Page 81 of Dangerous Deceit

Footsteps thud on the ground behind me. I tense as Kenzo’s hand lands on my shoulder. I spin around and wrap both of my arms around him in a hug, refusing to let go. He stiffens like I’m a stranger. Still, I don’t let go. If he can force orgasms out of me, then I want a fucking hug.

Finally, his shoulders relax, and he hugs me back.

“Vi?” he asks quietly. The distance is still in his eyes, but there’s something else there too. Hurt. Pain.Regret.Does he feel bad about what he did to me? “If you’re lying, innocent people will suffer.”

Suffer.

It’s a euphemism, and I know that. But I tell myself it’s okay. I should care, but after losing everything—my mom, my dad, my house, my life—and learning to live again with Uncle Jay and Patrick, I can’t think of anyone else besides my family. And those innocent people aren’t my family. They aren’t my home. I don’t care what happens to them, as long as Uncle Jay is okay.

But that’s a lie too.

Nausea twists in my stomach. I mumble out two words: “I know.”

And with that, Kenzo gently pulls himself away from me. The emotions creep in. Loneliness. Fear. Guilt.

I said the name of that company to save myself and Uncle Jay, and now, innocent people will die. And it’s my fault.I lied.

“I’ve got business to take care of,” Kenzo says. “I’ll see you later.”

My skin is clammy, but I’m too stunned to say anything else. He closes the front door, and it locks behind him, keeping me caged inside, where I’m safe. There’s no way out anymore.

In the bathroom, I fall to my knees and vomit. I’m alone again, and I don’t know what to do.

CHAPTER 35

KENZO

Legendary Analysis isa startup company that put a twenty-two-year-old in charge of over a half of a million dollars, and thus, the kid became a prime target for corporate blackmail. The CEO’s skin is so clear, you can clean silver with it. He offers a firm handshake.

“How can I help you, Mr. Watanabe?” he asks. He’s so formal, I almost laugh—this kid is way too innocent to be doing what Vi is claiming. I wasn’t supposed to start on Legendary Analysis until we had more information, but here I am. I instinctively know he’s not who we’re looking for.

So what the fuck am I doing here?

“I’m one of your investors,” I say. “I represent Samurai Corporation.”

“Oh, wow,” he says. A nervous grin is plastered across his face. “Thank you for believing in our mission. We truly think that with testing kits like this at home, we can?—”

I wave a hand in between us. “I’m here on personal business.” I slam a hand down on his shoulder. “Does the name Jay Petrus mean anything to you?”

He gives a clipped chuckle, and it irritates me.

“I’m sorry, who?” he says. “Is that one of our new hires? I’m not familiar with their names yet.”

“What about Patrick Petrus?” I swallow a lump in my throat. “Vivian Petrus?”

“Not ringing a bell.”

It’s the end of summer, over a hundred degrees in the Mojave Desert. The blue sky is a goddamn insulting tease. I can kill this CEO for irritating me. It’s technically in my future plans anyway; I can make Legendary Analysis our next corporate payout,orI can murder this asshole. Let him die for Vi’s lies.

But that’s just it. It’s a fucking lie. And killing him would only prove I believe the lies she’s feeding me.

“Who are they?” the CEO asks. “The Petruses.”

I clear my throat, running a hand over my jaw. My composure is slipping one drop at a time.

The Petruses are supposed to be my in-law family. Vi is supposed to be my wife. But she’s a liar. A traitor. And she’s beenusingme.

I’m still here though, indulging in her lies. I need to do something before I rip this kid’s head off.

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