No Strings Attached: My Brother’s Best Friend のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 61 - チャプター 70

LilaThe sound of the morning birdsong outside my window grated against my ears as I grudgingly dragged myself out of bed. My limbs felt like lead, weighed down by the reluctance bubbling in my chest. The hardwood floor beneath my feet was cold, a jarring wake-up call that I could’ve done without. The bathroom mirror greeted me with a reflection that screamed exhaustion—hair a tangled mess and dark shadows under my eyes that even a full night's rest couldn’t erase. The warm water of the shower pounded against my skin, coaxing some of the tension from my muscles but doing little to soothe the unrest swirling in my head. The steam fogged the mirror, blurring my face when I stepped out and wrapped myself in a towel. I didn’t bother drying my hair properly, letting the damp strands cling to my neck as I rummaged through my wardrobe. Comfort over effort, I thought, pulling on a loose gray hoodie that had seen better days and black leggings that were one wash away from fading complete

Ethan The breakfast table was calm on the surface, but beneath the quiet clinking of cutlery and casual conversation, something simmered. I sat back, taking in the dynamic around me, though my attention kept drifting to the silent exchanges between Caden and Lila. It wasn’t obvious. Not the kind of interaction anyone who wasn’t paying attention would catch. But I was paying attention. I always paid attention. Caden’s sharp gaze flicked to Lila’s more often than necessary. And her subtle reactions—a twitch of her lips, the slight tilt of her head—were enough to confirm my suspicions. There was something between them, something they thought they could hide. I swirled the wine in my glass, feigning disinterest, but every stolen glance, every fleeting expression, fueled my unease. How was I supposed to pursue someone whose heart held another?It was like setting up myself for trouble and heartache.Caden was back in Silver Lake to take a rest from work. At least, that was the

CadenThat was one of a fucking morning! I walked away from the mansion and slipped into the sleek black car waiting for me outside the Frost building. I did not have time to sit and ponder on what occurred back at the breakfast table, I just went ahead and turned on the ignition. The car roared to life and I zoomed out of the estate.Time to head over to Peru’s agency to see what was going on. That Ethan of a guy didn’t seem as one dangerous, but pesty? He was one hell of a kind.In no time, the streets blurred into a haze outside the tinted windows. My thoughts, however, were already elsewhere. Lila was pulling dangerous strings here.I guess we were lucky that Ronan has not noticed anything yet or maybe he just has not gotten enough evidence yet. But I’m certain that he has his suspicions. I arrived in front of Peru’s agency. The sun hung high up in the sky, casting long shadows over the towering building. The entrance was discreet, the type that promised anonymity but whispered

LilaThe Ball.“Get the fuck in here, Lila!” Emily’s voice cut through the muffled chatter like a whip.I flinched, the sound of her yell breaking my daze. Sighing, I slipped off the plush robe, letting it slide off my shoulders before pulling on a velvet dressing gown. The buttery fabric clung to my skin as I padded barefoot into the adjoining room.Emily stood in the center like a queen addressing her court, a stunning emerald gown shimmering under the soft chandelier light. Her hair was pinned into an elaborate updo, her makeup bold and unapologetic. She held out her arms with an exasperated expression.“You’re wasting time! Do you want to look like a wallflower tonight?” she demanded, gesturing toward the untouched dress hanging by the vanity.I crossed my arms, leaning against the doorframe. “Relax, Emily. We still have time.”“Time?” she scoffed, hands on her hips. “This isn’t just any party, Lila. It’s the ball. The one where everyone is important and by that, I mean everyone w

LilaI can’t believe I’m this unnerved by just being close to him. I was still arms intertwined with Caden’s arms and I could not hide how much of electrical impulses ran through me by just being this close to him. Can we not just get the fuck out of here to somewhere quiet? I think he heard my thoughts, because he smiled and whispered into my ears, “Don’t even think about it. Ronan would have both our heads.”I rolled my eyes. “ What are you talking about? “ I asked.“Come on Lila. I know that look in your eyes anyday and anytime.” He replied, straightening up just as Ronan was taking Joan to the dance floor.Of course he would. I had practically let him own me! I turned my attention back to the ballroom filled with different species of beings, but mostly populated by the werewolves of Silver Lake. The ballroom itself sparkled under the golden light and the air was buzzing with people in masks and expensive dresses and tuxedos. He gave his charming smile.My heart raced as I sto