Page 38 of Twisted Lies

“Only part of the time and not about this,” Mia—noClaire—says. What kind of world did I wake up to this morning? Claire and I arrived in Texas last night. Alex had picked us up, and we spent the night playing games with Becca.

I came down this morning and found M—Clairesitting at the table with a cup of hot coffee in front of her, appearing intent to do or say something. Making a glass of water, I sat to join her, expecting her to tell me they no longer need my services. I was surprised by the hurt that crossed through me at the thought, considering I wanted to leave.

Instead, she looked at me and told me this vivid tale about who she and her brother are. Where they are from, and what they had done.

Through the whole crazy story, I sat in silence, taking it all in. Some parts explained a lot about them. I knew there was more to them than what they showed the world, but I never thought it would be this crazy. I lost my composure and water when she said that Kevin—no,Elijah—needs a wife and wants it to be me to get his empire back.

“No, I’m pretty sure you’re crazy right now. At this very second.”

“I can understand why you think that. Think about it, E needs a wife. You need protection from whatever you’re hiding from.” I open my mouth to fight the last statement, but she waves me off. “Just don’t. We both know you’re scared of something. I’m not going to pry into your past. But with him by your side, whatever or whoever it is can’t touch you.”

“You’d be surprised,” I state.

“No, Lily, you would be surprised what we are capable of,” she says harshly. I’d never heard that tone from her before, and it startles me. “It’s a win-win for both of you. It doesn’t have to be forever. Just till you both get what you want from the deal.”

I don’t know why I’m not telling her no. Why am I even taking a millisecond to consider this? Kev—Elijahand I do have chemistry, and the plan does have some merit, but we can also only spend so much time together without wanting to kill the other.

“Elijah thinks this is a good plan?” I find myself asking and could kick myself for letting the words loose.

She grins, as if knowing I’m considering this crazy idea of hers. “Yes. All that’s left is for you to agree, and we can get you married in a few weeks.”

“There would need to be a contract. A binding one.” Words just start pouring from my mouth. “Your brother needs to know when it ends. I’m free. None of thisyou’re stuck nowcrap.”

“Of course,” Claire says, resting her hands against the sides of her mug. “I will have that drawn up today and give you both a copy. I’ll call Alex’s lawyer. Not a problem.”

“I’ll consider it,” I say, standing. “I need some time.”

“Of course. Take all the time you need.”

Nodding, I turn and return to my room to process. Amongst the list of things, she said to me, I can’t pick out what’s shocked me the most.

* * *

On the flight to New York, I stress to the point that I pick at my nails till they bleed. The only thing that helps distract my hands is the small wrapper I’m picking apart until no glue or tape can put it back together. My boots tap on the floor; I’ve lost count of how many times the old lady next to me has glared in my direction. I changed more times today than I would care to admit. The final time I finally said screw it and put on the first outfit. Jeans and a sweater. It’s not like he’s not seen me in this before. It’s insane to put that much effort in for a flight. Just because I’m going to see the dumbass—as I’ve taken to calling him—does not call for twenty outfit changes.

Once the plane lands, I’m the last to leave even though I’m in first class. My body is glued to the seat as my mind races to all the ways this will end badly.What am I thinking, agreeing to this? I traded in one monster for a completely different animal. Elijah could have me killed, and no one would be the wiser.

What’s more alarming is that my heart races to see him again, not only in fear. The only answer is that I’ve gone insane. Maybe I’m in the insane asylum now, and this is all a dream from the drugs they’ve given me. The flight attendant taps me on my shoulder, and I jump out of my asylum theory.

“Oh, sorry,” I say, giving her a weak smile. Reaching for my purse under the seat, I stand. Once I reach the exit, I look back one last time. Whatever happens next, I only have myself to blame.

After retrieving my bag from baggage claim, I walk out into the cold air. Rubbing my hands up and down my arms, I try to warm up as I wait for Elijah to appear. A black BMW pulls up with tinted windows. I squint to try and make something out. The back door opens, revealing Elijah. He slides out and our eyes meet. For a moment, everything else disappears, from the sound of the traffic to the people moving about. It’s only been a few days, but he looks different. If possible, he appears more confident. Or maybe he has always been this way and was just never able to fully show it. His eyes are clear but more intense, as if he has a million different things going on versus the hundreds before. His stance is more rigid. The most surprising is that his smile appears younger, freer.

“You want to get in the car or make a break for it?” he asks, grinning, waving to the open car door.

“I’m strongly debating running down the street,” I say, laughing a little, hoping to make this moment not as stressful.

“You can try but I’ll catch you,” he teases. At the same time, I can’t help but think he’s serious. I’ve made a deal with a devil, and we both know it. Stepping forward, I duck into the dark, warm car. He puts my bags in the trunk before sliding next to me. The driver looks back, and once Elijah nods, he starts to drive.

“How was the flight?” he asks.I give a look and he reconsiders, “Too normal a question?”

“A little,” I admit.

“Nothing much has changed. Not really. Claire and I are still the same people, just a little more color in our backgrounds. Just keep reminding yourself why you’re doing this, and you will do just fine,” he says.

“Easy for you to say. Added more color is one way to say it.”

“I have a way with words.”

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