“So I could dig up information about him. Their twisted way to let me “help” take him down so I’d feel justice prevailed or some nonsense. But just thinking of looking at my desk again… The—”

My voice breaks, a startlingly clear image of that night forming in my mind. For a second, I can’t speak.

“Lilly?”

“I’m fine,” I continue in a calmer voice. “I couldn’t do it. I got sick every time I thought about walking through those doors.”

“Lilly, a bunch of your friends are lawyers, why didn’t you ask one of them for help?”

“I didn’t want to put any of my friends in danger. They threatened to arrest me if I said anything about the investigation to anyone.”

I shake my head and take another deep breath. I’m almost done. I’d survived the darkest memories. “The worst was how terrified I was that he’d get me alone again. I couldn’t look at his smug, evil face, knowing what he’d gotten away with.” I shrug and shake my head, ignoring the tears now freely raining down my cheeks. “So, I ran.”

Z

My damn heart’s cracking in two.

This is so much worse than I thought. And yet, in the darkest parts of my mind it’s what I’d dreaded the most.

My pride could handle Lilly running because she was scared of me or the club. In my world, those fears make sense. Especially since she’s an outsider. More than ever, I wish the club was what chased her away. My love for her can’t stand that someone hurt and threatened her.

A fury like I’ve never known races through my veins. My mind’s veering away from logic and towards a punishing murder spree.

“Z,” she whispers, breaking through my red fog of anger. “Please. There’s nothing you can do.”

“Like fuck I can’t.” My rage pitches toward cold-blooded murdering rampage territory.

“Everyone has their eye on him, in case he tries to flee the country before the trial.”

“So?”

“You can’t do anything.”

“I won’t do a thing.” The lie rolls right off my tongue. This matter is out of Lilly’s hands now. She never has to know. I don’t want any of it in her head. But this will be handled. My need to fight, to hurt someone, has me clenched tight.

She tilts her head. “Do you think I’m an idiot?”

“You’re one of the smartest people I’ve ever known.”

Something about her expression softens. “Then don’t lie to me.”

“I won’t do anything half-cocked. Is that better?”

“No.”

“He needs to be punished for this, Lilly.” More specifically, he needs to die.