Page 28 of Violent Truth
If Lily wants an explanation, then I’ll give her one. She deserves that.
“There’s no guarantee that Piper is in Mr. Harry’s house,” I say. “I need to put the Endo-kai first.” The words come out forced, so I repeat them again: “The Endo-kai is my priority. My yakuza. My—”
I need to finish my sentence. I can’t let Lily control my every move. If I do, it will put the yakuza in danger.
Even worse than that, it will putherin danger. And I can’t have that.
“So you’re choosing a criminal enterprise over me?” she asks.
“They’re my family,” I say.
Silence falls between us. This time, it’s uncomfortable and full of weight. A tear runs down Lily’s cheek.
Lily doesn’t have a family. I know that. I’ve crossed a line.
“Piper is my family too,” she whispers.
My heart breaks. Once I figure out where Piper is, I’ll do what I can to protect her. But the Endo-kai can’t afford to break into Mr. Harry’s house right now. I didn’t even do that to kill James. I waited for him to leave the property.
“I’ll do what I can,” I say quietly, “but now is not the right time.”
Lily shakes her head furiously as a sob rakes through her body.
“You’re leaving me alone,” she cries. “You’re rejecting me like everyone else does.”
“I can’t let you control my decisions,” I growl. “This is bigger than your friend. Bigger than me.” I let out a sigh. “Bigger than you, Lily.”
And I don’t want you to get hurt.
When Lily finally lifts her chin, her eyes are bloodshot. I try to summon the rage inside of me to protect my heart from everything she’s capable of.
But I don’t want to hurt Lily. I want to make her smile.
“If that’s how it’s going to be—if you’re going to leave us behind—then I’m done, Dice,” she says. “You can spy on Mr. Harry without me.”
Lily walks to the elevator doors. I’m letting her down, and it fucking hurts. She thinks I’m leaving her behind, and in a way, I am. I can’t do what she needs me to do.
Until I find her friend, things will never be right between us.
I text Ronin to make sure Lily gets home safely.
The door closes behind her.
She never looks back.
CHAPTER13
LILY
The next day,I find myself in Piper’s room, soaking in the pink walls and lacy pillows. She’s so fluffy, I used to tease her and call her a princess. Her style is grating, but I miss her.
It’s not just about Piper though. I miss Dice too.
I feel empty. Trulylost.How can someone kill for you yetrefuseto help you rescue a friend?
I can’t count on anyone. No one will truly be there for me. Not my parents. Not Piper. Not—
I’ll do what I can, but now is not the right time,Dice had said.
