Page 81 of Heartless

With my heart beating through my whole body, I took a big breath and bared my soul to them.I told them everything.From the moment I’d been targeted at the Silver Shell to the almost-kiss I’d interrupted a few days ago.My nose had stung while I’d related my first day here and recited the words that were still tearing me apart.Then, I whispered how insecure I’d been since that day.After clearing my throat of my welling tears, I also told them about my utter confusion at Jake’s current behavior and the emotional limbo it put me in.

When I finished, I felt lighter, so it took me a few seconds to realize the considerable change that had occurred in our bubble.Both women’s eyes were narrowed into slits and blazed with a ferocity that made me hold my breath.

I straightened my back.“I know.It’s stupid, and I’m naïve.I—”

Bianca’s hand squeezed mine hard.“He said that shit to you?That’s absolutely revolting!”

Camila said something under her breath I couldn’t understand, so I leaned closer.“What?”

“I’m going to hang him by his balls,” she hissed.

My chest seized, and I shook my head.“He didn’t force me to fall in love with him.I was just too—”

Camila’s flushed face inched in.“He knew exactly what he was doing and who he was doing it to.”

That was true.

After a long sigh that curved her lips down, her voice lowered.“That’s why you kept your eyes down when he was around.I thought you were shy.Why didn’t you tell me?”

Before I could reply, she clicked her tongue and answered her own question.“The next day I walked in your room and told you they were good men.Shit!”

I touched her hand.“It’s okay, Camila.I was too embarrassed to tell anyone about it anyway.”

Shifting closer, her tone softened.“Sia, I know you now, so I know you can’t see it, and what Jake said probably didn’t help, but you’re a knockout through and through.And I mean through and through.Beautiful face, beautiful body, gorgeous eyes, and smile.It almost matches the beauty of your heart.”

I gaped at her while tears rose in my throat.

“I agree with Cami.You said Jake wants to be your friend and he’s kind to you, now?”Bianca asked.

When I nodded, she said, “And what do your instincts tell you?Do you feel he’s being genuine?”

I did.So, I said so.

“How did you feel when he kissed you?”

Heat crawled up my neck and took over my face.“Really good.Like very uh...I can’t control my reaction to him, and I get really turned on just from a kiss, but I can’t forget what he said, so I ...”I pulled my head into my shoulders, not knowing how to explain.

But it seemed I didn’t need to as they nodded knowingly.

“I’ve known Jake and Silas for a long time.I love them, but I’m horrified and really furious at what they did to you.”

I squeezed her fingers.“I’m not.Not anymore.A lot has happened, and in hindsight, I’m safer here than I would have been if I’d stayed within Nigel’s reach.”I grinned.“And I wouldn’t have met Camila and you.”

I liked them, and I liked the feeling of belonging they’d made so easy even more.

Bianca’s smile was as soft as her voice.“But this is not about Jake, it’s about you, cara.We need to get you back into your sensuality, claim your Venus back, and feel confident in and with your body.”

That sounded all wonderful in theory, but...“How do I do that?”

Something I couldn’t quite name flickered in Bianca’s expression.“You do nothing.Cami and I will take care of you.”

Camila smiled.“We got you, sweet girl.”

No one had ever gotten me before.I stared at the two beautiful women and grinned.

Yes, they got me.