Page 213 of The Counterfeit Lover

I hold my ground, tipping my chin up as I meet his stare dead on.

"And why is that? Want to kidnap me again?" I scoff. "Good luck with that."

"You see, dear sis, I don'tneedto kidnap you again," he shrugs.

He's one step away from me, and as he studies me, his lips tug into a hidden smile.

"I don't need to do anything just yet. Everything will align perfectly when the time is right. I just came here to give you a friendly warning. You know, now that your watch dog isn't around anymore," he adds cryptically.

"What are you talking about?" I frown.

"Nothing much," he chuckles. "Just wanted to remind you of our little chat a while back."

My brows knit together in confusion, yet a slow echo resounds in my mind.

At some point, the love will leave their eyes.

"What?"

"Tik-Tok, Noelle. Tik-Tok. The clock is ticking," he winks at me. "I know you remember," he continues, shocking me with his statement. "Just as I knowwhatyou remember."

I swallow hard, anxiety ripping through me. But I can't let it show.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I school my features.

"Really?" he drawls derisively. "Don't worry. I'll remind you soon enough."

My heart beats loudly in my chest.

What does he know?

Lucero is dead, but she could have told him everything before she died. Still, he wouldn't haveanytype of evidence. Everything disappeared when thehaciendaburned to the ground. There's absolutelyno onewho could confirm his information. And Raf would believe me. I know he would.

"He'll never believe you," I struggle to keep my mask in place. "Or you've forgotten that I can do no wrong in his eyes?"

"Hmm," he hums, looking at me with amusement in his eyes. "I wonder about that."

"Go ahead," I dare him. "Do your worst. He'll never believe a word that comes out of your mouth."

"That so? Should we place another bet? What will it be this time? Will you kill yourself if he doesn't believe you?"

"Sure, why not," I say confidently. "Raf would never doubt me."

"Not even when you're out, gallivanting into the night like thief?"

I shrug.

"I'm looking out for him," I smile.

"Riiiight," he exclaims, rubbing his gloved palms together. "I heard about his latest mishap. Poor Raf," he says with fake concern. "Did he get a boo-boo?" he asks mockingly.

"He's fine," I reply dryly. "But you already knew that, didn't you?"

He doesn't respond to my accusation, merely smiling lazily, regarding me as one would a petulant child. He thinks he's holding all the cards, doesn't he?

Well, I might have something on him, too.

"You know what I think?" I ask as I take a step forward.

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