The detachment I’ve felt as my brothers paired off and found their purpose outside the family business wains. I’m firmly tethered to the boy and the woman who’ll pay for her treachery.
“Why don’t we get a few things from your house?”
Rylee’s eyes widen. She shakes her head no, and I disregard her antics. There’s no sympathy left in my heart. I fix my icy gaze on her, and she takes a step back.
I smile.Yes, you should be frightened of me, little trickster. Because from here on out, I control your life, and there’s nothing you can do about it. You’ve had your run, full of deceit and secrets. It’s my turn.
“W-why do we need to pack?” Rylee whispers.
“Because you’re going home with me to stay.”
“I don’t think that’s necessary.” The smile on her face is fake. At odds with the panic forming in her dark brown eyes, her expression is plastic and wavering as her lips twitch in the corner.
“Oh. It is. Let’s step inside and iron out the details.” She looks around nervously, and I move into her space. “I’m not asking.”
Exhaling, she leans back. I harden my heart to the picture she presents. I already know how deep her treachery runs.
“What about Aunt Reen?” Jaycee asks. “We supposed to see her today.”
“I,” Rylee licks her lips. “Today, my aunt, who was my guardian growing up, is being moved from her care facility to a new one. We need to be there to get her settled and sign the paperwork. They’re expecting me.”
“How fortunate, I have a car that holds luggage and drives. I’ll take you both there myself.”
She releases a huff. I won’t let her run. There’s no benefit of the doubt for a known liar.
“Yay,” Jaycee cheers, shattering the tension growing between us like a wildfire. “We don’t have to ride the smelly bus.”
I throw my head back and laugh. I’m going to enjoy teaching him about his new place in life.