Page 98 of Wicked Sins

“I mean, is it absolutely impossible for her to be with your aunt?”

Candy uses her thumb to press her bottom lip against her teeth as she gives this some thought. “I guess…they could have…I guess they could have made up or something.”

“We’ll figure it out tomorrow.”

There’s such confusion in her eyes, I hesitate.

“Hey…” I touch her chin, lifting her gaze to mine. “You gotta remember something.”

She watches intently. I smile.

“We’re in this together.”

Something that could have been relief touches her face. “But what about—”

“He can’t keep the truth hidden. If he’s lying, we’ll find out.”

She wraps her hands around my wrist, squeezing me. “Thank you,” she murmurs.

I so badly want to kiss her, but not with my dad nearby. He could decide at any minute to come downstairs and make sure she’s gone to bed.

I help her up, and walk her down the hallway, straining for any sound that might indicate my father is on the move.

Why would he be lying?

Even if he is, the truth always comes out…no matter how hard you try to hide it.

Chapter Forty

Josiah

Afaint bang wakes me.

I sit up in bed, my heart racing.

Somehow, the sound merged with the dream I was having of chasing Candy through the mansion. She thought it was some big game, giggling and squealing every time I got close enough to brush her skin with my fingers. Then she’d dart off again.

Always slamming a door behind her.

I’d throw it open, and she be just within reach again. Tantalizingly close, but as soon as I’d reach her, too far away.

It doesn’t make any sense. Why do I still have to chase her? She’s mine. I already have her. But the mind’s sick like that. Always planting seeds of doubt, nurturing them with lies. As if I need to sabotage my happiness right now.

Thump.

So that slamming door hadn’t just been in my dream. I toss the sheets from me and hop into a pair of sweats. It’s overcast outside—the room’s interior is gloomy, and the shadows blur at the edges.

All the doors in the hallway are closed.

Thump.

The hairs on my arms lift.

Thump.

I follow the sound upstairs. There I have to wait a moment to determine if it’s coming from the study or the master bedroom.

Thump.

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