Page 194 of Losing Faith

“Why?” She runs my hand in my hair as I drag my eyes up to her brother.

He shakes his head at us before his eyes settle on Lisette. “Just put her in my car.”

I feel Lisette go still before her grip tightens around me.

“Lissy, get down so you can talk to your brother.”

She shakes her head and I pull away to look at her. She looks between my eyes frantically before kissing me. “Let’s go back upstairs.”

“Look at me,” Sire demands and I feel my brows furrow at his tone.

“Okay,” I start when I feel the shift in the air. “I know you’re mad that she was drunk yesterday, but my daughter is sleeping upstairs and this neighborhood is way too quiet for either of you to cause a scene.”

“We’re not going to make a scene because Sire is leaving.” Lis hugs me close again as she rests her chin on my shoulder.

In front of me, my best friend shakes his head at us before walking around me to look at Lisette. “I knew it.”

“Stop it, Sire.” She shifts to hide her face from him.

“What?” I turn to look at him, but he grabs Lisette’s face, forcing her to look at him.

“Tell him or I will.”

She tries to move her face from his grasp, but he keeps a firm grip on her jaw.

“Get off of her.” I move his hand and replace it with my gentle touch as I hold her. “Tell me what?” I look at her and she starts tearing up as she rests her forehead on my shoulder.

“He already knows I'm not sober. We’re working on it, Sire.”

He runs a hand down his face before looking up to the sky and taking in a slow breath.

“Lisette, please get off of him.”

She shakes her head in response before clinging to me like her life depends on it.

Sire takes a step toward me, but I take a step back. “What is going on?”

“She’s high, Jackson. That’s what’s going on. Put her in my car,please.”

I turn back to Lisette, cupping her face in my hands. She gazes up at me, tears in her eyes, but I don’t see it. “Is it true?”

“No.” She shakes her head and beside me, her brother throws his hand up in defeat.

“She’s a liar. You’re seriously going to believe her over me?”

“You’re an addict too,” Lis points out.

“Hey,” I warn, but they both ignore me.

“And which one of us is sober?” Sire counters.

“Get off of your high horse.” Lisette turns back to me, rubbing my jaw gently before kissing me. “Don’t listen to him.”

I scan her face, torn between who to believe.

“This is fucking ridiculous.” Sire lets out a scoff. “She has you so damn pussy whipped, Jackson. I can bet my life on this. Iknowher and she’s high.”

“No, you don’t,” Lis bites out before hugging me again.

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