Page 20 of Twisted Lies

Only around you, I want to say, but my words don’t come out.

“It wasn’t just the blood. You looked like you were half a world away.”

For a moment, fear races through my body, shortly replaced by anger. He has no right to ask me these questions. He and his sister both have their own secrets that I don’t ask about.

“You’re one to ask about one’s past,” I spit out. “Don’t ask me to share my history when you won’t do the same. I don’t ask you questions. Don’t ask me. It doesn’t affect you.” I try and move away, but his iron grip stops me mid-step. Looking over my shoulder, I glare. His eyes are hot with annoyance and something else.

“Everything and everyone in this house are my concern. Your past is my concern.”

Yanking free, I hiss, “Why can’t you just believe what I say? Why is it so hard for you to believe anything?”

His smile is grim. “I learned long ago not to trust the words of others. I prefer actions to tell me if someone is lying. You, Lily, are lying, and now I believe you’re hiding. I don’t like mysteries, and you, Lily, you are a mystery.”

I try to find a response, but fear invades my mind, and I can’t think straight. “I’m back,” Mia calls from the front of the house. I relax slightly at her voice. His grip tightens for a moment before releasing me. I know our conversation isn’t over, but I need to get away and gather my bearings. Turning away from him, I race from the kitchen. Mia calls after me, but I don’t stop until I reach my room and shut the door. Leaning against the door, I try and slow my breathing. I know locking the door won’t do much good. I’m trapped—both by my past and present. Kevin will start digging. I was happy here. Or at least as satisfied as I’ve been in years. There are only a few ways this could end. All the options end in pain. Sliding to the floor, I sit against the door. Putting my head between my knees, I let tears fall for the first time in years. Damn Kevin…

ChapterEight

LILY

The following day, I hide in my room like the coward I am till he leaves to meet Connor. Once I hear he’s left, I go downstairs and try to get some cleaning done. They have a housekeeper, but I can’t keep feeling like a freeloader. I need to contribute something, even if Kevin is being an ass, demanding things I’m not willing to give; things he’s not entitled to.

“Getting some frustrations out, are we?” Mia says, lifting her body off the couch. I scream and jump. I didn’t know she was in the room. Turning off the vacuum, I try to reset my stopped heart.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” she says, grinning. Moving into a sitting position, she tosses what appears to be multiple menu ideas on the coffee table.

“I just…needed something to do.”

She nods, grinning. “I can understand hiding from my brother takes a lot out of you.”

“I was not hiding from your brother,” I say a little too quickly.

She raises an eyebrow. “Hm. If you say so. He’s frustrating enough to make a nun cuss.”

No kidding.

“Has he always been that way?” I ask, knowing I shouldn’t, but curiosity gets the best of me. Even when he’s an ass and demanding, I’m still drawn to him. I want to know him. As far as it is, I want to know him and not allow him in.

“Yes and no. He is what he is. It’s very entertaining watching him with you. You frazzle him for the first time in years.” Her face turns serious. “Whatever you think of my brother, he’s a good person. Or at least he tries to be. Try not to hurt him.”

“Me hurthim?” I ask as my mouth opens and closes like a fish.

She laughs. “I can understand why that would sound surprising, but I’ve watched him watch you, and he cares for you. You intrigue him. He intrigues you too, I can tell. Just don’t break his heart. That’s all I’m asking. There’s only so much a person can live with before turning completely dark. You know what I mean?”

I nod. I do know what she means, more than I hope they ever realize.

“He said you don’t do so well at the sight of blood. You want to talk about it?” Mia asks. I guess the look on my face answers her questions because she says, “You don’t want to. I get it. Some things should stay in the past. If you ever decide to let the demons out, let me know.”

“Like you do?” I ask, feeling brave.

She laughs. “True. The last few months have helped. I’ve been able to come to terms with some things. Like I said, if you need to talk or bitch about my brother, you know where I’ll be. Speaking of being, I need to go to Mamma Mia’s. There is a new chef I’m interviewing.”

“Can I come?” I rush out, jumping at the chance to get out of this jail.

“Sure. I could always use another opinion.” I know Kevin won’t like the fact I’m leaving. More of a chance I can run. But I don’t care. Sitting here doing nothing will drive me nuts. He’ll just have to get over it, and if not, then it’s just too damn bad.

* * *

Mamma Mia’s is still packed an hour and a half past the lunch rush. The young hostess looks excitedly at Mia and runs to give her an enormous hug. Everyone here loves Mia. I don’t think I’ve heard a single one of her employees say anything bad about her. “It’s so good to see you,” the hostess says, breaking the hug. “Your interview got here a few minutes ago. He said he was early. May I just say he’s very good looking? He has my vote,” she says, winking.

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