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“I see. Thank you.”

“No problem. Have a good day, Ms.”

“Thanks.” So he was awake when I left the room. I step towards the exit while opening up the note. Does that mean… he heard what I said?

I stare at the note. He can’t be serious.

8 pm. River’s on Vandam Street.

I’ll be waiting for you, my gem.

Love, Elijah

My heart pounds. 8 pm. River’s on Vandam Street. He wants to see me again.

I sigh, running a hand through my tousled hair as I head for the exit. Part of me wants to crumple up this note and toss it away.

However, another part of me is wildly curious about his plans for tonight.

I stuff the note into my pocket and finally make my escape from the building.

Once outside, I flag down a taxi and slide into the back seat, telling the driver my address. As the taxi speeds through the city streets, my fingers tap out a message to Mary.

Gemma: Hey, are you home? I’m heading there now.

Mary: Yes.

How did her night go? I’ll ask her as soon as I’m home.

Closing my eyes, I lean my head back against the seat. I can’t forget how he looked between my thighs or his sexy, irresistible smile. Did he brainwash me? Should I go or keep it as a memory?

The cab pulls up in front of my place, I pay, hop out, and make my way up to our apartment.

As I enter, unease settles in my gut. Mary sits on the couch, tissues scattered all around her and eyes rimmed red.

That’s not good.

Poor Mary never is lucky with guys. First, all the posh guys her mother tries to hook her up with, and now this. Even in High School when we became friends.

She sniffles, dabbing at her eyes with a crumpled tissue. Without a word, I sit down and pull her into a hug.

After a few moments, she takes a deep breath, and the words tumble out. “He ended it.”

“I’m so sorry.” I run my hand up and down her back.

A sob catches in her throat. “He left. After we...”

“What an ass. You deserve so much better. So much better.”

She shakes her head. “And then… I found a note.”

“What did it say?”

“That he’s sorry.” Another sob. “I should have known. When I asked to see him without the mask, he refused. But I was too blind. Too stupid.”

What a jerk. Not even man enough to tell her in person.

“You’re not stupid.” With my fingers, I brush stray hairs from her face that stick to the fresh tears running down her cheek. “You trusted him, that’s all. He’s the one who betrayed that trust, not you.”

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