Page 19 (1/2)

I trudge around the club, barely able to keep ht I was scheduled, and by coincidence soht fra, but it’s a distraction A perers walk by and I plaster on a smile I feel like I’ve been here for hours, but the reality is my shift isn’t even half over

People filter in and out of the VIP rooht It’s taken to this point for me not to jump at every little sound, convinced it’s hi down, though I’ okay

This whole ti me He befriended me and let me believe he was someone else Yet, in spite all of that, I’h, which earnsotten to know over the last feeeks couldn’t have been

a couy I’ve known for less than a month?

“You left your phone”

Conrad I freeze as his fingers trail up my arm

He tiltsto fight the urge to respond the way I so desperately want to, but I can’t No lad I am to see him

“How did you get in here?” I ask,to his voice I grabit in my pocket

“Let’s just say I have my ways,” he chuckles “You didn’t have to run from me, Rave I just wanted to talk”

“I needed ti in his scent

His grip on htly, but I’m not afraid I can’t explain why, but I knoon’t hurt me

“And I needed to be able to explain,” he replies, his voice a lol

“What’s to explain?” I ask, turning around to face him I search his eyes “What could you possibly tell me that makes all of this okay? You lied to h these past two years? Stalkingme fall in love with you—”

“I didn’t pretend to be anything,” he interrupts, his dark eyes piercing mine “I a that happened that was out of my control, but I am a detective”

I laugh and try to push him away “I called the precinct, Conrad Is that even your real name?”