Page 98 of Cruel Secrets

“Gia, it’s important.”

“So is keeping my daughter safe. Not to mention that you could already be tracking this call for all I know, which then brings up the question of how you even got my new number.”

“Zoe gave it to me after you sent her a message yesterday.”

I knew I shouldn’t have sent her a message.

I just wanted her to know that me and Bianca were safe. If I thought for a second that she was going to hand out my number, I wouldn’t have bothered messaging.

And the tracking.

If I was paying attention, I would’ve thought about that yesterday. The line might not be as secure and well hidden as Skyla says it is. She insisted when she gave it to me that people were back at their home, bouncing my location to three states away, but what if that was wrong too?

Mom sighs. “Gia, you know that I only want what’s best for you. That’s all I’ve ever wanted, and you can’t honestly tell me that running around with the Lyndes is good. Noah is going to come for them and you’re going to be collateral.”

“After all I’ve done, I’m a target too. You saw to that years ago when you decided it would be best to keep us under his thumb.”

“It wasn’t a mistake. He’s done right by you over the years, and this is how you repay him? If you had just stayed home when he brought you back, he wouldn’t be on his way to you right now.”

“Excuse me?” My heart seizes in my chest as I pace away from Skyla. “What are you talking about?”

“I called because I know that siding with Noah now isn’t right for you or Bianca.”

“Then why did you say all that shit?”

“Because it’s still partially true. I don’t regret choosing to keep you close to the Rinaldos, and if you had stayed, we wouldn’t have this problem right now. But we do and I called to warn you that he’s on his way.”

“And how do you know this?” My hand balls into a tight first as I tuck it deep in my pocket, nails biting into my skin.

“Zoe told me.”

The world around me becomes a blur as I lean against the stone wall of the house, chills running through me despite the thick wool coat I have on.

“Why did she tell you that?”

At best, I’m hesitant to trust the information my mother is giving me.

For all I know, she could be feeding me lies to help Noah. I wouldn’t put it past her. It was the same kind of thing she did for our father when he was alive. He liked to use her as bait, drawing people in and flushing them out before he killed them.

I don’t know if she knows how many deaths she’s responsible for.

Mom makes a noise under her breath. “Really, Gia, enough of the inquisition. I’m your mother and I’m trying to help you.”

“This is the first time in my entire life that you’ve taken my side over the Rinaldos. Excuse me for being more than a little suspicious of what your actual motives are. It’s just a little hard to believe that you actually want what’s best for me and Bianca.”

“I do, and it might take you some time to see that, but things have changed, Gia. I need to know that the two of you are safe.”

“How far away is he?”

“He just left maybe ten minutes ago.”

“Thanks for the warning.” I end the call before hurrying over to Skyla.

She looks up from her phone, eyebrows pulling together and a thin line appearing between them. “What happened?”

“Noah is on his way. My mom just called and he’s going to be here. He just left the house. We should pack up the cars and get out of here as soon as possible.” The words come out in a rush, some of them mashing together.

Skyla shakes her head and stands, whistling to the others. “Back in the house. Now!”

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