Page 23 of Deceit
“Rafe,”I cried, launching myself from the car and into my brother’s arms,craving his safety and warmth.
He wasn’tjustmy twin, he was my best friend, too. From a young age, wehad always been inseparable, but come the day after tomorrow, I wouldn’tevenbe living under the same roof as him.
“Are you okay?”He pulled back to gaze down, a worried frowncreasing his brow.
“I am now,”I whispered, a lump of emotion clogging my throat.
“Raphael, take your sister to her room. I’d like a word with Mr. Wolfealone,”Papa said, his tone cool.
I met his eyes, subtly gulping at the fury blazing in them. Maybe it was agood thing I’d be married in less than two days; God only knew what Papa’s punishment would have been.
Clasping my hand in Rafe’s, I took several steps, desperate to be alone withmy brother, when I stopped and spun back to face Miles, feeling the need to say…something.But the words stuck in my throat at finding Miles’ gaze fixed on where I was clutching Rafe’s hand, and disgust curling his lips.
Weird. It was almost as if he didn’t like seeing my hand in Rafe’s.
“I guess I’ll see you soon,”I said meekly, forcing the words out.
His eyes snapped up to meet mine as he schooled his features. His onlyresponse was to nod his head once in my direction.
“Come on, Sofe,”Rafe said, tugging my hand and pulling me away.
The hallways of our home were deserted as Rafe led me to my bedroom. Ihad no doubtthatthe household staff were running around like headless chickens, preparing for the wedding they thought they had another month to get ready for.
I didn’t get to have a say in where I would be getting married; Papa decidedfor me. It was our family traditionthatthe wedding would take place in the bride’s family home, and for the past few months, the house and the grounds had gradually been undergoing a grand transformation for the big day.
All it meant for me wasthatwherever I went, there were constant remindersof my impending doom.
As soon as we were in my bedroom, Rafe spun me around and gently shovedme against the closed door, a panicked look on his face.“Whatreallyhappened?”
“What do you mean, ‘what really happened?’”
“Miles told usthatyou guys were on a date and were ambushed. He saidthatGus had tried to intervene and ended up catching a bullet.”
I was pretty certain my jaw hit the floor.“He…what?”
“Yeah, Miles was adamant that’s what happened. But Dad didn’t buy it,especially with the way you two acted outside, it was like you couldn’t stand looking at each other.”
Rafe pulled me away from the door and led me over to my bed, still claspingmy hand as the two of us sat. He stared expectantly, but words failed me as I tried to process the strange turn of events. Why on earth would Miles lie to my papa? Not to defend me, ofthatI was certain.
My brother’s gaze burned into me, his eyes darting all over my face andarms as if he was checking for injuries.
“I’m fine, honestly,”I sighed, squeezing my eyes closed as I confessed mysins.“I asked Gus to take me to Bar Forty-Four and someone attacked me.”
“Dammit, Sofe,”Rafe snapped, making me flinch.“You promised me youwouldn’t leave the house while we were away.”
“I know, and I’m sorry. Ijust…needed to get out, Rafe. I couldn’t breathestuck here without you.”
His stern features softened as he released my hand to wrap an arm aroundmy shoulders.“I’m sorry, Sofe. Ijustcan’t stand the thought of someone hurting you. You were damn lucky Miles was there.”He paused before adding,“What exactlywashe doing at Bar Forty-Four? I mean, how did heevenknow you were there?”
I shrugged. It was a question I’d asked myself time and time again on thedrive home, and yet I still had no clue. The only person who could give me the answers was the one person I didn’t want to speak to, no matter how curious I was.
“You know he went ape shit at Dad, right?”Rafe said, smirking.“Accusedhim of not taking your safety seriously, andthatwe were all incompetent buffoons. That’s why he demanded the wedding be moved. He toldDadthatthe only way he could be certainthatyou were in safe hands was if he protected you himself.”
I gaped at Rafe. Surely we weren’t talking about the same Miles Wolfe? Theman who called me a selfish brat and accused me of only caring about myself?
No, it couldn’t be.
Before I could form some sort of coherent response, a sharp rap sounded atthe door, and Papa strolled in uninvited. He wore the same expressionless look as he’d worn when I arrived home, giving nothing away.“Leave us, Raphael,”he barked, leaving no room for argument.
