DON’T STOP (Lila and Darrell) novel Chapter 75

Chapter 75

Chapter 75

Bella

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I got home on shaky legs, the night air still clinging to my skin like a reminder of everything I’d just left behind. The door to our room creaked when I pushed it open. Lara was sitting on her bed with a bowl of instant ramen, fork halfway to her mouth. She looked up, eyes red-rimmed like she’d been crying too.

Hey,” she said softly.

didn’t answer. Didn’t even look at her. I walked straight past, into the bathroom, and shut the door harder than I meant to The lock clicked like a promise, meaning no more talking tonight.

stripped off my clothes-still damp in places, still smelling faintly of him-and stepped under the shower. Hot water hit me like punishment. I stood there for a long time, letting it scald my skin, scrubbing every inch until my fingers pruned and he steam made my lungs ache. I washed away the sweat, the spit, the cum, the bruises forming on my hips and ass, and the faint red marks on my throat. But no amount of soap could wash away the memory of his hands, his voice, or the way Id pegged one last time.

When the water ran cold, I turned it off and stepped out. I wrapped a towel around myself and avoided the mirror. Yes. I didn’t want to see my face, and then, I walked back into the room.

Lara was still there, bowl empty now, watching me quietly. “Bella…”

I ignored her. Went straight to my bed, pulled on an oversized hoodie and leggings, and opened the DoorDash app on my phone. My stomach growled so loud it hurt. I hadn’t eaten anything real all day. I ordered a big combo: cheeseburger with extra fries, chicken nuggets, a side of onion rings, and a large chocolate milkshake. Comfort food, heavy and greasy, the kind that hits different at 2 a.m. on campus. Paid with the card linked to the account that now had too much money in it. Ugh.

Then I opened my banking app.

The transfer from Darrell was still there, looking huge and obscene. I stared at the numbers until they blurred. Without hinking twice, I copied most of it-left just enough for rent and basics-and sent it straight to Mom’s account. The confirmation popped up instantly.

exhaled, set the phone down, and waited.

It rang less than a minute later.

Yeah, it was Mum. Just like I thought.

I glanced at Lara. She was pretending to scroll on her phone, but I knew she was listening. I stood up, walked out of the room, and shut the door behind me. The hallway was quiet and dim. I leaned against the wall and stared up at the night sky through the small window at the end-stars faint against the city glow.

I answered on the fourth ring. “Hello, Mom?” I whispered, keeping my voice low

“What was that?” Her tone was sharp and suspicious.

“What?” I asked, pretending confusion.

“You know exactly what I’m saying, young woman! What was that you sent? That is a large amount of money lady How did you even get that? And don’t tell me you’re working–that’s why? It makes no sense.”

I swallowed hard, my throat tight. “I won the money,” I lied.

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Chapter 74

on what What-competition were you on?”

I closed my eyes, my forehead pressing to the cool wall. “Car we talk about this when we meer during the break? Ill tell you everything.”

There was a long and heavy silence on her end. Then a soft sigh. “Okay then. I’ll wait. And I won’t use this money until you tell me the truth.”

“Mom!” I sighed, my voice cracking a little.

“I said what I said, young woman.”

“Fine.” I nodded even though she couldn’t see me. “Besides, the break is in a week. You’d be able to use it immediately

She made a sound-half agreement, half warning.

‘Promise me you’ll use the money once I tell you the truth?” I said.

Another pause.

‘I promise, dear,” Mom said, her voice softening a little, “but if the money is stolen, then forget it.”

I froze. The words hit like ice water. “Why would you say that?” My voice came out sharper than I meant-angry, hurt. “I would never steal. You know that.”

‘I’m sorry, sweetie, but it’s just that-”

I hung up before she could finish. My thumb jabbed the end call button so hard the screen blurred for a second. I bit my bottom lip until it stung, tasting salt and metal. My mom, who’d always trusted me and who’d raised me to be better than this, was thinking the money could be stolen. Like I was capable of that. Like I hadn’t spent the last few months breaking myself apart just to keep her alive.

I shoved the phone into my pocket and walked back into the room, chest tight.

Lara was on her bunk, propped against the wall, staring at her phone with that soft, dreamy smile people get when they’re texting someone who actually matters to them. Her thumbs moved fast, little bursts of happiness. Gina, obviously The love of her life.

I scoffed under my breath quietly but sharply and dropped onto my own bed. The mattress dipped under me I pulled ins knees up, back against the wall, and stared at nothing.

Lara noticed. She always noticed.

She clumbed down from her bunk, barefoot, careful, like she was approaching a wounded animal Hes she whis crom stopping a couple feet away.

“What do you want?” The words came out rude, cold, and chipped. But I didn’t care

She swallowed. “I came to apologize I’m really sorry for everything I shouldn’t have done that any of it. I was stift stupid and obsessed. Please forgive me I’ll do anything. You want me to do your laundry? Wash the dishes forever? C the whole room? Just tell me.”

I sighed, long and exhausted. Then, I finally looked at her. My glare was hard enough to make her ch

“Is it true you’re dating Gina now?”

Lara’s lips thinned. She nodded slowly. Then she tilted her head, brows drawing together in real confusion But who toid

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7:48 am P PPP

Chapter 74

you that I don’t remember telling you anything like that.

My eyes blinked fast Heat rushed up my neck. I couldn’t say it. Couldn’t tell her Darrell had dropped that bomb right atter he’d fucked me raw against the wall, cum still leaking out of me while he explained Gina had come out as lesbian and was in love with her “friend.” If I said his name, the whole disgusting truth would spill the hotel, the shower, the couch, the toys the anal, the way I’d screamed and come apart one last time before walking away forever I could feel myself getting wet because of these unnecessary flashbacks now.

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