Page 118 of Deadly Secrets

I took a deep breath and then spilled the whole story, starting from when I found the USB drive, getting hit with Zayn’s trophy, and ending with the showdown I had with Lizzie. I didn’t hold back any details as I filled them in on everything.

“Fuck. How come we never noticed anything?” Noah snarled.

“I guess her acting was worthy of an Oscar from the Academy…” I mocked, but there was no amusement in my voice. “You should have seen her eyes. It was like looking at a completely different person.”

“Well, I’m not sure if it’s the best thing to say right now, but I’m fucking proud of you.” Zayn grabbed my face and kissed me like I was his lifeline and worried that I would disappear the moment he stopped kissing me.

“I had the best self-defense teacher,” I whispered against his lips.

“You fought like the queen you are, Sienna.” Noah turned my face and kissed me, too, but his kiss was gentle, his tongue caressing mine.

I had never felt more loved than at this moment…but something else was missing. I longed for one final kiss from the boy who now stood a few feet away from me, his hands tucked in his pockets and his eyes clouded with concern. I cautiously stepped down from the bed and closed the distance between us.

I placed my hand on his cheek. “Look at me, Ander,” I pleaded. Ander turned his head until our eyes connected. “Are you alright?” I whispered.

“I should be asking you that question, not the other way around.”

“I’m fine, Ander,” I promised.

“But I’m not. It’s all my dad’s fault. If it wasn’t for him, none of this would’ve happened. I wouldn’t have forgiven myself if Mag…Lizzie or James…” His voice caught, tears pouring down his cheeks. Ander took a deep breath and closed his eyes, his face leaning toward my hand to seek comfort in my presence. “I thought we lost you.”

“I said, look at me.”

He gently opened his beautiful ocean-blue eyes.

“I’m truly okay, so let’s stop thinking about the what-ifs. You, Zayn, and Noah are the loves of my life, and when I thought I might not see you again, your love gave me the strength to keep going, to fight. Your father made mistakes…yes. But he is not the one who killed my parents or hurt me. And I would never judge you by your father’s mistakes. Ever. I love you, Ander. So fucking much.” I leaned in and kissed him. It was a passionate, desperate, soul-consuming kiss. One of those kisses that you could feel in the depths of your bones. A kiss full of promises. Promises of a brand-new future together.

Just the four of us.

Ander interrupted our kiss, swiftly intertwined his fingers with mine, and led me toward the room door. Glancing back, I saw Zayn and Noah following us.

“Where are we going?” I asked him.

Ander gazed at me, offering a smile that warmed my heart.

“Home, my love. We are going home.”

EPILOGUE - NEW BEGINNINGS

(Sienna)

7 months later

My skin felt so hot, beads of sweat rolled down the valley between my breasts while I was lying on my back.

“I’m gonna have a shower and head to the city center. I have an appointment for a facial. Are you sure you don’t wanna come with me?” Sarah insisted.

“No, I’m good. Besides, the boys should arrive in two hours, and I want to be here when they show up.”

Classes finished two weeks ago, so as soon as I was able to tie up a few things in New York with Peter, I packed my bags and took a flight to Spain. Sarah had booked an amazing villa in Ibiza, and for the past week, all I had done was sunbathe topless by the pool, drink tinto de verano, and visit local shops. Sarah had gone partying almost every night, but I missed Zayn, Ander, and Noah so much that all I wanted to do every night was to put Pride & Prejudice on my laptop and curl in bed with a pint of ice cream.

“I love you, darling, but you need to drop that sour face. You’ve been mopey and dragging your feet around the house like a bloody ghost. I know you miss them, but cheer up.”

“Okay. I got it, Sergeant Afolami.” I rolled my eyes.

Sarah narrowed her eyes at me. “Don’t be an ass.”

“I know…” I sighed. “Sorry for being the worst company ever.”

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