Page 70 of Twisted Truths

“I love you more.” My hand goes in her hair, and I kiss her again, probably with a little more vigor than I should in public, but I don’t give a fuck.

When we break the kiss, she says, “Not possible.”

The next morning, we take a Jeep around the island to explore and visit some local markets and the rum cake factory. In the afternoon, I take her to swim with the pigs, and as expected, she loves it. That night, we bathe together in the oversized tub and make love on the balcony of the master suite, overlooking the ocean.

On our final day, we go snorkeling. I’m once again amazed by how proficient she is in the water. She’s like a fucking mermaid, diving down deep to see the fish and holding her breath for way longer than I can.

Everything about our time on the island has been perfect, and I despise that we have to return to Midnight Manor. But I can’t afford to be away from work any longer than I already have been, especially since I planned this trip last minute.

As she takes her seat beside me on the private plane, I take note of the smattering of freckles on her face. They’re more pronounced after days spent in the sun and make her look younger, closer to her twenty-four years.

She takes my hand. “This entire trip has been like a whole new world for me. Thank you for bringing me here, Obsidian. I can’t remember a time I had so much fun and felt so relaxed.”

Squeezing her hand, I kiss her temple. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. I’m only sorry we couldn’t stay longer.”

She frowns, and it feels as if there’s more behind it than just being disappointed the fun has to end. “Yeah, back to reality.”

“Don’t worry, this won’t be the last time we’re here. I plan on us visiting this place many, many times together.”

Tears glisten in her eyes as she takes me in.

I frown because there’s something she’s not telling me. “What’s wrong?”

She shakes her head and sniffles. “Nothing. I’m just so happy. I never even knew I could be this happy.”

I feel the same. I am so fucking thankful this woman came into my life. Still, I can’t get rid of the sense that the clock is ticking on our time together. I tell myself the dread I feel is just my paranoia over losing the best thing in my life because everything good has always been taken away from me.

Maybe that’s what love means—you search and search for it, then after you find it, all you do is worry about losing it.

Chapter

Thirty

ARIANA

Since we returned from the Bahamas, Obsidian has insisted that I eat in the dining room with everyone else, which has been nice. It’s allowed me to get to know his brothers a little better, but more than that, it’s helped me form friendships with the ladies.

So I’m disappointed when they ask me if I’d like to have a girls’ night on Saturday, and I have to put them off because I’m supposed to meet my brother. I’m meeting him even though I’ll be showing up empty-handed again.

I haven’t been able to think of anything we can do to pay off the remaining part of the loan, but I’m hopeful that my brother will have figured something out. Though I look forward to seeing Bastion, I hate the reason we’re getting together.

The weight of my guilt is dragging me down like cement shoes pulling me to the bottom of the dark ocean. I’m thinking about that guilt when Obsidian’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.

“Maybe one of these weeks I can tag along? I’d love to meet your brother under better circumstances.” He arches an eyebrow.

I try to keep a natural smile on my face when I answer. “Of course. But he doesn’t know anything about us yet… I’m not sure how he’ll feel about it, since you’re my boss and all.”

Obsidian frowns, but nods in understanding. I hate this.

“You know how it is… big brothers can be overbearing at times. Give me some time to ease him into the idea of us.”

He pulls me into him and places a chaste kiss on my lips. “Makes sense. You let me know when you think it’s a good time for us to meet. I want to make a better impression than I did.”

His words, as well as the heartfelt emotion behind them, make my chest ache. I hate that Obsidian still questions whether he’s good enough for me, when I’m the liar and the cheat.

We say our goodbyes, and I promise to come find him when I return later. The manor feels darker and more ominous than usual as I walk toward the front door to meet the driver. I have no doubt it’s probably my subconscious making me feel that way. Though this place is creepy as hell sometimes.

I’m dropped off in front of Black Magic Bar as usual, but when I go inside, I don’t find Bastion waiting for me at our usual table. Figuring he’s probably running late, I walk over to the bar and order myself a beer, then sit at our usual table to wait.

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