Page 17 of Lie to Me

“Are you ready for us to talk yet?” he murmurs.

“Nope.”

“There’s shit you don’t know, Sloane. You deserve to have all the facts.”

“I’m not interested right now, Marco. I’m trying to get used to being back in the city, trying to get used to a new job. I don’t need the past coming back to haunt me. I told you that I might be ready someday, just not yet. Have some patience.” I regret the words as soon as they leave my mouth. I knowexactly what he’s about to say next. He’s about to call me out on it in three… two… one…

“You know how well that went last time, little warrior,” he says with a smirk.

Called it.

Memories of that night threaten to bubble up to the surface, but I push them away. Those memories aren’t mine. I’m not the same person I was back then. I’ll never be her again. Not after everything that happened.

I’m a broken version of the person I once was and I’m okay with that. I’d rather feel that pain every day than not feel at all.

Ever since the day I started working at New York Pres, Skye has been on my case about going out dancing. I’d refused so far, since I no longer feel like the care-free girl I used to be. These days I’d rather stay home and order takeout than leave the house. But I figured it’s about time I gave in, and what better way to forget all about the man who owned my heart and popped back up in my world, turning it upside down once again?

Which is exactly how I ended up here, sitting at the bar in Arcane watching as Skye grinds against some guy on the dance floor. One thing I’ve noticed about my new friend is that sheseems to like garnering male attention, but as soon as things start heating up, she retreats.

I’m not exactly sure what happened to her, I just know that her mind drifts off sometimes and she has a tendency to jump when she’s unsuspectingly approached. I like to think that she’ll open up to me about her past one day, but if anyone knows what it’s like to want to leave the past behind, it’s me.

We’ve been here for a few hours already, it’s 01:00 a.m. and I’m ready to get the fuck out of here. Judging by the look Skye shoots me from the dance floor and the way she tilts her head, I’m guessing she’s feeling the same way.

She heads my way and I meet her in the middle before grabbing her hand, pulling her through the throngs of people so that we don’t lose each other. We make it out onto the street and head towards a cab, but before I climb in, a chill runs down my spine. My gaze darts around, looking for him. I huff out a breath before climbing in the cab and giving the driver mine and Skye’s addresses.

As we drive towards Skye’s apartment block, I pull out my phone to send Marco a text.

Were you watching me again tonight?

His reply comes in instantly.

Marco

No, why? Are you okay? It’s nearly one thirty in the morning, what’s going on?

Huh. I could have sworn I sensed someone watching me. Then again, it could have just been the cocktails.

Everything’s fine. I was just double checking.

The cab driver drops Skye off before making the short drive to my condo. Once inside, I kick off my heels and make my way through the apartment and into the kitchen. Just as I’m taking a bottle of water from the fridge, my cell rings. Furrowing my brows, I fumble with my purse until I find my phone. I scowl at the screen when I see the caller ID.

“What do you want, Marco?” I ask once I answer.

“I wanted to make sure you were okay. Was someone watching you? Where were you?” he grunts.

I roll my eyes. “Where I was is none of your business. And I’m sure I was just imagining things, or it was probably just the drinks I had. Everything’s fine. I’m fi—” My voice cuts off as my gaze snags on an envelope sitting on the floor near the front door. I must have missed it when I came in.

“Sloane?” Marco asks as I cautiously make my way over to the door.

“Uh huh?” I ask as I crouch down and pick up the envelope. I look it over and see that there’s nothing written on it. Someone must have slipped it under the door.

I head back to the kitchen and put the call on speaker before opening it up.

“Sloane, I swear to fuck, answer me. What the hell is going on? Are you okay?” Marco asks, concern evident in his tone.

“One sec,” I say shakily. He must pick up on my wariness because I hear him muttering to himself before I hear the distinct sound of him shuffling around and picking up his keys. Only being able to focus on one thing at once right now, I give the envelope my full attention.

I tip it upside down and a note falls onto the counter. My hands tremble as I pick it up, breath stuttering as I read the words written on the page.

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