Gotten Myself Into

Lila’s POV

I woke up with a throbbing headache, my temples pounding in time with my heartbeat. The sun peeked through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. I groaned, pulling the covers over my head. My brain was foggy, slow to piece together the previous night.

What happened?

I strained to remember but it was a blur. I vaguely recalled getting to my hotel room, but after that, everything went dark. Except for one thing—a dream, the most beautiful dream I’d ever had. It involved the most exciting, mind-blowing sex of my life. A smile tugged at my lips, tinged with sadness. If only it had been real.

The bed shifted beside me, and I froze. Someone was there. My heart leaped into my throat. I slowly lowered the covers, eyes wide with panic. I wasn’t alone. I threw off the blanket and sat up, staring in disbelief.

Caden Walker.

My heart pounded as I stared at him. He was here, lying right beside me. I cursed, mind racing to make sense of it. How did he get into my room?

I needed to get out, fast. I slipped out of bed as quietly as possible. My clothes were scattered across the floor. I cursed again, gathering them up quickly and dressing, my hands trembling.

I tiptoed to the door, heart pounding. I needed to leave before he woke up and asked questions—questions I didn’t have answers to. But as I closed the door behind me, it hit me.

This wasn’t my room.

I cursed aloud, startling myself in the quiet hallway. I must have gone into the wrong room. Panic surged as I glanced back at the door before walking away.

I couldn’t believe what had just happened. How could I have been so careless? I hurried down the hall, mind spinning.

I reached the lobby and rushed outside, flagging down the first cab. I climbed in and gave the driver the address to the Frost Mansion. As the cab pulled away, I let out a breath. I was out of there, but the knot of anxiety in my chest wouldn’t go away.

I pulled out my phone. Missed calls—several from Joan, Ronan, and Emily. Guilt washed over me. They must have been worried sick.

I called Emily first. She picked up on the first ring, worry in her voice.

“Lila! Thank heavens you’re alright! We’ve been trying to reach you for hours. We thought you were lying dead somewhere in a forest!”

I rolled my eyes. Ronan must have gotten to her. “I’m fine, Emily. I’m on my way home.”

“What happened?” she pressed.

“I’ll explain later, okay?”

“Alright, just… be careful, Lila.”

“I will,” I promised, and we hung up.

Next, I called Joan, but before I could speak, my brother’s angry voice boomed through the phone.

“Lila! Where the hell have you been?”

“I’m sorry, brother,” I said quickly, feeling like a child caught doing something wrong. “I’m on my way home now.”

“Where exactly are you?”

I glanced out the window, spotting a café. I told him the name.

There was silence, then he hung up. I stared at the phone, bewildered.

I sighed, leaning back. No point in asking the driver to take me all the way now. “Can you drop me at the café?” I asked the driver.

He nodded, and a few minutes later, I stepped out, paying the fare. As soon as I reached the door, Ronan’s car pulled up. Frederick, his beta, was with him.

Ronan was out of the car before it fully stopped, his eyes scanning me, making sure I was alright.

“Are you okay?” he asked, tone softening.

“I’m fine, really,” I assured him, offering a smile.

Frederick gave me a once-over, his expression unreadable. “You had us worried,” he said, though relief was in his eyes.

“I didn’t mean to worry you,” I said, guilt gnawing at me. “I just… lost track of time.”

Ronan shook his head. “We’ll talk about it at home. Let’s get you out of here.”

I sighed but didn’t argue. Joan would have her say, then I’d escape to my room and pretend none of this happened.

When we arrived, Joan was waiting by the door, arms crossed. I could see the worry, but as soon as she saw me, her expression hardened.

“What were you thinking, Lila?” she scolded. “You can’t just disappear like that!”

“I’m sorry. I’m fine. Nothing happened.”

“That’s not the point!” Joan snapped. “You just arrived yesterday, and by this morning, you were gone.”

“I know,” I said quietly, unable to meet her eyes.

Ronan stepped in, hand on Joan’s shoulder. “Let her go in and freshen up. We’ll talk later.”

Joan sighed and walked away. I nodded, grateful for the reprieve. I turned to head inside, but Ronan’s next words made my heart skip a beat.

“We’re expecting a friend for breakfast. Just arrived this morning.”

I froze, stomach twisting. Ronan had many friends, but there was only one that mattered. “It’s not Caden, is it?” I asked, dreading the answer.

Ronan grinned. “You wish.”

I let out a breath. Relief washed over me. “I’ll freshen up.”

He nodded, and I hurried inside. The last thing I needed was to run into Caden. My nerves were already shot.

Upstairs, I took a long shower, letting the hot water calm me. But the image of Caden in bed, his arms around me, refused to fade.

Fuck! He was more than the tabloids said.

I would have walked into any hospital and asked for sperm, but I was very particular about the genetic makeup of my child. And in all, only one person stood out.

Caden Walker.

I stepped out of the shower, feeling more composed. I dressed quickly, choosing something simple. I hoped to get through breakfast without incident, but as I made my way downstairs, my heart sank.

Caden was there, standing with Joan, smiling like they were old friends. My breath caught, and I was rooted to the spot.

How could this be happening?

Ronan noticed me first, grinning. “Lila, come on down. Surprise! It’s Caden.”

Damn it! How could I have forgotten my brother always paid back surprises with one of his own?

Caden’s gaze snapped to me, and for a moment, I thought I saw recognition in his eyes. But then it was gone, replaced by his confident grin.

What had I gotten myself into?