Page 80 of Vengeful Union

“Will do. We love you, Lara.”

“I love you too. All of you.” Tears stream from her green eyes, and I want to wipe them away but I know this isn't the right time.

She hangs up the phone and hands it back to me, angrily wiping at her eyes.

“I wish you'd told me about The Pit.”

“There was nothing you could do. Nothing either of us could do.”

She tilts her chin up at me defiantly. “I don’t like you keeping secrets.”

I take her hands in mine, and she doesn’t pull away. “I’m sorry. I won’t keep them anymore.”

“You promise?”

“I promise.”

I lean down to kiss her softly.

She doesn’t part her lips, but she doesn’t shove me, at least.

“We should get back. We have to pick out some clothes for the gala.”

She frowns. “I don’t think you bought me anything black-tie.”

“We’ll look through Bree’s clothes.”

She nods. I’m not sure what Bree’s size, but maybe we can make something work.

Lara’s silent on the way back to the mansion, and I feel terrible for keeping any information from her.

I want to make it up to her, but instead, I have to take her to this gala full of enemies.

I lead her to Bree’s old room, which has remained untouched since she was taken. Dad won’t even allow the staff to clean it, so dust stands on the wardrobe.

Lara opens it up, peering inside, and takes out a few dresses to throw on the bed.

There’s one that matches her eyes, and as she picks it up to look at it, I head to the closet to look at the heels.

When I find a pair of black stilettos that I think will look nice, I turn to see Lara standing in the dress, zipping it up at the hip.

My breath catches in my throat.

It fits her like a dream.

“Should I wear my hair up?" She looks up at me uncertainly, and I can’t stop myself from rushing over to her, grabbing the back of her head, and crushing her lips to mine.

Chapter Twenty-Three

23

LARA

I gaspagainst Rory’s mouth as he kisses me roughly. I’m still a little peeved at him for keeping me in the dark about The Pit, so I shove him away.

Rory looks at me with half-lidded eyes, breathing hard.

“You never lie to me again,” I say firmly, and he nods quickly.

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