Page 34 of Captivating

“Come on in,” Dad answers.

“Umm, sorry to interrupt.” She looks around the room and clearly reads the tension. “But one of the guys is bothering Lilah Ryan, and Brynlee looks like she’s one step away from knocking him out cold.”

“Shit,” Dad and I both mutter as we push through the door.

“Maybe we should set up her basement for you to do more of your training there.” Dad grabs my arm and yanks me back when I see the asshole getting his ass handed to him by Brynlee. “Let’s talk about it after your mother leaves.”

Whatever Brynn says to the dude has him hanging his head and walking away, sulking like a puppy dog someone just kicked. My sister, however, looks disappointed she didn’t get to kick his ass.

Then there’s Lilah.

Lilah, who looks scared until she sees me.

Her wide eyes settle, and her head lifts just a bit. It’s a mix between a brave face and relief, and that, right there, is why I agreed to all the bullshit that’s no doubt coming my way. Because that girl is the same girl who used to feel safe when she was with me just because it was me. That girl is still in there, and that means I’ve still got a chance to find that girl again. If she’ll let me in.

LILAH

You’ll always be my favorite once upon a time,

even if you can never be my happily ever after...

Now that’s a good lyric.

—Lilah’s Secret Thoughts

Killian

Gonna be a few more hours at the gym. You still at home?

Lilah

Yeah. Tasha is here going over a few things.

Killian

The hot assistant?

Lilah

No banging my assistant, asshole.

Please, sweet baby Jesus, do not let him actually want to bang my assistant.

I tease the rest of the guys about it. But not him. Him, I might actually castrate if he were to go there. Yup. Slowly. Then I’d fire her.

Killian

Worry about Maverick or Jamie, not me, princess. I’m in training, remember.

Lilah

And?

Killian

No distractions. Girls are distractions.

Lilah

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