Page 61 of Bound By Crimson

---

The other stylists glanced over, their expressions uncertain.

Lyric lifted a hand calmly. “Could you give us a minute?”

The team hesitated. They looked confused. The one in charge nodded.

“Come with me,” Lyric said quietly, motioning toward the next room.

---

Inside the private room, Rowan followed like someone walking to her own execution.

“I had no idea! I didn’t know you were the client! If I had—I would’ve switched to the other team. I swear!”

“Rowan, stop.”

Rowan fell silent, blinking fast.

“It’s okay,” Lyric said gently. “I didn’t expect to see you either. But everything that happened between us is in the past. I have a wonderful life now. I’ve moved forward.”

“So you forgive me?” Rowan’s voice cracked.

“I can’t say I’m ready to use that word yet,” Lyric admitted. “But I’m ready to move forward.”

Rowan’s breath hitched. She just stared, those wide, familiar blue eyes filling with tears.

“One day soon,” Lyric added, “we should have that talk. The one I avoided all these years.”

Without thinking, Rowan surged forward and wrapped her arms around Lyric’s neck. The hug was fierce but brief—she pulled back just as quickly, realizing the years between them made such closeness awkward now.

“I’m sorry—I just…” Rowan swiped at her eyes. “I’m so grateful you’d even consider talking to me.”

Lyric smiled softly. “It’s okay.”

“Let me know when you’re ready.”

“I will.”

---

Lyric gave Rowan a moment to collect herself. When they stepped back into the main room, the stylists looked up, curious.

“This is Rowan,” Lyric announced smoothly. “She’s been a friend of mine for almost twenty years. We were just catching up.”

She winked at Rowan.

The lead stylist’s eyebrows lifted slightly, impressed.

Lyric settled into the chair as the team moved back into position. Rowan gathered her supplies—eyes still damp but steadier now.

As the brushes swept across Lyric’s skin and the stylists began their work, Lyric allowed herself a small, quiet smile.

The past had collided with the present.

But this time, she was in control.

And tonight—the future awaited.

Chapter Seventeen

---