Vicious Lies (Lies 1)

“South Beach,” Zeke says.

I start there and then expand my search, but as Zeke said, there is no sign of her at the nanny’s.

I start searching through the main streets of Miami, searching for a sign of her or her car.

“Wait—her car was last seen at the corner of 15th and Drexel,” I say.

Zeke and Enzo both crowd around the computer. We have hope. We are going to be able to find her.

The crank of the garage door fills the silence.

I look from Zeke to Enzo. “Are we expecting anyone else?”

Both men draw their guns in response.

I take a step back from the computer and draw mine as well.

We all aim our guns at the back door as footsteps approach.

The doorknob turns.

And then the door opens.

“Siren,” Zeke exhales, dropping his gun and running to her. He grabs her and takes her in his arms. He squeezes her tightly then quickly looks her over for any injuries. He finds none.

“What’s going on, guys?” Siren asks, stepping further into the room.

Enzo offers her a quick hug. “I need to go tell Kai you’re okay.” And then he walks out the door. He’s a bit rattled, but he doesn’t let anyone see that.

Siren looks to me, and then she runs into my arms. I squeeze her as tightly as Zeke did.

“Don’t do that to me, Ren,” I whisper into her ear, tears threatening at the fear of losing her.

“Do what? Get a flat tire while I was out shopping for my husband and let my phone die? That?”

“Yea, don’t do that. Don’t make me install a tracker in you so I never lose you again.”

She smiles. “You’ll never lose me.”

I nod.

“Can I talk to my wife alone now?” Zeke asks, giving me a grumpy stare.

I roll my eyes. “She might be your wife, but she’s my friend.”

Zeke grabs Siren’s hand, and she winks at me. “Be back soon,” she whispers as Zeke pulls her upstairs to most likely fuck her brains out and remind her she’s his.

I find the liquor cabinet and pour myself a drink before walking outside to the deck that overlooks the beach.

I sit outside, alone for a while with my thoughts. None of them are about Siren, only Liesel.

“Care to tell your best friend what’s on your mind?” Siren asks as she steps outside.

“Worried about you,” I say.

“Liar.” She leans back against the railing, facing me in my chair. “Are you going to tell me the truth, or do I have to beat it out of you?”

I chuckle at that.