24. Lily

Iwipe down the counter at the diner, lost in thought. Cade and I have been inseparable these past few days, existing in our own private world. But reality always comes crashing back in.

The carnival is only in town for another week. Then Cade will pack up and move on to the next town while I remain here, returning to my normal, mundane life. The clock is already counting down on our whirlwind romance.

Since we haven't discussed it, I don't know what will happen when Cade leaves. We've both been avoiding the subject, wanting to pretend our time together could last forever. Still, soon, we'll have to face the inevitable goodbye.

My heart aches at the thought of him leaving. I've never felt as alive as I do with Cade. He awakens something primal and passionate inside me that I didn't know existed. I can't imagine not feeling that anymore.

"Morning, stranger," Alice says.

I'm so deep in thought that I don't even hear the bell ring over the door. "Morning! What are you doing here?" My brow furrows. "Shouldn't you be at work?"

Alice works at the attorneys' office in town and is always in on weekdays.

"I've taken a week off," she states.

My brow furrows. "Oh, I thought you had that big case this week."

"We do, but I needed a break and have loads of holiday."

"And Mr. Carter was fine with you taking it this week? That's a miracle."

She laughs. "Right? It's a miracle he lets me take any holiday at all."

I wipe down the counter, avoiding Alice's gaze. She's been worried about me since I told her about my encounter with Cade. As much as I want to confide in my best friend about our relationship, it's hard to put my feelings into words.

"So..."Alice says slowly. "Are you going to tell me what's been going on with you and that stalker guy, or do I have to drag it out of you?"

I sigh, setting down my rag."Hisname is Cade, and we've been seeing each other the past few days."

Alice's eyes go wide. "Seeing each other? Lily, this guy broke into your apartment and left you a bullet! How can you be hooking up with him?"

"I know it sounds crazy,"I say. "But when we're together, it's like nothing else matters.Hemakes me feel things I've never felt before."

"Stockholm Syndrome things?" Alice asks pointedly.

I shake my head. "No, it's not like that. He would never actually hurt me. The connection we have feels so intense and passionate."

Alice looks skeptical. "Okay, but what happens when he leaves town? It can't last."

"I know. The carnival is only here another week. I don't know what'll happen after that."

Alice reaches across the counter, squeezing my hand. "Just be careful, Lils. I don't want to see you get hurt, physically or emotionally."She clicks her tongue. "The guy is clearly unhinged. He could quite easily try to kidnap you."

I bite my lip because that's true. Cade's mind doesn't work like anyone I've ever met, and he might pull something crazy like that when the time comes.

"Believe me, I'm not stupid. I won't let my guard down around him."

Alice raises an eyebrow. "Letting him fuck you is kind of the definition of letting your guard down."

I clear my throat. "Enough about me. What's been going on with you? And why the sudden holiday?"

She shrugs. "Not a lot new going on. I need a rest."

I sense the lie and notice the flash in her eyes before she averts her gaze. She's not telling me something. Instead of pushing it, I nod in response. "Fair enough."

The bell above the door chimes and I glance toward it, but I know before I see him who it is.

Cade.

Alice turns in her seat at the counter to face Cade as he approaches us. I can see the fire in her eyes. Thisisn'tgood.

"So you're the asshole who's been stalking my friend,"Alice says, not even attempting to mask the contempt in her voice.

Cade smiles, unfazed. "And you must be the loudmouth best friend."

"Damn right I am,"Alice shoots back. "And I think you're a piece of shit for terrorizing Lily the way you did."

I put my hand on Alice's arm, trying to get her to dial it back. She's trying to protect me, but her abrasiveness isn't helping.

"It's okay, Alice, really—"I start to say, but she barrels on.

"No, it's not okay!"Alice exclaims. "This creep broke into your home, left threatening messages, and now you're fine with him being around?"

Cade chuckles, seeming more amused than offended. "She's not wrong. I was a bit of a bastard with my approach. But when I first saw Lily, I knew we belonged together. I had to make that happen, no matter what it took."

I give Alice a pleading look, hoping she'll hold back whatever retort is on the tip of her tongue. As much as they clash, they both mean a lot to me. I want us all to get along.

"Lily is too sweet to say it, but you need to back the hell off,"Alice says sharply. "She deserves better than some psycho carnie who is obsessed with her."

Before I can interject, Cade leans on the counter, fixing Alice with an intense stare.

"Sweet little Lily loves how I make her feel,"he says in a low voice. "Isn't that right, baby?"

My cheeks flush hot as I avoid Alice's eyes. She means well, but I can speak for myself.

"Yes," I reply.

He leans in and kisses me. It's gentle at first but turns ravenous.

Alice clears her throat and we break apart. "Lily you never struck me as the type who would be into PDA."

I never struck myself as that kind of person, but all rhyme and reason float away around Cade.

"Have you heard that Gareth has gone missing?"

I freeze, my eyes darting to Cade's. There's no emotion there. "No, how long has he been missing?"

"Just over four days now, I believe.Hewas last seen at the carnival."

I feel my stomach drop at Alice's words. IsGareth missing after being seen at the carnival? My mind races, thinking back to that night Cade and I were there. I remember Gareth approaching me, grabbing my arm, and getting aggressive when I told him to leave me alone. And then Cade showed up, beating Gareth senseless.

Did he kill Gareth after I ran? The thought makes my blood run cold. As much as Cade excites me, I know deep down he's dangerous. Capable of violence and obsessiveness, and God knows what else.

But no, surely he wouldn't actually kill someone, would he? Just because Gareth got a little too handsy with me? I glance sideways at Cade, searching his expressionless face for any hint of guilt. But as usual, I can't get a read on him.

"That's awful,"I say carefully. "I hope they find him soon."

Cade shrugs. "I'm sure he's fine. Probably took off somewhere."His tone is casual, but there's an undercurrent to it that puts me even more on edge.

Alice frowns. "Without telling anyone? That doesn't seem like Gareth."She turns her gaze on me."You were with Cade at the carnival that night? Did you see Gareth at all?"

My mouth goes dry. I don't want to lie to my best friend, but I also can't voice my suspicions about Cade aloud.

"Um, I don't remember,"I hedge. "It was pretty crowded."

Cade slides his arm around my waist possessively. "We were a little preoccupied with each other to notice anyone else,"he says with a wolfish grin.

I force a weak smile, acutely aware of Alice studying us. I wish I could tell her the truth about everything that night. But not here, not now, with Cade right beside me.

"Anyway,"I say brightly, desperately trying to change the subject. "What else is new with you, Alice? You said you took off work this week?"

Alice still looks troubled, but she lets me redirect the conversation. As she chatters about her impromptu staycation, I focus on her words. But my thoughts keep drifting back to Gareth. And the very real possibility that Cade may have done somethingunthinkable.