Page 61 of Web of Lies
"Of course," he says, a reassuring smile tugging at his lips. "We'll figure it out together."
"Thank you," I whisper, barely audible, as my eyes flutter shut. I press my face into the firmness of his chest and listen to the rhythmic thuds of his heartbeat against my ear. His fingers trace lazy, comforting circles across my back, and I melt into his embrace, allowing myself to sink into the fleeting sense of safety he offers and let sleep take me.
I barely register it when Kyle carefully lowers me onto the soft mattress. Through the haze of half-consciousness, I crack my eyes open just enough to see the faint blue glow of his phone illuminating his sharp features before he raises it to his ear and pushes himself to his feet.
"Hey, yeah, I know what time it is. Calm down. I need something from you." His words fade into a muddled blur. The sound of his voice is familiar and soothing, like a lullaby. My body grows heavier as it sinks into the mattress, and I finally let go, drifting off to sleep.
Chapter 28
Riley
"Where are you taking me?" I ask, taking my eyes off the trees flying by and turning my attention to Kyle, who is driving through the woods. The scorching summer sun breaks through the dense treetops above, scattering golden spots of light across the road. "We've been driving for hours, with only one stop for breakfast. Please just tell me where we're going."
Kyle woke me up at six in the morning—leaving me with only three hours of sleep—and said that we had to leave immediately because he wanted us out of the city before the roads got clogged with rush hour traffic. Our bags were already packed. Dumpster was gone. My spiders' enclosures had been neatly arranged for whoever he had entrusted with their care. We made a quick stop at the office to grab my laptop, and then he made me call in sick for an extended period. And ever since we hit the highway, every attempt I've made to get answers has been brushed off with vague responses.
"Somewhere you'll be safe," he says.
"Safe?" I glance at him, furrowing my brows. "I thought your apartment was safe."
"It is," he says, with a brief nod, while keeping his eyes fixed on the road. "But believe me, you're safer where I'm taking you. No one gets near that place without being noticed. Anyone who tries will have a bullet between their eyes before they can bat an eyelash."
My eyes widen as I stare at him. "How?"
"Security measures," he says with a dismissive shrug. "Put in place by two deeply traumatized people." My lips part as if I'm about to say something, but Kyle cuts me off. "There, you'll be able to learn how to shoot. And potentially kill in peace," he adds.
"In peace?" I repeat after him. "How am I supposed to learn how to kill in the middle of nowhere? There's no one around."
"First, you start with target training. Then, you move on to hunting."
"Hunting?" My brows shoot up.
"Yes, you have to learn what it feels like to take a life. To pull the trigger and know that something was breathing one second and is gone the next. It's easier to start with animals."
I swallow the lump climbing up my throat. "Is that how you started?"
"Yes."
I hum in response, take my eyes off him, and focus on the trees flying by. Every now and then, we pass a narrow driveway that disappears into the woods, hidden by tall pines and dense bushes. One after the other until Kyle flips on the turn signal, slows down, and pulls into one of them. The road narrows and becomes bumpier as the tires crunch over gravel and twigs. After a short drive, a gate appears ahead. Kyle slows the car to walking speed, and the gate creaks open on its own.
I steal a glance at Kyle, but he keeps his focus on the road. He follows the rocky path until the trees clear, revealing a breathtaking view of a large modern house by a peaceful lakesurrounded by an assortment of tall trees. The sleek, dark wooden exterior blends seamlessly into the surrounding nature, while the mirrored windows reflect the forest and sky, making it impossible to see inside.
I furrow my brows as Kyle slows the car and pulls up in front of the large open garage. My eyes sweep over the vehicles parked inside. A shiny black sports car is next to a polished German SUV. Off to the side, in front of the garage, sits a black pickup truck. Everything is spotless and lined up with precision.
"Where are we?" I ask, turning my attention to Kyle, who is looking at his phone and typing a message. When he doesn't answer, I turn my focus back to the house. My eyes widen at the sight of two white doves perched on the roof of the front porch, grooming each other. A few more strut across the perfectly trimmed lawn, pecking at the grass.
My stomach twists as the realization hits me, and my fingers tighten around the seatbelt, and I take a deep breath.
Then, the front door swings open, and my best friend, Evelyn, steps outside wearing a red, flowy summer dress. A dog rushes past her, leaping across the porch and down the steps, its tail wagging back and forth as it barks at Kyle's car.
Kyle glances at me, a smile plastered on his face. "Surprise. We're staying with them," he says. Before I can react, he climbs out of the car and shouts a greeting to Evelyn.
A smile tugs at the corners of my lips, and I quickly unbuckle my seatbelt and jump out of the car. Evelyn is already halfway down the steps, the dog chasing her with its tongue sticking out. We meet halfway down the pathway and crash into each other with a squeal. Her head knocks into my shoulder, and we clutch each other tightly, as if we haven't seen each other in years, even though it's only been a few weeks.
"I missed you," I say, holding her close.
"I missed you, too," Evelyn chuckles as she squeezes me before pulling back to look at me. "God, it's so good to see you."
I hold her hands and give them a gentle tug as I look her up and down. "I'm so happy to be here with you." My heart flutters as a wave of relief washes over me. Kyle could have taken me anywhere, but he brought me straight to Evelyn. One of the few people I would trust with my life.
