FIVE

Lily’s POV

The sirens blared outside the resort, signaling the arrival of law enforcement, caution tape cordoned off my assigned room—the same room I used to share with Meg.

May her soul rest in peace.

I had been escorted to the lounge, where the other guests huddled together, their faces etched with confusion and loss of a friend and more.

I sat in silence, my mind was fogged.

I couldn't bring myself to speak, couldn't even begin to process the horrifying scene I had stumbled upon moments ago.

My gaze darted around the room, observing the subtle movements of those around me. Harper, sitting across from me, trembled slightly, her fingers fidgeting with nervous energy. Every so often, she would bite the inside of her cheek, she was terrified.

But despite her obvious fear, I knew that my own terror eclipsed hers. This wasn't just any murder.

Everett was here.

As the triplets trooped into the lounge, their presence commanded attention—broad, devilishly gorgeous, and unmistakably intimidating. My eyes followed them until Carden's gaze locked onto mine. I couldn't ignore the small, unerasable smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

He murmured something to Andrew, who turned to look in my direction as well. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, and I quickly averted my gaze, willing myself to focus on anything but their stares.

"Focus Cooki—Lily," I corrected myself mentally, frustrated by my own slip-up.

Jason entered the room and took a seat across from me, offering comfort to Harper, who had yet to look up from her trembling hands. Her gaze only lifted when Jason crouched down before her, his presence a source of solace in the midst of chaos.

None of us could comprehend what had transpired, least of all me. All I knew was that I had a piece of evidence tucked away in my bra—a note with Everett's handwriting. It had to be.

An officer entered the room, his baton secured at his waist.

"Who found the body?" he demanded.

My hand instinctively reached for my neck, as if searching for the non-existent pearls I didn't wear.

"I did," I replied, as I rose from the couch.

The officer nodded, his eyes scrutinizing me and it made me shift uncomfortably.

"Follow me," he demanded, his hands planted firmly on his hips.

Before I could comply, Rune stepped forward, positioning himself in front of the officer.

"You aren’t taking Cookie anywhere," he countered.

"If you have any questions, ask them here."

The officer's expression hardened.

"Mister, let me do my job," he retorted.

"Either you take her statement here, or we'll all wait for the Sheriff to arrive," Andrew stated firmly.

It was as if the boys could sense my reluctance to go anywhere with the officer. And who could blame me? The tension in the room was palpable, and the last thing I wanted was to be alone with that man.

I watched as the officer's jaw ticked.

"Fine, I'll get the paperwork ready," he finally stated, before turning on his heel and striding out of the room.

With a sigh of relief, I looked up to find Rune's eyes fixed on me. His gaze was unreadable, and I couldn't bring myself to offer him a word of thanks. After all, his protectiveness felt more suffocating than reassuring.

Resuming my place on the couch, I tried to sink into the cushions.

But despite my efforts to relax, my mind raced with thoughts of the piece of paper I had found. I knew better than to mention it to the authorities.

There were too many ways it could backfire on me, or worse, implicate me in Meg's murder. Everett was cunning, and he knew how to play his cards. I wasn't about to risk jeopardizing Harper's wedding, or instilling fear in the guests by revealing that Lily's stalker of an ex was on the loose.

No, I would keep my mouth shut and pray that the truth would reveal itself in due time.

The officer had returned, and I reluctantly began to fill out the paperwork, my pen scratching across the page as I recounted the events leading up to Meg's death, leaving out only one detail.

Throughout the process, I couldn't shake the tension between me and the Blackwood boys.

Their intense gazes made my insides churn with a mixture of fear and desire, it was a bad idea to be turned on in a grave situation.

It was absurd to entertain thoughts of them in anything but a platonic manner, yet primal desire whispered temptations I dared not acknowledge.

The Blackwood brothers were off-limits, and I needed to keep my distance.

But Andrew's approach shattered whatever semblance of composure I had left.

"Are you okay, Cookie?" he inquired.

"I'm fine," I replied tersely, my voice strained.

"You don't look it," he teased, his gaze lingering on the curves of my dress.

"You look like you want something."

I bristled at his audacity, crossing my arms defensively over my chest as a flush crept up my neck.

"And it didn't help that the officer was checking you out," He groaned lowly.

And God knew how many orgasms that had given me.

"Are you always this inconsiderate?" I snapped.

"Why would you say that, Cookie?" Andrew retorted, raising an eyebrow in mock innocence.

I mirrored his expression.

"Someone just died here," I reminded him pointedly.

"And due procedures and an investigation are being carried out," he shrugged at me.

Rolling my eyes in exasperation, I watched as the officer moved away with my paperwork, seizing the opportunity to escape.

Back in the hallway, I hurried after the officer.

"Excuse me, Officer," I began,

"I think I left my phone in there before the incident."

The officer turned to face me,

"I don't know if I can go in and get it back, I won't take long," I assured him, my words tumbling out in a rush.

But the officer shook his head firmly.

"I'm sorry, miss, but the room is off-limits for now. We're conducting an investigation, and I can't allow anyone to enter."

"But my clothes and belongings are in there," I protested.

"I need them."

"I understand your concern, miss, but we have to follow protocol," he explained.

"I'm afraid you'll have to wait for a day or more before you can retrieve your belongings.”

"A day or more?" I exclaimed incredulously.

"Are you serious? I can't wait that long!"

"I'm sorry, miss, but these things take time. We need to ensure that the scene is thoroughly investigated and cleared by the detective in charge."

"But what about my belongings?" I insisted, my voice tinged with desperation.

"I need my clothes, my phone, everything!"

"I understand your concern, but our priority is the integrity of the investigation," the officer replied firmly. "You'll have to be patient and wait until we can guarantee that the room is safe to enter."

"This is ridiculous!" I snapped.

"Having a little trouble, Cookie?" Rune’s voice drawled, as he leaned casually against the hallway wall.

I shot him a glare, my cheeks flushing at his suggestive tone.

"Mind your own business, Rune,"

But he didn’t falter,

"Need a new phone, huh?"

His gaze lingering on me in a way that made me squirm uncomfortably.

"Looks like you're stuck with us for a while, Cookie."

"And as for clothes..." Rune's smirk turned positively wicked.

"Well, Harper's wardrobe is at your disposal. Though I have a feeling you might prefer borrowing some of my shirts for the night."

The mere implication behind his words sent my heart racing, and I shot him a reproachful glare.

Were they all really messing with me?

Suppressing a nervous laugh, I forced a nonchalant smile and nodded.

"Sure, that sounds... fine."

At least that was better than nothing.