Page 57 of The Obedient Lie

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I felt Bastion’s stare, heavier now.

Like the whole room had narrowed to that moment.

That breath.

That touch.

“Read it to me.”

I turned slightly. “What?”

Luca nodded toward the computer. “Out loud.”

I watched his face, waiting for a trace of sarcasm. But he was serious.

So I began to read.

And even though it didn’t make sense… I swore I saw him smile. Worse I swore Bastion did too…as if they missed hearing my voice, more likely they missed embarrassing me.

I closed the laptop slowly, the weight of silence settling heavier than before.

It had been hours.

Hours of pretending I didn’t notice Luca beside me—drinking slow from a bottle of that expensive Crow liquor, his knee brushing mine every so often, just to remind me I wasn’t as invisible as I wanted to be.

And Bastion, slouched in the chair opposite us, doing nothing but drinking. Watching. Brooding.

Not speaking.

Not reacting.

I slipped from the table, my shoulders tight, and made my way to the wardrobe.

I needed to shower. To sleep.

To disappear.

But my oversized sleep shirt wasn’t there.

I rifled through the drawer again. Then the basket. Even the pile near the laundry chute.

Nothing.

It was gone.

The only things left were from the dry cleaner—professionally folded, sealed, and lightly misted with my signature scent.

The one that used to make me feel likeme.

Now it just felt…intrusive. Terrified of triggering Bastion again.

I hadn’t worn anything with that scent since he told me off.

But now I didn’t have a choice. I stopped myself from groaning. Instead I grabbed a crimson satin with white lace trim—and carried it into the ensuite.

Undressed, and pulled the satin over my head, smoothed it down, and tied my hair up so I could start my skincare.

That’s when the door opened.

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