I take so long that he finally calls out to me. “Come on, Lilly.”

My tea is still too hot to drink, but at least the cup warms my hands, even if my insides are turning to ice.

Sitting next to him, I tuck one foot under me and wait. He sets the tea on the coffee table and takes my hand.

“Tell me about this.” He traces his finger down my arm.

“I already told you.”

He laughs softly. “Nice try, pretty girl. You didn’t tell me a damn thing.”

I bristle from the accusation, even though he’s right. It annoys me that he insists on worming his way into my personal, private hell.

“There are some things I’d like to keep to myself,” I whisper.

His features soften, almost twisting in pain. “Not this, Lilly. I need to know.”

“I’m not going to do it again.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about.”

We sit there locked into a battle of wills that I already know I’m going to lose. Because of Chance, I owe Z the truth.

Fear and panic claw at my throat, stealing my words. As if my brain knows I’m about to betray all my secrets and is signaling my body to revolt.

I’m in charge.

Deep breath.

I can do this.

Z’s incredibly patient while inside I’m at war. I unburdened myself in California. I had to at the time. But those people didn’t care about me. They didn’t know me before. I was nothing more than a job.

I don’t want to burden Z with this pain.

And just like back then, I’m afraid of what he’ll do when he finds out. Afraid of the trouble he’ll get himself into because of me.

I’d never forgive myself.

Chapter Eleven

Z

“We’ve got all night, Lilly.” It’s not a threat. I want her to understand that I’m here. Waiting and ready for whatever she has to tell me.

She swallows hard and meets my eyes for a brief second. The pulse at her neck is jumping and she seems to be having trouble breathing.

“Come here.” I pull her into my arms. “Easy. Just breathe. Nothing you have to tell me will ever push me away.”

She sniffles and nods. After a few seconds, she seems to pull herself together. Resilient and brave, that’s how I’ve always seen Lilly. Strong. That’s what I was trying to make her understand by giving her the pendant earlier.

As if she heard me, she reaches up and traces her fingers over the mermaid at her throat.

“After Rock and Hope’s wedding…when we said we were going to—”

“Move in together?” I finish for her, because fuck, that was a big step for me and the way things went down afterward still stings.