Page 41 of Tangled Lies
The curls of my long hair tickled my back as I peeked over my shoulder, catching Ronan and Knox glaring. I turned my head back to the group, keeping the perfect mask on my face.
“Oh, of course, Carrow. Please, I’d love nothing more than to accompany you tonight.”
If he believed me it would confirm just how dumb I assumed Carrow was. His dad? Manipulative at best. I was curious if maybe I’d underestimate my ability to make this whole thing work for me.
I reached for Carrow’s arm and only then did my uncle release me. I ignored the throb of the blood rushing back into the place. He was reminding me who was boss, except he didn’t know that had all changed.
“Carrow, tell me. Are you in the same business as uncle?”
Flattery, I could do that. I could also see the way his eyes hadn’t left my body in this dress. Something very different from the stupid lunch yesterday. He’d noticed me, but he’d gone back to ignoring. No doubt the dress tonight was a little more interesting to a man who seemed to enjoy mistresses. I stole another glance at my uncle. If looks could kill, someone would be digging me a grave right now.
“Uncle. Is everything going okay? I know you mentioned a new project on the strip. Is that how you and Carrow’s family know each other?”
My uncle’s right eye twitched, but I doubted anyone else noticed.
“You are coming out of your shell, my sweet little niece. Asking about things you aren’t involved in.”
I pressed into the side of Carrow, playing up the innocent little damsel.
“I’m sorry, Uncle. Didn’t you tell me to take an interest in Carrow and his family’s business since I’m marrying him soon?”
Mr. Thorne let out a deep belly laugh, and my uncle relaxed when he noticed Carrow’s hand cover mine.
“Grayson, no worries. She’s a delight. Such a sweet little thing. I’m thrilled to see her willing to help Carrow run the family business. It’s so important we’re all on the same page.”
Same page my ass.
I wondered if my uncle could tell just how many shits I wasn’t giving anymore. Not now that I thought I had some kind of escape standing behind me, watching me. Maybe my uncle should have checked if I even wanted my inheritance, because I was ready to walk away from it all.
The money I would get? The assets my parents left? They all were meant to be mine when I married. I know my parents had arranged a marriage that would protect me as I got older.My father had known he wore a target on his back. My parents loved me for the most part. Mom at least felt like she was trying to protect me. I got the best schools. The best clothing. I had a nanny who took me places, and once in a great while, Mom was there to read me a bedtime story and hug me.
It was never perfect, but my life had never been the same since their deaths.
Every day for years I imagined the man I was supposed to marry. I’d imagined he would come and rescue me. I always thought he’d wanted me, or at least my money.
He never came, and instead I was in hell. I’d sell my soul to the devils at my back or I would run away and find another way to live free from this.
“Margaux, my dear. Perhaps you can help Carrow tonight. A few of our associates for the project you mentioned are here tonight. I’d like to hand this over to Carrow. Harrington, how does it sound to let the kids meet with the investor?”
The way Mr. Thorne said investor sounded off. I didn’t know much about business. But I knew lies. I could hear the lies because they were the only language I’d become fluent in since my parents’ death.
“Thank you, Mr. Thorne. Nothing would please me more than to be of use to Carrow.” I looked up to the man in question making sure I batted my eyes just right and my smile was sugary sweet. I tilted my head and slowly licked my bottom lip, watching the way his eyes followed the small movement.
“The auction starts shortly. One of the investors is upstairs.” Mr. Thorne handed Carrow a key.
Carrow seemed to walk a little taller, but I didn’t exactly get the same kind of blind confidence. Carrow walked like the world was beneath him. He pulled me away, my hand firmly being crushed by his. Great. He was being clingy.
“You didn’t come across as a woman interested in the family business, sweetheart.”
My smile faltered at the sound of Carrow’s lowered voice as we crossed the room.
“Of course. I’m supposed to be useful to my husband, aren’t I?”
I tried not to make eye contact, but I still noticed his little thin-lipped smile.
“You could have just spread your legs for me. All my parents wanted from you is a pretty daughter-in-law and the family name to continue. However, I’m curious if you’re going to be more fun to break than I originally thought.”
I breathed in through my nose and bit down on my cheek to keep my inner demon at bay.
