The next day flew by in a whirlwind of happiness, an emotion that was, unbeknownst to me, still available in my repertoire of feelings, just buried far enough below the surface of my cognizant mind that I had forgotten that I ever possessed its healing capabilities.

Christian was finally going to get what he deserved, and while I had nothing to do with this new development in the justice department, I was still overjoyed nonetheless. I even skipped my therapy appointment since I had skipped the day before as well, the content emotions growing like a benign cancer in my body.

The momentum was hard to stop, and I felt a manic energy growing in my belly that I couldn't tame. I wanted more, the thrill of justice finally being served an addictive drug that I'd never had the taste of before in my life.

Rafael was still out running free, even after what he'd done to Marnie. I wanted to be the one to finally put a stop to him and his wicked games.

It was finally Saturday night and time to go to the club with him on our pseudo date, but he didn't know that it was fake, he just thought that I'd written Emmett and his warnings off.

Rafael probably thought that I was waiting by the phone for his next message like a lovestruck teenager. He had another thing coming if he thought he could get away with his actions with Marnie or even other women, first Christian, then Rafael, and then I'd find a way to get Nate for the physical abuse I'd endured at his hands.

"Lydia? Are you getting ready?"

Amalia popped her head in my bedroom and I noticed how far she'd gone when I told her that she needed to 'dress to the nine's'.

A silver sequined body con dress hugged every curve on her body and her dark hair was pinned back in an elaborate updo consisting of braids and tight curls.

"Wow. When I said to dress up you didn't hold back did you?"

We laughed together as she took in my attire.

"Are you really wearing that?"

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"

She gave me her trademark eye roll while entering my room to peruse my limited closet. I was glad that Emmett had invited her even if she didn't know the extent of the plan that we were executing that night. It was nice to have a partner in crime with Emmett and someone to take my mind off of what we were planning, making it seem like any ordinary night.

I scoffed at her first few selections in my closet but finally approved when she pulled out my favorite little black dress that I'd pair with my black strapped heels that I knew I'd regret wearing by the end of the night but they were worth it.

I slipped on the black dress in my closet and loved the way it hugged and accentuated every curve on my body, fitting me like a glove. I was glad I had kept up my running regimen as it had allowed me to maintain a slim figure.

Amalia wolf whistled as I walked out into my room with her awaiting. We finally both looked like we were ready for a night out, whereas before I resembled someone going to the movies by herself on a Saturday night.

"Pregame?"

I eyed the fifth of rum that she pulled out of her large purse and panicked for a few seconds until I realized that I could hold my liquor, I'd just take it easier than Amalia thought. I could get tipsy, just not drunk.

"Why not?"

We each took a swig from the bottle and once the fire was fully roaring in my belly she appraised my makeup.

"Do a red lip. Go bold or go home."

I laughed at her slip up.

"I think it's go big or go home."

"Tomato, tomahto. Anyway, you know I'm right."

She handed me the blood red tube that was sitting on my vanity, just begging to be used.

I pulled the lid off and applied the rouge color on my lips, the color sliding onto my lips like velvet.

"My work here is done."

I pulled on my heels while grabbing my phone and small bag and then it was time to face the guys.

My brother would not be going with us, as we were still in rocky territory. Reed was hanging out with a guy that he was talking to and was out of the house, so the only two guys that I had to face were Lucas and Emmett.

My eyes immediately flew to Emmett of their own accord, his body like a magnet for my sight.

Dressed in a black button up and dark jeans, our outfits complimented each other in terms of color scheme, but it was the way that Emmett wore his clothes that was a major turn on.

He was so confident in his skin, like he didn't have a care in the world.

And then his eyes met mine, and I could tell that we were both thinking the same thing...I wished we were the only two people in the house so I could tear off those clothes that he wore so well and bask in the presence of his body as we worshipped each other all night long...

I had to snap out of it before I started drooling in front of everyone watching us waiting for someone to say something...awkward.

I cleared my throat as Emmett started saying something at the same time.

"You look amazing."

Lucas gave us both a death glare and all I wanted to do was stick my tongue out at him like I used to do when we lived together back at home and he would annoy me.

"Thanks, you do too."

"Wow guys, we can leave, give you two some privacy and resolve all this...tension."

I balked at Amalia's words.

"What? No, there's no tension."

"Yeah, she's going out tonight to meet another guy, remember?"

Oh, even I had forgotten that.

Lucas grabbed a cup of coffee from the bar and retreated into his room with his computer. From the look of exhaustion on his face, he was going on a whole day with no sleep staying up trying to finish one of his projects for graduate school. Sometimes he was too smart for his own good, and then others he didn't have enough common sense to even get enough sleep.

"Well, what are you guys waiting for? Let's go."

I blushed when I realized that Amalia had made a break for the door and Emmett and I hadn't stopped staring at each other.

He moved towards me and put his hand at the small of my back, an action that was small yet spoke volumes at the same time.

All I wanted was both of his hands wrapped around my body as we became connected together, but I still wasn't sure if I was ready for that.

Was I ready for an emotional commitment on top of the physical aspect as well? This was why I didn't skip therapy. These were questions I desperately needed answers to, but they were answers that needed to wait.

"Are we really doing this," he asked me, his blue eyes darkening as he leaned around my shoulder to peer into my own.

He opened the door to the car and allowed me in the front seat.

"Yes. We're really doing this."

"Are you sure there's nothing going on between you two?"

Amalia kept her voice low as Emmett walked around to get in the driver's side of the car.

"I'll tell you about it later," I said, not wanting to lie to my one best friend who didn't betray me.

She'd been so supportive after I told her my story, and I didn't want to lose her loyalty. I'd tell her about the plan, too, but only once Emmett succeeded. I had to believe it would really happen, that he'd brag about assaulting Marnie and that Emmett got it on tape because what was the other option? Rafael getting away with it?

No, I wouldn't let that happen. Either we got his confession that night, or I'd be back later to dole out justice the only way I knew how- by force.