Page 87 of Bound By Crimson
She hadn’t eaten dinner last night. Or maybe she was coming down with something.
She splashed cold water on her face and told herself to shake it off.
Kai was obsessed with her.
And she was obsessed with him.
Everything was fine.
---
Callie’s last day had arrived faster than Lyric expected.
They stood together behind the counter, folding the last few summer displays into boxes. The boutique was quiet for once—just the steady hum of the heater and the rustle of tissue paper.
“You’ve built something incredible,” Callie said softly. “A tiny empire.”
Lyric smiled, but her chest ached. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Callie waved a hand. “I just gave you a little push. You did the rest.”
They folded in silence for a moment before Callie’s tone shifted—lower, more serious.
“Listen… I know Kai’s been pressuring you. In his own way.”
Lyric opened her mouth to deny it, but Callie shook her head gently.
“I’m proud of you. So proud. But don’t let him—or anyone—push you into giving up something you love. Not even for love.”
Lyric’s throat tightened. “I won’t.”
“You’d better not.” Callie smiled, though her eyes were too bright. “And if you ever need me—Milan or no Milan—you call. Got it?”
“Got it.”
Callie pulled her into a fierce hug.
“You’ve got this, Lyric.”
As Callie gathered her coat, she paused at the door. “And Kat seems… enthusiastic. Just don’t let her drive you crazy.”
“I’ll try.”
Callie grinned and disappeared into the morning crowd.
Lyric stood for a moment, watching the door.
For the first time since the grand opening, she felt completely alone.
---
The morning rush came and went. Lyric smiled, rang customers through, complimented outfits, gave styling advice. But her stomach rolled with every breath. The back of her neck prickled with heat, and she couldn’t shake the feeling she was moving underwater.
Kat arrived around eleven, talking before the door even fully closed.
“This city is wild! A man in a tutu proposed to me at the crosswalk. I told him I would think about it. Honestly, best offer I had all week!”
Lyric laughed weakly.
