Page 76 of Sweet Lies

I laugh and sit down in the huge leather chair across from him. “It almost feels like old times—when we were young and would sneak into your father’s office.”

He nods solemnly with a far-off expression. “It seems like a hundred years ago. I need to know what happened to her. That’s the only way I’ll be able to sleep at night, getting her revenge.”

“She’s not slept in years, and you think you deserve that peace?”

He laughs bitterly. “Probably not.”

We sit in silence before I stand. “It’s her story to tell.”

We both know I won’t tell him no matter what he does.

I turn around and freeze, startled, when he says, “You love her, don’t you?”

I’m fortunate that I’m not facing him so I don’t have to hide the pain that flashes over my face. Instead, I just hiss, “When has love ever been a part of our lives?”

The lie hurts to push past my lips, but it has to be the truth. There can be nothing more to Rebecca and me. That fairy tale would be more Grimm than Disney. There can be no happily ever after. The sooner this shitshow ends and I’m released from my obligation to Elijah, the better.

After leaving his office, I debate going to see Rebecca. I should leave her alone, but she calls to me as she always has. I hate seeing her in pain and distress.

I reach her door. Pushing it open, I step inside to find her pacing the room, looking crazed.

“You were going to tell them?” She throws the accusation at me, still pacing the room with wide eyes and fists swinging at her sides.

“I wouldn’t tell them anything. But you need to. You’re driving both of them crazy, and the last thing we need is them distracted. You’ve kept it in long enough, Bec. Free yourself.”

“I freed myself a long time ago.”

“That’s a lot of bullshit. You may have freed yourself physically but not mentally. They’re still with you.”

Before I can blink, she’s in my face.“You’re wrong. I killed them.”

“They may be gone from this Earth, but you’ve not banished them from your mind. Telling your siblings may release them—it’s worth a try.”

“No. It’s my pain; it’s mine—no one else’s.”

Realization hits me in the gut. “You need the pain. It’s what keeps you going. It’s what keeps you alive. If you tell them, you’re giving it away, and without it, what do you have?”

Her hands push into my chest with surprising strength and I hit the wall.

“You have no clue what you’re talking about,” she seethes, her eyes crackling with rage.

“If I’m wrong, then why are you getting this upset? If I’m so wrong, tell them the truth.”

“You want me to tell them? Fine.”

* * *

REBECCA

My offer still stands. –S

The note in my hands feels like a ton of bricks. Crumpling it up, I release the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

“What offer is that?” Elijah says behind me, causing me to jump. “Have something to tell me, little sister?”

“Has anyone told you that you should wear a bell?” I rush out, gripping the note tighter.

“Only those with something to hide. You always hid outside when something was bugging you, or you were stressed. Some things don’t change. I thought I would find you here after the car incident.”

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