Page 12 of Addicted Lies

I giggle. Not because I like admitting Ford’s right about anything, but he might be about one thing. Initially, I might think I’m in control, but it’s only within a few minutes that he’s taken complete control, even though I’m the one in the position of power. And I don’t mind it at all. In fact, I’m giddy with what he might ask for next.

I take my shirt off, moaning as I continue to ride his callused fingers. Fuck me, this man is everything. He’s giving me the perfect buildup to the release I need.

Something catches my attention as I toss my shirt onto the seat beside us—a face peering in at us through the window.

I scream, and Ford’s hand immediately whips up to cover my mouth as he looks over his shoulder while protecting me with his body.

Posie.

Fuck.

We scramble to make ourselves decent. Once my shirt’s on, I throw open the door and find Posie casually walking to my brother’s car, which is two behind Ford’s.

A wave of relief washes through me when I see my brother’s not with her.

“Posie.” I try to keep my tone even as I run my fingers through my hair to tame it.

She turns around nonchalantly as if there’s nothing to see here. But we both know the truth. “Billie,” she says casually.

“Don’t tell him. Please.” And Posie knows exactly who I’m talking about. The one person who can’t find out about this—my brother. I know it’s a big ask, wanting her to lie to her fiancé, but I’m willing to get on my hands and knees and beg if necessary. And besides, it’s not lying. It’s just pretending she didn’t see any of this.

Ford steps out of the car, adjusting his jeans and shirt.

I can see the reluctance in Posie’s expression as she looks between the two of us. Its most likely because we’re the most mismatched pair anyone could think of. My heart is pounding because, fuck me, we couldn’t be any worse with this sneaking around shit.

“Posie, please. You know Dutton will kill him.”

Ford goes to step behind me as if to reassure me he’ll be okay, but I shake my head at him and point at the door. I know Ford can hold his own. But this involves more than just us. It could ruin Ford’s job as Eli’s second as well.

Ford’s expression shifts, the cocky smirk, and erotic growls of before gone. It’s replaced with a cool expression that not a lot of people can read. But I know he’s hesitant in letting me deal with this. He dealt with Hawke last time. Now, it’s my turn to deal with Posie. But, fuck me, we couldn’t be any worse at hiding this even if we tried.

I’m startled as he steps closer and rubs his thumb against my lips, slowly and sensually. It feels like a caress as much as it does him, wiping away the last remains of our moment together. I must’ve smudged my lipstick. He, however, looks immaculate since he had longer to adjust himself inside the car.

“Go,” I whisper. He hesitates but does as he’s told, and I’m relieved that in whatever wild understanding we have, Ford will listen to my commands. Sometimes.

Posie steps closer to me, and I hold my breath as her hand grips my arm. I’m confused, but I understand it’s her way of comforting me. But I also want to cry because I really don’t want Dutton to find out. I was stupid. I was reckless. I shouldn’t have asked Ford to meet me in his car.

“If you don’t want Ford to die, please don’t say anything,” I whisper. I know it’s a low blow and unfair of me to ask, but I’ll do anything to protect this secret.

The front door opens, and I startle when I see Dutton standing there. My heart is pounding as my brother makes his way toward us. Shit, does he already know? I try my best at a smile. He looks confused for a moment, then says to Posie, “You were gone too long.”

An involuntary sigh escapes me as Posie’s hand drops from my arm. I can’t beg or plead my case with her anymore. I have to pray that whatever friendship we’ve built over the last year is enough to keep this secret between us.

I walk away, fully aware that I’m not welcome by the way my brother’s gaze devours Posie, and I’m disheartened to know that, once again, he can have that but won’t let me have the same.

What Ford and I have is only about sex, but it doesn’t mean that one day I don’t want to find someone I can share a bond with, the same type of bond that Dutton and Posie have. But I know my brother will do anything to destroy the potential of that. No one will ever be good enough for him. And before I reach the door to the house, frustrated tears are pricking my eyes.

It’s ridiculous and unfair. I’m the daughter of two of the most powerful people in New York. I have mafia blood running through my veins, for fuck’s sake. But the two prominent things I’ve taken from my parents are my father’s temper—I’m not good at controlling mine like he, and my brother are, though—and my mother’s heart, forever big and wild and curious. And completely at odds with how to handle all of these restrictions.

My nails curl into my palms. I want to obliterate all of the shackles my brother has placed on me. I’m not a fucking princess in a tower.

So why am I crying like one?

My mother notices me in the hallway, and her smile falters. “We’re just about to serve some sweets. Honey, is everything okay?”

“Give my portion to Ford,” is all I say as I try to hide the bubbling tears as I walk to my room and slam the door.

CHAPTER 5

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