Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 66997 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66997 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
He pulls away. “Kiss me back next time.”
Angry tears threaten. “There won’t be a next time, I never agreed to this.”
“Too bad.” He grits his teeth. “You agreed to this the minute you admitted you lied. You owe me this. Now, play along nicely before I show you what it’s really like to live in hell.”
I’m an idiot.
I’m suddenly embarrassed I dressed up for him.
Ashamed I thought maybe, just maybe, he was seeing me in a different light, that he cared, that he wanted me, that there was something still there beyond this façade.
I was wrong.
Axel and Charlie are lost in the crowd, and my dad’s walking toward us with a frozen smile in place. Jude is holding me in place. I’m trapped. I didn’t tell Jude how far my hatred went for my dad, for what he did to my mom, what he made me do, and now Jude’s making me lie the same way my dad did.
I don’t think I can hate Jude more.
For being alive and coming back into my life and forcing me back into the dark hell of deception. He’s dragging me down with him and calling it pure retribution. It’s just a pretty name for hatred. Revenge.
“Simon.” Jude holds out his hand. “Nice to see you.”
My dad takes it. “I heard Edward’s son was back. I’m sure Harvard misses you. I heard they made you an offer only an idiot would refuse.”
That’s new information. I try to stay still.
“Yes, well,” He looks down at me. “I couldn’t stay away from my first love. Imagine, she thought I was dead all these years.”
My dad doesn’t miss a beat. “That’s impossible.” He tilts his head at me. “You poor thing, why did you never say anything?”
“Why, indeed?” Jude answers for me. “I think she was just confused, since Mom’s funeral was so close to the trial. It’s so easy to manipulate information ,wouldn’t you say?”
He smiles at us. “Yes well, that’s why it’s good to have friends to remind you of the good times and the bad.” He laughs like what he said is funny. “I’m glad you’re back in Lilah’s life. I’m sure it’s been pure torture imagining the only boy she’s ever loved being gone, though part of this is on you. Why didn’t you reach out?”
This! This is something I’ve been dying to know, so I’m suddenly invested, majorly invested. Jude shrugs. “I was in college. My dad said she didn’t want to talk to me and changed her number. I wasn’t allowed social media while I was behind bars, and I figured the person who put me there probably didn’t want to see me anyway.”
His smile cracks just a bit. “Well, the past is in the past. It’s good you’re teaching here now, maybe you two can ignite your old flame.” He eyes me. “How’s your mother?”
“Still an alcoholic thanks to you,” I say sweetly. “But next time she’s sober I’ll let her know you said hi.”
His face softens just briefly. “If you need help—”
“Oh, I have all the help I can handle right now.” I point at Jude. “I really don’t think I’ll survive if I have any more of it.”
“Hmmm…” He eyes me and Jude. “Well, I need to go make the rounds.”
“Do that,” I say through clenched teeth.
I’m shaking. I toss back the rest of my champagne and try to jerk free from Jude, but he won’t let me go. He’s holding me firmly by his side. “He’s still watching.”
“I don’t give a shit. Get me out of here,” I hiss. “I can’t believe you’d pull that. I can’t believe it.”
“Really? After my years in prison you can’t believe I’d use every weapon, you included? You can’t be so naive to think after your little confession all would be forgiven.” He leans down and whispers, “Being beautiful doesn’t give you a free pass, Lilah.”
“You’re an asshole.”
“I know.”
“I hate you.”
“No, you don’t. You hate that you’re in this position.” He hands me another glass of champagne. “Think with logic rather than feeling, and you’ll see that by dragging this out nobody wins, we’re forcing their hands, his and my father’s. Or do you want to play their games forever? They’re covering up my mom’s death, they’re walking away without as much as a scratch while we suffer. Tell me you aren’t willing to do everything to make them pay.”
“The good guys don’t always win, Jude.”
He barks out a laugh. “Oh, I’m not the good guy. Sorry for the confusion, I’ll be more cruel next time in my delivery. I’ll use you until you break, Lilah, make no mistake about that. And when you survive, stronger than before, I hope you lead with a thank you and not a hate you once you’re on the other side. How’s that sound?”
“Like you’re a lunatic. I’m not a possession.”