“Rough night,” I said, zipping up my jacket.
I’d gotten halfway to the main entrance when Dillon’s voice echoed in the narrow hall. “Elizabeth!”
I cringed. The only person who’d called me Elizabeth had been my mother, and only when I was in trouble. Otherwise, my family called me Lizzie.
I took another step forward. Right now, I didn’t want to deal with how he knew who I was. I was tired, cranky, hungry, and needed a bathroom.
“Elizabeth Reardon,” Dillon said, his voice demanding.
I whirled around. The blood drained from me. Kelton was standing alongside Dillon, his mouth agape. At that moment, I wanted to run as fast as my legs could carry me, but I wouldn’t get far with my knees trembling.
Dillon marched toward me, grinning as though he’d just caught the biggest fish on the boat. I clenched my fists, considering my next move. If I ran, Kelton and Dillon would hunt me down. I wasn’t sure why Dillon would. I was the one who’d sought him out. But now it seemed he was chasing me. I never should have kissed him back. That had to be the only reason he wasn’t letting me go. On the other hand, I was one hundred fifty percent certain Kelton would not let me leave. He was the most persistent person I knew. He’d claw and fight until he got his way.
Dillon drew close. The blood in my veins gelled as I mentally shouted every swear word that came to mind.
“Lizzie?” Kelton asked. “Lizzie Reardon. Is that you?” Kelton’s long legs ate up the distance between us until he was closer to me than Dillon. His gaze desperately searched for an answer.
Dillon angled his head, glaring at me. I guessed I wouldn’t be doing business with him.
Kelton was breathing heavily, as though he was trying not to pass out.
I debated whether to speak or just walk away. If I did speak, I ran the risk of Kelton connecting the dots between redheaded Emma and the real me. If I ran, Kelton would pursue me like a hunted dog. I was screwed. You’re screwed anyway. Your voice will give you away.
I set my attention on Dillon. “I need a ride,” I said in a high-pitched tone as if I’d just eaten a mouse.
“The car is waiting.” Dillon waved his hand to urge me forward.
“Wait one fucking second.” Kelton swung out his arm to stop Dillon.
Dillon did a double take at Kelton. “Dude, if you value your life, you’ll get out of my way. You don’t know who you’re messing with.”
“Fuck off.” Kelton crowded my personal space. “You’re lying.” He zoned in on my eyes as though he was my optometrist, his breath hot on my face. “You are Lizzie. The girl I used to climb trees with.” He continued to scrutinize me, his nostrils flaring. “I know it’s you.”
He was so close, yet so far. He smelled like rain and nature, enticing and fresh. He reminded me of the good times we’d had. The times when we’d lain on the grass in my backyard in the pouring rain, letting the cool droplets drench us in the heat of summer. My heart raced, and my chest expanded, my breasts coming infinitely closer to his body. I had no doubt he’d pinpointed the square gold speck. It was hard to miss. The guys I’d dated always noticed it too.
I stalked away, water filling my eyes. I couldn’t allow myself to feel for him again or get him involved in my plan. I was in this world alone, and being alone was best for everyone. People I loved had a way of dying. Besides, I was leaving once I got all of my inheritance back. I left him once. I couldn’t bear to see his heart break again. I shook off those thoughts. I was getting way ahead of myself. He had a girlfriend—a sweet mafia princess who loved him.
He grabbed my arm and spun me around. “Say something.” His blue eyes pleaded.
Dillon pulled Kelton off me. Kelton threw the first punch, knocking Dillon to the ground. The bouncers ran up. The one with the double chin pried Kelton away, expertly securing his arms behind his back.
Kelton jerked his arms away. “I’m cool, George.”
Dillon pushed to his feet, scowling as he felt his busted lip. Then he said to me, “Let’s go.”
Normally I wouldn’t obey anyone who barked out orders, but walking away from Kelton was best for both him and me. I couldn’t bear to reminisce about the past. A past I’d once loved—a past that encompassed my baby sister, my mom, my dad, and even my dog—a time of great memories, summer parties, Kelton and I hanging out in his tree house, Kelton and I playing baseball, football, and even roller hockey. I couldn’t begin to think about our first kiss and the butterflies I’d felt when our lips touched. Or the one afternoon our lives had changed forever.
“Talk to me, Lizzie,” Kelton said, keeping his distance, his hands visibly shaking.
I fidgeted with my stud earring, twirling it one way then the other. “I’m not the girl you think I am.” None of what I said was a lie. I wasn’t that girl he’d known back in Texas. Not anymore.