Page 35 of Cruel Secrets

A sharp pain explodes in my chest as I feel like I’m fighting for breath. “I left him at the safe house. He was bleeding out.”

I shouldn’t care about what happens to him. I should be glad that he’s going to be less of a threat to us. But I can’t bring myself to be that cold. Not when it comes to him. I need to know that I’m not the reason he’s dead, even if his being alive means I’m going to have hell to pay.

Skyla’s gaze lifts to mine. “He’s fine. Now, you’re going to find a way out of that house, and I’m going to take you back where you belong.”

Something about the tone of her voice makes me want to trust her.

That, and I don’t think I can trust Noah anymore. Not fully at least.

“How are you going to know when I get out?”

She hands me back the baby wipes and grabs her empty coffee cup with a smile. “I’m sorry about that. Have a good day!”

Skyla keeps walking past me as if nothing happened, not answering any of my questions.

I push the stroller forward, taking a turn around the block and heading up the street before stepping through the other gate onto the property.

Bianca still babbles to herself as we take our time going through the garden, trying to make it look like there’s nothing suspicious going on before I finally return to the house to feed her some lunch.

Noah is sitting at the small table in the kitchen when I walk in, his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes burn into mine, and I know. Whatever game he thinks I’m playing, I’m running out of time to win.

One wrong move, and Bianca won’t just be caught in the crossfire—she’ll be the target.

CHAPTERELEVEN

GIA

“You know,I thought I could trust you.” Noah taps his fingers on the bulge of his bicep, the hem of his short sleeve slightly rolled up, showing off the black and gray family tree tattoo he has. “I guess I was wrong.”

My throat is dry, feeling like sandpaper as I pull out the chair and sit down across from him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

What does he know?

How much does he know?

“Why are you trying to go for walks around the neighborhood?”

Play it cool. Don’t fuck this up.

I lean over and unsnap the plastic buckle holding Bianca in place, pulling her into my lap. “I wanted to get some fresh air. We were kept locked in a house and Bianca is a growing girl. She needs to get outside and see the sun.”

He arches an eyebrow, leaning back in the chair, his leg bouncing. “I don’t believe you.”

“I don’t know why you wouldn’t when I’ve been faithful to the family for my entire life.” I let Bianca down when she starts to wiggle, and she stuffs her hands in the front of her purple romper, toddling around on little legs.

Noah hums. “I don’t know about that. You paint for us, but when it comes down to it, I’m sure you would run if you thought you had the chance.”

Nobody ever dreams of accusing you of being stupid, Noah.

“I wouldn’t leave everything I have behind. That would be foolish.”

“You’re not a fool by any means, but you’re not as innocent as you want everyone to think either.” Noah shifts in his seat, bracing his forearms on the table. “You may do the work I ask you to do, but I know about your offshore accounts.”

“Are you saying that you don’t have accounts in case the feds come looking?” I grin down at Bianca as she tugs at my pants, babbling to herself before taking off again. “Because I know that you’re going to protect yourself too.”

“I am.” Noah runs his tongue over his front teeth. His nod is sharp as he rises to his feet. “I’m going to be watching you, Gia. I don’t know what the Lyndes may have said or done while you were with them.”

“Does that mean that you’re going to make us prisoners like they did?” I snap, getting to my feet and moving in his way. The hair on the back of my neck stands, a prickling sensation crawling down my spine.

---