Page 58 of Conflicted Lies

I do understand everything she’s telling me, and I’ve thought about it several times over the last few months since I’ve been seeing him. Not that anything happened between us right away, but that kiss led to me going home with him and a parking lot rendezvous. And while nothing else has happened since then, I can’t deny there is a very strong attraction between us. Yes, I’m pissed off with him and plan to kill him, but I can’t exactly tell my mother that.

“Nothing’s happening with the detective. He’s a total asshole.”

“Your father was an asshole too. A very charming one,” she bites back.

I try not to smile.

Whatever this living and breathing thing between me and Braxton is, it isn’t going anywhere except to the grave with him—soon. But I don’t fucking like the idea of there being more between him and Kylie. I wonder how they know each other and why he’s here to see her. He’s not dressed like he just came from work; he’s dressed for a date. And all the digging I’ve done has indicated that he’s very single. Even his apartment shows me that he’s single. So why is he here to see Kylie?

“The way he was looking at you…” Mom starts, shaking her head. “You’re lucky it was me here tonight instead of your father, or that man would already be dead.”

“I don’t know if that’s because he’s an asshole or because he’s a man,” I reply, unsure as to which way the threat is swinging.

“Both,” she says. “And let me just say, your father is the least of that man’s worries if he tries to mess with you.” A chill runs through me, and I’m certain my mother, in her own way, could and would destroy any person who tried to hurt me.

It’s definitely best that I don’t tell her how he hurt me in all the ways I like.

“Just stay clear of him. And be careful. You may not want it to go any further, but sometimes, things have a way of unraveling themselves. There’s tension between you two. Don’t get caught up in it,” she warns.

And I swallow hard. If she only knew the mess I’ve already gotten myself into.

Then again, fucking a detective surely will be the least of her concerns compared with the other damning things I’ve done.

Another secret.

Another lie.

It terrifies me how quickly they build.

CHAPTER30

Braxton

She hasn’t come back since she took off with her mother, and I’ve been left standing with Kylie, explaining that I’ve met Hope before but not going into detail about it because that’s none of her business.

This tangible, living thing between me and Hope is ours; it’s not for anyone else. Even if her mother can clearly see there’s something going on. I wonder how adamantly Hope will deny any form of association with me. I suppose I’ll know in due time if someone tries to take me out. I should be more cautious about antagonizing her family. It’s only a matter of time before one of them comes for me, but I really don’t give a shit. Let them come.

“Wow, okay. Well, as long as there’s nothing happening between you two, that’s fine,” Kylie says dismissively as if she has any say in the matter.

If she really wanted to dig further, she would only need to ask her brother, Lucas. My partner is partially the reason why I’m here. He’s been asking me for months to go on a date with his sister. Kylie is successful and attractive, dedicating herself to her work, and now considering settling down. I’m nowhere near ready for that. The thought of it revolts me, most likely because my thoughts are preoccupied with a certain redheaded sculptor.

For my partner’s sake, to get his sister to stop hounding him, two months ago, I agreed to come to this show. I’m a man of my word, so here I am on a date with a woman I’ve met a handful of times. But like an asshole, it’s not her I was excited to see. It became a bonus when I found out Hope was going to be here. I was wondering how the silent treatment might be triggering her. Epically, I’d say, considering the first thing she did was intentionally spill a drink on me. My lips twitch in amusement. What a handful she is.

Kylie’s talking about the inspiration behind her work and practically pitching herself as a potential wife candidate. I’m listening politely but watching the direction that Hope and her mother went in as we order at the bar. I can tell there is jealousy there on Kylie’s side, and to be honest, I don’t blame her. Hope is very successful, and she’s done it all by herself, contrary to some people’s beliefs.

“I know why she’s so successful now; it’s because of her mother,” Kylie says spitefully in Hope’s direction. Great, another bitter person.

“You think?” I ask. She tosses her hair over her shoulder as she nods, as if it’s so obvious.

“Yes. Imagine being the daughter of someone so famous and influential,” she says, her tone dripping with envy. I wonder how Kylie would react to knowing the power Hope’s father holds and why. I wonder if she’d be so loose with her tongue. “It explains so much. Like how she got access to all these shows, how she’s able to wear dresses that cost up to six figures and carry bags that most women dream of. All of it basically handed to her.”

“So you don’t think there’s any skill in her craftsmanship? You think she’s put in fewer hours than you because her parents are rich?” I clarify.

Kylie’s mouth opens and then shuts. “Well, she hassometalent, but that’s not all you need to get a big break.” I zone out the rest of what she says. The reality is Kylie hasn’t made it as far in her career because she’s been too busy watching others, envying them.

Hope and her mother are greeted by a woman I recognize as Candice, Hope’s agent. She’s ushering them over to a photographer, and I can see the way Hope dies inside. It’s interesting to see her up close this way, in the environment she thrives in—or not so much, I suppose. She clearly hates these events, but she smiles as she has her photo taken.

She’s perfect. Inside and out.

---