Page 20 of Covenant

I’ve been inside your home before, your old one at least. You have a lot of stuff.

Had.Past tense. Well, if Matthias doesn’t know the lows I’ve stooped to, I’m not about to enlighten him. He must have some idea, given the state I turned up in today. Using The Firm obviously isn’t enough to imply a total collapse of one’s life, given that Matthias was using them. Unlike me, he didn’t look worse for wear.

No, the fucker was just as put-together as he always was.

I’m about to put my phone away to give Jackson my full attention, but another message comes through before I can do so.

Fuckface

Another delivery is arriving in approximately one minute.

“Fucking interfering fucker,” I curse.

Jackson gives me a pointed look. “And you tell me off for swearing.”

“This is warranted,” I say, getting to my feet as someone knocks at the door. A delivery guy is there, hands laden with bags. My stomach rumbles as the scent hits me. Spice, coconut, pork. Saliva fills my mouth but I swallow it down.

I won’t eat this. I won’t.

I’ll flush it down the toilet with glee.

“Oh my god,” Jackson groans from behind me as I rummage in my pocket for a tip. “Is that Thai food?”

“Sorry,” I’m blushing as I pull out a handful of coins. “Umm…”

“No, sir.” The guy takes a few steps back, shaking his head. “Mr. Buckingham sorted everything. Please just enjoy.”

He’s gone before I can say anything else.

Mr. Buckingham.Just the name has my teeth on edge.

Oh my god, is he going to expect me to take his name?

I kick the door closed with a scowl. Of course he fucking is. I don’t know a lot about the adult Matthias, but I doubt he’s changed that much. He will absolutely expect me to take his name. To wear his ring.

To sleep in his bed.

“Okay, now Iknowsomething is going on,” Jackson says. “We haven’t had Thai food since…”

Since before the accident.Even then, Jackson spent more time at my place than at our parents’, much to Jen’s chagrin. Thai food was what we’d order, the spicier the better. That Matthias had coincidentally chosen it for tonight didn’t get him a place in my good books.

“It is,” I say curtly. “Let me plate it up, then I’ll tell you everything.”

I was going to have to. This was too big of a lie to conceal from Jackson. He’s too smart to fall for my bullshit. And now that he’s seen the evidence, there’s no hiding it from him.

Disappearing around the corner, I pull out my phone.

Wyatt

Why the fuck are you sending us food?

Fuckface

You need to eat, Wy.

Wyatt

Something I’ve managed very well without your interference.

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