Chapter 72: Confessions

[Lily]

It doesn't take us long to get cleaned up. I borrow one of his shirts so I'm not naked in the hall, and he gathers up all of our clothing to be washed by his cleaners.

I always feel a bit weird after these sessions. I'm not sure if I should be thanking him, or pretending like it didn't happen. While my body is finally relaxed, getting all the pleasure it craves, my heart is more confused than ever.

One moment I feel alive, like my whole body is afire. The next, I feel lost and a little ashamed.

I let myself become Atticus' dirty little secret. What would Nyx say if she knew? She'd be disappointed. Never mind Link--we aren't technically dating but we do correspond. What would he think of this little "arrangement."

Just because we aren't technically having sex doesn't mean this isn't a betrayal of sorts. What am I doing if this means nothing to him?

Atticus stops me as I reach for the doorknob. "Liliana, talk to me."

It's a struggle, but I make myself turn and face him. "At