Page 47 of Deadly Secrets

The guys would pick me up in five minutes, and we would head directly to the San Francisco airport to catch our flight. Before leaving the apartment, I quickly went through all my things to ensure I didn’t forget anything.

In true gentlemanly fashion, Noah held the car door open for me, so when the driver put my luggage in the trunk, I jumped in the back of the car. I sat in the middle, between Zayn and Noah. Ander sat in the passenger’s seat. Silence filled the Uber on our way to the airport, and it stretched until we were at the gate.

“What seat did you get?” Zayn asked me.

“I have 9B,” I answered.

Zayn showed me his ticket. “I have 9A. We’re sitting together.”

Noah and Ander, who slept for most of the flight, were behind us in row 10. Zayn and I didn’t talk much, but he asked me some questions about college and my time in the lab with Ander.

I found it awkward to think that I had sex with two of them. I enjoyed spending time with Noah, but there was this rush of excitement every time Zayn would brush my hand with his or every time I would catch him staring at me from his seat. I remember the word he used when he cornered me in the haunted house. Mine. I also wondered why that simple word would drive the most insane and dangerous thoughts every time I was near him. My mind would drift to that evening we spent together in Manhattan, and it drove me mad to think about his body between my legs.

“I need to go to the bathroom.” Rather than walk toward the front of the plane, I chose the one at the back.

When I closed the door, I immediately reached for the tap. I cooled down my hot cheeks with water until the tightness in my chest eased. I remained in the toilet for a few minutes, gathering all my strength because God knew how much I needed for the weekend that lay ahead.

I opened the door, but Zayn blocked the exit.

“What…” Before I could finish the sentence, Zayn pushed us inside the small aircraft lavatory and clicked the door shut behind him.

“What is it with you and restrooms?”

He grabbed my chin to face him, taking my mouth in a sensual but filthy kiss that drove me slowly fucking insane. His kiss took me off guard, but I kissed him back. I twisted my fingers into his black T-shirt and pulled him closer. I knew how wrong it was to kiss this beautiful man while Noah sat only a few feet away from us. But I couldn’t help it.

He pulled away, giving me a soft grin, and then he turned and stepped outside but not before saying, “It’s gonna be an interesting weekend.”

My face was heated, but I recovered quickly enough so no one would notice that I’d been out of my seat for a long time. When I returned to 9B, Noah and Ander were still sleeping, so I thanked my guardian angel for not making the situation more difficult than it already was.

We landed in New York half an hour later. Mr. Scott had sent his driver to pick us up from the airport, so after collecting our luggage from the belt, we headed toward the parking lot.

It had only been a couple of months since I left New York, but I was mesmerized by the orange and red colors that filled the city. Autumn was one of my favorite seasons. The colors that covered the trees felt bold and homey, and a sense of peace filled my heart. I always loved the chilly wind on my face first thing in the morning. I remembered those days when I would sit at the back of Moore Manor reading a Harry Potter book or playing cards with Ander while the sun set and vibrant hues of red layered the sky. I loved this city in autumn.

It took approximately an hour to get to Rye, and I felt anxious as we approached the Scotts’ driveway. It had been over six years since the last time I set foot in this house, and all the memories that this place held were stuck in my throat. I tried to swallow the feelings that rushed over me as soon as the car stopped.

Ander came over to where I stood, grabbed my wrist, and turned me to look at him with a harsh movement.

“I don’t think it is necessary for me to tell you that my father won’t be pleased that you’re here. I’ve invited you over because Noah told me about the notes, so don’t get the wrong idea.”

I stood still for a few seconds, thinking about how to answer him. It seemed he didn’t want me here, and neither did his father, which wasn’t a surprise.

“Don’t worry, Alexander. I’m fully aware of how little you care about me. You were very clear last time we spoke.” I yanked my wrist out of his hold and grabbed my bag. Before we reached the main entrance, the door opened. A woman came toward us, holding her arms open with a kind smile.

“Zayn, oh my boy. I’ve missed you!” she said. Her movements were graceful and delicate, like those of a ballerina who knew only how to float with ethereal steps. Her black midi hair, pale skin, and plump red lips only heightened her beautiful features. Her long-sleeve DVF wrap dress beautifully accentuated her body’s curves. I could recognize that pattern and design anywhere.

Once she finished hugging Zayn and placed a kiss on his cheek, she moved on to greet Ander and Noah. Then she turned to face me.

“You must be Sienna. I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s a pleasure to meet you finally, darling. I’m Claudia, Zayn’s mom.” Claudia held my waist and pushed me closer to her, giving me a delicate side hug. I couldn’t do anything but smile at the kind gesture.

“Let me show you to your room so you can freshen up before we have dinner. Traveling is always exhausting, so take your time. Dinner won’t be served until seven,” Claudia informed us.

She walked me to one of the rooms on the first floor, which I quickly recognized. It was in front of Ander’s room when we were kids, but I wasn’t sure if it still was his room or if he’d moved to the other side of the house, perhaps the third floor.

After I hung up all my clothes, I lay on the king-size bed and stared at the ceiling. I wondered if Ander remembered all the nights I had stayed over to watch movies and eat ice cream. Or about those nights when we would grab our lanterns and explore the garden hunting for monsters.

Curiosity hit me. I stood and walked toward the door. I held the doorknob and slowly opened the door to make sure the hallway was empty. I stood in front of Ander’s room, trying to hear anything from the other side of the door before I knocked twice and waited for a response. Nothing. I opened the door and entered the room, closing the door behind me. Everything remained the same as I remembered. A king-size bed placed in the middle of the room with only one bedside table, a desk with tightly organized stationery—far away from the messy chaos that reigned when he lived here—a chaise lounge couch with a cinema-like TV, and wall-to-wall shelves filled with books and DVDs. I stared at some of the DVDs and how something so simple as a movie could bring up memories of some of the best days of my life.

“I knew you couldn’t resist.”

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