All the Truths (Lies & Truths 2)

Wait—are his thoughts different from mine? What does he mean about making me regret it?

My back flattens against the far corner, and a different type of fear claws up my spine. Is this the part where he finishes what he started all those weeks ago?

No. He promised to let me find my sister first.

But why would he keep his promise?

My swallow can be heard in the small space of the elevator. Suddenly, it feels so stuffy. My breathing turns short and choppy, as if his fingers are around my throat, stealing my air supply.

He must notice the change since he cocks his head to the side to watch me. Those green eyes gleam with something sinister and dark. They’re like the woods I lost Reina in, sucking me in until there’s no way out.

“Ash…” I trail off, not even knowing what I want to say.

Don’t hurt me? Let me find my sister first? I’m sorry I developed feelings for you knowing full well you weren’t mine?

“Shh.” He shakes his head. “Don’t talk. I don’t want to hear your voice right now.”

I gulp down my unsaid words as the elevator dings then opens; the sound is so loud and damning in the silence, a shiver shoots up my spine and over my nape.

Asher steps outside as I stare at the buttons.

I can make a run for it now. Alex’s security would drive me to his house and I could spend the night with Izzy, catching up or playing Scrabble or anything that keeps me away from Asher’s clutches, basically.

“Come out.” He stands in front of the elevator, both his hands shoved in his pockets.

I glance at the buttons once more.

“If you touch those, your punishment will be worse.”

I glare at him even as a spark of arousal clenches my thighs.

Am I sick? Why the hell would the word ‘punishment’ turn me into such a mess?

He raises an eyebrow. “Are you a coward, Reina?”

I narrow my eyes. He’s playing me and trying to stir up my competitive streak.

It’s working, dammit.

With a huff, I step into the apartment and stand toe to toe with him. I can tell he likes it by the way a spark lights up his features.

Asher enjoys seeing me with no way out but him. In his sick mind, he wants to be the only one who has such a powerful effect on my life.

He’s such an asshole sometimes. Okay, most of the time.

“Go to your room,” he says.

“Why?”

“Don’t talk and don’t ask questions.”

“Controlling much, Ash?”

“Yes. Now do as you’re told. If I do it for you, it won’t end well.”

The fear from earlier returns, and I swallow down my reaction to his words.

With one last glance at him, I head to my room.