Page 69 of War Within
“Fancy!” Lily snickered, taking a sip of her frozen cocktail.
“What about you, Lily?” Valentina shifted her wight onto her knees. “Do you have someone?”
“I have a boyfriend named Tyler.” She beamed so proudly as she did every time she spoke about him. She loved talking about him. “We've been together for a little over two years.”
For the first time in a while, I did not have my mind on Serbia. I reminded myself why I was here. It was impossible to seduce a man across the world.
I needed to excuse myself and call my boss. I had not spoken to him since just after I arrived. He was thrilled that I was here, though I was unclear why. However, I was counting down the seconds until I could talk to Lily alone as well. As luck would have it, Valentina stood.
“I’m going to check my phone and see if Emir’s called.”
Lily and I smiled, nodding.
“I should call Tyler soon too.”
With a quick smile, Valentina left us alone. Before Lily could stand, I placed my hand on her arm. She settled back on her bottom.
“What’s wrong?” She sighed. “Is this about your soreness?”
Lowering my head, I nodded. “Sort of. I need to tell you some things.”
“What's going on?” She drew her knees up to her chest, hugging her legs.
Burying my head in my palms, I groaned. “You're going to tell me I'm stupid. You’re going to hate me. You’re going to really fucking hate me.”
“Probably.” She snorted, teasingly slapping my leg. “Talk!”
“Okay.” I sighed, pursing my lips, blowing out a long puff of air. “Do you remember my eye doctor? Chase Hawkins?”
“Uh yeah? How could I forget? He was the hot one.”
Snickering nervously, I nodded. “Well, he and his brother hired m—”
“Jane!” Valentina called out from the back porch of the house.
Lily and I turned to see her waving a phone in the air.
“My dad is on the land line for you!”
We stood. Lily grabbed the blanket, rolling it around her arm.
“We can talk after she goes to sleep.” I muttered, trekking through the warm sand.
The moment I reached the stairs, Valentina handed me the phone. Taking in my hand, I hurried into the house, placing it to my ear.
Hey, handsome. Let me get to a quiet place, one sec.
Ok, hurry. We need to talk.
My face turned to panic as I hurried to the bedroom, closing the door.Okay sexy, I'm alone. It's so nice to finally get you to myself.I tried to calm him in case it was me he was angry at.How are you?
I'm about to tell you something and I need you to not react loudly.
Are you okay?
I'm perfectly fine, but something did happen. Emir was shot today.
I gasped. My reaction was genuine.
