Page 63 of Rulebreaker

I open my mouth.

But I don’t get my reply out.

Because her next words are a mix of pain…

And truth.

“But it wouldn’t change anything if you found him,” she whispers. “Because he left us.”

TWENTY-TWO

Lily

“Sweetheart…we’llbe on the ground in a few minutes.” Atlas’s soft breath against my ear rouses me from a deep sleep. It was only supposed to be a nap but apparently, my body had other plans.

“Can’t we circle a few times?” I plead groggily.

A warm hand cups my cheek. “We can. Are you sure you want to?”

I sigh, leaning into his touch. “It feels like I fell asleep ten minutes ago.”

“You fell asleep the moment you closed your eyes. In the five minutes it took me to send an email and come join you, you were out. I didn’t want to disturb you so I got some work done while you got some much-needed rest.”

“Ugh.” I roll onto my back and stretch. “I thought we would cuddle.”

“We have the next forty-eight hours to cuddle.”

I smile and sit up. We’re back in Los Angeles after a glorious week in the Midwest with Atlas.

I have two days off and Atlas decided we should fly back so I can meet the new baby and he can catch up on work at the office. Honestly, I think he had a hard time not being at work or spending time with Frankie. From what Jade has told me, she loves the baby but really hates not being the center of attention anymore–and Atlas wants to make sure she knows nothing has changed.

I’m not sure how I feel because, at the end of the day,everythingis going to change, no matter how much everyone tries to soften the blow. Will they love her less? Of course not. But logistically, a new baby is going to require time, energy, and–above all else–love. Frankie is going to have to get used to it.

As the newcomer in the group, I’m keeping my mouth shut. For now anyway.

“Do you want to use the bathroom before we land?”

“I probably should.” I slide out of bed and use the facilities, taking a few minutes to freshen up. I do look tired, and I can’t figure out why. Atlas and I have a very healthy sex life, but he’s acutely in tune to my needs, and sleep is at the top of that list. I take vitamins and supplements, work out as much as my schedule allows, and eat healthy.

I can’t help but wonder if this is stress-related.

Things are heating up with Atlas and it’s past the time for me to tell him about Stan.

Stan.

Legally, he’s my husband.

Emotionally, he was a friend and mentor that I stupidly allowed to manipulate me.

At the same time, I wouldn’t be where I am without him. And he’s sick. Dying.

He has no one else, and since we’re legally separated, it’s not like I’m doing anything wrong.

Except the part where I’m lying. To my friends. To Atlas. To the world.

Atlas won’t like it, and I understand because I would be devastated if the shoe were on the other foot, but every time I try to tell him I chicken out.

What if he leaves me?