Page 2 of Don't Lie To Me

I move into the room I share with my twin, Cruz, and find my phone, the one none of them know about. I open the screen and look for the tracker I have on Cruz, and his location pops up at a warehouse downtown, one I know is run by the Morettis. I knew it. What I can’t believe is that my four brothers are that dumb. Everyone knows getting involved with that family only means trouble. I hate it when their father, Enzo, comes into this place; his cold calculating eyes send shivers down my spine. I have heard rumors, whispers from the girls. They all say not to trust him, or you will end up dead or worse. I’m not sure what could be worse than dead, but I don’t want to find out. That’s why I make a point of never going anywhere near him.

“What are you up to, trouble?” I hear Onyx’s deep voice from behind me, a rumble that sends shivers down my spine, making me jump and spin around, my phone hidden hastily behind my back. Onyx is the last person I want to find me. He works for Syd.

“Nothing.” I force a smile, swallowing down the lump in my throat.

He takes a step closer to me. His dark eyes watching me with keen unwavering interest. His large frame casts a shadow over me. He’s a lot older than me, but that doesn’t mean he’s not the sexiest man I have ever seen. All dark and broody, with a shaved head and more ink than blank skin. I blink my long lashes back at him, wondering if he can see the change in me. If I look more grown up to him tonight? “Isn’t Jenna supposed to be babysitting you tonight?”

I roll my eyes, irritation crawling under my skin. “Newsflash, Onyx, I don’t need babysitting. I’m nearly sixteen.”

He lets out a low chuckle that sounds way too good on him. “Still a baby.” He reaches behind me and snatches the phone I was holding.

“Hey, give it back,” I snap at him, jumping to try and grab it back. That phone is my only way of spying on my brothers and what they’re up to.

He holds it above his head, way too high for me to take back off him and looks over the screen. “Why are you tracking your brother?” His voice is filled what curiosity, not anger, and that surprises me. If Syd knew I was tracking them I would be in deep shit.

I purse my lips, staring back at him, wondering if I should tell him the truth or not. Onyx has always come across as the type I could trust, but he does work for Syd. I sigh heavily. “Promise you won’t tell Syd.”

He crosses his heart.

“Because I’m never allowed to be part of the fun my brothers get to have, no one tells me shit. This way I know.” While he is distracted listening to my story, I jump up and steal my phone back.

His face hardens. “You don’t want to know what they’re doing. It’s not a world for a little girl like you.” His hand comes to my wrist,wrapping around it. Disappointment fills me. I thought if anyone would understand, it would be him, but he’s just like the rest of them.

“What are you doing?” I snap. He might be hot, but he’s pissing me off tonight.

“Taking you back to Jenna where you belong. It’s not safe for you to be wandering around out here alone.” He drags me to the door of my bedroom.

“This is my house.” I dig my bare feet into the matted carpet, refusing to go easily.

He gives me a sideways glance, and I can tell I’m getting on his last nerve. “One that’s attached to your dad’s club. I know you’re smart enough to understand how dangerous this place is. Anyone could wander down here and find you.”

“Anyone did,” I sass.

“Come on, trouble, let me do my job,” he pleads with me. And I know he’s not as harsh as he’s trying to be, he’s just under Syd’s thumb.

My eyes find his. “I can find my own way back; I don’t need you escorting me.”

He stares me down, something coming over him that looks awful scary. “I don’t have time to argue with you. You’re coming with me and that’s final.”

I don’t know why I stop fighting him. Maybe it’s the dark look in his eyes or the fact I already did what I wanted to anyway, but I cease struggling against him and let him slam our front door closed and drag me along with him.

As we get halfway back down the hall, a loud bang like a gun going off echoes through the club. I freeze instantly.

Women scream and a flurry of movement takes off in front of us. Onyx pulls me into his strong body so tight I feel like I can’t breathe. From the other end of the hall where the dressing room is, I see a body lying lifeless. My eyes go wide. “Jenna.” My cry is a soft, breathy whisper, barely audible and muffled by Onyx’s chest.

“Stay quiet, trouble,” he whispers in my ear as he moves us behind the stage area. From behind his back, he draws a gun and holds it in front of me protectively. My heart races out of my chest. I have never been so scared in my life. What the hell is happening?

More shots go off, making my stomach churn. A scared whimper tries to escape, but I clamp my mouth shut tight, not letting it.

“Get her,” male voices yell, their accents thick. “That one, that’s Syd’s missus.”

My mom. I try to squirm free of Onyx’s grip, but he’s too strong for me and presses my body into the brick wall behind us, the rough surface scratching my arms as I thrash against his strength.

Her scream, raw and full of agony, slices through the building’s quiet, a sound that makes my blood turn cold.

“We have to help her,” I whimper. There are so many voices. There must be at least five men, and I know alone she has no hope against them. Where the fuck is Syd?

Onyx’s eyes show a warmth I know they shouldn’t. He cares about all of us. He’s been with my family since I was born. And right now, he has to make a choice, me or my mom, and I know his choice is made.

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