Page 87 of From the Moment We Met

It would have been laughable—Victoria’s green eyes widening in shock—if he hadn’t thrown away the role of his dreams. He was grateful he hadn’t spoken with the director or read the script. It made this heart-wrenching decision a smidgen easier.

“Are you serious?” Victoria hissed.

Jacob leveled his blue gaze at her, his eyes afire with anger. “This is me walking away.”

“This isn’t over, Jacob. She can’t win against me, neither can you; remember that. I always get what I want.” Her voice sounded reedy and unsure, but her words held a viable threat.

Jacob strode off the stage and towards Sabina, whose eyes shot daggers at him.

“What the fuck was that fiasco onstage? Let’s forget to mention the woman who organized the event and while we’re at it, throw in some tongue play for good measure.”

“Sabina, I had no idea Victoria was going to do that, you have to believe me. Where’s Lilly?”

“She’s gone. Apparently that fine display was more than she could stomach.”

“I have to find her—”

“I think you’ve done enough damage, Jacob. I told you not to hurt her. You couldn’t even make it through one night without tearing her heart apart!” Sabina’s voice rose, and she snatched her arm away when Jacob grabbed it.

Something snapped in Jacob. Somewhere between Lilly’s tears, Victoria’s ultimatum, and Sabina’s accusation. “I just walked away from the role in Milieu of Madness! I told Victoria to shove the role up her ass.” He leaned into Sabina, his eyes bright. “So don’t question how I feel about Lilly. I gave up everything for her just now.”

Sabina’s face paled, and her jaw slackened. “Holy shit, you did that for her?”

Jacob nodded. “And I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Now, will you tell me where Lilly went? Do you think she’s still here at the fundraiser?”

“I’m assuming she went home. She doesn’t have a car so she might be waiting for a taxi…or walking. She just left. She didn’t say anything to me.”

Jacob’s eyes widened. “It’s freezing outside, Sabina!”

Sabina’s eyes held Jacob hostage. “Then don’t waste any more time talking to me, go get her.”

Jacob walked off, searching every nook and cranny of the facility, to no avail.

He shot a parting glance in Victoria’s direction, surrounded by adoring fans, before heading for the valet station.

∞∞∞

Lilly

Lilly cursed not having a vehicle in the UK. The walk home from the banquet hall was over four kilometers and the night was bitter cold, her sheer shawl offering little protection against the wind.

She knew people would question her sudden departure, but it didn’t matter. She had to get away, away from that building and Jacob’s lips locked on his radiant, statuesque girlfriend.

A car approached, and she quickened her pace, aware she was an easy target on the darkened London streets. A knot formed in her stomach when the vehicle slowed, but she maintained a forward gaze.

The car parked on the street in front of her, and the driver hopped out. “Get in the car, Lilly.”

Lilly shook her head, ignoring Jacob’s request. “I’m fine, thank you.”

Jacob moved in front of her and grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to stop. “You can be furious later. This isn’t safe, and you’re a long way from your house.”

Lilly scoffed, her accent thickening. “You forget, I’m a New York Yank. I can take care of myself, and I can certainly make my own way home.”

“Am I going to have to pick you up and put you in the car?”

Lilly gaped at Jacob's words. “You wouldn’t dare.”

In the next moment, Lilly was slung over Jacob’s shoulder as he walked back to his car, tossing her into the passenger seat amidst a sea of curses.

---