Page 69 of Reckless Desires

“Lily! You look so refreshed! Where have you been?”

I hold back from rolling my eyes for the hundredth time. Heaven forbid anyone knows what truly happened. Mom would rather die. Instead, I stand here with a forced smile in an uncomfortable dress, acting like I just got back from an amazing solitary retreat in the jungle of Costa Rica. The retreat part wouldn’t be far-fetched, but going in the middle of the jungle makes no sense.

Everyone stiffens when Alessio walks over. He says hello, but it sounds formal. Since he took his position, no one sees him as just the guy we grew up with. Now he’s someone with power and lots of it. It was something I used to crave and found attractive, but now I feel nothing.

“Lily.” Alessio nods to follow him. “You have a minute?”

“Of course.” I smile, following behind him.

“How are you?” His voice is low yet concerned.

“I’m good. Thanks.”

He takes a deep breath in and exhales. “They are going to pay. Those who took you.” He stops and looks at me, eyes dark. “I promise you.”

I place my hand on his arm. “I just want to put this behind me.”

“This is my city, Lily, and it shouldn’t have happened to any of my people, most of all you.”

I lower my head for a moment. “I don’t blame you.” I look up at him. “It’s part of the lifestyle, right?”

“Was Killian at least good to you?” He places his hand over mine that’s on his arm and begins to walk.

The name alone made my cheeks flush. I nod. “A lot better than what Nico Vidalia would have been.”

When I turn my head, I make direct eye contact that takes my breath away. Piercing blue eyes stare back as we walk by them. My body starts to get warm, and my cheeks feel like they are on fire. Killian stands there speaking with Cameron and Darius, but he seems uninterested in what they are discussing. Killian’s eyes watch Alessio and me, arm in arm. I almost let go until a woman comes from behind Killian, handing him a drink as he wraps his arm around her hips. She is stunning—pitch-black hair pinned up in an updo with hazel eyes. Her dress was a last season release, but it looks so good on her it doesn’t matter.

Unable to take my eyes off Killian, I don’t notice Alessio leading me to a secluded area away from the party.

“Come to me tonight,” Alessio says. “I’ve missed you.”

He walks me back against a wall, his finger tracing my jawline as he kisses my temple.

“We can’t do this anymore.” I lightly push him away. “It’s not right.”

“You weren’t complaining the last few months when I’d make you come.”

“Alessio,” someone calls out, making us pull away. “Clarissa is looking for you.” They glance at me as though I should know better than to walk around with someone else’s man.

“I’ll be right there,” Alessio says, making them walk away. “I get you went through something you shouldn’t have. But let’s sit and have a real conversation about it, okay?”

I nod despite my disinterest. He leaves, and I lean back against the wall and slide down to the floor. My black gown ruffles around me. The boning in the corset digs into my torso, making it hard to breathe. I begin to breathe heavily as the room begins to spin. I place both palms on the cold floor to calm me down, but it doesn’t stop me from crying.

“Lily,” Selene’s soft voice echoes as the clicking of heels against the marble floor pick up pace.

“Are you okay?” Stasia asks as they both kneel to the floor beside me, checking for an injury.

“I’m fine,” I reply, but the facade is over. I bend forward and begin to cry into my dress.

I can’t see Stasia or Selene, but I know they are looking out for me. One is rubbing my upper back and the other is rubbing my lower back.

“It will be okay,” Selene says into my ear.

“You’re so strong, Lily,” Stasia adds.

Eventually I manage to sit up. “I don’t feel strong. Not like I used to.”

“I know it’s been a lot. What you went through. But we are here for you,” Stasis assures.