Page 152 of Losing Faith

“We have to stay a little longer, reina.”

I let out a disappointed breath as we walk out of the bathroom and I feel Jackson lean into my ear. “V has Belle.”

I turn to him now, biting back a smile.

“At her house,” he adds and my smile reaches my lips.

“Are yousurewe can’t leave now?”

“I’m sure, walk and watch the attitude.” He nods forward and I roll my eyes as I turn around.

Chapter Forty-Four

Lisette

IhateSire.

Not actually, just for being right.

I hate Jackson for believing Sire.

Again, not actually.

I hate myself most of all.

Chapter Forty-Five

Jackson

WhenIturnover,asmile touches my lips at the sight of Lisette in my bed. She looks so pretty in my shirt. Like she’smine.

“How long have you been awake?” I lean over to kiss her forehead and she simply shrugs as she stares off at something. “Your brother is bringing Belle in a few. Do you want to get up and make breakfast with me?”

She simply shakes her head before turning around.

I feel my brows furrow before I wrap an arm around her waist and bring her back to my front. “Are you still tired?”

I nuzzle my face in her neck and I don’t feel her shake her head or hear her even acknowledge my question, so I pull away to steal a glance at her and she’s watching my closet door.

“Are you okay, baby?”

She doesn’t answer.

“Lissy?” I turn her face to me, forcing her eyes to meet mine.

“I’m fine,” she mumbles, moving her face from my grasp. “I’m just tired.” She turns again but her voice is lacking all emotion.

“Too tired for sex?” I tease, my hand crawling down her stomach but when she doesn’t reply, my heart aches. “Are you physically tired or mentally tired, sweetheart?” I ask gently.

She lets her eyes fall shut as she gets more comfortable. “I said I’m fine. I didn’t sleep the other night. I’m just tired.”

I study her before choosing to believe her. “Okay.” I kiss her nose before rising from the bed.

I brush my teeth and grab my phone before heading downstairs. Just as I enter the kitchen I get a message from Rome. I read over the post someone made about him being at the gallery. In the comments some people say he was there just to make himself look good, but the majority of the comments are commending him forturning a new leafand how he seems sincere, which I guess isn’t entirely a lie.

I watch his text bubbles but go still as I think of Sire on his way here. As images of him crashing his car with Belle in the backseat flash through my mind, I hold my breath as I rush to the front door. I tap it once, but when that doesn’t feel right, I tap it three more times before I let go of my breath.

I wait a beat for the next intrusive thought, but no more come, so I turn back to the kitchen. My phone goes off and I swipe it off the counter.

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