Page 105 of Beneath the Surface

Her eyes widen. “What? No.”

Running my tongue over my teeth, I step in closer. “You better not be, Olivia. We have a past, but if I find out you’re playing me, I will fuck your world up, do you understand me?”

“I understand.” Her throat bobs with her swallow, her cheeks flushing. “You never used to be so callous.”

My lips twist. “I used to be a naive fool.”

“That girl you were with at the gas station, is she...”

My lungs seize, thoughts of her bringing up Lily, yet another warning bell going off in my head. “She’s none of your concern.”

I try to stop the thoughts, but her name was enough, and the ache sharpens in my solar plexus, spreading until it feels as though I’ll bleed out from the pain.

Olivia’s lips purse. “Fine. I’m sorry I asked, I was just curious.” She lifts her shoulders.

“I don’t want to talk about her.”I can’t.

She gazes up at the sky, running a hand over her face. “We can do it at the press conference next week.”

My heart rate picks up, pounding in my ears. That would work perfectly. As long as I can get the photos before we leave, there’s nothing he can do to stop it once we’re in front of the press. It’s our best shot.

“You’ll speak? You’re sure?” I ask again, anxiety slithering around my spine like a constrictor.

Her eyes darken. “I’m sure.”

“Okay.” I blow out a breath, energy billowing inside of me like a smoke cloud, knowing I’mrightthere.

On the edge of freedom.

49

Lily

Chase and Lee have a nice back patio, string lights above our head, tiki torches around the perimeter, and an outdoor table that seats ten. Right now, I’m sitting smack dab in the center, coloring dinosaurs with my baby boy.

Lee brings out a few platters, setting them in the middle of the table, and I feel useless. Like an intruder. I glance up, watching as she stumbles, resting her hands on the back of the chair across from me, closing her eyes and gulping in deep breaths. Her face drains of color.

“Are you alright?” I ask.

Her gaze snaps open and she looks up at me, painting a smile on her face. “I’m fine, I’ve just been sick with a stomach bug that won’t quit!” She presses her hand against her stomach. “Some days I think it’s better and thenboom!I can’t get outta bed.”

My eyes trail down her form, gaze resting on where her palm cradles her stomach. My heart skips. I’m a firm believer that sometimes your subconscious can relay information through body language you aren’t willing to acknowledge. And if that’s the case, Lee’s relayingall kindsof information.

Picking up a glass of water, I take a sip. “Interesting.”

Her eyebrow cocks. “What’s so interestin’ about it?”

I shrug, picking up a blue crayon and helping baby Chase color in his dinosaurs.

Chase saunters out, whistling, embodying a laid back and easy demeanor. Never in my life would I have guessed that I would see him whistling while he works, but here he is, busting out of his cocoon, having transformed into a beautiful butterfly.

He walks over to Lee, his arm wrapping around her waist as he presses a kiss to her head. “Hey, baby. You okay?”

She smiles faintly at him, her skin still pallid. “I’m fine, babe. Just queasy.”

His brows furrow. “Still? Have you called the doctor?”

She waves him off. “Psh. Ain’t nothin’ a doc gonna tell me other than to take it easy and sleep it off.”

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