Page 6 of Sweet Lies

His eyes widen, then narrow. “Nick Flavio?” His tone turned deadly in an instant. The laughing, smiling Andre has been replaced by the mobster.

My hands are starting to sweat as I answer. “Yeah…” My fingers move against my side as I wait for his response. I start to tell him I’m not going when his face twists as if he’s sucked on a lemon.

“Hm.”

“Whyhm?” I ask, rubbing my hand down my arm.

He shrugs as if his initial reaction never happened. As if he hasn’t a care in the world. “I don’t know why you would waste your time on him. There are plenty of better people.”

“Like you?” The words slip out before I can stop them.

Hurt washes over me as he laughs. “Bec, come on.”

My eyes start to water, and my lips part in an attempt to get more oxygen to my brain. I force myself to look over his shoulder at a painting I’ve seen hundreds of times before, telling myself I find it fascinating. Anything to distract myself from his words. I didn’t expect him to express his undying love for me, but I also didn’t think he would laugh as if it were the craziest thing he’d ever heard.

I need to get away from him—and now—before I cry or slap him. I’m not sure which would be worse in a room full of people.

I step around him, but he grabs me.

“Release me,” I order, enjoying the steel in my voice.

His hand drops.

“Don’t ruin what we have with fantasies. You’re my friend, Bec. It’ll never be anything more.”

“I think you have more than enough friends,” I snap. “I’m going to go out with Nick and have fun. Tell whoever you want. I know you’ll run to Elijah or Dad with the big, exciting news.”

Decision made. This is something I want to do for me, and screw it, I’m going to.

Rushing away before he can reply, I finally make it to the safety of my room. I lie on the bed, grab the book from my bedside table, and open it at chapter one. I make it to chapter three before I realize I don’t know what I’ve been reading. My tears have turned the words to a blur.

* * *

ANDRE

Watching her stamp away is more difficult than it should be. I long to rush after her and make her smile, but I stop myself. That would help nothing. I should never have started the movie nights. I knew it was going to lead to issues, but I enjoyed being with her a hell of a lot more than I should.

It had started a few years ago when my dad and I had gotten into it, and I came to Elijah’s house to blow off steam. Rebecca was the only one home, mixing popcorn seasonings ready to watch some movie that I can hardly recall. I settled down next to her, and we sat in silence. A few minutes in, she handed me the popcorn and that was it—the start of the tradition. I thought we had an unspoken understanding that we would leave whatever was between us unread. Instead, she’s been pushing more the last few months.

I’ve been avoiding her, and I know she’s noticed. Lucas Rossi has been making it easy with the work he’s been giving Elijah and I though. Things were brewing and people were forgetting their place, but after tonight, they’ve been thoroughly reminded.

My eyes catch the spot of blood I missed against my wrist, and I use my sleeve to remove the reminder of what we did. A little blood in this room is nothing, but I feel unclean talking to Rebecca with blood on my body, and I curse myself.

The majority of people in this room don’t know the first thing about Rebecca. She’s the kindest person, but she’s also a Rossi to a fault, though only a few get to see that side of her. She seems to have no issue telling me off.

I find Elijah pulling a beer from the fridge. The last thing Rebecca needs is any involvement with Nick Flavio. I don’t care for the guy. Never have since we were kids.

“Did you find out what was going on with Bec?” Elijah asks, going back in for a second beer for me before leaning against the counter.

I pop the tab up and take a drink. The familiar taste slides down easily.

“Nick asked her out.”

Elijah spills some of his beer, his eyes wide with shock. “No shit? I thought he was going to talk to Dad about asking Claire out. He’s been following her around like a puppy.”

“I know,” I bite out, concerned this won’t end well for Rebecca. She’s naïve to the world of men.

He stands straighter, lost in thought. “That is unexpected. He should have spoken to Dad before asking her.”

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