Page 82 of Burned

“Have you told Sadie all of this?”

“Pretty much, but no matter what I say it doesn’t seem like she wants to listen. I’m persona non grata as far as she’s concerned.”

“Like I said, fear makes people act out. They shut down because they’re afraid of getting hurt. Has she been hurt before?”

Rhys nodded. “Yes. Actually, she has. She told me about her past experiences. Her last ex apparently had a daughter as well. She said that they’d been close, but then out of the blue, her ex married the child’s mother. Sadie didn’t find out until his actual wedding day. And apparently before him, she dated a momma’s boy who always chose his mother over her.”

“Yikes. With a history like that, wouldn’t you be a little scared to try again?”

Rhys racked his fingers through his hair. “I suppose so. So are you suggesting that I just give up? I guess it’s what I deserve but—”

“I didn’t say that. But if you’re willing to give up so easily, maybe you don’t deserve her. If she’s not worth fighting for then what’s the point.”

“And what do you suggest I do since she won’t listen to me?”

“Make her.”

“How?”

“Mum and Carys are at Sadie’s right now aren’t they?”

“Yes, they usually go over on Friday night. Sometimes they stay over. You know how much Mum loves babies and Carys is crazy about her little sister.”

“Sounds like Ellie will be in good hands if her mother goes missing for a few hours,” Colin smirked.

“What are you….oh. And how do you suggest that I pull this off.”

“I must like you a lot little brother because I’m going to enlist the help of the she-devil herself. Don’t worry. I have a plan.”

* * *

“Okay. What’s your emergency? When you called, you sounded frantic.” Sadie said as soon as she entered Lily’s house. Her usually calm sister who wasn’t known for panicking had really frightened her when she’d called, asking her to come over because she needed help with something. She sounded frantic.

Lily didn’t seem like anything was the matter. In fact, she was wearing a black, body-hugging catsuit with six-inch heels. Her makeup was expertly done and she looked as if she was going to have a night out on the town. “Wow, you look great. Why did you call me over? It looks like you’re heading out.”

“I am.” Lily picked up her clutch. “I’m going to have drinks with a few of my co-workers.”

Sadie glared at her sister. “Really? I rushed over here because I thought you were having some kind of crisis. I left my baby at home.

Lily waved her hand dismissively. “And I’m sure Ellie is in good hands or you wouldn’t have gotten over here so quickly. Moira and Carys are with her right?”

“Yes, but that’s beside the point. You called me over here on false pretenses.”

“No, I didn’t. I needed you to talk to someone for me.”

Sadie looked around Lily’s pristine condo. “Who?”

Just then, the doorbell rang. “Ah, there he is. Just in time.” Lily went to answer the door and in walked Rhys. His hair looked disheveled as if he’d run his fingers through it several times. The top two buttons on his shirt were undone and she had to admit that he looked tasty, but she wouldn’t allow him to get under her skin again.

“Oh hell, no. What is this?” She shook her head. “What is he doing here?”

“Don’t blame her,” Rhys began.

“I don’t. I blame you. Why are you harassing my sister?”

“He didn’t. Relax, Sadie. You two need to talk and I need to go. I told the girls I’d meet them in a half hour.”

“No. You don’t get to set me up and then just walk away. Sadie marched over to her sister and took her by the elbow and led her to the kitchen, all while ignoring Rhys.

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