Page 1 of Sweet Lies

Prologue

ELIJAH

The sun is slipping through the blinds when I wake the next day. I stretch a little and feel Lily sitting up. “Why are you awake? Did I not tire you out enough last night?” I ask.

“Funny. Open your eyes.”

“Did you ever think I need my sleep? Andyoutiredmeout last night.”

“Then I guess you’re getting old. Happy birthday,” she says, hitting me on the shoulder. I smile as I open my eyes to see her holding a white cupcake with a red, lit candle.

“Who told you?” I ask as a small drop of wax falls on the icing.

“Your sister threw you under the bus. Quick, make a wish before we burn down the house.”

Sitting up, I take the treat from her and blow out the candle. “Thank you,” I say, leaning down to kiss her.

“You’re welcome. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me your birthday was today. Thirty is a big milestone to celebrate.” She appears ready to add more but I interrupt her.

“Because I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it.”

“Itisa big deal. You made it another year without anyone managing to kill you. Pretty impressive.” She grins as she swipes her finger through the icing then licks it off.

“I could think of a better use for your lips. Plus, as you said, it is my birthday,” I state, wiggling my eyebrows and pulling her on top of me, managing to move the cupcake to the side.

“If we start that, we’ll never get out of the room. Claire and Alex are downstairs, along with most of your men, to celebrate.”

“She didn’t,” I moan.

“No,” she says, rolling away. “I did. Now come on.” She grabs my hand in a futile attempt to pull me up.

“Fine. You win. I’ll get up.”

As I stand, my phone rings, and I pick up the call from Andre. “Hello?”

Lily rolls her eyes and waves toward the dresser. I hold up my finger, needing to know what he’s calling about this early.

“Elijah. I have her. I have Rebecca.”

“Where?” I demand, grabbing clothes from a drawer. Lily looks at me, questions swimming in her eyes.

“I’ll text you the address. She’s not happy, to say the least.” His tone is cold with an edge of frustration. Rebecca had given him more of a run around then any of us had expected. I try to keep myself from feeling pride, but it slips in.

“I’m on my way. Keep her there no matter what,” I order. The last thing I need is for Andre’s feelings for my sister to get in the way at the last minute.

Once I hang up, I start for the door, but Lily steps in front of me, blocking my path.

“Who was that?” Her demand leaves no room for lies.

“Something I have to deal with. I’ll be back soon. Have a few drinks for me.”

“You’re lying,” she states. “Tell me the truth.”

“Andre found Rebecca. I’m going to meet them.”

“And Claire?” she asks, already knowing the answer.

“She can’t know. At least not yet. I need to know the truth, and Claire won’t be any use to me right now. Her feelings will get in the way.”

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