Four Letters (The Lust List: Devon Stone #3) by Mira Bailee Read Free Book Online

off. Yeah, I know. I’m supposed to be past this, but I already said old habits die hard, and something about that familiar ringing makes me feel in control of all my current problems. This alarm is to remind me to get Lex up and ready…and to make sure she doesn’t get high between now and lunch. I want her sober when they talk.
    I won’t mention the alarm set for when it’s time to leave, especially since even I know I don’t need an alarm to tell me to go see Devon. In fact, it looks pitiful having a reminder to have lunch with my boyfriend, doesn’t it? On second thought, yeah, it’s definitely unnecessary. Get a grip, Olivia.
    I disable the extra alarms—the one for lunch, the ones set for later and tomorrow. No more of that. I can take care of myself. It’s time to step up. I can’t really take control of things if I don’t have control over my own head. So it starts now. I go a step further and delete all the alarms—every one of them telling me what to do and when to do it. Alarms from years ago telling me to get ready for classes or make dinner. Ones from weeks ago telling me to leave for my interview with Mr. Keenly—the interview that changed my entire life.
    The alarms don’t own me. My problems don’t own me. Nat doesn’t own me.
    I hold my head up higher. Let’s do some good today, O.
    Outside of my room, the rest of the apartment is quiet. Maddie’s room is empty. No one’s in the bathroom. And Lex isn’t here.
    How the hell am I supposed to get her ready to go when she’s not even here? Did she come home last night?
    No problem. Just a minor glitch. There’s still time, so I’ll wait for her. She’ll turn up—hopefully before we need to leave.

    An hour later, I’m trying not to glance at the clock too frequently. I’m scrubbing dishes from breakfast and relaxing my breathing. Then I hear the door open, and I’m tempted to turn around and chastise Lex like a child coming home after curfew. But I remember what Maddie said. She’s an adult. I have to respect that.
    “Want coffee?” I ask, not looking at her.
    She lets out a moan and I hear her plop down on the couch. “No…I’m good,” she says in a drawn out sing-song voice.
    Now I look over and find her in her own little trance, gazing up at the ceiling fan. Dammit, she’s high already?
    I bite my tongue, not wanting her to go into an aggressive rage like yesterday at the gate. “We have plans today. Lunch. Can you…um…try to sober up before then?”
    She lets her head roll in my direction and smiles. “You need a hit. Or you need to get laid. You got a boyfriend?”
    Is she serious?
    “I’m with Devon. Remember?”
    Lex starts laughing. “Right, right. My big bro. I love that guy.”
    Give me a break. She’s too far gone to negotiate with now. I go in my room, find her a change of clothes, and return, tossing the outfit on the cushion next to her.
    “Go take a shower. Clean up.” In more ways than one. “We’re leaving when you’re done.”

    Lex seems a little more human when she emerges a while later. Refreshed and alert, she’s actually very beautiful. Her pixie cut is smoothed down, looking chic, instead of being the wild mess she usually sports. Her eyes are less puffy after the shower, and in the jeans and button down blouse I loaned her, she looks mature, approachable.
    My hope is restored. “How do you feel?” I ask, standing up and grabbing my purse. I toss my phone in and grab my keys.
    I get a groan from her, but she saunters over to the couch and steps into her shoes. At least she’s not resisting my plans—not that she knows what we’re doing anymore than Devon knows.
    In the car, I get on the highway, heading toward Colin’s Diner. I won’t lie. I’m nervous, but this is exciting. I’m determined to play mediator for Lex and Devon.
    “So…where were you last night?” I try to sound casual, not nagging.
    “Long story or short?”
    “We have time.” I might as well hear all the