Page 135 of Tangled In Lies

It’s almost too much.

I open my mouth to say something back, but there’s aknock on the door, officially ruining the moment. It’s a loud and obnoxious knock, telling us exactly who it is.

Eve giggles before Holden’s voice sounds through the door.

“Thanks for making me sit out here with a boner. I really appreciate it.” He groans loudly. “Now get your asses out here because we’re getting ready to land soon.”

Eve and I gape at each other and laugh until my stomach hurts. She brushes her hand over my face, and I lean into it. It’s perfect. Serene.

She presses a kiss to the corner of my mouth. “I’ve missed that laugh.”

Memories of laughing with her when we were younger take over my mind: throwing her into the pool and her dunking me in retaliation. I return the kiss and stay there for several seconds. “I have too.”

Another knock sounds at the door, this time more timid, and we both groan when Michelle tells us we have to return to our seats.

Reluctantly, we get dressed and walk back into the cabin, where Holden sits with a pillow on his lap, flipping us off.

“Hey, Princess.”

She buckles in and regards Holden. “What?”

“Did Phoenix tell you the island is his? That he actually bought the whole damn thing?”

I groan and mumble, “Motherfucker.”

Eve glances at me. “You did?”

I nod.

Holden chuckles, clearly enjoying this moment. “Ask him what it’s called.”

Curiosity shines in her eyes, and she leans into me. “What’s the island called, baby?”

My eyes flare as her gaze collides with mine. “Careful, Angel.”

She makes a pout. “Tell me.”

“Angel Island.”

What I don’t tell her is I bought it the second I gained access to my trust fund at eighteen. That wasn’t too long after I met her when she was only fifteen.

I didn’t even tell Holden that part.

They don’t need to know how truly obsessed I’ve been with her ever since I met her.

Chapter 34

Evangeline

It’s our last evening on this beautiful island—my island—and I never want to leave. Even though Phoenix and I have spent so much time together back in New York, this has felt different. It’s like we both shed our expectations, the roles assigned to us. Underneath the façade we found the real us, the us that isn’t defined by anyone or anything else.

I love that us so much.

And I think Phoenix does too.

Being here has given me hope, but I know we need to talk about how things will continue with us before we fly back home. At first, I didn’t want to ruin this fantastic time. Now, it’s a constant reminder creeping into our bubble, telling me I can’t prolong this anymore.

Phoenix is in the shower after another day of relaxing at the beach, and I step out onto the sprawling patio, taking a few more pictures of the beautiful scenery to tease Ruby and Mason with. They are jealous whenever I send a new picture yet demand more every time.

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