Page 20 of Depraved Truths

“And how in the hell did you get my phone number?”

He smirks. “A friend of a friend.”

“It’s concerning that people are giving out my phone number to just anyone,” I reply after the waiter takes our lunch order.

“Relax, I sweet-talked Allie.”

He sounds so sure of himself.

“Oh really?” I say, raising an eyebrow in surprise over the fact that Allie gave my number out without even telling me. “So tell me about yourself. The only thing I know is that you're from LakeFalls and run a construction company. That’s about it.” I keep my knowledge of his sister's kidnapping and murder to myself.

“Yes, that much is true. I’ve always been into building things—using my hands, that kind of stuff. It wasn’t my first job, though. I served in the Navy, starting at age nineteen. After a few tours, I decided it was time to leave, and I came home and started a business with my friend Jace. You met him the other day.”

I nearly choke on my water. He’s ex-military?SHIT.I quickly compose myself.

“The Navy, huh? Wow, I’m impressed. Was it something you always wanted to do, or was it one of those commercials with the‘Honor, Courage, Commitment’thing?” I say, half-jokingly.

His eyes flicker with brief pain and guilt, but he stares back unflinchingly. “I was going through some things, and the Navy gave me many opportunities.”

I pause, unsure of what to say, but luckily, the waiter arrives with our meal.

I’m starving, so when I take a bite, I can’t help but groan in appreciation.

“It’s good, right?” Eli says, a slow, knowing smile spreading across his face. The darkness in his gaze has faded, revealing a lighter, more joyful expression.

“So very good,” I close my eyes as the delicious taste of garlic and pasta sauce fills my mouth.

We eat in comfortable silence, the only sound being the gentle clinking of silverware, while my brain races to process everything I’ve learned about him. Getting involved with Eli could lead to trouble. He could easily stumble onto my less-than-honorableactivities. The thought of him discovering my secret and recoiling in disgust makes my heart sink.

“Hey, is everything alright? You look a little pale.” Concern flickers in his eyes as he reaches for my hand and gently rubs it.

“I force a smile. “Everything’s fine. I was just thinking about something that happened at work.”

“Am I boring you?” he teases.

“No, of course not,” I say evasively. “Did you have to kill a lot of people when you were in the military?”

“Yes, but only those who deserved it,” he says seriously, before a smirk lights his face. “I’d tell you about it, but then I’d have to kill you.”

I become aware of his hand still resting on mine, the gentle stroking sending shivers down my spine.

“So, tell me about yourself. You’re a nurse practitioner, right? Do you enjoy it?” He takes a sip of water before continuing. “Trevor said you were the one who sewed up his finger after he nearly chopped it off with a table saw.”

I relax into this question. It’s easy to answer. I’ve wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember. My work is deeply rewarding because I genuinely enjoy helping those who need it.

Eli’s intense focus makes me think he’s truly interested in what I say and conversation flows so easily with him. I find myself sharing more about my house and my vision for the outdoor living area. He tells me about his work and how much he enjoys fishing. Before I know it, I’ve nearly cleaned my plate. I don’t pretend to be embarrassed; I’m not ashamed of my appetite or my body.

Despite my objections, he insists on picking up the tab after our meal.

As we leave the restaurant, he places his hand on my lower back, startling me. “I’m just making sure you don’t get away too easily,” he murmurs. My body buzzes with electricity, and I feel a flutter in my core. Once we’re outside, the sun warms my skin, and a gentle breeze caresses me. He walks me out, guiding me toward my car.

How does he know what I drive?My eyes narrow at him in suspicion. "I saw you pull in," he says with a shrug.

“Yeah, okay,” I reply. Seriously though, has he been digging into my life? He seems to know a lot about me—more than he should.

I push aside the flicker of worry that rises within me. He’s harmless. The man literally saved my life, and he’s definitely not hard on the eyes. In fact, he’s kind of easy to stare at. There’s no reason to worry—at least, that’s what I keep telling myself.

His eyes lock on mine, bold and unwavering. “Since we’re friends now, when can I see you again?”

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