“I–I, n–no,” I stutter, realising that I truly have no idea where she is, or what happened to her after the funeral. Nausea fills my stomach, my fingers going cold.
“Highgate Cemetery,” Kai tells the room in his melodic voice, my head turning in his direction as I let out a huge breath, my muscles going weak. I catch his eye, giving him a wobbly smile, which he returns, pushing his glasses up his nose. I’ve never been more thankful for his research skills.
“How do you know that?” Ryan asks suspiciously, and I turn my head back to look at him with a slight glare. He’s staring at Kai, eyes narrowed.
“Cool your heels, Ry,” Lex scoffs. “If Lilly trusts these boys, then so do we. End of.”
Ryan grumbles, but backs down, looking at me again a little sheepishly.
“Did Sami tell you that Richard was reading Mum’s will to me today?” I ask her, and her eyes go wide, mouth falling open a little.
“No, she gave us no details. Just said that you were going to be there, and what time,” Lex replies.
“Did you know Mum had stocks, shares, and bonds in Black Knight Corporation?” I question, suddenly desperate to know more about this part of Mum’s life. Lexi’s arched brows dip.
“Isn’t that the big company who used to bring clients into Grey’s?” she turns to Ryan and enquires. He also frowns.
“Yeah. And come to think of it, Laura was never there when they came...I don’t think, apart from maybe once…” he responds in an uncertain tone.
I look round at the guys, but if their furrowed brows are any indication, they are just as confused as we are.
“I wonder if that Mr Black guy would know more…” Lex muses aloud, and I catch Kai sitting up straighter, leaning forward.
“Did you say, Mr Black?” he quizzes her, his tone urgent. Jax and Loki sit forward in their seats too.
“Yeah, he’s a regular,” Lex tells him, then looks at me. “He was your mum’s biggest fan,” she says, flashing a small smile. “Why?” she asks, looking back at Kai.
None of the boys say anything, just exchange glances. I let go of Lex’s hand, turning so that I’m facing Ash, knowing that the others will follow his lead.
“What’s going on, Ash?” I ask firmly. He darts a look to Ryan and Lex, and I can’t help but roll my eyes at him. “I trust them as much as I trust you. They were at my birth for fuck’s sake!”
He waits a beat, then sighs, taking a sip of his drink.
“Well, apart from apparently you, a Mr Black is the second largest shareholder of Black Knight Corp.”
CHAPTERTEN
LILLY
After that bombshell, which poses more questions than answers, we all eat a light but delicious lunch of finger sandwiches, more fruit, and some divine mini cakes.
The boys leave Lexi, Ryan, and myself to catch up, sitting on the sofas as we sit round the small table. I tell them all about Highgate, about the crazy amount of schoolwork, and the beautiful Colorado scenery. Lexi almost chokes when I tell her in hushed tones the story of Ash’s party, when I danced for the guys using all the moves she taught me—obviously omitting being tag teamed afterwards by Loki and Jax whilst Ash watched.
She makes me promise to have a girl’s night whilst I’m here, and I just know she’s going to ask me all about the guys, because she’s always been a dirty bitch!
As they’re getting their coats on, Lex suddenly turns, a huge smile on her gorgeous face.
“What are you doing tonight?” she questions, practically bouncing on her toes.
“Um, I don’t think we have any plans…” I start, but she interrupts with a squeal.
“Yay! It’s the Grey’s New Year’s Eve party, you must come!”
“Wait, it’s New Year’s Eve?” I ask, my head spinning as I try to work out what day it is. She rolls her eyes at me.
“You always were clueless, Lilly Bear!” she laughs, pulling me in for a hug. “I’ll tell Grey to reserve you a table. You rememberBom Bidi BomandCandyman, right?” she whispers in my ear, and it suddenly dawns on me what she’s saying.
A grin takes over my face, which she returns with a wink as she pulls away, and leans back in to kiss my cheek. “Let’s show those boys what you can really do, huh?” she murmurs.