Valor

Chapter 11

"I feel like an imposter." I mumble looking at myself in the mirror. Maybe once upon a time, this version of Lilah would have existed, but after everything I've been through, this side of me feels forced.

"I think you look hot!" Casey says coming up behind me, her big grin enough to make me smile.

I don't think I would've said yes to Sam's invite to this gala if it didn't involve my target. Don't get me wrong, I love getting all dolled up and throwing on some fancy gown, but this just feels wrong.

I'm not sure exactly why it feels wrong–maybe it's the fact I'm going with Sam or maybe it's the fact that this charade I've been putting up over the last few days has been fake.

Casey knew something had gone down when I came back from the club that night. In her head though, it was something bad, but could I even reassure her it wasn't? I didn't want her to worry so I choked it up to bad intel, but she's perceptive.

"Have fun tonight Lilah. You deserve it more than anyone I know." Casey's words are soft as they hit my ears and who knew she had such wise words stored in that brain of hers.

I bring my hands and slide them along the black silk of the floor length gown I'm wearing. It wasn't the dress I planned on wearing, but after my interaction with Kai, I needed a dress that covered some of the evidence; specifically, the bite mark on my shoulder. This dress had thick straps and though the entirety was made of the soft material, it hugged my waist, accentuating my slight curves. I curled my brown locks in slight waves and put on a bright red lip which makes my blue eyes pop.

I make quick work to slide my hand along the slight slit of the dress, checking my weapons of knives and guns that are strapped in place.

Casey is clasping the lock to my necklace when there is a distinctive soft knock at the door.

Sam.

"I guess I better get going Case." I say letting out a deep breath and triple checking to make sure I look the part.

As I slip into my nude heels, I notice Casey out of the corner of my eye casting a glare up and down my entire frame. When I meet her eyes she smirks at me and laughs.

"You got laid! That's why you're so rattled!" She squeals.

I let out a puff of breath and yell a 'one moment' to the door so Sam know's I'll be out soon.

"It obviously wasn't Sam." Casey mumbles, thinking to herself, before her eyes snap to mine, "Please tell me it wasn't scary dude from last week."

I ignore her and make my way to the front door, opening it to see a smiling Sam. He's decked out in the full nine yards. He's wearing a tuxedo and his messy brown hair is styled giving him a more mature look. Sam is a really nice guy, but now he looks even more the part. If I wasn't banking on his crush on me to get me through this night, I would have no doubt he would attract all the attention. Lucky for me, the less attention I get, the better it is all around.

"You look amazing, Lilah." Sam says, his voice hoarse as his gaze tracks over every inch of my body. Normally that look would heat me up, but I guess it speaks to my lack of attraction that it doesn't.

"Thanks Sam, you do too." I turn around to close the door behind me, and sure enough Casey is there waiting with a questioning look on her face.

"Was it or wasn't it?" She asks again. I'm not sure what Casey's fascination with me getting laid is, but if she is asking this question again it means that there are some gears working in her brain. Something is bugging her and I don't want her to worry more than she needs to. Clearly she's thinking I fucked Dame and that concerns her.