Page 81 of Sugar Coated Lies
“In Atlanta. You didn’t want to join us.”
I try to remember why. All I can recall is declining offers to join the family a lot back then, preferring to stay in Atlanta. “What did he say? Why did he tell you?”
“He didn’t tell me in particularly. He was drunk. Everyone was. We ate at the country club and stayed for drinks at the bar. I was sober because I wasn’t twenty-one. Roman said he didn’t care if I drank, but Dad minded. He didn’t want to risk Roman or the club getting reported. Anyway, we went back to the house, and I went to chill by the fire pit in the backyard. Benedict was on the phone and didn’t see me.
“He was going off about how he met the most beautiful girl and how she looked like some actress. He never wanted a girl like he wanted her, but she was a bitch who played him. Apparently, she led him on and made him think she was into him. He said he treated her like a queen and didn’t try to touch her, which isn’t his usual style, but when it was time for him to get what he wanted, she was suddenly uninterested. He thought his toys and tools, as he called them, scared her and she wouldn’t give them or him a chance. He was going to handcuff her to the bed and tease her until she came around, certain she would enjoy herself. He thought his plan was working, but then she cuffed his naked ass to the bed and took off.”
Holy shit. It bridges the stories together of what I know and don’t know. “How do you remember all this?”
“It was fucked up. Benedict has always had a shady side, but this sounded beyond his normal. I didn’t know who he was talking about, but I was so happy when I heard the girl tricked him. That dude has serious issues.”
More than I ever realized, or maybe I chose to ignore it. “Did he say anything about a credit card being stolen?”
Easton’s brows pull together. “No. Not then, at least. But his dad got a call at brunch the next morning. Benedict wasn’t there. The captain from the yacht said one of the crew members found Benedict's wallet and credit cards in the hallway on the floor. Roman was pissed and swore he’d never let Benedict use the yacht again.”
It hits me like a nine iron to the side of my head. I jump up and ramble my thoughts out loud. “Everleigh didn’t steal his card. A crew member did. He never looked into it, just blamed Everleigh and has been tormenting her ever since.” He wasted so much time hurting Everleigh, who’s never been anything but kind to the world and everyone in it.
“What do you mean, tormenting?” Easton is standing, too.
“The same dumb shit he’s been doing since high school. Immature shit, and it’s time to teach him a lesson.”
Shame on me for not paying attention to his stories and trying to stop him. I knew he messed with people, and I ignored it. “Self-centered and a dick,” Easton said. How could I have been so blind to my own deficiencies?
This needs to be dealt with, but I don’t know where to begin. I need to confront Benedict and tell him he was wrong about Everleigh and that she is mine—my future wife, if I could be so lucky—and he can never mess with her again. If he so much as looks at her wrong, I’ll kill him.
No. That’s not enough. He can’t be around her ever. I can’t do that to her. I’ll cut all ties with him and his family if necessary. Mom and Dad will understand. They can remain friends with his family. They won’t live here anymore, so it shouldn’t be a problem. I can’t believe this. All this time the truth was here in my brother.
I hug him. “Thank you, Easton. You have given me the answer I’ve been seeking for a while.”
I let go and check my vibrating phone. Everleigh texted she’s here. I head for the door.
“Wait!” Easton blurts. “Where are you going? I don’t even know what’s going on. Are we kicking Benedict's ass or something else?”
I laugh, which seems odd at a time like this. “You’re the best. Appreciate the offer, too. I do, but I need to handle this myself.”
“All right. I’m here, though. If you need me.”
I enter the hallway and poke my head back in the office. “A few things. Dad and Mom are leaving for Scotland tonight, and Everleigh and her friend are staying at the house, if you want to join us for dinner.”
His brows arch. “Is her friend cute?”
“You’ll love her.”
“Count me in.”
I clear the rage brimming at the back of my mind and try to relax. I don’t want to project any of this onto Everleigh. She’s been through enough lately and deserves to be greeted with a smile and pampered with love. I intend to deliver.
* * *
“I’ve never cookeda dinner in this kitchen before,” I say to Everleigh as she washes the pan we used to make mushroom risotto with grilled chicken.
I told her to leave it for the house cleaners, but she insisted on letting it soak while we ate dinner with Easton and Sadie, so she could clean it herself.
“Have you ever cooked dinner in your condo’s kitchen?”
“Does reheating leftovers count?”
She giggles, the sweet sound filling me with joy. I love when she laughs. She laughed a lot at the farm earlier. We both did as we watched Easton try to charm Sadie.
