Page 24 of Bound By Crimson

Chapter Twenty-Four

Cracks in the Foundation

Lyric spent most of the morning glued to her phone, answering emails, reposting tags from influencers already buzzing about the boutique.

But in the back of her mind, a quiet panic hummed.

She had promised to hire someone. Promised the store wouldn’t take her away from him. Promised she wouldn’t lose him.

If she didn’t fix this, she could lose everything.

Lose him.

Callie’s last week was flying by faster than she could catch her breath, and the thought of being alone—in the store, in the city, in her own skin—without a lifeline made her stomach knot.

She needed to find someone.

Fast.

By noon, she printed a simple sign—Help Wanted: Boutique Assistant—and stuck it to the window with trembling hands.

Kat waltzed in less than an hour later.

All bleach-blonde confidence, glitter nails, and a purse that could crush a small dog.

“I’m Kat,” she said, popping her gum. “I saw your post. I can start yesterday. ”

Lyric blinked.

Kat looked more ready for a reality show than retail.

But something about her energy was infectious, and desperation had a way of clouding judgment.

After a quick conversation (where Kat mostly talked and Lyric mostly nodded), she agreed to a trial shift.

Kat snatched a Lyric Boutique sweater from a display, threw it over her tank top, and slid behind the counter like she owned the place.

Within minutes, she had a gaggle of customers laughing, snapping selfies, and leaving with bags full of clothes.

Lyric leaned against the wall, dazed.

Maybe Kat was exactly what she needed.

---

Later that afternoon, while folding a stack of sweaters, Kat glanced over Lyric’s shoulder at a contract bearing Kai Thorn’s name, sitting on the desk.

“Kai Thorn,” she read aloud, a wicked grin curling her glossed lips. “How did you get into business with him? He’s kind of a legend around here.”

Lyric’s heart stuttered.

She turned, smile faltering. “What do you mean?”

Kat leaned in, lowering her voice like she was sharing a secret.

“I don’t know all the details, but everyone knows his name. Some say he used to date half the models in Manhattan. My friend’s sister was obsessed with him—she thought they were serious. Then he just vanished. Total ghost move.”

She shrugged like it was no big deal.

“Still. Can you blame them? That man’s a walking sin.”

Lyric’s stomach tightened.

Kat wasn’t finished.

“I mean, he’s got an office full of models, right?” Kat said, twirling a lock of hair. “Seriously. Half the girls I know tried to get hired just to be around him. It’s like Victoria’s Secret exploded in that building. ”

She gave a mock swoon, oblivious to the way Lyric froze.

Kat finally caught the look on her face.

Kat blinked, then laughed nervously. “Wait—are you two a thing?”

Lyric nodded, her throat tightening.

Kat’s hands flew to her mouth.

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean—I mean, I’m sure it’s different with you.”

“Yeah,” Lyric managed, her voice a little too light. “Of course.”

But the words felt brittle in her mouth.

Kat bounced away, chatting with a customer about the new spring line, but Lyric stayed frozen behind the counter, her heart hammering against her ribs.

Was it different with her?

Or was she just another girl who thought she was special?

She pressed a hand to her chest, feeling the frantic thud of her heart.

She trusted Kai. She had to trust him.

But for the first time since she met him… A crack split open inside her chest.

Small.

Silent.

And a cold whisper slipped through it:

You might not be enough.