Desperate Lies (Lies 2)

Why did I go see her last night?

It was a mistake. Now I can’t do anything but think of her. Of her body, the sounds she made when she came. She has crept into every part of my body all day.

It’s more than that, though. I’ve played her little story in my head over and over, and I can’t figure out the lie. I also can’t figure out who Duncan is.

It’s probably because he doesn’t exist. That’s the lie—his name. That way, I can’t look up to see who she’s working with.

I throw my phone in frustration after once again coming up empty on my search for information on the owners of this yacht and fucked up game.

There is a knock at my door.

I huff as I stand and walk over to it.

“Yes?” I answer while throwing the door open.

Beckett is standing in my doorway with a stack of two to-go coffee cups and a raised eyebrow. I’m always impressed with how he’s adapted to a life with only one arm.

“You look like hell,” he says as he pushes the top cup into my hands and walks inside my room.

“Thanks,” I say. The hot liquid runs down my throat while I hope it turns everything around for me. It’s only a couple hours until midnight, but I’m going to need the coffee to stay awake all night, especially since I haven’t slept.

“Couldn’t sleep?” he asks.

“Yea, Liesel got into my head.” I run my hand through my hair, messing it up even more.

“Women.” Beckett shakes his head like he doesn’t understand why I’d ever let a woman bother me. “You and Liesel aren’t together though, right? So why do you let her affect you so much?”

“Our relationship is complicated. I want to kill her most of the time.”

“But you also want to fuck her?” Beckett says with a grin.

“Something like that,” I grump.

“But you don’t love her?”

“No.” I could never love her.

“Hmmm, then fuck her and get over her.”

If only it were that easy.

“What about you and Nora? Isn’t she going to be pissed that you let some woman suck your dick?”

“I actually fucked the second woman.”

I frown. Nora will kill him. “You need to withdraw. I don’t want to ruin any more relationships than I have to. I’ll be alright. I don’t need anyone to stay in the game just for me.”

“Nora and I broke up. I’m a free man. And I plan on staying and helping for as long as I can. So far, I’ve quite enjoyed myself.”

I chuckle. “Well, I’m sorry about you and Nora.”

He shrugs. “I’m not. It was fun while it lasted, but we were never meant to be together.”

“You don’t have to be loyal to me just because I work with your brother.”

“I’m not. You’re as much a part of this family as I am. And we protect our family.”

I nod, thankful that I have someone here. I have no idea what tonight holds. Beckett and I have never been as close as any other pair in the group, but I’m thankful nonetheless.