Page 207 of Ignite

“But you did. Doesn’t matter if it wasn’t intentional. Give her a little time.”

“You don’t hate me? You think I’ve got a chance?” I ask, grabbing my keys.

She laughs.

“I do. And no, I don’t hate you. I hate Ben. But you? I saw you bring my best friend back to life. I know you care. She’s stubborn and afraid to lose people, so she’s going to push you and keep pushing.”

“I’m not giving up. I might be evil, as you probably know, but never to her.”

“Trust me, I’ve met evil. You’re far from it.”

A chill runs through me. There’s more to her than she lets on.

“Lily, when I find him, I’ll keep him with me. I don’t trust this woman with Hallie’s baby. Just let me know when you’re on your way back from the airport, and I’ll drop him home.”

“I’ll send you the pin to the key safe. Thank you, Conan.”

“Any time when it comes to Hallie. Okay?”

I mean it. Even if it’s ten years from now and she’s in trouble, I’ll drop my life to help her. I owe it to her.

I’ll never stop, even if it means being her protector from afar.

“Oh. While I have you. Are you doing anything next Saturday? I’ve got a show at my gallery, but I’m hosting an afterparty at Vibes. I’ve got VIP tickets if you want to come? Bring some friends?”

I know the owners well—or, well, they pay us for protection.

“Sure. Sounds good. It’ll be me and four others.”

“I’ll text them now. Just send over their names.”

“Will do. After I get Bertie home.”

After I hang up, I turn out of the road and follow the GPS.

I’ve always wanted a dog but never had one. But seeing how much Hallie loves Bertie just sold me on the fact I need one.

Chapter 77

HALLIE

Ireturn with the cocktails to a sheepish-looking Lily.

“What’s up?” I ask, handing her the pink drink.

“Nothing.”

I know she’s lying.

“I’m arranging an afterparty next Saturday for the big showing…you in?”

She flashes me a grin that I can’t say no to. Even if I’ll probably just want to cuddle with Bertie all night.

“Yeah. Of course I’ll be there.”

“Oh. Have you heard from Georgia today? How’s my baby doing? I miss him.”

“Yeah, he’s fine. All good.”

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