Page 62 of Devious Lies

Then all thoughts of Luc and love leave my brain.

My mother is in the hospital. And I can’t stay hidden any longer.

Hang on, Mami.

CHAPTER TWENTY-LUC

Iwas still sitting in the car, just idling outside Maria’s apartment building. Gathering my thoughts, as it were, when I happen to glance in my rearview mirror.

I see her. Maria. She looks harried. Frazzled. And she is running out the door.

She’s still in my sweatpants, which placates me some. But I see she replaced the thin silk top with a t-shirt, and I know she must be sweating with the heat.

She’s headed for the bus stop, but I’m not about to let that happen.

Heavy-handed?

Maybe.

But I can’t seem to be anything but when it comes to this woman.

I put the car in reverse and step on the gas.

“Maria!”

I shout, and she turns her head, almond eyes swimming in tears.

She freezes, and it’s like a switch goes off. I can see she’s scared, and it makes me angry.

I want to know who is scaring my Baby Girl.

Who fucking dares?

I plan on getting answers, but first I need her in my car.

“Get in,” I command, and like every time I issue an order, she obeys.

“What’s going on?” I say without preamble.

Maria takes a breath, but she doesn’t look at me. She faces forward, and I hate it.

It’s like she’s building a wall between us, and it makes me even madder.

“My mother is in the hospital. The Medical Center. Can you take me?” she asks, and her voice breaks at the last bit.

“Of course,” I say, already putting the car in gear.

There’s more. I know there is more.

But clearly, my woman is too fraught with worry to handle a bunch of possessive male bullshit right now.

So, I shut my fucking mouth. And I drive.

She wipes at her face, and I grit my teeth. I reach over her, opening the glove compartment and grabbing the miniature box of tissues inside.

I hand them to her without saying a word.

Then she starts bawling. Great big sobs that shake her entire body, and I feel fucking helpless.

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