Page 42 of Ruthless Temptation

“I think I’m going to pass out,” Lily said. “I need either a Mai Tai or a burger. I don’t care in what order.”

“Someone drank too much,” Emma teased. “And it was me.”

Lily laughed. “You drank less than me, I’m sure of it.”

Her friend went quiet.

Lily could tell something was wrong but had no idea what brought it on so suddenly. Was she getting cold feet?

No way.

“Hey, Lil? Is everything okay with you?” Emma finally asked her, and when she tried to turn, the board wobbled. “Words. Use your words. Don’t look at me.”

They both laughed.

When the board was steadied, Lily replied, “I’m fine. I mean, I’m dehydrated and need some salty carbohydrates urgently, but I’m in Hawaii with my best friend for her wedding. Why wouldn’t I be fine?”

Emma was quiet.

“And did I mention the incredible suite and flying first class?”

“Okay. Cool.”

No, she wasn’t. Lily went back over their morning in her mind and tried to work out what could have given Emma the impression she was unhappy.

“I’m just hungover and jetlag. Honest,” she repeated and turned her head.

Wobble.

“Shit.”

“I’m just worried. Please don’t hate me for bringing this up but I’m your best friend so it’s my job.”

Lily felt her body stiffen.

Had she seen Aidan leave her room?

Or heard them? Oh God, she had been loud.

“I saw the marks on the inside of your thighs and so... I dunno. Are you self-harming?”

What?

“You know you can talk to me. Or talk to someone. Just because I’m living in Philly now, I’m still here for you,” Emma said, but Lily hardly heard the rest of it because she was still stuck on themarks on the inside of your thighs.

Bruises.

From sex.

Who the hell was she right now?

Her silence triggered Emma further.

“Fuck it. Just move to Philly. I’ll talk to Logan. We’ll find you a job. Move in with us.”

“Em—”

“I know, I know. Your dad. But we have a jet. You can be there back in Chicago in just a few hours if something happens.”

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