Page 24 of Tangled In Lies

“I thought it would be best to talk about the rules and what’s expected of you so we don’t run into any trouble.”

I wave my hand in a go-on gesture and take a bite of the eggs and avocado toast. Damn, that’s good. I hope the chef gets compensated well. I chew but try to focus on Phoenix. The faster he spits out what he came here for, the sooner I can eat this delicious food in peace.

“You’re allowed to wander around the house at your discretion and use all available facilities. Just stay away from my wing, and don’t leave the premises by yourself.”

My utensils clank to the plate, and I snort. “So you’re keeping me here as a prisoner?”

His friendly demeanor is instantly gone, replaced by something much harder.

With his eyes narrowed on me, he leans forward. “Trust me, this couldn’t be further from a prison, and you’d do well to remember where I’ve been for the last three years. I wouldn’t wish the humiliating treatment, inhumane conditions, or abusive interactions on anyone. Not even you.”

Well, shit.

Now, my appetite is definitely gone.

Ignoring the immense guilt bubbling inside me, I find an ounce of my backbone, even when I know deep down it’s pointless. Under normal circumstances, I’d hightail it out of here, but sadly, nothing about my life is normal anymore. It hasn’t been since that very first text message Freddy sent me.

“Just so we’re clear, I won’t be your sex slave.”

Chapter 8

Phoenix

Istare at her for a beat, then laugh.

Her back straightens at the noise. “I am not kidding, Phoenix. I am not going to have sex with you. Ever.”

I shake my head andtsk. “Careful with those absolutes.”

She huffs but stays quiet.

I use that moment and lean forward to minimize the space between us she very clearly wanted. “But trust me, no matter how hot you are, unwilling women aren’t my thing. Neither are backstabbing and vindictive ones, in case you were wondering.”

She flinches and averts her gaze. Good.

Picking up a piece of bacon from the plate, I pop it into my mouth and chew, watching her every move.

My gaze focuses on how she gnaws on her plump bottom lip and how her right hand taps on her leg. It’s rhythmic and oddly fascinating. A little birdie told me she hasn’t played piano since her sister died, which makes me wonder if her fingers have a mind of their own, and she’s not even aware ofit. Although, it’s a shame she doesn’t play anymore. She’s an amazing musician and absolutely mesmerizing to watch.

Stop.

Fuck. It’s only day one, and I already can’t keep my eyes off her or have my thoughts veer in directions they have no business going.

Just because I haven’t had pussy in years doesn’t mean I should look at her as anything other than a means to an end.

That’s all she is.

A means to get my revenge and cause her demise.

“Phoenix.” She lets out a long, tired sigh. “We both know you don’t really want to marry me, so can we stop with this charade?”

When I stay quiet, she sighs again. “Why are you doing this?”

I shrug. “I have my reasons.”

“What reasons could you possibly have? Don’t you see how insane this is?” She gets out of her chair and walks across the room, just to pace back again.

I watch her like a predator, not wanting to miss a single move she makes.

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