For Everything by Rae Spencer Page B

doesn’t irritate. It’s uncomfortable for me when my clothes irritate the scars, making them itch then the scars get red and stick out even more.”
    He watched as she clipped the other stocking to her garter. “I think those are hot, I love seeing them on your legs.”
    Her face grew hotter.
    He moved his hand to her chin tilting, whispering against her lips. “I love you, Lily.”
    She froze, her eyes caught in his tawny gaze.
    “I do, Lily.” Clay stroked her cheek.
    “Clay, I… I…,” she stuttered.
    “Sh…, I don’t expect you to say anything,” he whispered, “I only want you to know.”
    His lips brushed hers again. Her dusky eyes were large, full of doubt as she stared at him. He knew in his heart Lily loved him. Her past, the man who hurt her stood in the way. For some reason, she thought once he found out who had hurt her he wouldn’t want her anymore.
    He understood her. How she thought. He needed to show her so she could believe. Words were not enough for Lily. Not anymore. Not after all that happened to her.
    “Come on.” He stood his hand out to her. “We have to meet the others.”
    She put her hand in his. Standing, she slipped on her shoes.
    “Ready?” he asked.
    “Yes.” She took a deep breath, looking down at her outfit again. “I am.”
    They headed out of the suite to the elevator; Lily glanced up at Clay, a smile on her lips, squeezing his fingers.
    He squeezed hers back.
    ****
    Melissa smiled, walking up to Lily and Clay. “Lily, you look lovely.”
    “Thank you.” Lily giggled, realizing Melissa noticed the change in the type of clothes she wore.
    Clay laughed softly next to her.
    “How are you two tonight?” Melissa kissed Clay on the cheek then Lily.
    “Fine and you?” Lily squeezed Clay’s fingers.
    “Very well.” Melissa slid her arm through Lily’s free arm.
    Clay saw Jacob motion to him.
    “Melissa,” Clay loosened his fingers. “Will you keep Lily company? Jacob is beckoning me.”
    “Yeah, sure.” Melissa squeezed Lily’s arms against her side. “I will introduce you around to those you haven’t met while the boys talk security.”
    “Security?” Lily asked.
    “Jacob is the head of security for the band,” Melissa explained, gesturing toward Jacob.
    Lily walked with Melissa chatting as she introduced her around.
    ****
    Clay stopped in front of Jacob watching Lily and Melissa walk the other way. “Did you find anything?”
    Jacob glanced at Clay, “we need to take a walk.” 
    Clay noticed Jacob’s tenseness, but he didn’t want Lily out of his sight. “Why?”
    “This is not the place,” Jacob answered.
    Jacob saw Amy and Kevin walk into the restaurant. “Ask Melissa and Amy to stay with Lily, we will go into another room.” 
    Clay looked at Jacob, his agitation visible. “That bad?”
    “Yeah,” Jacob replied.
    Clay grimaced, motioning Amy and Kevin over.
    When Amy and Kevin stopped in front of him, Clay glanced at Kevin. “Amy, I need a favor, Kevin, you too.”
    Amy tilted her head surprised. “Sure.”
    Clay smiled tightly. “I have to go talk with Jacob. Will you stay with Lily until I get back?”
    Kevin’s eyes snapped to Clay’s, his request unusual. “Is there a problem?”
    Jacob answered. “Yeah, don’t leave her alone.” Clay and Kevin stiffened.
    Kevin glanced between Clay and Jacob. “Is she in danger?”
    “She might be,” Jacob replied.
    Clay whipped his head around glaring at Jacob. “You had better have one hell of an explanation.”
    Jacob cleared his throat. “I do. Kevin, don’t leave Lily alone, but don’t let her know anything is wrong. Tell her I needed to talk to Clay about next week.”
    Kevin exchanged a glance with Clay, nodding. “You got it.” He wrapped his arm around Amy’s shoulders. “Let’s go babe.”
    Amy and Kevin walked over joining Melissa, Scott, and Lily. Kevin whispered into Scott’s ear. Scott looked over at Clay, nodding.
    Amy kissed Lily’s cheek. “Lily, Jacob said