Page 149 of Tangled In Lies

And then he’s gone, leaving behind a wreckage that is invisible to the naked eye.

My entire body shakes, convulsing. My mind isn’t helping either, replaying what just happened in a loop.

Ruby walks in with a bucket and some wipes, jolting me out of my appalling thoughts.

I stare at my best friend in utter disbelief, lost for words until betrayal takes over and the pounding in my ears becomes almost unbearable. “Ruby, what the fuck is going on? Get us out of here. Now.”

She glances at me, her eyes shining with tears, and shakes her head the tiniest bit.

A bead of sweat runs down my nape. I’m struggling, trying to keep my hysterical emotions under control. But it’s no use. They bubble to the surface, and I yell, “Is he forcing you to do this? For fuck’s sake, Ruby. Help us. Please.”

When I think she might finally say something, she lowers her head and ignores me, cleaning my vomit in silence.

I want to shake her and scream in frustration.

Why the hell isn’t she helping us?

Did I do something wrong for her to do something stupid like this? Is this the universe getting back at me for keeping so many secrets from her? Or is this about Phoenix and me? It would make sense since we’re both here, both stuck in this fucked-up situation.

Phoenix told me Ruby drugged me and helped Tylerkidnap both of us, but I still can’t believe it. None of this can be real.

She drugged me.

My best friend.

She had tears in her eyes when she just looked at you.

Shit. She’d never do something like this willingly. I refuse to believe that.

I sense Phoenix’s presence behind me, offering me silent support.

He probably wants to yell at Ruby too, but he also knows the chances of her talking to me are much higher than his.

Lowering my voice, I tell myself to stay collected and try one more time. “Ruby, please. Talk to me.”

I watch her for a sign, anything.

But nothing.

Without another word or glance, she leaves. I fall back onto the bed in a mix of anger, fear, and hysteria, staring at the ceiling and trying my hardest to calm down my erratic heartbeat and shaking limbs.

“Angel.”

My name is barely a whisper and laced with pain; the anger Phoenix showed Tyler gone now that it’s just us.

Without uttering a word, I turn toward him and shuffle as close as my restraints allow. I’m forced to stop with several inches between our heads, but at least I can intertwine my fingers with his.

My wrists burn from yanking on my cuffs, and one quick look at Phoenix’s wrists confirms we have matching red marks.

Being able to touch him is the only remnant of peace I have left in this fucked-up mess.

Phoenix holds on to me like he’s afraid I’ll disappear the moment he lets go.

I know the sentiment.

I don’t ever want to let go of him either.

There’s so much turmoil in his eyes, it’s almost painful to see, but I don’t avert my gaze. At least the pain means he’s here with me, and while I should feel nothing but regret and devastation over his presence, I’m not strong enough to cling to anything but comfort and relief.

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