Page 107 of Reclaimed

Adoration flashes in her eyes, and her smile blinds me. “I can’t imagine a scenario where I’ve been happier.”

I waste no time covering her mouth again with mine.

One hand on the wall for support, I press her back against the brick building. Her tongue dances with mine. My hips thrust my erection into her soft hip as we make-out in public like two randy teens who can’t keep their hands off each other.

“I could arrest you for PDA, you know,” Silas drawls from behind me.

“Go away.” Intent on continuing this exploration, I don’t even bother to open my eyes.

“I’m just getting a muffin,muffin.”

Wrenching away, I scowl over my shoulder as Isla giggles. “How much time would I spend in jail if I clocked you right now?”

Isla twists her fist in the front of my jacket.

“Half a day before bail. It’s the assault charge that’ll get ya in the long run.” He winks and saunters inside.

I chuckle and shake my head. “One day, Silas Stone is going to get what’s coming to him, and it’s going to be my pleasure to watch him fall.”

“What, like he’ll get his ass kicked?”

I quirk a brow and kiss her forehead. “Not an ass kicking, starshine. A woman.”

28

Isla

Steppinginto XO’s for what may be the last time doesn’t bring the heaviness I expected. Conversely, a strong current of joy floods my system. The sight of the empty, dark stage is almost a relief. The urge to perform is nonexistent as I make my way inside.

Three customers sit at the bar and a handful of tables are occupied on the restaurant side. Memories of working alongside Juniper as she served tables flit through my mind. We met here. Became best friends. Only a few years have passed since those days, but in some ways, it feels like an entire lifetime.

We’ve come a long way from two single, hardworking girls just trying to make a living and prove to a harsh world we can manage on our own.

Our younger selves would be proud.

Nerves in my stomach give life to sweat on my palms. I wipe them on my black leggings and make a short journey to the back office. I wave cheerily at Benjamin behind the bar, and he reciprocates with a short salute.

I should talk to him before I leave. We’re casual friends, but who knows when the two of us will see each other again. It’s not like I’ll be spending time out at the bar in the near future. Not when I’ll have a newborn at home in a few short months.

The office door is ajar. Rapping my knuckles on the wood, I enter after a voice beckons me inside.

“I was expecting you sooner.” Manny sits relaxed behind his large mahogany desk, his hands folded over his lean stomach encased in a crisp, black button-down.

“I’m here now,” I answer coolly. The two of us have always had a strained relationship. Prior to me moving away, he refused to give me a better stage time. It was the reason for my initial split. I’m not entirely sure why he took me back and gave me a prime slot, but I remember dancing for my audition. I remember Aiden, and the crisp one-hundred-dollar bill he tossed upon the stage at my stilettoed feet that day.

Since my return, Manny has been agreeable, if not a little pushy about his expectations—but I can’t say he hasn’t treated me well.

He laughs, the sound throaty. “I’ve always admired that attitude.”

“I can’t say that I’ve noticed.” I grip the purse strap draped over my shoulder. “Can I get my check? I have somewhere to be.”

“Your bodyguard isn’t with you.” The statement is a casual observation, not a question.

“You mean my boyfriend.”

“Yes.” He strokes his finger over his chin. “Him.”

I let my lips curl into a smile, despite the nerves ricocheting around my gut. “He’s outside.” The lie falls easily from my tongue.

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