Page 69 of Deceiver

Did I just not see what was right in front of me?

“Can I go home tonight?” I ask him, knowing he won’t like it, but I also know I need to gather myself. I need to be able to sneak out to follow him, and I can do none of that here. “I wouldn’t mind seeing Luna, Just to have someone to talk to.”

He studies me, his eyes narrowing. “Is that all that’s goin’ on? Has Bill made contact?”

I shake my head. “No. He hasn’t. I am just a bit restless and I really would like to chat to someone. You can come stay over, if you like?”

It’s the perfect cover, because I know damn well he won’t come because he has other plans,

More sinister ones.

“Got business tonight, but I’ll send Mex to stand guard outside your place. I’ll come by when I’m done.”

I nod. “That sounds good.”

It’s killing me to stay this calm.

“Pack up. I’ll get him to drive you.”

He leans down, brushing his lips across mine, and for the first time since I’ve known him - it doesn’t feel right. I kiss him back, all the same, because right now my only focus is getting out of here so that I can figure this out once and for all.

“I’ll call you later,” I tell him, when he gathers a few things and makes his way to the door.

He glances back at me over his shoulder. “Later, beautiful.”

My mouth drops open as he steps out and closes the door behind him.

Did he just call me beautiful?

My throat tightens with emotion, and it kills me to know that we’re finally close and it’s all about to end. It hurts. God, even though I don’t want it to, it does. It fucking hurts so much. I press a hand to my chest, taking a few deep breaths, trying to compose myself. My eyes burn with unshed tears, but I fight them back. It is taking every ounce of strength inside not to crumble, not to scream in frustration.

Why is he doing this?

Have I ever meant a single thing to him?

I numbly gather a few things and then go out to meet Mex at the gate. He gives me a nod, and we both get into his truck and he drives me back to my place. The entire time, all I can think about is the fact that those last words might be the final thing that Western ever says to me that means something. When I catch him out, I know he isn’t going to take it well. His wall will go roaring back up and he’ll shut me off entirely, maybe even worse.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath.

I can do this.

Ihaveto do this.

For the boys.

Mex tells me he’ll be outside if I need him, and I hate that I’m making him sit in his car all night. He maintains it doesn’t bother him, but I don’t know how he doesn’t go completely bonkers. I make a plan to invite him in for some pizza later, so that I can have the chance to sneak out. I’m going to get Luna in on my plan and get her to distract him. I’ll act like I have a headache and go to bed.

It's not a great plan, but I’m short on time.

As soon as I’m inside my apartment, I call Luna and tell her that I need her to cover for me tonight. I don’t tell her why, but I do explain that it’s urgent and if I don’t go, someone could get hurt. She is hesitant, but after some more pleading, she agrees and tells me she’ll be over soon. I’m going to borrow her car to follow Western, I’ll park just over from the club and wait for him to leave. I can only pray he doesn’t see me and figure it all out.

It's the only option I have, I don’t have time to find out enough information to know where he’s going.

I’m running out of time.

Luna arrives about an hour later, and I thank her profusely for coming to help me.

“Are you going to at least give me a hint on what it is you’re going to do?” she asks, crossing her arms.

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