Page 11 of Mind Maze

As much as I want to convince myself of that, I know I can’t. His voice brought me comfort when I was at my worst. I’d know it anywhere.

It could have been a trick. Wouldn’t be the first time Caius has replicated someone’s voice. He has the capability with his AI program. Though that would be an easy out for me, I refuse to take it. I’ll get to the bottom of all this myself. Face to face. Dad may be able to lie straight to my face without flinching, but Bastian has tells.

“You don’t like Vivienne.” Caius’s smooth, deep voice jolts me from my racing thoughts. “She’s one of the best out there. Gets paid handsomely for her services too.”

I cringe at the thought of this woman being paid to be around children. Without proof or real memories, I can’t throw a fit, demanding for her to stay away from Kaitlyn.

You can’t save anyone, Romy, can you?

“I’m still figuring her out,” I admit in a whisper. “I get a bad feeling about her.”

Caius doesn’t sigh or argue that I’m being stupid for feeling this way. He takes in my words, digests them, and says nothing in return. I’d like to think he’s considering them rather than dismissing them. For once, I don’t feel crazy.

“Whatever happened to LuLu?” I ask, hating how my voice trembles. “Everything about the yacht after…”

He squeezes my hand quick and firm. I think it’s a warning. Orion’s head is tilted slightly as if he’s trying to hear what we’re saying from where he sits.

“I’m sure Ava handled her transfer.”

“To where?” I turn my head to meet his dark eyes. “Is she okay?”

I’m asking a manipulative murdering kidnapper if some trafficked girl is okay. Trusting that he’d care, much less give me a correct answer, shows just how far I’ve slipped when it comes to him.

There’s a connection between us. Trust, a budding friendship, more… Whatever it is, it’s stupid and reckless. It’ll only ruin my life more than it already is.

“Considering the police got involved, I’m sure Ava whisked the girls away quickly.” He leans closer, brushing a soft kiss on my cheek, and whispers, “Not here. Later.”

His breath tickles my flesh and I shiver. He’s definitely withholding information from his father about the whole ordeal. Knowing we have a secret together is satisfying. I’m more than just a captive here. I have knowledge.

Calista.

The name is seared into my brain and I want to ask him more about her. But based on how badly he’s reacted in the past at the mention of her, I know it’s not wise. In fact, I can’t be sure whether or not he murdered Gareth because he was raping me or because he heard me mention Calista’s name.

Surely Caius was defending my honor, not his secrets.

Surely.

“Are you nervous about seeing your family?” Caius asks, no longer whispering. “Think your dad will approve of your new lover? You going to tell him about the baby?”

Heat burns hot across my cheeks. His voice carries loud enough that Vivienne looks at us, eyebrows lifted in surprise.Orion, thankfully, is rapid-fire texting and no longer paying attention.

“I’d rather not share that with the world,” I grit out, digging my dull nails into his hand, “lover.”

He smirks. “Oh, yes. Our little secret.”

I don’t know why he seems to get off on telling everyone I’m pregnant. We haven’t even had sex yet.

Yet.

Amusement dances in his eyes as if he knows exactly what I’m thinking. Sometimes, like now, he’s almost playful. Almost. Too bad it’s always when he’s terrorizing me.

Theo, who’d been sleeping, jolts awake. At first, his bloodshot eyes are wild and frantic, but when they settle on us, he relaxes, affixing me with a lazy smile. At least he’ll be on this trip with us. I don’t exactly like the idea of Orion and Vivienne being here, but Kaitlyn and Theo will make it bearable.

When I feel someone staring at me, a cold, terrible feeling washes over me. It’s not Orion, but instead, Vivienne.

There’s something behind her seemingly innocent gaze that unnerves me straight to my core. I can’t put my finger on it, which makes it all the more stressful.

What is it with this woman?

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