Page 75 of Twisted Lies

“Connor isn’t happy with Jason’s recent business partners. It will be easy to say he tried something. I’ll deal with whatever comes our way. It may work better in our favor, leaving Jason out of the equation. I’m not sure how happy Alex will be, but that’s his business.”

“And you get no joy causing trouble for him?” I ask, stepping an inch away to look into his dark eyes and raising an eyebrow.

He laughs. “A little joy. Not much. Alex can take a little heat. He deserves it. It won’t touch Claire. Alex would never allow anything to happen to my sister. But I won’t cry if it makes things a little more interesting for Alex.”

“You’re such an ass,” I mutter, stepping back into his arms.

“The good and the bad, baby,” he says against the top of my head.

“True. I did sign up for both.”

“No returns.”

“No returns.”

ChapterTwenty-Six

ELIJAH

“That’s the best you’ve got? You’ve been sitting in your office doing numbers too much.” Alex and I circle each other.

Blood and sweat drip off our bodies and fall to the mats under our feet. This was needed after the past week. I keep waiting for Lily to have a mental break after killing Jace, but so far, it’s as if it never happened. It will come. It’s only a matter of time. I’ll be there to catch her when she falls. Connor wasn’t thrilled with the outcome, but he wasn’t as pissed as I thought he’d be. I told him some BS about the guy starting shit. He hopes he can convince Jason that this crew is not worth the trouble and just work with Connor and his partners. I’m looking into who else was involved in Lily’s family’s death. I have two names, but I know there are more. They will all pay. One is already being taken care of as I spar with Alex.

“You talk too much.” Alex smirks, rushing forward to attempt to land a hit to my side, but I dodge away.

“I can do two things at once.” I laugh as he tries again. I leap back, but he manages to land a fist to my side. I feel the pain radiate through my body. Just as quickly as I feel it, I tune it out and stay on task.

“So you say,” he mutters, managing to land another hit, this time to the side of my head. “I personally think you want to get your ass kicked.”

“Why is that, wise one?” I ask, ramming my fist into his side. The feeling of satisfaction of landing the hit is only temporary as I quickly go back to watching for his next move and planning mine.

“What are you going to do about Rebecca?” he asks, landing a blow to my face, causing me to stumble back.

“I’ll handle it,” I answer, rushing forward, but missing him as he darts away. Rebecca was the reason I was pulled from the meeting with Jace. She had been seen in the area. She’s getting closer.

“How?” he asks, and I know he’s giving me the thought of my sister to distract me. “If you’re that thrown off by that question, now how are you going to stay focused?”

“The same way I have been. I have no other choice. I’ve been handling everything just fine. I got the business back. I’m back in the game. My work has paid off, allowing Claire and I to return.”

“You laid the groundwork before you knew she was alive.”

“Are you here to spar or gossip like old women?” I growl, tired of talking about my sister.

“I’ve been sparring the whole time. What have you been doing?” he asks, landing another blow to my side, causing me to grasp my side in pain. Pissed, I rush forward, but my anger does me no good, as he has already anticipated my move. With my back now to him, he rams his fist into my kidneys, causing me to fall to the mat. Rolling onto my back, I kick the feet out from under him. He lands to my side, breathing heavily.

“I’ll do what I have to do for the family. No matter the cost. I’ve come this far. Will you back me against your brother if the time comes?” I ask.

“I’ll do what’s best for my family, same as you.”

I nod, sensing the truth in his words. I note he doesn’t say he would side with me, but at least I can secure one sister’s safety.Forcing myself to my feet, I leave Alex with his thoughts. I’ve had enough for both of us. Blood drips from various spots of my body and face. I would have plenty of bruises to show in the morning.

I pace outside the bedroom door in a debate of whether or not to enter. I should leave Lily be tonight and find my bed elsewhere. I’m not in a place to be good company.You need her. The thought takes me by surprise, and before I can debate with myself, I’m opening the door and entering the pitch-black room.

* * *

LILY

The suddenness with which Elijahslides into the bed jerks me awake. Before I can say anything, his lips are on mine. I feel the urgency in each motion and allow him to take what he obliviously craves. His lips slide away and move to my jaw, then neck.

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