DON’T STOP (Lila and Darrell) novel Chapter 66

Chapter 66

Bella

I paused at the edge of the compound gate the late afternoon sun slanting low and hos across my face Something made m glance back up toward the third-floor window of the state. There he was, Darrell, standing framed in the glass like a pamun z I didn’t want to remember. He held a white coffee cup in one hand, the steam curling lazily. Our eyes locked for a spli second. Then came that small, knowing smirk, the kind that said he already owned the next time. He turned away slowly fingers catching the cord of the blinds. One smooth purk and the slats snapped shut cutting him off from view

I let out a soft sigh that tasted like dust and regret.

My hand dipped into my bag before I could think better of it. Three thick bundles stared back at re-crisp edges, rubber banded, and more money than I’d,held in months. A real, stupid, giddy smile broke across my face despite everything For one heartbeat, the weight in my chest lifted. I could pay rent without making a few calls I could eat something that waste

instant noodles. I could breathe

I zipped the bag shut and started walking faster toward the main road, sandals slapping against cracked concrete

Then the tires screeched sharply, too close to me

A sleek black SUV jerked to a stop right beside me I stumbled back a step, heart slamming into my ribs. Dust swirled up around the wheels. The tinted driver’s window slid down with a quiet electric hum.

It was Gina

Her face appeared. Perfect makeup, sleek ponytail, and that effortless confidence that always made me feel small She silted her head, sunglasses pushed up into her hair, and smiled like we were old course mates bumping into each other at the

cafeteria.

My stomach dropped straight through the ground.

I took another involuntary step backward, bag clutched tight against my side like it could shield me

“You look familiar,” she said, voice light and almost playful.

I swallowed. Nothing came out. My throat had turned to sandpaper.

She leaned a little farther out the window. “Where do I know you from, though? I’m certain you’ve seen the tor

“I haven’t,” I managed, barely above a whisper. “Sorry.”

I turned and started walking-fast, too fast, legs shaky.

“Wait!”

1

The single word hit me like a hook. My feet glued themselves to the pavement. I couldn’t move. My pulse roared in me so loud I barely heard the next car that passed.

I forced myself to turn around.

Gina’s head was fully out the window now, elbows resting on the sill, studying me with those sharp, contutis evn

“Aren’t you the one I saw that day wanting to see Mr. Black

i gulped once, twice tasting bile. My mouth opened and closed

14

7:46 am PPPP

Chapter f

No Line Suhe one”

Then why were your arting like you don’t know me?”

“Sorry I just remembered hee The be tasted sour

She waved a manicured hand. “Nah, it’s fise Her smile widened, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “So tell the doing here

what are you

My heart lurched so hard I thought it might crack a rib What was I going to say? Juss collecting some cash because I beg d Just fucking your fiance for grades The words screamed inside my skull, but nothing thade it past my lips

1 opened my mouth-nothing

Then her phone rang a sharp trill cutting through the tension like a knife.

She glanced at the screen, expression shifting. She picked it up immediately and pressed it to her ear

“Hey, babe,” she said, her voice suddenly softer warmer “Yeah. I’m just leaving now. Traffic’s crazy though

I stood frozen, every muscle locked, while she talked to him. Darrell, right in front of me. The man whose scent was still on my skin. The man whose money was burning a hole in my bag

She laughed at something he said

Or maybe not

Her eyes flicked back to me mud-sentence, just for a second, sharply, before she looked away again.

I couldn’t breathe properly I couldn’t think

“Okay, I’ll be in soon.” Gina said into the phone, her voice dipping into that sweet, girlfriend tone that made my skin crawl She ended the call with a quick tap and turned back to me, sunglasses already sliding down over her eyes again

nglass

“I have to leave now. Mr. Black says he wants me in.” She rolled her eyes dramatically, like it was all just playful annoyance between lovers. “So much for his ordering and commands.”

I let out a soft laugh, barely more than breath, because it was the only sound that felt safe Inside though? Pure gratiner crashed over me like cool water. She was leaving. The conversation was dying. I was saved, at least for now

“Anyway, see you another time,” she said, flashing that perfect smile one last time before the window gloded book up

1

I only nodded, throat too tight for words.

The SUV pulled away smoothly, taillights disappearing around the bend. The second she was gone, the air rushed back my lungs. I exhaled hard, shaky relief flooding every inch of me. My legs felt wobbly, like they might give out but Edit wait around to test it. What if Jones shows up suddenly? I didn’t have any excuse to give now

I half-walked, half-jogged to the main road, hand clamped over the strap of my bag like someone might match #A taxi was idling at the curb. I slid into the back seat, mumbled the name of my hostel, and sank low so no one could se face through the window

The driver glanced at me in the rearview, then pulled off

When we got there I counted bills out more than the fare way more, and handed them over He started & bang fo

24

46 am PPPP

Chaper be

Warp “I sand bersing a real smile this time. The first genuine one since I’d left the hotel room

His face it up “Thank you aunty

I nodded and stepped out the door slamming behind me like closing chapter

Before heading inside. I pulled out my phone My themat hovered over Mor’s name for a second guilt and love twisting together, and then I pressed call

It rang twice

Hey, sweeter How are you?” Her voice came through warm and tired but was still hers

I’m great What about you beaned against the hostel wall the rough concrete grounding me

“Doing well” she said

“How’s treatment going

“I can promise it’s going well ton” She laughed a little that small stubborn sound she made when she was trying to convince both of us

I closed my eyes relief so sharp it hurt “Mom “”

“Yes, dear

“I’ll send you some money soon So you can use it for treatment and all”

Silence for a beat. Then ‘Where will you get money from Please, just manage your upkeep. I’ll take care of myself.”

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