Page 38 of Heart of Sin
“Um, no. Not yet. I’m sure I will.”
“Gio has some connections in the real estate market here in Vegas. He can have them reach out and help you—”
“That’s okay,” I interrupt. “I got it. I’ll figure it out on my own. But I appreciate the offer.”
“Tash.”
“Hmmm?”
“If you were in trouble… if something was going on, you’d tell me, right?” Falynn asks, worry clear in her tone. “I know we haven’t been as close as we used to be—I live on the other side of the country now—but you’re still my best friend. You’re like my big sister. You’ve always looked out for me. Even when you didn’t have to.
“Remember when I was new at the Dollhouse? You showed me the ropes. You taught me so much. All those nights you let me crash on your couch when Enzo and I used to have problems. You have no idea how grateful I am,” she says, sounding like she’s about to cry. Knowing Falynn and how sensitive she can be, she probably is. “I love you, Tash. And I’m serious, if you need anything… if you’re in trouble,please. We can help you.”
Who am I kidding?
I’m sensitive too. I just hide it better.
Listening to Falynn’s pleas, I’m tearing up. I’m crying silent tears. My swollen eye aches as a couple tears roll free and I gently swipe them away with the back of my hand.
Everything Falynn says—especially about seeing me as a sister—I feel about her. I’ve always viewed her as a little sister.
My Zara in Las Vegas.
Even if I’ve never told her so.
The girl walked into the Dollhouse on her first day looking so damn clueless and innocent, I had to take her under my wing and make sure she didn’t get fucked over. Her story wasn’t that far off from mine; young girl from a bad family situation who escaped to Vegas and sought out dancing to make some cash. I looked out for her as much as I could.
“Tash? You there?”
I swallow against the emotion rising up inside me. Instead, a shaky breath leaves me. “I’m here. I appreciate that, Fal. I have to go, but I’ll call you later.”
We hang up with what I sense is disappointment on Falynn’s end. It’s not that I don’t believe she and Gio would help me—in a heartbeat, I know they would. Just like Louis would.
But this is my mess.
A situation that’s been going on since before I met any of them. I don’t want them involved and I can’t risk Zara’s and Tiffany’s safety.
In another couple years, Zara will be an adult, and hopefully I can get her out of there for good. Away from Mom. Away from the clutches of Big D.
I wipe the rest of my tears away and finish packing up my things. I’ve been staying in a hotel room at the Vittoria due to Gio’s generosity. The longer I stay here, the harder it’ll become to keep Falynn and the others out of certain aspects of what’s going on. I’ll have to check out and find an affordable motel until I can get back on my feet.
Giving up my apartment to live with Kilroy is probably the biggest mistake I’ve made in recent times.
When I struggled in the past, at least I had my apartment. It wasn’t much, but it was my own place. I never should’ve let Kilroy move me into his place full-time.
Half an hour later, I’ve packed my things into my suitcases and pushed my sunglasses back onto my face.
An abrupt, sharp knock sounds at the door.
I pause, debating if I want to pretend I’m gone, or creep to the peephole and check who it is. The second option is what I go with.
Sliding my sunglasses into my hair, I press my eye into the peephole. An iciness blows through me and knocks out the air from my lungs.
This can’t be real. This can’t be fucking real.
“Open up, T,” Big D barks from the other end. “Time you stop playing games and pay what you owe me.”
FIFTEEN