Page 13 of Depraved Truths

Chapter 12

After arriving home and unloading the boat, Jace and Trevor head out with plans to meet up at the bar later. I can’t shake the thoughts of Paisley. I’m tired of the police fucking around. It’s been almost ten years, and I need to know what happened to my sister. At the time of her murder, investigators were also looking into a separate case they believed might be linked to Paisley’s disappearance. The last fifteen years have been marked by a disturbing pattern of unexplained disappearances. Every time, it’s the same story—two girls from various counties around Lake Lucia disappear without a trace. Paisley is the only missing girl whose body was ever found. They couldn’t establish a link between the cases and stubbornly refused to seek help from federal authorities. I’m glad I have a connection on that end now. Jonah. It’ll make things easier. I’m going to hunt down every lead—no matter the cost, no matter how long it takes—until I find the person responsible for her death. I’ll never be able to bring her back, and that pain will haunt me forever. But maybe, just maybe, I can find some semblance of closure for my mom, and perhapsease a fraction of the guilt and regret that weighs on me every single day.

I also can’t stop thinking about what happened with Tessa earlier, and my anger only grows the more I replay it in my mind. I’ve always known Wilson wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, but his behavior today? Just fucking stupid. I make a mental note to speak with the sheriff about that as well.

I quickly shower, the hot water washing away the day’s grime, and get ready for the night. Around nine, I arrive atThe Blue Lagoon. This bar’s been a local fixture for ages and is usually packed on weekends, especially on nights when bands are performing live. Tonight is no exception, and the bar is filled with patrons of all ages. Jace and I are the only ones flying solo tonight. One by one our friends arrive with their significant others, including Trevor, who shows up with a girl he’s been seeing.

The worn leather cushions welcome us as we settle into our favorite booth, and we order a round of draft beers. I catch the scent of sizzling appetizers coming from the kitchen, my stomach grumbling in response. Conversations with the guys are always effortless, and soon enough, we’re deep into a discussion about baseball, all while digging into plates of crispy chicken wings and loaded fries. I’m halfway through my second beer, eyes glued to the big screen where the Braves are up 9-3 over the Phillies in the seventh inning when Tessa and Allie walk through the door. All thoughts of the game vanish from my mind.

God damn. The short, skin-tight black dress clings to Tessa, highlighting her exquisite figure. Her sun-kissed blonde hair falls in loose, cascading waves around her toned shoulders. She’sstunning, and I’m completely mesmerized. My dick hardens at the sight of her.Down, boy.

Her gaze sweeps the room before landing on mine, a smirk playing at her lush, coral painted lips as her grey eyes seek out mine. They head to the bar to order drinks. Moments later, Dalton arrives and joins the girls at the bar. The bartender places a martini in front of Tessa, and I assume Allie’s waiting for Dalton’s permission to order. Tessa’s eyes flash with anger, but she quickly covers it, forcing a smile. Allie eventually gets a daiquiri when the bartender arrives with Dalton’s drink.

They choose the booth next to ours, and the girls quickly down their drinks. After a second round, Allie grabs Tessa’s hand, tugging her toward the dance floor with a grin, leaving Dalton behind in the booth, his brow furrowed in silent disapproval as he watches them go. Tessa and Allie dance together, their movements perfectly synchronized to the beat. They’re clearly enjoying themselves, and Allie’s infectious laughter echoes across the room. The longer they dance, the more visibly agitated Dalton becomes. He meets Allie’s tentative glances with a scornful stare. Allie hesitates for a moment before slowly heading back to Dalton.

With her eyes shut, Tessa dances, her dress clinging tightly as she moves, revealing more of her thighs. The dress is modest, but I can’t help but imagine running my fingers under it, feeling her silky skin. I’m mesmerized.

Until I see the other men in the room eye-fucking her.

Wilson’s creeping up on her from behind, and my blood boils when he whispers in her ear.What the fuck?I’m halfway out of the booth when her body stills. Her gaze turns cold as ice. She spins suddenly, shoving Wilson away as he says something I can’tquite make out.I guess she can take care of herself—good to know. Wilson doesn’t fight back as she pushes past him, but the angry gleam in his eyes tells me he’s more than a little pissed at the rejection. Only when he steps away from her do I realize my fists were clenched, and I slowly loosen them. Tessa returns to the table where Allie and Dalton are sitting. She grabs her drink, but instead of sitting with them, she tosses back the martini and comes to stand in front of me.

“Hey, hero,” she whispers, leaning in close to my ear, her breath warm against my skin. “Dance with me.”

The room seems to hold its breath; all eyes fixed on us.

A playful grin spreads across my face. “I’d love nothing more.”

Grabbing my arm, she pulls me toward the dance floor. The band is playing a rendition of The Devil Wears Lace.I follow her. Fucking hell, I may have only just met her, but I already know I’d follow her to the ends of the earth. At the lake, Tess had come off as the quiet and controlled type, but tonight, she looks ready to cut loose, and I’m here for it. A wild, fiery look burns in her eyes—one that, while surprising, seems more natural than the facade she usually keeps on a tight leash.

She gives me an appraising look, her gaze lingering in places. “You clean up nicely.”

I smirk and toss a wink at her. “Well, you’ve only ever seen me in work clothes... or half-naked.”

A flush spreads across her cheeks, the pink deepening as she laughs softly. The sound is like music to my ears. “I guess that’s true.”

As I pull her into my arms, she tenses briefly and just as I’m about to step back, her body relaxes against mine. The scent ofjasmine—sweet and heady—fills my senses. She smells like heaven on earth.

I lower my lips close to her ear, my voice soft, “You look beautiful tonight.”

Her blush deepens, her eyes flicking nervously around the room. She clears her throat and quickly changes the subject. “Thanks. So, did you guys catch a lot of fish today?”

Okay, we’re going to talk about fishing. Whatever makes the lady happy.

“I did, but Jace and Trevor weren’t as lucky.” I shrug innocently, a teasing glint in my eyes. “Fishing is just one of my many talents. But what I love most is being on the water, feeling the power of the engine beneath me, the way it hums and pushes us forward.”

“Is that so?” she breathes. “Maybe I should come along sometime.”

Her lips are just mere inches from mine. She’s truly beautiful—more than just the softness of her features or the way the light dances in her eyes. There’s something deeper, something magnetic about her that draws me in. The music pulses in my ears as she dances against me, her body moving with intoxicating energy.

I notice Wilson standing by the bar, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. His eyes are fixed on us, and there’s no mistaking the jealousy carved into every tense muscle of his face.

Flashing him a smug smirk, I watch with satisfaction as he slams his empty glass onto the bar and storms off, before returning my full attention back to the enchanting woman in my arms.

Her arm snakes around my shoulders, her fingers grazing the nape of my neck, sending goosebumps down my skin as she pullsme closer, and we move together in perfect sync. With her toned body pressed against mine, soft curves teasing my chest, I resist the urge to grab her ass. The rhythm of the music wraps itself around us, and we sway as if our bodies had always known this dance.

For a moment it feels as if the rest of the world has faded away, leaving only the two of us, but the spell shatters far too soon.

Allie’s raised voice cuts through the music, yanking us back to reality. A flicker of concern crosses Tessa’s face, her brow furrowing as she pulls out of my embrace. She offers me a lingering, wistful smile and without another word, she turns and walks toward my cock-blocking cousin.

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