Page 156 of Tangled In Lies

Tyler is responsible for this entire fucking mess. Everything that happened in the last few years, everything that led to this moment, it was all him. He changed my life in ways that can never be reversed or amended, and this entire time, he was my friend. At least, that’s what he made me believe.

I blow out a breath and turn back to Phoenix to give him a small smile. “Hi.”

He smiles back at me, reaching out to caress my cheek. “Hey.”

This is what I need to focus on. My person. He’s here with me, and I don’t have to go through this hell alone. Not this time.

I have him to touch, to talk to, and to tell me stories like last night.

I don’t remember falling asleep during his story, but I remember the warmth in my chest when I shut everything out and listened to his silly, over-the-top version of our fairy tale. Of course, we had a happily ever after. I wouldn’t accept any other option.

Loud footsteps bounce down the stairs, and our moment of peace is gone. When the person gets closer, obnoxious whistling immediately identifies Tyler.

The weight on my chest grows heavier with each approaching footstep, and I inhale deeply in an attempt to lighten it. It doesn’t work.

Phoenix is quiet next to me, both of us listening and anticipating what will happen next. Not knowing what nefarious thing Tyler might do. Not knowing if we’ll survive to see another day. It’s its own kind of torture.

With every footstep, my heart beats faster, harder, louder, and I hear my heartbeat everywhere. In my ears, my throat, even my mouth. It’s loud. Suffocating.

Everything I thought about Tyler clearly went out the window, and now he’s as predictable as any other psychopath. Ergo, not one single bit.

And to think I had . . . I did . . . with him. No, I can’t.

“Rise and shine, my friends. It’s your big day.” Tyler strides into the room and claps, stopping at the foot of the bed with a big grin.

Every time I see him, it’s like a brutal slap to the face. For years, Tyler played not just with my life but also with Phoenix’s, and threatened my friends’ lives, with my sister paying the ultimate price.

“What are you talking about?” Phoenix sends Tyler such a murderous glare, I’m disappointed he doesn’t drop dead.

“Aww, come on. It’s a surprise.” Tyler raises his arms, the gun gleaming in the sunlight.

I swallow and move as far away from the edge of the bed as possible.

I don’t like the gun or that nothing Tyler deems a surprise will be good.

“Evie, you’re up first since you’ll take longer.” He walks to the head of the bed and uncuffs me.

“No, Tyler. Please. I . . . please let us go.” My voice breaks as I shake my head and try to scoot back even farther.

Phoenix twists and gets on his knees, glaring at Tyler. “Come on, Tyler. We’ll forget this ever happened.”

He scoffs. “Yeah, I don’t think so.”

“Let’s go, Evie.”

Phoenix’s nostrils flare. “Where are you taking her?”

“Down, boy.” Tyler shoots Phoenix a pointed look, grabs my chain, and hauls me up. “Don’t worry, I’ll bring her back in one piece because Evie will be a good girl.” He lifts the gun to my face and brushes the cool metal over my skin in a disturbing caress. “Won’t you, Evie?”

My entire body shakes uncontrollably but I manage a nod, not daring to take my eyes off Tyler and his gun.

I don’t ever want one this close to my face again.

He finally lowers it and moves backward toward the doorway, pulling me with him.

“Please, Ty.” My eyes sting.

Tyler ignores me.

---