Page 45 of Gilded Lies

I look at my bag and judge the distance between him and my gun. Too far. I take a step back. Can I get the door behind me unlocked before they reach me? Better yet, do I want to make a break for it stark naked.

“Magnolia, it’s me.”

My heart wants to drop on the floor in relief. “Raja? Damn you, you scared the hell outta me,” I say unbelieving.

“What are you doing here? How did you even open that door?”

He holds up a golden skeleton key as he crosses to me.

Of course he would have a key. He takes my face in his hands and kisses either cheek. Not once does he look at my naked body. He is too focused on the door at my back.

“Forgive me,” he whispers.

“For what?”

“Thank you, Raja.”

I whirl around to see Danika, Oliver, and Rune stepping in out of the storm. They drip with water. White shirts cling to hard muscles. In their chase, they lost their tuxedo jackets and bow ties.

“You betrayed me.” My throat hurts uttering those three rough words. I step out of Raja’s touch. “I thought you were my friend.” He reaches for me, and I swat his hands away. “How could you?”

He steps into me, and this time his eyes land on my state of undress. He sees my bare breasts, the V between my legs and there’s hunger in his eyes. And pain.

“I didn’t betray you, woman. I am saving you from yourself.” His hands capture my face, and his lips ravish mine. It’s tortured and reserved. He wants to take it deeper and is walking a fine line, but he pulls back.

“If you need me, find me. For now, trust your heart.” He utters in a low voice meant for only us. I wrap my fingers around his wrists.

“My entire life I wanted nothing more than to be wanted by someone who truly loved me. I’m scared. They’ve already hurt me once,” I confess.

“Don’t be. You always have me. Haven’t I watched over you for almost a year now?”

I nod. “Yes, but I feel you’re handing me over to the wolves now.”

His smile is slow, understanding.

“Even wolves need a mate.”

Behind me I hear possessive growls rip through the shed.

“I still feel you betrayed me. You could have warned me.”

Rain plastered chunks of hair to my face and head. He unsticks clumps and brushes them away. “You are so damn stubborn you rather suffer in silence than let someone explain themselves to you. In that we are much alike, my beautiful Magnolia. I didn’t betray you. I am giving you the chance to reclaim happiness. I wanted you for myself, but I can’t have what doesn’t belong to me.”

His lips touch my forehead before taking another stolen kiss. “Keep the necklace close to your heart. It’s a gift from a friend. When you can, check the back and visit the name you find there. She has many secrets to share. I love you.”

And with that, my dearest friend releases me. Struck by the weight of his words and emotions, I stumble back. Hands and arms are there to catch me from falling. Strong arms wrap around me.

“Petals,” Rune whispers in my ear. “You break hearts wherever you go.”

“I told you a long time ago I wanted nothing more than your happiness for you. That holds true to this day.”

My heart breaks for my friend.

Danika walks past me, his hand outstretched. “Raja Mustafa, thank you for taking care of her when we could not. Our depth of gratitude knows no limits. Call on us. Anything you may need is yours. Anything.”

Dark brown eyes land on me. There is so much pain behind those thick black lashes I feel it to the core of my being.

“Take care of her. Harm her again and I will see the wrath of hell unleashed on you.”