Page 94 of Insatiable

But the apology would have been a lie.

“I have a question,” I say. I formulate a lie so I can give Barry more information. “When we were on the plane, Stacey was trying to take her hoodie off. She had a few bruises.” I sip my hot drink, ignoring the burn on my tongue. “She said they were from the studio.”

I need to know who did them. If my sister tells me she’s seeing someone, I’ll make sure the last week of his life is lived in terror. I’ll blind him, take his fingertips, shove a screwdriver in his ears and make him choke on his own cock.

Luciella frowns. “One thing we’re all jealous of is how much it takes Stacey to bruise. Are you sure they were bruises?”

“I’m certain. She has scars as well.”

My sister studies her paper cup. “I noticed the scars. She said most of them are from falling or some silly accident. I’ve not noticed bruising. We’re going out with you and Base tonight, so maybe I’ll ask her to wear a skimpy dress and see what she says.”

I stop drinking and set down my cup. “You and Stacey are coming out with us? Since when?”

“Base asked me earlier,” she replies, shrugging a shoulder. “And I said yes.”

I don’t want to go out with fucking Stacey tonight. I already have plans, and I need to complete the contract by three in the morning.

“I could straight-up ask her how she got bruised,” she says, biting into her pastry.

“Don’t put her on the spot like that.”

She arches a brow and looks at me until I feel itchy. “Why are you so concerned anyway? I thought you two couldn’t stand each other.”

“I don’t care. It was just an observation. No one likes to see another person looking beat-up.”

She hums in agreement and finishes her drink. “I’ll keep an eye on her,” she says, then her eyes widen. “Oh, the cashier said there are loads of paps outside apparently. They must’ve found out we were visiting Dad.”

“Awesome,” I say sarcastically. “Where are we going later?” I ask. I know Base has already planned it.

I’ll just make sure I leave, complete my job and get back without them noticing.

“The place across from the casino near the promenade. Begins with an M?”

I inwardly scream. This day cannot get any worse.

Of all the clubs we could go to, they pick the one whose owner I need to fucking kill?

“Your dad wants to speak to you.” Mum has appeared at the entrance of the cafeteria. She tips her head to the corridor. “Alone.”

I sigh and follow the signs back to visitation while taking deep breaths.

As soon as I walk in, Dad pins his raging gaze on me. “Sit the fuck down.”

Without flinching, I do as I’m told.

“From the beginning.” I try not to look away from the intensiveness of his gaze. “Tell me what the fuck is happening… From the very beginning, Kade.”

I shrug. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t play dumb.”

“Nothing is happening.” I shake my head, looking at him with a serious expression. “Don’t bother yourself with my life.”

Darkening eyes stare at me like I’m the villain. “Are you on drugs?”

I’m certain the whites of my eyes still have a tint of red, and I absently sniff and look at my bouncing knees beneath the table. “No.”

The way I reply means there can be no doubt it’s the biggest lie I’ve ever told him. I don’t have time for any of this.

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