Page 14 of A Promise For Tomorrow

Mikayla holds back a snicker and shakes her head, redirecting her attention to her phone.

Looks like we are in the clear for now.

“Madison, that is so unladylike,” Mom scolds.

I shrug innocently. “Just stating the facts.”

Mik’s blue eyes find mine. “Facts. What airline did you take?”

“Our favorite.Obviously. Who doesn’t love extra legroom?” I laugh as casually as possible.

“Lucky you to have found a last-minute seat.Especiallyon New Year’s Eve,” Mikayla adds dramatically.

“Verylucky. Speaking of luck,” I swiftly change the subject, “how’s Dad?” I ask my mother.

“The surgeon said he would let us know the progress about halfway through.”

Mad, wanna grab coffee for everyone?”Mik whispers.

I stand, too eager for a coffee and a break from all the catching up with my mom and Mel.

“Yes. The usual?” I ask, glancing between the two of them.

Mom nods her head as Mel places her headphones in, drowning us out with her music. Mik links her arm through mine as we head for the elevator. She presses the button and tugs me closer.

“Mom may believe that you flew commercial, but we both know you flew on some fancy private jet. How’s Liam? Surprised he’s not here. Bet that behemoth is pacing out front, chain smoking.” She laughs at herself and I can’t help but laugh aswell. That is spot on for Liam. If we were still together and… Lainey wasn’t in the picture… he probably would be doing just that.

On a sigh, we step into the elevator. With the lack of conversation, the eerie hum of the gears fills the space between us.

“A lot has changed, Mik. I’ll get into it. But right now, Dad is my main focus.”

She pats my arm. “I know. I’m your sister. Sun and Moon remember? We may be miles apart, but I will always know when something is off with you. Moving to Arizona isn’t like you. Even having your best friend there, nothing could have kept you from your family or your man. You’re too much of a romance junkie for that. So, what didhedo?”

A ding signals our arrival at the main floor. As the doors open, we step out into the brightly lit main lobby. Mik leads us to the cafeteria, still keeping our arms securely linked.

“It’ssocomplicated. Even saying it out loud won’t do it any justice. So I’ll give you the Cliff Notes—you’re good at that.” I elbow her playfully in the ribs.

She releases me, rolling her eyes. “Cliff Notes are the reason I still got A’s on all my exams while maintaining a healthy social life, thank you very much! Please, continue. I’ll catch on.”

I place two cups beneath the coffee machine before hitting the button to dispense questionable coffee into mine and Mel’s. Mik makes her own and Mom’s.

“The night of my graduation dinner,” I look around, making sure to keep my voice low. “I was taken…by someone close to Liam and Killian. Someone in the same line of business as them.”

Mik swivels her head, eyes wide. “I knew something was up.Taken? What the hell Mad? That’s why Liam left our little green tea bonding moment abruptly? He ran outside looking savage as fuck and completely stressed—he never came back. Killian hadtold everyone you weren’t feeling well and that Liam had taken you home.”

“Liam and Killian are involved in… Let’s just say that the club we went to—The Triskelion—it’s all part of the life they live.”

“The life. As in… the mob?” She lowers her voice, peering at me sideways as she pours cream and sugar into each of her cups.

“Yes. Killian is the leader of the entire syndicate for New York, Connecticut, and Jersey.

“Well.Fuck. And goody two shoes Madison thought dating the head of it and then hisbrotherwas… smart?”

“Yeah. I guess I did. I’ve never felt more alive in my life. But after some…complications…I needed a break from it all. I thought leaving that world behind would make me go back to being a goody two shoes but it didn’t. It made me crave the risk, the unknown, and the kind of love I’ve always dreamed of even more. I became a stronger woman through all of this.”

Mikayla puts lids on all the coffees and places them in a cardboard carrier. We check out, making our way back to the elevator. I’m surprised she’s remained so calm about what I just told her.

“So back to thistakenthing. Were you actually with Killian in Mykonos? Or were you a hostage?” she questions, her voice trembling.

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