I nod, my chest tightening.
We all know who’s paying the consequences.
Even her mother—innocent and kind—knows.
But Barbra isn’t smart enough to have orchestrated this alone. There’s more to this. Someone else is pulling the strings, and that is what Lily is looking for.
“I know, Lily,” I murmur.
She takes my hand and squeezes. “I won’t stop until we have names and locations.”
“I know you won’t.”
She eyes me for a long moment, then pulls her hand back and grins. “So, what’s this top-secret paperwork you needed me to sign?”
I pull the folder from my bag and pass it to her. Her skeptical look quickly shifts to shock.
Her eyes scan the first document. Then the second. By the third, she’s glaring at me.
“Are you out of your damn mind?”
I exhale. “Lily, it’s just a precaution—”
“Precaution, my ass.”
“Lily, you’re the only person I trust with this.”
She shakes her head but eventually picks up the pen.
“You’re one crazy bitch, Selene. But you’re right.”
She signs the papers.
I smile, relieved.
“Are you ready for tonight?” She asks.
I smirk. “You know I’m always ready to play in the shadows.”
She leans in, a wicked gleam in her eyes.
“Well then,” she whispers, “let’s go play in the dark.”
Chapter 2
Selene
When I arrive home, I look up at the modern, contemporary architecture of the mansion, with its many windows that let in natural light, warming the space. The memory of the day my father showed me this new house hits me unexpectedly.
“What do you think, sugarplum?”
I grin at my father and jump into his arms.
“It’s perfect! I can’t believe you had it built.”
He spins me in a circle, his laugh booming in the air.
“I would do anything for you. Plus, I know you never felt at home in the old place.”
