Page 19 of Dirty Secret Love

ChapterNine

River

While I’m driving,I keep wondering about Sutton’s comment. Cal warned her. About what?

Then there’s Cal, who said, “You could fuck the entire family with this charade. Quit now before something goes sideways.”

I don’t think this is that bad, is it? But see, that’s the problem with my family. They always tell me half-truths. I’m one of the youngest, so obviously, I don’t understand the adult world, and according to them, I always fuck things up. That’s not how it happens. The time I bought a company that was in shambles, managed to salvage jobs, and rescued several patents. Those very patents later transformed into products, boosting one of my nonprofits, all while aiding a man who’d nearly lost his life’s work and ended up homeless.

There’s also the part where I’m broken because my mother died when I was just sixteen. They have to treat me like a child because I might cry—I don’t. The pain of watching her battle her illness, the void she left behind . . . it’s immeasurable. I carry the grief with me because my mother was an amazing person. I fucking miss her so much, but I can function perfectly fine.

Mom’s endless teachings and her kindness might be why I impulsively said yes to Sutton. Suzie Thorndale not only gave me life but instilled in me the values of kindness and selflessness. Was it stupid to say yes? Fuck yes.

If I had to be engaged to someone, it would be someone completely different. More outgoing, worldly, and probably with less family baggage. Not a thirty-year-old virgin who, even though she is a librarian, doesn’t even organize the books in her own home.

Throughout the drive, an oppressive silence fills the space between us, but I stay quiet until we reach our next location. I follow the navigation system’s commands.As we pull up to a sprawling estate crowned by a mansion right out of a fairy tale, I veer to the right as per Callahan’s directions.

“You missed the house,” Sutton remarks, and I think I hear a hint of smarminess as she believes I’ve fucked up.

“That’s not our destination,” I inform her, following the vague instructions Cal gave me to find the guest houses.

“Number three,” he said while describing this labyrinth to me. “It’s the last one. I’m sure you can remember that.”

Finnegan Gil has not one, but several guest homes on this estate. The more I learn about CQS or what they own, the more intrigued I am about the owners. Finn and Derek are part of a triad. Though it’s incredibly hot, I don’t know how that would work. Polyamorous relationships are different from a casual threesome. I can barely see myself committing to one person. How does it work with two?

I can’t believe he spoke to his boss on my behalf and that his boss agreed to some of the requests we made. Also, I have to have a talk with Cal later because I just found out that the fucking stipend of fifty dollars a week for our expenses was decided by him. What the ever-loving fuck? He could’ve given us a lot more than that.

Like seriously, what is his fucking damage?

I have to work as a waiter just to make enough for my expenses—because Jez doesn’t pay me a salary. She never agreed to hire me. All I can get is my tips. I don’t think that’s legal, but then again, I can’t produce my real papers—not the ones CQS provided me—for her to hire me.

“The GPS said differently,” Sutton argues, sounding exasperated.

The atmosphere inside the car is tense, and I can feel Sutton’s unease even as I keep my eyes on the road. There’s a stiffness in her posture, a hint of impatience in the rhythm of her fingers tapping on the window.

“That’s our point of reference,” I explain to her, hoping to satiate her curiosity. I have a hunch that she’s one of those people who thrive on details and knowledge, and it’d be cruel to leave her guessing everything about this little escape to . . . well, Heartwood Lake. “So, after I arrived at this point, I was supposed to take a right, like I just did. Then, follow the road for a few minutes, and . . .” I trail my voice as at least two houses come into view through the dense foliage.

“So, is that where we’re staying?” There’s a playful lilt to her voice. “So we’re not escaping, huh?”

“Sorry, I really can’t go out of the town limits. There’s no bracelet or anything, but I can’t put my family in danger,” I offer, not giving her the entire explanation. We need to avoid CCTV, and any other way where we can be recognized. If whoever killed our father or the FBI figured out where we are, we’re in trouble.

“Nonetheless, this place will give us not only time to get to know each other”—I pause, wiggling my eyebrow—”but also the town will know that you and I left—together.”

“We’re at Finnegan’s estate, aren’t we?” Her voice is neutral, so I can’t figure out if she’s asking if I know or confirming that we’re here.

Switching off the engine, I take in the peaceful sounds of nature that now fill the air. Opening the car door, I step out onto the gravel and stretch for a moment. “How well do you know Finnegan Gil?” I ask, making my way to the back to retrieve our bags from the trunk, all while glancing at the inviting mountain home in front of us.

“Other than he owns CQS?” She steps out, pausing to take in the surroundings. “Not a lot. He keeps a lot to himself. We barely see him around town. His wife, Piper, is the friendly one. When they’re in town, she’ll come to the library with their daughter and the baby. They spend some time reading books to her. It’s adorable.”

I nod, adjusting her purple overnight bag on my shoulder. “That seems to be the consensus. There are secrets in this town, and Finnegan might just be one of its best-kept.”

Following beside me, Sutton’s eyes take in the cabin, settling on the wooden door that looks as if it was crafted by hand. “You make it sound like the town is full of mysteries. We’re not.”

I let out a rich, hearty laugh, the kind that resonates from deep within. “Says the woman who’s organizing a fake engagement party. I’m thinking you also have secrets.”

She tosses a lock of hair behind her ear, a playful defiance in her eyes. “I’m doing no such a thing. There are no party or engagement announcements. It’s just something private that I told my parents.”

Stopping at the door, I swiftly key in the alarm code. I wink at her teasingly. “Oh, darling, but we are having a big celebration. Donna is already organizing it along with Wren and Jez. Regina will be here too—for our party.”

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