Page 131 of The Liar's Reckoning

“Besides—isn’t it easier talking to me?” he asks.

I find myself frowning at him. “Did you hear me say I was gay?”

His expression sours slightly, and he gulps. Then nods.

“And you just expect me to believe you’re fine with that?” I ask.

His eyes dart to the door of our father’s office, then he lowers his voice. “I’m fine with what you just agreed to,” he says. “That for as long as you’re in the senate you’ll put that lifestyle behind you.”

“Lifestyle?” I let out a harsh laugh. “Lifestyle. Right. Like yachting or golfing. Those are lifestyles, too, right?”

“You seemed happy with Avery. Especially when she was…”

Pregnant.

It’s the word no one says. Like gay. The baby is a whisper, but I’m a sin.

“I’m saying you don’t have to live like that,” he offers, like he’s giving me a great newoption. “And I mean, it’s not like you have a choice.You need to think of the family now.”

“I’m going to my room.” I attempt to shoulder past him, but he grabs me again.

“Let’s have a drink. Please.”

“Why?”

“Because,” he says gently. “Dad’s right. You’ve got nothing to lose, and I’m worried about you. We’re gonna talk this out, and it’s gonna be okay.” He puts an arm around me and draws me close.

When I don’t return the hug, he gives me a couple of bro pats before pulling away.

“I’m not gonna kill myself,” I tell him. “I just want to go to bed.”

I can’t think of anything but seeing Silas tomorrow. What I want to say versus what I’ll have to say. It’s tearing me up not being with him now.

Holden finally gives up and lets me go to my room in peace. Silas has texted, and it’s another blow to my pummeled heart. I hit the button to call him.

“Hello?”

He sounds like I woke him.

“Hey, baby.”

“Where are you?”

“I’m at my parents’ house. Gonna stay here tonight.”

“Is everything all right?”

Tears burst from my eyes, and I cover my face, breathing heavily into my hand.

“Graham?”

I sob, and I can’t make it less obvious. It’s impossible. I love him too fucking much.

“Baby, come home.”

I sniff, trying to get my shit together. “I can’t tonight. I don’t feel good. I’m just gonna crash here.”

“Obviously you’re not good. Why are you crying?”

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