Page 118 of Liars

“Hmm,” I hummed, lifting my drink to my lips. “While I have you alone, I wanted to tell you it’s best if you stop sniffing around. Let the police do their job. The less trouble you create, the faster you’ll have answers.”

Her expression shifted, the teasing glint dimming just a fraction. “Why does everyone keep telling me to let the police handle things? I know I’m only almost eighteen, but that doesn’t mean I don’t deserve the truth. I deserve closure.”

I set my drink down, fingers tapping the rim, my eyes narrowing. “Who else is giving you advice?” It wasn’t like she had a lot of people to talk to. We made sure of it by isolating her. Even at school, it was public knowledge that Kaylor was to be left alone. Only one person ignored our warning, but since I didn’t see the harm in letting her have a single friend, I gave Poppy a pass until the moment she crossed the line.

Kaylor hesitated. Just for a second. But I caught it. “Everyone.”

“Define everyone. I need specific names because I’m getting that feelingagainthat you’re hiding something from me.”

She exhaled, shaking her head. “I thought we moved past your paranoia.”

“Stop deflecting.” Our lunch arrived, and I paused my interrogation to let her get some food into her system, but this conversation was far from over. It would have been one-sided anyway. The girl didn’t even stop to breathe. Was she starving herself?

She finished the entire sandwich and all the fries. I could count on one hand the last time I’d seen a girl clean her plate.

Kate returned with the check as I polished off the last bite of my burger, wondering if I should feel funny that Kaylor had finished before me. I took the bill off the table, replacing it with a twenty for Kate’s tip. “You ready?” I asked as Kaylor took one last sip of her drink before scooting out of the booth and following me out of the diner to my car.

She was frowning when she climbed into the SUV. “Did you leave without paying?”

My lips curved, and I passed her the receipt.

Her eyes scanned over the bill. “The balance is zero.”

I shrugged. “The owners are big football fans. Their son used to play on the team years ago. They won’t take our money.”

Kaylor scoffed, shaking her head. “Must be nice to be a star.”

I wasn’t a star, and I didn’t like the spotlight or the special treatment, but I also didn’t want to hurt the owners’ feelings. They meant well. “Must be nice to charm everyone you meet with that good-girl attitude.”

She smiled. “You should try it sometime. A smile or two wouldn’t hurt. Wait. I take that back. Don’t be casually throwing around smirks. You’ll send the female population into a meltdown.”

I lifted a brow. “Did you just give me a compliment?”

“You’re one and only. Savor it.” She stretched her arms with a sigh, settling in as I began the drive back to school. “I’m trying to decide if this lunch was worth the detention waiting for me when we return.”

I leaned an elbow on the center console, resting my hand just above the shifter. “Don’t sweat it, little raven. I’ll handle it.”

She shook her head, exasperation flickering across her face. “I don’t get you.”

“Good. That means I’m doing something right.”

“If your goal is to fuck with my head, then I’d agree.” Her arm brushed against mine as she rested on the center console, sharing the space with me.

It was a mistake letting her touch me.

This whole afternoon was a mistake. I shouldn’t have taken her to lunch. What was I doing? Hanging out with her?

“At least I haven’t lost my touch,” I retorted.

“You don’t fool me, Kreed Corvo. I’ve seen another side of you. I’ve seen the guy under the mask.”

She had, and I hated that I let my guard down. I never let anyone see me. No one but family. “Be careful, little raven.”

A phantom of pain flashed over her eyes that made me want to banish it. “What could you do to me that’s worse than what I’ve already been through?”

She had no fucking idea.

And because I’d been thinking about her lips for too long, I finally gave in. Consequences weren’t something I considered. Why start now? And just like that, the last fraying thread of control gave way. “Fuck it,” I muttered while I leaned forward.

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