Page 43 of Tangled In Lies

Phoenix sighs. “So help me God, Evangeline. Use your damn words.”

“Yes, I understand.”

The words come out breathless. Too breathless.

Phoenix’s gaze roams over my face, scrutinizing me, trying to find a crack in my armor, and I pray he doesn’t find one.

After an agonizing moment, and a lingeringgaze on my lips, he finally lets go of my face and steps back, pointing at the empty seat on the left side of the large table. “Sit.”

My stomach growls at the sight of the food, distracting me enough from the fact the table is set for only two.

I slide onto the chair, and Phoenix does the same opposite me. I stare at the vast array of options, my mouth watering at the rich scents drifting up my nose. Each dish is more compelling than the next, making it impossible to decide what to eat first.

“I hope you still like Greek food.” Phoenix reaches across the table for my plate, putting some of everything on it for me.

“I do.” The words come out in a whisper.

I watch him, unsure how to react to this version of Phoenix.

The hard boundaries he drew for us at the beginning of this engagement have quickly turned blurry, transforming him into an enigma. It’s not every day my teenage crush, who almost became my brother-in-law, forces me into an arranged marriage, all while knowing I was the one who put him in jail, and now he gets me my favorite dishes for dinner. The chances of something crazy like this happening seem as impossible as catching sight of a unicorn, yet here we are. Is it too late to choose the unicorn?

When Phoenix holds out my plate, I take it with both hands and say, “Thank you.”

The only reply I get is a nod, which is ironic, considering he all but growled at me to use my words less than five minutes ago. But since I don’t want to talk to him anyway, I focus on the plate in front of me, trying to decide what to eat first.

I might as well enjoy this meal as much as I can, considering every meal has the potential to be my last. I mean, how is it possible he knows about my nine-one-one call, and I’m still alive?

Phoenix finishes serving himself and picks up his utensils, which I take as my green light. The first bite of souvlaki and tzatziki hits my tongue. Fresh and tangy flavors burst in my mouth, and I close my eyes, barely containing the moan that wants to escape. I’m a sucker for good food, not caring if it costs a few bucks and comes from the food stand at the corner.

Phoenix is staring at me. I can feel it, just like I could all those years ago. But now, I ignore it. I focus on eating and nothing else, trying a little bit of everything until I’m full. I leave my silverware on the plate at a perfect four o’clock position and only barely refrain from rubbing my satisfied stomach.

After several breaths, I finally meet Phoenix’s gaze head-on.

The next time you’re late, I’ll put you over my knee and spank your ass.

Of course, my brain uses this moment to replay his earlier words on a loop in my head.

Heat blooms between my legs, and I’m slowly catching on to how seriously screwed I am.

Without thinking, I squirm in my seat, and Phoenix’s gaze flares when he catches the movement. Why does he have to have eagle eyes? Nothing ever goes unnoticed.

One side of his mouth lifts in a satisfied smirk, and I fully intend to keep my gaze everywhere but on him. Manners be damned.

For the restof the week, both at mealtimes and otherwise, our interactions stay as minimal as possible and, thankfully, without any more comments my brain could construe as sexual innuendos. In a way, we’ve found somewhat of a neutral area for us. A way to co-exist.

During the day, I’m back to my regular schedule of school and volunteering, with Holden as my ever-present shadow. He’s been such a good sport about the volunteer work, and I swear, he’s got everyone at the shelter wrapped around his little finger. I should have known he’d be a total charmer.

Ruby and Mason haven’t cornered me again either, satisfied now that they have seen with their own eyes that I’m okay. At least for now. On the rare occasion that they send me a worried glance, I shut them down quickly, reassuring them I’m truly fine. The last thing I need is for Freddy to get involved because my friends are causing trouble with Phoenix.

Once I’m home and dismissed after dinner, I spend my evenings in my room, catching up on homework and studying.

Just like Huxley promised, my personal items were delivered this week, changing my room into a homier space with photos and my other items. I sorted through all the boxes, and Huxley helped me store the ones I don’t need at the moment in the closet. Somehow, I’m not ready to fully unpack my life here.

Although, it’s not that different from my previous life, other than having Ruby or Mason occasionally drag me out of my room to watch a movie, telling me I study too hard andneed a break. This weekend will be my first real test when I don’t have school or work to keep me busy around the clock, at least not the entire day.

But first, I need to survive our first charity event tonight, with another one tomorrow.

I walk out of the bathroom and snatch my phone, groaning at the “check-in” text message from my dad.

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