Page 59 of Sweet Lies

I laugh bitterly and block the pain that assaults me at the hurt that appears on his face.

It’s not exactly a lie. There was a hit, and I did get satisfaction from his expression. I’m sure Sebastian will have asked others to get involved, not just me. He just won’t have told them Elijah’s true identity.

My brother stares into my eyes, trying to read my secrets—searching for any weaknesses or lies.

“You’re lying. Part of it may be the truth, but that’s not everything. I want the entire story, Rebecca, and you will tell me.”

I open my mouth to deny the charge but then the front door slamming into the wall jerks us all into fight or flight mode. I burst out laughing as Claire comes raging into the room. Her eyes flash with fury, and for a moment, I forget everything that’s happened the last few years and watch her take control of the room with the ability only she has. My brother’s eyes widen in surprise at her unexpected appearance.

Her eyes flash from Elijah to Andre and back around.

“What are you doing?” she demands of Elijah, hands on her hips. I’m waiting for her foot to start tapping.

“Claire, you’re not supposed to be here,” he remarks.

“I’m aware of that fact. I was correct to assume you were up to something when you left this morning. The fact Lily couldn’t meet my eyes when I asked was a dead giveaway. At least someone in this family is honest.”

“That’s rich coming from you,” I point out.

Her eyes swing to me. “I wouldn’t speak until asked while you’re tied to a chair. I thought you were the smart sibling.”

She turns back Elijah. “What are you going to do now?”

“We need answers, and I’m going to get them from her. If you can’t stomach it, then leave,” he commands, his frustration evident.

Andre watches silently from the edge of the room. I’m sure this is the most dramatic family reunion he’s ever been a part of. It could be the beginning of a comedy or the end of a drama. Which one will be determined shortly.

“She’s our sister.”

“She stopped being our sister the moment she pulled the trigger,” he snarls, his famous composure dissolving.

“You don’t believe that, otherwise you would have had someone other than Andre find her. You know he would never harm her. Anyone else you couldn’t be sure of.”

“I want answers,” he throws back.

“And we’ll get them—just not this way.”

I watch the ping-pong match with interest. It’s odd for them not to agree—growing up, they were always in sync.

Claire switches tactics and speaks to Andre. “Did you know she was alive?”

Something passes over Andre’s face, though I can tell he’s trying to keep his expression neutral—but Elijah catches it and takes a menacing step in Andre’s direction.

“You told me you didn’t know. Were you lying?” he asks.

Testing my ropes, I try to see once more if I can escape, but it’s no use. Claire may be right that he doesn’t want me killed; Andre is another matter. I can’t let them hurt him; I won’t.

Andre’s eyes meet mine as he answers, “No.”

Trying to distract Elijah, I yell, “Why? Why? Why? That’s your big question today. Let’s go back to how things were. I agree to stay out of your way, and you go back to thinking I’m six feet underground. Win-win.” I didn’t have much faith it would work.

Claire rolls her eyes. “Shut it, Bec. E, untie her. This is nuts even for us.”

Elijah’s calm sends shivers down my spine. That’s when he’s at his most terrifying—almost snake-like, ready to attack at any moment.

Before he can move, Andre glides to my side and slices through my bonds. In a flash, I stand and test the feeling in my arms and legs. I’m not stupid enough to move from my spot though—Claire and Elijah would see that action as a threat.

I’m unhappy that I’m outnumbered and don’t know which way Andre will go if it comes down to a fight. Him cutting me free means nothing in the grand scheme of things.

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