Page 87 of Sinners Retreat

Is she jealous?

It’s the only thing that makes sense. She was obsessed with me before the trip, and now that we’re friends, she doesn’t want to share my time. Why else would she bring up how much time I’ve been spending with Ezra?

“I don’t understand,” I say. “I thought you wanted me to hook up with him. What changed?”

She gets that faraway look again, like she’s doing battle inside her head, and her fingers start tapping beneath the blanket.

“Just spit it out, Cat.”

“When Bennett thought I was sleeping, he said some things that worried me. Things about Ezra.” She picks at the corner of the blanket. “I just think you should be careful, that’s all.”

“Bennett? The same Bennett who would snatch an ice cream from a child and stomp it into the concrete if he thought it would wipe the smile off the child’s face?ThatBennett?” I scoff and shake my head. “I don’t trust anything that comes out of his mouth. He probably knew you were half-awake and just wanted to plant a seed of contention.”

“I don’t think so, Kindra. He?—”

“No, I don’t want to hear it.” I get to my feet and pace around the coffee table. I’m too angry to stay seated. “Bennett is a snake, and I won’t let his lies get to me. I trust Ezra. He’s a good guy, and he’s goodforme.”

“Bennett said something about a secret. I can’t remember exactly what, but it’s something about his brother’s identity. Please, just be careful.”

I stop pacing. “His identity? He’s a private dick and a serial killer. He has no romantic attachments, no children, and no pets. He owns his home and drives a Mini Cooper because it reminds him of the UK.” I count the points on my fingers, then look at her. “What am I missing?”

Her tiny shoulders lift in a shrug. “I don’t know, but you’re missing something. A little distance may not be a bad thing. You and I could get ready for dinner together, and we can hang out for the evening without the guys.”

“You and Bennett are more alike than you realize.” I scoff and fold my arms over my chest. “He’s jealous of Ezra, and you’re jealous of me. Now you’re both working to rip us apart.”

Cat looks like I just slapped her in the face. I expect her to start crying, but she steels herself and says, “I’m sorry you feel that way.”

As the door clicks shut behind her, it feels like we’ve closed the door on our friendship.

Chapter Thirty-One

Ezra

Icheck my watch for the third time and pace the mansion’s front hall. Kindra said she would meet me here. I’m not sure if it’s the anticipation of seeing her or the dread of knowing tonight may be our last night together, but my heart won’t stop hammering against my chest each time I hear footsteps in the corridor.

Once she finds out I’m the one who ruined her adult life, I’m done.

I’ve put this off for far too long, and now I’ve run out of room to hide. Especially with Maverick’s impending arrival. If he gets to Kindra before I can get to him, he’ll unwittingly blow this entire thing out of the water.

Bennett was right about one thing. It’s best if she hears the truth from me first.

Heels click against gleaming hardwood floors, and I turn to face the sound. The moment she rounds the corner, any chance of my heartbeat slowing is gone.

Black hair frames her face in gentle ringlets and soft waves, and though the Caribbean humidity tried to sabotage her locks, it hasn’t detracted from her beauty. A purple dress flows over her curves like glistening water. Tiny jewels catch the light and cast glimmers of shifting color on her skin.

She’s stunning.

When I finally stop acting like a twelve-year-old boy who just saw a woman for the first time, I raise my eyes to her face. Her smile usually gives me life, but something seems off. The joy formed by her lips and perfect teeth is a lie.

I offer my arm, and she slides her hand into the crook of my elbow. She’s shaking.

“Is everything okay, pet?” I guide her to a quiet corner and swat a massive houseplant out of my face. “You seem upset.”

Her lips pull into a tight line, and tears spring to her eyes. She shakes her head. “Cat and I got into a fight. She seems to think you’re hiding something from me.” She swipes away the tears beneath her eyes before they damage her makeup. “Apparently, Bennett said some shit when he thought she was sleeping.”

My spine feels like it’s going to collapse in on itself. What would he have told her? And why? I know my brother has a big mouth, but I never thought he would wield it in such a way.

“Friends fight, pet. It will all blow over. I promise.”

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