Page 54 of Mind Maze

Does my mom really not want to see me anymore like they always claimed? Or is she living a life somewhere, pining over the loss of her daughter? It, too, could be a lie. I wish I’d pressedto see her when I was younger—to make my own determination of whether she loved me anymore or not.

He closes his eyes and huffs. “I know. I know, I know, I know. With Vivienne and what happened with Megan, your trust is shot. I’m sorry it came to this. Just know everything with making you forget about Vivienne was done out of love for you.”

“And Megan?”

“That was for me. Selfish, I know.” His nostrils flare. “That’s why I’m not thrilled with you being with a Crowne. I know what sort of things they’re capable of.”

“You and Dad consort with them. It makes me wonder what sort of things you two are capable of.”

His face turns to ice, reminding me of Dad. “We’re not much different than them. VEIL is more than a global media conglomerate. We have a purpose.”

“Besides telling the news?”

“Sometimes the news needs to be served in portions or flavors people can handle,” he explains vaguely. “We create the menu for our viewers and spoon-feed them ourselves.”

“What does that mean—”

The ringing of his phone interrupts my question. He pulls it out and frowns. “Dad’s calling.” He swipes to answer the call. “Hey, Dad. Yep. On my way. Had to stop to grab some coffee. Be there shortly.”

He ends the call and stands abruptly.

“Where are you going?” I ask with a frown.

“To work. If Dad knew I told you all that…” He shakes his head. “Can it be our secret?”

Apparently, that’s all this family does. Keep secrets from each other.

“That’s all I get, huh?”

He nods and then bends to give me a quick hug. “For now. Maybe Dad will tell you all about the company one day. You deserve to know.”

With those cryptic words, he leaves.

Every time I feel like I have a handle on my life, more questions pop up around me, leaving me more confused than ever before.

Caius

The snowflakes landing on my face and hair aren’t enough to cool the heat that still burns like lava straight to my cock. I’m outside, for fuck’s sake, and am having trouble keeping my dick from chubbing up.

Last night was…

It was far more than a distraction. It was a repositioning of my entire world. I’m reminded of Romy’s puzzles. All the pieces were slated to be put together a certain way, but then she came into my world, rearranged them all with lightning-quick speed, and now I’m seeing a different picture.

I like this one.

A lot.

Which is frustrating in and of itself. I need to be focused, especially now when I have my sister finally within my crosshairs. Yesterday was the best lead I’ve had since I left her that fateful day.

My phone buzzes and a part of me hopes it’s Romy. I’m annoyed with how my mind seems to fixate on her and only her these days.

It’s not her.

Dad: We went ahead and ordered. I got you their special. ETA?

I quickly tap out a reply.

Me: That’s fine. Around the corner. Two minutes.

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