Caught Up (Into Darkness Trilogy)

by Navessa Allen

“How do I know that’s the truth? How do I know you’re not just lying to me again to get me to drop my guard?” I held my hands up to show I was unarmed and retreated even farther. “Because I’m about to let you walk out of that door without trying to stop you.” She brandished the taser at me. “Don’t try to follow me.” “I won’t,” I told her. “I know you don’t want to trust me right now, and I don’t blame you for that, Lo, but I would never hurt you. Never.” She pointed to her neck. “You just hurt me. You’re hurting me even more, right now.” She dashed the tears away from her cheeks, but they continued to fall. Fuck, she was right. “Lo, I need you to keep what you learned today to yourself. My father might do worse if he finds out you know what we do for Lorenzo.” The blood drained from her face, turning her tan skin ashen as she reached for the door. Panic swirled in my gut. She was leaving, and after how I’d handled this situation, she’d probably never want to see me again. “I’m sorry, Lauren,” I repeated. “Just …” I raked my hands through my hair, fighting back the urge to grab her, trap her here until she agreed to hear me out. But I’d already done one unforgivable thing today, and I didn’t know if she and I could survive another. “Don’t,” she interrupted, gripping the doorknob. “I don’t want to hear anything else you have to say. Ever.” “Lauren, please. Give me another chance.” She laughed, an ugly, humorless sound. “I’ve already given you more chances than you deserve. I...