Page 95 of In The Dark

“I know. And I think I’ve known it for a while…even if I did make out like it was a huge shock when you first mentioned her going to Satin.”

Jo frowned. “Why did you act surprised if you knew?”

“Because you were obsessing over Lia, and I didn’t want to say anything that would make everything feel worse for you. I just…I wish I’d known she was Lia so I could have put a stop to all of that dark room stuff sooner.”

Jo had wondered if Ada was certain Amelia and Lia were the same person earlier this week, but she knew her best friend, and she knew Ada would never withhold something so devastating from her. “You honestly didn’t know they were the same person while we were visiting the club?”

“Absolutely not.” Ada sighed. “Other than the fleeting idea of it at first, which I told you about, I didn’t think about it again. I didn’t think Amelia had it in her to be two people.”

“Well, maybe one day you’ll hear her story, but until then, I just ask that you trust me on this. She had her reasons, and I do understand.”

“Of course, babe. You’re not stupid.” Ada laughed. “Right, you go and get yourself ready for your night with Amelia. Call me at the weekend and if you’re not busy…which I suspect you will be, I’ll come over. You can give me all the juicy details.”

“I’ll call you. I promise.”

“And Jo?”

She lifted her brows. “Mm?”

“I’m proud of you.”

Jo exhaled slowly as the weight she’d carried for so long started to fade away. “Thanks. That means everything.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Jo knocked onceand let herself into Amelia’s, the familiar creak of the door greeting her. Amelia had called her thirty minutes ago, insisting she use the spare key hidden away under the plant pot in the front garden, so here she was…smiling as she stepped inside.

“Amelia? I’m here!” Jo called out as she kicked off her boots.

Amelia appeared in the kitchen doorway, barefoot, hair down, wearing a black tank top and low-slung joggers that did absolutelynothingto stop the heat rising through Jo’s body.

“You’re late.” Amelia folded her arms, but her lips curled into a smile.

Jo strolled towards her, her gaze sweeping lazily around the space. “You said seven. It’s two minutes past. Calm down, Gordon Ramsay.”

Amelia tilted her head. “Speaking of which…”

Jo stepped into the kitchen, sniffed dramatically, then turned to face her as she lowered her overnight bag to the floor. “Where’s the sizzling? The aroma of garlic and the lovingly stirred risotto?”

“No…dinner yet.”

Jo lifted a brow. “No dinner?”

“There was a change of plan.” Amelia leaned back against the counter. “I couldn’t quite concentrate on cooking after you texted me before.”

Jo crossed her arms. “The one that said, ‘I can’t wait to see you tonight’? Wow, I reallyamdangerous.”

“No.” Amelia stepped forward, her fingers brushing the back of Jo’s hand. “The one where you said you were counting down the minutes until you could taste me again.” Jo’s breath hitched. “So, yes.” Amelia leaned in, her voice dropping lower. “I’m afraid all I managed was ordering in…while mentally preparing myself to take you against the kitchen counter.”

Jo blinked. “Oh.”

“Mm.”

She looked down at the empty kitchen worktop, her cheeks flushing as her body responded with a jolt of desire. “That explains the lack of food.”

“It also explains,” Amelia murmured, dragging her fingers lightly over Jo’s T-shirt. “Why you should probably take your jacket off.”

Jo didn’t need telling twice. She let it drop to the floor, swallowed hard, then backed Amelia up until her hips hit the edge of the counter.