Page 23 of Smoke and Mirrors

Phil nods in agreement with his friend. “He has some serious security working for him because he’s so deep into all kinds of illegal shit.”

Jesus, Kace works for the Mafia!

I guess when I think about it, it kind of makes sense—him wanting me to leave, knowing what kind of shit his boss has his hands in. Even last night, I started to wonder whether he got shot taking a bullet for his boss.

I cringe.

He really is dangerous.

There’s no telling how far he’s into the dealings of the Mafia. Is he just a bodyguard? Or is he one of Roberto’s henchmen? I shudder. Maybe it’s better if I stay away. Maybe I don’t want to know or be involved.

I look at Phil, who’s laughing with Karl. I need a nice guy, one like him, one I don’t have to worry about dealing drugs or getting shot at. Then I look over to see Molly eyeing me, maybe waiting to gauge my reaction to this new information. I swallow back my apprehension and try to smile. Molly rolls her eyes, knowing full well that it’s forced.

I clear my throat. “I’m going to go to the ladies’ room.”

“You want company?” Molly asks, moving to stand.

I shake my head. “No, I’ll only be a second.”

She gives me a reassuring smile, and I slip out of the booth, heading straight for the bathroom. I don’t actually need to go, but inside I take a moment to compose myself. My brain isn’t sure why I can’t let things go with Kace. I barely even know the damn guy.

What the hell is this strange obsession I have with him?

Maybe it’s because my body feels alive when I’m around him, or is it the feeling of his touch and how it excites me. Or possibly it’s just because I can’t seem to figure him out. I don’t like the unknown. I’m too curious, too inquisitive. He’s a mystery and one that I ache to solve. The darkness I see in him draws me closer, but at the same time scares the ever-loving crap out of me. It’s like I’m being pulled in two directions, my body aching to be closer to him but my mind telling me to run.

I blow out a sharp breath. “Get it together, Lily. He’s just a guy,” I whisper while taking a moment to study myself in the mirror before I lift my chin high in an act of confidence and walk out the door. What I’m not expecting is to see Phil waiting for me outside, leaning casually against the wall.

I look around, the hallway’s deserted. “Oh, hey.”

He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Hey.”

Nerves flood through my body like a tidal wave, alerting me that something isn’t right. “Shall we go get another drink?” I ask, moving toward the beat of the music.

He cuts me off, his hand grasping my wrist in a tight lock. I try to pull away, but he only moves in closer, forcing me back against the wall.

“I really should check on Molly, she can get a little crazy sometimes.” I laugh awkwardly, trying to play off the tension, and pretend I’m not intimidated by his advances. My nose catches a whiff of the sweat coming from him, it isn’t nice, and it makes me feel kind of sick.

“Molly went off with Karl. They’ve probably gone home,” he answers, pressing his body against mine and making me want to vomit. The move flares my annoyance, and I struggle to push him back. He doesn’t budge, his body firm and solid.

“No way. Molly would never leave without me. You’re lying,” I snap.

He moves in, pressing his body odor against me entirely and making me want to gag. “I want you! Let’s have some fun.” His breath reeks of beer. He’s drunk off his face, something I hadn’t noticed before. Maybe I was just desperate to find that nice guy after Kace’s harsh words.

“Get off me, now,” I tell him sternly, pushing at his chest with my free hand.

He ignores me, he’s strong for a fucking douchebag.

“Get off!” I yell, and without warning, he’s jolted backward, stumbling back against the opposite wall. I gasp, my eyes finding Kace. He looks me over before switching his gaze to Phil. He storms at him, grabbing the neck of his shirt and plowing his other fist into the creep’s face. I watch in shock as he falls to the ground with a hard thump.

My heart’s racing, but Kace doesn’t allow me any time to catch my breath before he grabs my hand and pulls me down the corridor, heading for the front of the club. I follow in a daze, my mind unsure of what’s going on.

We weave through people, and suddenly, I click. “Molly! I need to find her.”

Kace stops, and like she’s heard her name, she materializes through a group of people, cradling her hand.

“That fucker!” she exclaims. “Tried to get some in the middle of the dance floor, so I decked him.”

I can’t help but smile.

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