Page 70 of Kortlek

White lies and little ones don’t bother me as much. However, if it has something to do with my life and my well-being, it pisses me off. Wyatt always lied to me, always. I don’t think I can remember one time when he wouldn’t lie or would tell me the truth without me begging or probing for information.

It made me feel insane. He’d always use the same excuses; he didn’t mean to lie, he did it to protect me, he didn’t want to hurt me. But each and every time he did mean to lie and he did do it to hurt me. At one point, he admitted to it.

I was desperate to have the love my parents had that I was willing to give everything to Wyatt, just for him to love me unconditionally. His love — if it can even be called that — came with conditions and requirements. When I didn’t meet them, he’d lie.

It made me feel worthless and stupid. I spent nights second-guessing myself, crying myself to sleep. Wyatt was the master of manipulation back then, especially when it came using lies to get me to do exactly what he wanted.

That’s why it feels like my heart is about to burst into a million pieces right now.

Cove called Dad’s clean-up crew — yes, Dad’s men apparently followed us all the way to Italy, and it wasn’t just Logan — and they did their job. The captured man was taken with them, which was the first odd thing. Why’d he do that? The two of us are more than capable of handling him ourselves.

Then, while he thought I was still in the bath, he made a phone call. It wasn’t too loud, but loud enough for me to understand what’s happening.

It was Arlo’s idea for Cove to bring me here and lie. And Cove fucking listened.

I’m not sure exactly why, but I’m not sitting here and waiting to find out. He wants to play stupid games, and he’s about to win stupid prizes. He sips on his tea, finishing the cup and putting it down. Soon enough, I see his eyes getting drowsy, and he can’t keep them open.

I always have some sleeping pills with me. I crushed four and put them in his tea.

If Arlo and Cove won’t tell me what’s happening, I’ll find out myself. There’s no reason for me to be kept in the dark. Their excuse will be that they wanted to keep me safe. On some level, I understand it. Especially Arlo. He blames himself for not dealing with Wyatt sooner.

However, neither Cove nor Arlo seems to understand that by keeping me in the dark about something that is so big and revolves around me, they’re no better than Wyatt. Their lies and deception may be rooted in good intentions and a need to protect me, but it makes me feel just as stupid and as useless as Wyatt did.

The difference is, Wyatt was never shy to tell me how useless and stupid I was.

Once Cove’s asleep, I toss on a shirt and pants, sliding my shoes right on. I grab my wallet, phone, and passport and head to the airport. I’m not going to let them rule my life. If Cove wants to keep me in the dark, I’ll return the favor.

He hasn’t known me when I’m at my angriest, and unfortunately for him, he’s about to find out.

Because there’s nothing that angers me more than when men in my life don’t trust I’m capable enough to handle my shit.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

The flight back to the States went without a hitch.

As soon as my feet hit the American soil, a deep breath of relief slipped past my lips. I didn’t waste any time before going straight home. I was going to text Mom, but I forgot my charger back in Italy since I was in a rush, and my battery ended up dying mid-flight.

Mom was in the basement, polishing her knives. Her love for blades runs deep, and although it’s my weapon of choice, too, it’s nowhere near as passionate as hers. She takes her time wiping the blades, sharpening them, and ensuring they’re in their best state.

She sits on one of the mats, a clean, white cloth in front of her. The blades are neatly placed in front of her, going from biggest to smallest. Her collection is beautiful, too. There’s one specific dagger that she always seems to polish, but she’s not using it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her use it.

I take a seat across from her, and her eyes flicker upward, the familiar warmth in her deep brown eyes calming me down immediately. A smile tugs on the corner of her lips as she continues to wipe the blade, then puts some sort of oil on it.

“You’re back,’’ she smiles. “Any particular reason you came alone?”

I raise a brow. “How did you know I came alone?”

An amused smile lingers on her lips momentarily before she shakes her head with a chuckle. “I was made aware as soon as you stepped out of the plane. What’s going on, Aria?”

My chest tightens. I’m unsure how to bring up the topic, so I avoid it. It’s not something Mom will ever let go, and she’ll continue to pry and probe, but she does know when to do that. My eyes flicker to the dagger in her hand, and I nod.

“What’s the story with that one?”

“What makes you think it has a story?’’

“Please,’’ I scoff. “The blade’s barely been used. Twice tops. Yet, you take the best care of it. Why?”

Mom smiles softly, gently tracing the outline of the blade with her fingertips. A nostalgic look flashes behind her eyes, and she’s lost in her own world for a couple of seconds. Then, she places it back down, looking up at me.

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