Any Means Necessary

by Lila Herron

White is clear, unforgiving. It shows every flaw, every element that touches it—and in some cases what resides beneath it. White is disarming honesty, authority. It’s a weapon I carry when it suits me. Black is the opposite side of the same coin. Black keeps your secrets, sharing nothing but silence. The sharp darkness easily swallows the evidence of your wrongdoings—disguising your weaknesses, hiding your intentions. Taking over all other colors, black is domination and control.

“Good girl,” he murmurs deeply.

But I did it for her.

Lexie. Just the thought of her name has my head spinning with messy emotions, my body buzzing with hormones. She is good, and decent, and simple. She’s also stubborn, judgmental, and guarded. She thanks me for protecting her, and lectures me about violence against her attackers in the same breath. She’s beautiful, and fun, and emotionally unavailable. She’s complicated and wrong for me, and I’m completely obsessed.

“I’ll keep you safe from the nightmares.”

“They were. I had them reupholstered.” “You did? Why?” I ask, surprised. Callum’s eyes look pointedly at my bare thighs. “Do you like your little dresses?” “Yes, I love them.” “So do I. Now you don’t have to stop wearing your short skirts.”

I’m no one’s savior, but I can be this man’s karma.