautiful.”

“They have nothing on you.” Callum traces the flowers tattooed on my chest with his fingertip.

I’m wearing a low-cut button-down pajama shirt. Callum must have taken it as an invitation to touch me.

I brush his hand away. “Please don’t. I know where your hands have been.”

Callum drops his arm to his side. “Sorry.”

One word that carries so much meaning. The past two years have been full of situations and actions for which he constantly tries to apologize.

I have some myself, but I never cheated on him. Before I can respond, Bren rounds the counter.

He stands before Callum. “You’re trashed. You promised me you wouldn’t do this.”

“No, I’m not. I’m hungover, Guns.” Callum runs his palm over his neck. “I got called in and had to?—”

“Where?” Bren goes rigid. “Did you have ameetingafter we pulled in last night?”

“Yeah.” Callum lowers his head. “I just woke up and saw the time. I didn’t want to miss the breakfast celebration.”

“Next time, let me go.” Bren claps Callum’s shoulder.

“Never.” His burning glare snaps to Bren’s understanding expression. “Guns, you gave me your word. If you ever consider going in my place… Don’t test me. I’ll stop you if you try.”

Bren huffs and snags his plate of bacon.