Page 22 of Twisted Lies
Listening to Jade’s and Tabitha’s snide comments about each other was exhausting, and it was even more strenuous trying to keep them apart. Jade hated Tabitha’s biting, acidic personality, and Tabitha resented Jade’s privileged lifestyle. I was stuck in the middle of a pointless fight.
Why can’t they just get along?
Jade drummed her manicured nails on the countertop. “And you’re a stubborn ass who refuses to listen. I’ve seen the way she looks at you. It’s creepy, likeThe Silence of the Lambscreepy. It’s like she wants to rip off your skin and wear it like a fucking fur coat.”
I snapped my head up, refusing to laugh at her joke. “I’m not even talking about this right now, Jade.”
“Okay, well, let’s talk about the mystery investor she hooked you up with. How did the meeting go last night?”
I hesitated.Damn! She’s got me on this one.“You won the bet. He didn’t show up. He had an emergency meeting.”
She looked at me smugly. “Uh-huh. First, let’s deal with what I get for winning our bet.” She swayed toward the racks of clothing and pulled out the leather dress I’d worn last night. “I’ll take this in cream and make it tight. I have a movie premiere next week, and I need to look smoking hot.” She winked at me. “Oh, and you’re coming as my guest. Feel free to sex it up with your outfit.”
I rolled my eyes. “Anything else, Queen Jade?”
“Yes.” Her eyes narrowed. “I call bullshit on that meeting last night. Either Tabitha is a fucking liar, or that investor is a shady fucker. I say yes to both.”
My fists tightened. I knew exactly where she was going with this, and I didn’t like it. “What do you want me to say, Jade? Money and family don’t mix, so I couldn’t take money from you.”
Jade crossed her arms. “Couldn’t or wouldn’t?”
“Wouldn’t. I know it would have been a loan, but it just didn’t feel right.” I paused, struggling with the words. “You’ve been right by my side through the shitstorm of my life. I love you for that and for…well, being you. I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have you in my life, kicking me in the ass when I wanted to give the hell up. But sink or swim, I needed to make this deal happen on my own.” I bit my bottom lip. “Do you understand where I’m coming from?”
Jade sighed heavily before walking over to me and grabbing my hands. “I understand more than you think. You’re a strong woman, Sin. If I weren’t around, you would have survived.” Tears spilled down her cheeks. “I can’t say the same thing for myself. You’re my anchor. I wouldn’t even be here if you hadn’t walked into that restroom that day.”
I sniffled. “Shit, now you’re going to make me cry ugly tears.”
Before that fateful day, I hadn’t been a big believer in luck or that stupid fucking saying, “Everything happens for a reason.” Then I’d walked into our high school restroom, and I’d seen a girl, Jade, lying on the floor with a needle stuck in her forearm. The EMT had said I saved her life. From that day forward, we’d become unlikely friends, tethered together by tragedy and fate. We pushed each other further. Our friendship tightened, creating a perfect synergy unmatched by any other relationship to date. We were an unstoppable team who stuck by each other no matter how rough the circumstances.
“It’s no secret that I had a drug problem,” Jade said. “You dragged me from the pits of hell when the lure of drugs had nearly drowned me. I almost died, but you saved me. You’re not my best friend, Sin. You’re my sister, and what is mine is yours. That’s keeping it as real as it gets.”
I tugged her hair playfully. “Why can’t I stay mad at you?”
She gave me a hundred-watt smile. “Because I’m charismatic and beautiful.” She hugged me quickly before pouring herself some coffee. “Tell me what else happened last night at the McKay Club. Did you see anything wickedly dirty that I can add to my sex position to-do list?”
I snorted. “Like you need help with that.”
She winked. “I’m a student always willing to learn.”
“Nope. I wasn’t invited into the grown-up section.” Absently, I rubbed the scar on my shoulder. “But something strange did happen when I got home. I think Jaxon’s back.”
Jade’s eyes widened. “I, uh… Shit. This is bad.” She fumbled with her mug as she plopped down onto a stool. “Why do you think he’s back?”
“I came home to find a vase of white roses and a note with the letterJscribbled on it in front of my door.”
Jade leaned forward. “I can’t believe that bastard is back to stalking you. You need to go to the police.”
“He’s careful and diabolical. Even if I went to the police, what in the hell would I say?” I arched a brow. “Leaving a vase of roses on my doorstep is hardly grounds for filing a complaint.” I sighed. “No, I’m going to have to wait for him to slip up.”
“You need to stay with me.” Jade’s jaw tightened.
“I can protect myself, Jade. Shit, I’ve been doing a damn good job for twenty-six years.”
Jade grabbed my arm. “Don’t get all huffy. I’m worried.”
I squeezed her arm gently. “I know. I’ll be okay, I promise.”
I stared off into space, fighting the urge to never leave the safety of my house again, but I’d come too far to ever let that shit happen. Now everything was finally going my way. It had been a hard road to success, but finally, the pain of my past was behind me. I was no longer the broken girl. I was strong and in control, and I refused to let Jaxon win.
