Page 126 of Under the Lies

Maybe if I hadn’t frozen at the sight of the gun, I’d feel different.

Sure, I’m not the strongest and I refuse to touch or carry a gun, but I know the signs of danger. I know basic moves in case I’m attacked. I took classes in college.

And I dare anyone in my position who’s never had a gun pointed at them do something different. Because I bet they wouldn’t. Saying and doing are two different actions when actually put in the position to show it.

I don’t need two intimidating shadows as a reminder. Not when I’m just going down the block to get some food.

“Right, so.” I grip the strap of my bag. “I’m going to get some sushi. And you two are going to stay here.”

Neither of them blinks, neither react at all. It’s like I haven’t spoken. They’re not going to listen to me. I think they’re still a little angry with me ditching them the night I went to Harlots.

I’m locked in an epic stare down with them and I’m pretty sure neither of these men even know what the word blink is, when someone joins us in the lobby, bringing in a blast of cold air.

“Hi, hi!” a sing-song voice calls, ultimately making me lose as I look up to find Thea, a cheerful smile plastered on her face only for it to slip when she sees three angry faces greeting her. “What’s going on here?”

“I’m going out for dinner.” I glance at the goons. “Alone.”

Silent Two’s nostrils flare.

“Well, that’s a coincidence.” Thea glides closer to us. “I was just going to see if you wanted to hang out.”

Yes! I want to shout. Thank God for Thea, who doesn’t care about following orders from Noah.

“What did you have in mind?” I turn toward her, giving the goons my back.

Her smile is slow. “Something incredibly dangerous and maybe life-threatening.”

I feel the silent twins tense behind me.

Thea’s smile blooms in full as she says, “Shopping.”

“I don’t know.” I give a smile of my own. “Some of the stores can be pretty small and jammed tight. I don’t know if these two” —I hook a finger over my shoulder— “could go in with us. What with their muscular builds and imposing attitudes I don’t know if they’d fit.”

“Hmm.” Thea taps her chin, playing along. “No, no I don’t think they would.” She looks at them over my shoulder. “Boys, you’ll have to stay here.”

They don’t answer, but I don’t take that to mean they’re agreeing. In fact, as I take a step toward Thea and the door so do they.

Bastards. I twist around to glare while Thea tsks at them. “Now, boys. I believe we just said you weren’t invited.” She walks over, linking her arm with mine, and sequentially opens her coat to reveal her gun. “I don’t think anything is going to happen,” she continues. “But if something were? I guarantee I’m a better shot than either of you.”

Mic drop.

And with that, we turn around and walk out of the lobby. A smile on both of our faces.

“What did you want to get, anyway?” I ask Thea when we’re safely in the waiting car Jensen had idling in front of the building.

“I was thinking of getting some more decorations for Noah’s. It’s too gothic for my tastes. I’m thinking pinks. Lots and lots of pink. What do you think?”

I’m thinking Noah Kincaid shouldn’t have let me alone.

Three hours, countless stores, and copious amounts of laughter later, Thea and I find ourselves at my favorite sushi bar.

Across the table, Thea giggles. “I can’t get Jenkins’s face out of my head.”

I laugh, picturing it myself. How shocked he was to see how many bags we were able to get in the few hours we were out.

My arms still feel the weight of them.

“I needed this tonight.” Thea plays with a pair of chopsticks.

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