Page 28 of Conflicted Lies

“Yes. So just don’t tell them,” he answers, and I turn my head to look at him. We’re such a close family, and Ford is one of the most loyal people I know. But even he has his secrets. I mean, he snuck around with Billie for over a year. I had no idea. Granted, I was away for most of it, but apparently, they weren’t exactly always discreet.

“I think you two are forgetting the fact that I asked you to train me with a gun so I can kill him.”

“I don’t know, Hope. I don’t usually make out with the people I’m planning to kill.”

I fold my arms over my chest. “Eli did.”

He laughs, and I think it’s the first time I’ve ever seen him freely do so. It lightens my heart to see the shift in him that definitely came as a result of being with Billie. He seems different. He’s still intense but… happier. Is that what happens when people fall in love?

“Yeah, well, I wouldn’t be creating any examples from the boss’s love life. He’s not entirely all there.” He taps his temple as he says the words.

I arch my eyebrows. “Oh, so you’re aware your boss is a methodical, cruel, and unhinged man?”

He shifts his gaze to me. “Aren’t we all a little unhinged? And need I remind you that my mother is the most cunning of them all, and your father is, respectfully, deranged?”

I want to defend my father, but it’s not really even an insult, nor is it untrue. My father is the very best version of himself in our home. But outside that sanctuary, there’s a reason why people fear him. The idea of him ever finding out about Braxton shoots fear through my veins.

Because he’smykill. That’s the only reason.I immediately try to convince myself.

“Just don’t tell them. Besides, you don’t plan on anything else happening with him, right?” Ford’s previous humor is long forgotten. His dark gaze drifts from the road to me again.

“Right,” I say, and I can tell he’s not convinced. Even I’m not convinced. Do I plan for something to happen? I don’t know. But I do love the way he kisses me. And how would he be now that we’re older and I’m not a virgin?

Would it be just as explosive and painful as that night?

A pounding in my core ignites, and I cross my legs uncomfortably.

Shit.

I should not be thinking about that.

At all.

Ford pulls into my driveway and parks in front of the house. “Are you going to come in?” I ask.

“No, I was sketching a new design when you called. I’m going to go back to that.”

Another thing I like about Ford is that, much like me, he’s a bit of a loner. Instead of partying, he’d much rather be at home with his sketches for new tattoo designs.

“Thank you for the lift,” I say, getting out of the car.

“Be careful,” he says, and his warning tone makes me stare at him over my shoulder. “I know it’s exciting when you think you’re in control of a situation. I know the game well. But sometimes, it can also catch us off guard and drown us. If the waters get too deep, let us know, and we’ll deal with this for you.”

A genuine smile spreads across my lips. I know I’m protected. Ford’s projecting his own recent miscalculation that almost cost him and Billie their lives. I don’t think I’m clever than him, and I’m slightly out of my comfort zone, but that’s what makes messing with the detective so thrilling. But I won’t ignore Ford’s warning.

“Thank you, Ford. You and Hawke will be the first people I call. Please don’t tell Billie about this.”

“About what?” he asks with a grin.

I close the door and head to the house, a far deeper sense of dread filling my veins. I wasn’t expecting to come home so early. So, as I’ve already faced down one demon tonight, I suppose I should manage another one.

My mother’s home and I promised myself I’d tell my parents I want to drop out of college. I don’t know how they’ll react. I don’t think they’ll be too disappointed, but it doesn’t make it any less nerve-racking.

I find my parents in the living room, my mother’s head in my father’s lap, him stroking her hair, his gloves removed, and on the arm of the sofa. They seem to be watching some singer on the TV. I know it’s actually my mother who’s watching; my father simply enjoys watching her.

It’s fascinating that someone like him could find love, especially with someone as incredible as my mother. It reminds me that love happens in unpredictable ways. Their two worlds surely should’ve never crossed.

They both look up when I step into the living room.

---