Page 15 of Perfidious Passion

I'm already whipping my phone out, but his hand waving between us makes me stop.

"Give me your phone. I'll text my limo driver from your number, so he knows how to contact you."

My fingers flex on my device. "Why do we need a limo driver?"

"If you three are setting up Lilly's special night, then she should have a nice, comfortable way to get there, don't you think?"

Fuck, no. I didn't think of that. A limo with some champagne would make this even better. She'll show up at the bookstore with all of us dressed to the nines and ready to give her the sweetest night of her dreams.

I hand over my cell phone and turn to my laptop to start figuring out where we should get food from. No fish. No steak. Maybe a really fancy pasta. Italian restaurants always have the best wine.

Brett snaps me out of my searching when he slides my phone back to me. He's already typing on his phone, seeming focused on his task.

"Thank you so much, sir. This is absolutely incredible. I'd really like to pay for the limo and the bookstore though."

A grin stretches his lips as he slowly raises his eyes to mine. "Nonsense. The driver is mine and on a salary, and Phil just wants a good meal. Feed the old man and get the place ready for an unforgettable night. That's all I need from you, Aaron."

Gratitude and excitement make me smile and thank him for his help and generosity.This will be an unforgettable Valentine's Day.

Lilly

FEB. 13TH - THURSDAY

This is the longest day ever. I should have just stayed home. Honestly, I'm not sure what I thought was going to happen when I got dragged to the office today, but I shouldn't have gone. I really,really, shouldn't have.

If I didn't know what to do before, then I have absolutely no idea what to do now. I'm hiding again. The guys think I'm not feeling well, so they're letting me relax. I hate lying. And even if I did lie, I’m not good at it. I swear I can't hold my secrets for the life of me when it comes to them.

My stomach churns at the thought of telling them what's happening with Brett. I know I can tell Dean without much repercussion. But telling Aaron could ruin his career and Caleb's a bit more aggressive than the other two. I can't help but wonder what he would say if he didn't believe me.

Would they believe me?I have no proof.I need proof.

My phone vibrating snaps me out of my thoughts. Assuming it's Aaron letting us know he's on his way home, I ignore it and continue biting my nail. Another incoming text has me reaching for the phone.Maybe something happened...

Unknown Number: Hello, my little tease.

The headache thundering through my skull pounds as my eyebrows draw down. My mind is stuck trying to figure out who this is, while my hands turn slick and my heart drops to my stomach.

Unknown Number: I thought I could help you out since you’re so hellbent on this innocent act. You want me? You got me.

Bile rises, but my fingers still lift to reply.

Me: Who is this?

Unknown Number: Don't be dense. It's not cute. I warned you about playing with fire, Lilly. It's about time I mark you like you keep asking for.

What the fuck is happening?!

My brain finally catches up to the panic attack coursing through my body.

How did Brett get my number?! What do I do? What do I do? What thefuckdo I do?!

Unknown Number: What did I say would happen if you didn't act on your slutty behavior, Lilly?

I'm going to throw up. Footsteps out in the hall make me tense. I'm not doing anything wrong, but the urge to hide myself and my phone is riding me hard. I'm in full flight or fight mode, and the soles of my feet are itching to flee.

Tucking my phone into my sweatshirt pocket, I approach the door and peek my head out. I don't see Dean or Caleb, so I take the opening and scurry to the bathroom down the hall.

I take care not to slam the door behind me so they’re not suspicious. I normally take baths in here, so hopefully they'll assume I'm taking some me time. With the door locked and the water running in the tub, I collapse onto the toilet seat. My hands tremble as I tug my phone out.

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