Page 77 of Addicted Lies

“Yes…?” I hedge, looking at the counter and all the shit I baked today. I did way too much, but like my mother, I find it soothing.

“Eli took on a big job, and well, I tried to bake him something to celebrate. And let’s just say, I can’t bake,” she admits, defeated.

My eyebrows shoot to my hairline. I don’t necessarily think my cousin would care for baked goods, but I know for a fact if it comes from Jewel, he’ll fucking freeze it for life, not letting anyone touch the treasure that his wife made. And I think it’s cute that she’s trying. It’s nice to see they have these types of moments. Like a normal relationship would.

I didn’t plan on leaving the apartment today but considering Ivy’s away in Ibiza for a week and all I’ve been doing is baking, I might as well do it constructively.

“I’m coming right over.”

“Oh my God, really?”

I need to get out of here. Stop thinking about him.

“I can pay you. I mean, I know you have a job, but I can pay you for it. You’re saving my ass right now.”

“It’s fine. You don’t need to pay me. I’ll be there soon.” I hang up and start putting everything into containers. At least now, my efforts won’t go to waste.

They might be sad baked goods, but the sugar will always override any inner turmoil.

CHAPTER 36

Ford

Ismell her baking before I see her in the kitchen with Jewel, covered in icing. The counter is filled with all the sweets and treats that taste like her. And then she laughs, and I can’t stop my feet from walking into the kitchen, lured like a moth to a flame, ready to be burned if only permitted one more glimpse.

She’s avoided me for two weeks. I’ve risked being caught entering her building just to see her, smell her, and be close to her. I don’t seem to know what to say or how to say it. All I can do is be there. But I didn’t go the last few days, and I’ve felt like I’ve gone through the motions of my day-to-day, unable to sleep. Only able to work and sketch as I listen to screaming music, wishing and praying that I’ll hear her light footsteps down the hallway of my home.

Every time I see my front lawn, I think of her. Every time Felix jumps through the kitchen window after a day of adventure, demanding to be fed, I think of her. The cat and I tolerate each other at best. It’s when Hawke comes around that the traitorous little thing shows any affection. But I’m okay with that.

Eli is in the kitchen with his arm around Jewel’s waist as she tries to feed him cake. The sight of it is sickening; my killer of a boss acting in such a normal human way.

But I feel the loss, the desire, the moment I see Billie. Wishing in a different life that, perhaps we could do the same. She’s cutting a cake when she raises her head and gives me a hard look. Jewel turns and says something to her, and that’s when her gaze leaves mine.

“Sorry, what?”

“Eli said I did great,” Jewel repeats with a wink.

“She did. You should try the cake.” Billie plays along, encouraging Eli to eat more of the cake.

“I’m still not above the idea of my wife poisoning me by baking,” Eli growls.

“Shut up. It’s edible,” Jewel chastises.

I know without even tasting that Billie baked it. I’ve walked in on her baking so many times and know the distinctive smell her mother’s bakery has.

“I’ll try the cake,” I say.

Eli shakes his head. “What a shock—you eating a cake. But care to explain to me why the fuck you’re in my house?”

“Of course you want some,” Jewel smirks and then slaps Eli on the shoulder. “Be nice. I invited everyone around for the afternoon. It’s been a while since we’ve all been together.”

Eli’s gaze turns lethal, the way it does when he realizes he’s not going to be alone with his wife for the next few hours. She often does this without his knowing, but he takes it out on us instead. Once, we didn’t show up, and he threatened to beat the shit out of us if we ever denied his wife again.

I move closer to Billie, brushing my arm against hers as I check out all the baked goods. I just need to touch her, smell her, be beside her. If that’s all I can have, I’ll take it. “Which one should I try first?”

Her gaze falls to my arm, but she doesn’t move as she answers. “Any of them. Jewel baked them, so I’m sure they all taste amazing.” I turn then and pick up a cookie. Lifting it to my mouth, I take a bite.

“Any good?” Eli asks.

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